KEN HUNTS FOOD: Miam Miam @ Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Miam Miam @ Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang.

Miam Miam, a newly opened French cum Japanese Restaurant, located at ground floor of Gurney Paragon Mall, right beside to Ben's and beside Starbucks as well as Italiannies. I was tempted to try some of their rather unique dishes namely Squid Ink Pasta and Soufflé. Choices are rather limited, I wouldn't say their dishes are really French-authentic, maybe they have added their own twist but food's good generally. Service was standard-attentive, I expect no less from such restaurant, not impeccable and improvements are needed, probably they are still new and unable to cope with the heavy customer flow just yet. Prices are considered on the higher side in Penang's context, but I wouldn't mind paying slightly more for some uncommonly found dishes in Penang, would you?

Famous French Toast (Rm 16.80) is one of the must-try items, although you may ask: "So expensive ?!". Yes, it's not cheap, nor the portion's huge either. However, it's the quality that counts. The beautifully charred Toast was robust in flavor, it has a hint of sweetness within. It comes with a scoop of their home-made Whipped Cream and Maple Syrup as well. The Whipped Cream gives a standard smooth and creamy texture but the soul of this dish comes from the Maple Syrup. It has a very subtle flavor, perfectly complementing the fluffy yet delicate French Toast; together with the Whipped Cream, the combination enhances the flavor to the brim. This could be one of the best French Toast that I've ever had!

As for the main, we had Squid Ink Pasta (Rm 26.80) which comes in a rather big portion. Many are skeptical to order this dish due to its appearance and the aftermath of savoring this dish. Intrigued by its appearance, I've always wanted to try this dish out. The al-dente Spaghetti was being stir fried along with chopped Bird's Eye Chilies, Garlic and Squid. To my dismal, the dish turned out to be on the salty side and it was very oily. Moreover, the amount of Garlic and Bird's Eye Chilies added is rather insignificant, the flavor was way too mild to my liking. The Squid Ink doesn't possess any significant flavor and in fact, this dish tasted very similar to Aglio Olio, in black version that is. It didn't resonate among us sadly.... maybe I shall look for other pasta dishes during my next visit.....

One of the main highlights of Miam Miam- their Vanilla Soufflé (Rm 16.80); there are rather limited amount of eateries that offer this mouth-watering dessert here in Penang. It must be savored within minutes after they have served the dessert to prevent it from collapsing. Beautifully risen, their Vanilla Soufflé was abundant flavorsome; the Vanilla-Buttery flavor was quite strong. It was quite sweet but not cloying sweetness. The texture was fluffy and smooth to my liking. Other option will be their Matcha/ Green Tea Soufflé.