Bintang Rock Buffet @ Starz Diner, Hard Rock Hotel Penang.
In conjunction with the fasting month of Ramadhan, Hard Rock Hotel Penang is offering a buffet dinner spread at very affordable prices, the buffet dinner is only available from 9th of July until 9th of August 2013 at their restaurant- Starz Diner. The restaurant opens from 5:30pm every evening but the buffet dinner will only be ready by 6:30pm (until 10:30pm). The buffet dinner is priced at Rm 68++ (per adult) and Rm 34++ (per child); for every booking of 10 diners, the 11th person gets to eat for free during this promotional period of their Ramadhan buffet.
*Prices are subjected to 10% service charge and prevailing government tax.*
Just to list some of their signature items (will be rotated on a weekly basis):
- Bubur Lambuk (Ramadhan Congee)
- Udang Masak Hijau Putik Pisang (Slow Cooked Spiced Sweet Soy Beef)
- Ketam Masak Kicap (Braised Blue Crab in Turmeric Coconut and Pineapple)
- Pari Assam Pedas (Hot & Sour Stingray Fish, Chili, Okra & Eggplant)
- Assam Laksa Johor (Tamarind Laksa Noodles- the Johor style)
- Sambal Tumis Udang & Petai (Prawn Sambal with Petai)
- Gulai Kambing Serai (Lemongrass Mutton Curry)
- Ayam Percik (Percik Chicken)
Indulge in a meticulously prepared buffet spread during this fasting month at Hard Rock Hotel Penang! For reservations and enquiries, kindly contact +604 881 1711 or drop an email to info.penang@hardrockhotels.net
Upon entering the buffet area, guests will be welcomed by a tower of Keropok (Crackers), there were three main types of Crackers available that evening namely Keropok Lekor (Fish Mousse Crackers), Keropok Udang (Prawn Crackers) and Keropok Sayur (Vegetable Crackers).
One can easily spot on their various kinds of Ulam (traditional Malay salad) displayed namely Winged Beans, Cucumbers served with their home made Sambal Belacan sauce. The extra kick from the Sambal Belacan
Not a fan of traditional Ulam? No worries, there are some fresh Mixed Salad Greens for you. The only limitation for that evening was, the lack of choices, be it in terms of the dressings and the various condiments like olives or capers.
These delicate Kerabu (Prawn Salad, Chicken Salad and Squid Salad) were great appetizers to kick start the meal, I personally adore the Squid Salad, the Squid were perfectly executed, not over-cooked nor under-seasoned, just the way I like it, simple yet tasty.
On the other hand, their Kerabu Daging (Beef Salad) was rather a disappointment, I did not find myself enjoying this dish as it was over-seasoned and the beef was over-cooked either.
One of my all time favorites- Pineapple & Cucumber Salad, I would never ever missed this dish whenever I crave for Nasi Kandar, the salad was average-okay, as the dish lacked of some spiciness and sourness to my liking.
Unfortunately their Nasi Ulam was a huge dismal, it was way too salty for most of the bloggers, the Chef should pay more attention to the use of Anchovies which was one of the reasons why the Nasi Ulam was salty. Moreover, the rice could be more flavorful if they were to add more spices and herbs into the rice as the flavor/aroma was rather mild; not to mention that the rice was slightly under-cooked either. On the contrary, the well-executed Beef Rendang was a great complement to their Nasi Impit (Malay traditional compressed Rice).
Being one of the most iconic signature dishes of Ramadhan meals, one should not miss Bubur Lambuk, the warm and savory Bubur Lambuk (Lambuk Congee) consisted of Chicken and Beef, along with some aromatic spices. The Bubur Lambuk has a hint of sweetness and unique flavor inherited from the Kurma (Date Palm) too. I was told by the Chef that Kurma was added into the Congee too.
I was rather full and decided to pass on this Sup Soto Ayam (Spiced Chicken Soup), the soup has some generous amount of shredded Chicken as well as some noodles. There were some Roti Benggali (Benggali Bread) to complement with the soup either.
Move on to the main dishes for that evening, this was their Hong Kong Kailan with Garlic, the simple yet subtle Kailan was robust in the flavor of Garlic, the Kailan was perfectly cooked, maintaining its crunchiness and leafy green color.
Up next was their Gulai Ayam (Chicken Curry), I was skeptical in trying the dish as the Curry appeared to be rather watery and diluted but I was proven wrong, the flavor and aroma were presence but sadly, the Chicken was not as tender as I thought it will be. It was rather rough and dry, nevertheless, it was a good complement to the Nasi Kunyit (Turmeric Rice).
This lip-smacking Sambal Sotong Emak (Dried Squid in Chili Sauce) was a crowd-pleaser. The robustly flavored Curry awakened the taste buds of most bloggers, the succulent yet aromatic Squid, with a hint of sweetness was a perfect complement with the warm Steamed White Rice.
Daging Masak Kicap (Slow Cooked Spiced Sweet Soy Beef) was another dish that hit the top notch that evening, although more to the salty side but the dish was carefully executed and possessed the necessary aroma and flavors, yet another wondering dish to go with the rice.
The other dishes which I did not try- Udang Masak Hijau Putik Pisang (Prawn Green Curry with Young Banana) and Ikan Tenggiri Gulai Kampung (Traditional Fish Curry).
Move on the 'Action Station' which was set up at an alfresco dining area, upon making a move to patronize the area, we immediately spotted this experienced Chef skillfully tossing the Roti Canai, suggesting the Roti Canai will be freshly made by the skillful culinary team. To savor their hot and crispy Roti Canai, simply dip the Roti into their Dhaal Curry or with a pinch of Sugar for the sweet and delicate flavor.
How can one misses the freshly grilled Satay (Skewered Grilled Meat) at Ramadhan Buffet? There will be two choices available only- Chicken Satay and Beef Satay. The only perfect complement to this delectable local delicacy will be none other than the Sweet Peanut Sauce.
Most of us were very disappointed with their Penang Assam Laksa, no, not about the flavor nor condiments but a very strong burnt taste/smell can be tasted from the soup, probably the Chef was not aware of the cooking time and neglected about the stirring of the soup to prevent burning. Unfortunately, we could not even finish a small bowl of the Laksa.
Some other dishes available at their 'Action Station' were Chicken Shawarma with Pita Bread and Malaysian Shave Ice or widely known as A.B.C.
Fortunately, their desserts were decent, I was skeptical in trying out all these local Kuih as they are often labeled with 'over-sweeten desserts' but for once again, I was wrong, every single Kuih out there was not sweet at all, everything was just perfect!
I literally enjoyed every dessert displayed except the Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango Chutney which turned out to be too sweet for me. Among the desserts, I especially enjoyed their Strawberry Cheese Cake and Pear Almond Tart topped with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. I was not too fond of their Chestnuts Dark Chocolate Mousse as I am never a fan chocolates.
Rock Platter @ Hard Rock Cafe, Hard Rock Hotel, Penang.
Guests may go for their Rock Platter if they are not too fancy about the buffet spread. Priced at Rm 120++ (for 2 persons) per platter which includes appetizers for two, main course as well as beverages and desserts for two. The Rock Platter is only available from 10th of July until 7th of August 2013, from 11:30am to 10:30pm.
*Prices are subjected to 10% service charge and prevailing government tax.*
Soup
Soup of the Day
Main Course
Onion Rings
Tomato Rice
Tomyum Linguine
Red Cooked Chicken
Tupelo Chicken Tenders
Grilled Mini Beef Quesadilla
Hickory-Smoked Barbeque Chicken
Mini Rendang Pulled Chicken Sandwich
Dessert
Mini Apple Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Beverage
Local Drink and Dates
Tomato Rice, the rice has no significant flavors nor aroma can be tasted, it was not bland but it lacked of the 'Wok Hei' and some ingredients to give the extra kick, nevertheless, it could be a good complement for the chicken and other sides.
Onion Rings and Tupelo Chicken Tenders were good, but they were rather soggy at the end but it can be justified since the dish was left there for quite some time due to photograph purposes.
Red Cooked Chicken and Hickory Smoked Barbecue Chicken, I did not get to taste the Red Cooked Chicken but I did had a nibble on the Hickory Smoked Barbecue Chicken, anticipating the smoky flavor will be strong but the flavor was too insignificantly mild and did not blend well with the chicken. However, the Chicken was tender and juicy, extra marks would have given if they were marinating the chicken well.
The Tomyum Linguine comes with a generous amount of Seafood namely Prawns, Squids, and Mussels. I also like the extra touch of Capsicum and French Beans. The al-dente Linguine was delectable until.... I was told that it was supposed to possess at least some hint of Tomyum flavor. Well, I guess it does not really matter, whether Tomyum or not, as long as it tastes good, why not?
I have no extra space for the Grilled Mini Beef Quesadilla but I did sample their Mini Rendang Pulled Chicken Sandwich as I was intrigued by the generous Chicken filling. The bun was lightly buttered and stuffed with the Chicken Rendang, I love how robust was the Rendang but to my dismal, the overall texture was a bit too dry, not sure if it was due to the prolonged time taken for photograph though.
This was one of the best desserts served to us that evening, Mini Apple Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream, love the warm and cold combination, simplicity is the best. Overall, I will recommend their Rock Platter over their Bintang Rock Buffet if you must ask, reason was the huge portion and the dishes were aesthetically served, some of the dishes stand out far better than those in the buffet spread.
For reservations and enquiries, kindly contact +604 881 1711 or drop an email to info.penang@hardrockhotels.net
*Thank You to Grace Chiam (Marketing Communications Manager) and Danielle Fung (Assistant Marketing Communications Manager) for extending the invitation as well as Mr. Puven (Restaurant Manager of Starz Diner) for hosting us that evening.*
Additional Information:
Address: Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100, Penang.
Contact Number: +604 881 1711
Hard Rock Hotel Penang Facebook Page
Hard Rock Hotel Penang Facebook Page
Website: www.hardrockhotels.net/penang
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