Georgetown, Penang - Some where Along The Way Again

Tranquility can be rediscovered at the Penang Botanical Gardens, which is nestled below Penang Hill and located almost some what in the centre of the island.

Hit the pavement, open your eyes and listen to the sounds - strolling at your pace on the streets of the Old Quarter of Georgetown, bets done in early morning and late evening.

Traditions are very significant to the locals of Penang. Above photo depicts home made sweet cake or the thih kueh, traditionally only steamed fort he Lunar New Year, made with tapioca flour and often eaten with fresh coconut shavings.

A Dickension moment, reflecting the British heritage for Penang - apparently an abandoned mansion that was built in the early 20th century, echoing of richer times for a Straits Chinese family.  Architecture from the Victorian era and various periods commencing from 1786 can be delightfully discovered on the island.

Street food in Penang is valued highly for its tastiness and bargain pricing - above photo taken at the Long Beach
hawker centre at Batu Ferringhi coastal hub, where I treasure the deep fried spring rolls or the choon pniah.

High teas, well made cakes and cooling drinks are found in shopping centre outlets, hotel outlets and heritage restaurants  in Georgetown. I have tried them at the Suffolk House, 32 Restaurant, Paragon Shopping Centre, beach hotels and the Twelve Cups Cafe along Beach Street in the banking district.  A great hideaway from the humid and harsh sun of the early afternoons!

A group of boys being transferred to performances of the iconic lion dance.

Fresh coconut water - organic, thirst quenching  and easily found in Penang.

A typical pool area in a hotel.

Starfish Deli - Batemans Bay, South Coast NSW

Batemans Bay is a holiday and lifestyle place, attracting visitors and residents of all ages - and an easy going, popular joint is the Starfish, with its many tables, split level floors and its open glass views of the Clyde River and its iconic bridge that links both sides to north and south.  For the first time in as many years I found the Coke Spider (photo above), full with foamy ice cream kick and the essential combination with a soft drink that is still holding its spell after a long time.

The place was chock a block during my visit to Starfish, but the staff were coping well despite this busy Sunday night.  The menu is family friendly.  I did find my serving of pork belly a tad rich in fat, but the good blend of gravy made up for this, reminding me of Thai and Vietnamese influences.  Many groups had converged at this deli cafe restaurant that evening - and it was also popular at lunch time.  Its casual and holiday feel have struck a chord with its guests.  I would like to try its wood fired pizzas, seared scallops  and Greek salads on my next potential visit.  Its specialty is the rock oysters harvested locally. the presence of haloumi, bruschetta and cured meats reveal influences from another sea, another place.  I also recommend the seafood shared platter. Bon appetit!

The Blank Canvas Restaurant - Batemans Bay, South Coast NSW

My first encounter with the veg burger at the Blank Canvas - underpinned by Mediterranean headiness, strong flavours and beautiful avocado.

Along the Murra Murra Mia Walk, beside a calming Clyde River, I find an iconic encapsulation of what it feels to be like in Batemans Bay.  It is mid-January and the cares of the world float up and seep away in the quietness of the gentle waters.  Then I notice a chalk written board,  placed outside a corner restaurant inviting any passers-by to divert and take a rest.  Why is it called the Blank Canvas, I wonder. Is this a casual place, or one that offers more than just a holiday version of modern Australian, or one where a guest is accepted with care, whether one is dressed down or up?

The interiors are inviting, with cool wood and shaded tones, especially in the evenings, when candle light suggests a different and even more inviting ambiance.  There are Mediterranean influences in the gourmet options and yet at the same time guests can have their burgers and steak too.  It is open from 830am, usually from Wednesdays to Sundays in the winter season but have food available till late evenings even on Mondays and Tuesdays in the height of summer.  Staff are attentive and engaging - and there is nothing like having  a chat with them and noticing a different and more positive atmosphere when compared with some capital city operations.  The men behind the kitchen counter are cocooned inside, but the staff on the front line, including Tammie, the female half of the couple owners, talk to you as if they are your friendly neighbours.

Tuesday evening at a cosy place with an innovative menu and vibrant choices.

Twilight on a January visit, just outside the restaurant, looking over the mouth of the Clyde River meeting the open ocean.

Use with careful thought of ingredients feature in the menu options. Add touches like sweet potato crisps, fresh salads and Bearnise sauce. The selection of seafood reflects the local produce.  There is  a range of pastas and risotto.   You can have a simple preference or try some of the more creative combinations and all are crafted under the direction of Chef Chrischen.  Our lunchtime meal was graced by the out going personality of Josh that day.   The relative spaciousness of placed tables and an option to wait on a sofa inside added to a bonus.

Crunchiness and freshness - a lunch idea with bite, flavour and mix.

Seating is provided outside for guests to watch the world go by, including the pleasure or fishing boats first anchored close to shore in the dawn hours and later chugging back in the sunset.  Evening time sees the restaurant transformed with a clever combination of low lighting and a choice of cocktails.   The Blank Canvas can also be accessed from the inner Orient Street and has an address at the Annetts Arcade.   A hidden delight to me is the Golden Bean Rainforest Alliance blend of Numero Uno coffee that they serve with pride from mornings onwards.   If you go for a run or cycle ride along the foreshores of the Clyde River, this is a recommended stop afterwards. The Blank Canvas can stand out against the variety of fast foods and sandwich cafes that dot the town centre hub of Batemans Bay in this respect.  The Canvas take more care with their food, customer engagement and seating choices.  My own experience there did not encounter delays in having my chosen dishes and orders come to the table.  As it is located only with a ground floor, the place is easily accessible.

My morning cuppa of cappuccino at the Blank Canvas.

Sunrise at the pier jutting out river side, captured whilst walking to the Blank Canvas for an early breakky.

Efficient and friendly Josh made  a suggestion for me to try another cocktail after the Midori.

Spring rolls with a twist as to the inside - an illustration of fusion creativity, utilising goat's curd inside and fresh rocket as a backdrop in presentation.

Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce and a well done plus juicy grilled tomato.

Perhaps akin to the scenery outside, the Blank Canvas allows you to paint and compose the kind of experience you want to have at different times of the day or night.  A few of us from work had a casual lunch within sight of its peppercorn tree and a kaffir lime bush.  Breakfast opens up all the senses as gently as the light shining through over the Bay.  Evening time can be elegant, private or group based as you prefer.  I find it is also a good place to chat, with an unobtrusive feel and something to consider visiting even if you are residing further up or down the coast, or coming form Canberra.  There are few seagulls, if any, on my visit there recently, to disrupt your meal when seated outdoors.