Read all about the newly minted designer hotel in UNESCO Heritage Area of Penang ~ the Prestige Hotel on Church Street so decided to head out there for lunch with a bunch of friends.
They are currently running the complimentary unlimited soup, salad and dessert with the purchase of a main course (8 selected items for your selection) ~ which some call Semi-buffet and we thought that would be a good promo to go try out.
Firstly, I would say the hotel is very classy – Modern Colonial Victorian motives with white, light pastel and gold accent. The parking is ample on the second floor and curb side parking are also available. The lobby is small but nice, people are also courteous.
The pool is on rooftop – overlooking Church Street Pier and also gives you an expansive view from Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal to the Malayan Railway Clock Tower on the other end. They also have a small meeting room and some outdoor event space which is ideal for a small outdoor rooftop wedding reception.
The cafe at the hotel is called The Glasshouse and it has a few seating areas to accommodate small group, big group or those who want to outdoor. However the buffet line is on the main dining hall, fully air-conditioned and with nice big windows for good natural lighting.
So what did we ordered … lets see. We had the Seafood Aglio e Olio (RM 28), Smoked Duck Carbonara (RM 28), Nyonya Ulam Rice (RM 22), Pan Seared Seabass (RM 35), Crispy Chicken Gochujang (RM 28) and the Signature Beef Burger (RM 26).
I know we ate a lot but I also had some friends along, that’s why eating in group is more fun where one can enjoy the different items on the menu.
In general, food were fresh, I would say and the taste is good ~ so what’s my favorite? I would say my personal Top 3 would be the Nyonya Ulam Rice (I love it because it is quite unique and the herb blended well to give you that burst of taste when you bite into it), Crispy Chicken Gochujang (again very nicely done, chicken was absolutely amazing, only thing I would ask for no scallion on my mashed potatoes), followed by their Signature Beef Burger (nice texture, grilled to perfection and topped with lovely caramelized onions, bacon, cheddar cheese with their special paprika mayo on a honey wheat bun).
Their pastas were ok .. I prefer their Smoked Duck Carbonara – slightly drier than your usual carbonara because they don’t use cream but you don’t get so cloy when you eat them. Their Seafood Aglio e Olio is OK too . texture is nice but the taste lack some oomph.
Last on my list would be the Pan Seared Seabass – I find it slightly dry and overcooked but my friend who has been there before told me the last time he ordered that it was very well done ~ maybe busy kitchen slightly overcooked it this time.
So apart from the main that you order, guests are able to enjoy unlimited soup and bread, salad and dessert. For the day we went it was Minestrone Soup which I don’t see often but remembered back in university days when we have this at the diners. Very tasty and loaded with fresh vegetables.
For salad, there was a good spread (but then I am not too big a salad guy) but my main focus was just the sweet corn.
Dessert wise, there were some cakes and fruits (some days they have kuih too, I heard) which I would say was just OK .. here, they can improve, I am sure.
All in all, I would say the environment is great – loved those natural light into the restaurant (or cafe), its decor and food. Worth a try .. for a price starting at RM 22, you will walked out of the cafe all filled up.
The Glasshouse @ The Prestige Hotel
8 Church Street (Gat Lebuh Gereja)
Georgetown 10300 Penang
Tel: +604 217 5888
www.theprestige.my
