KEN HUNTS FOOD: Barista @ Vistana Hotel, Bukit Jambul, Penang.

Monday, June 2, 2014

Barista @ Vistana Hotel, Bukit Jambul, Penang.

Barista at Vistana Hotel defies the conventional way of how hotels serve food; it seeks to offer a quick grab-and-bite concept. It does not only limit to the hotel guests but the general public is more than welcome to savor their food as well. What Barista really offers is convenience, the little kiosk opens for 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and can be an ideal place for a quick recharge and have a sip on their freshly brewed cup of Joe. Budget-conscious customers will be glad to know that all the prices stated are inclusive of Service Charge and Government Tax; nett prices in other words.The menu and prices are standardized across all Baristas at all Vistana Hotels (Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kuantan). Barista at Vistana Hotel Penang can be found on the left of the reception and a stone's throw distance away from the main entrance to the hotel.

Many Thanks to Vistana Hotel Penang for extending the invitation.

Get a quick recharge at Barista by having their signature Local 2 Go (Rm 13) set which includes Nasi Lemak (or Mee Siam), a Curry Puff and Coffee/ Tea/ Juice (Apple or Orange). You may always request the staff to heat it up for you, the Nasi Lemak was well-executed, I love the thickness of the curry gravy and the complementing Sambal with an indelible sweetness. However, I thought the Rice was a little too dry to my liking.

Alternatively, Mee Siam is another option. However, this may not be too suitable for the spicy-intolerant. The Mee Siam carries a gentle heat on its own (at least for me) and has julienned Omelette served together. I am not surprised that the 3 huge Prawns on top has stolen the spot light, they were pretty bouncy and in fact, too bouncy and slightly harder to the bite to my liking.

Barista's Healthy 2 Go (Rm 13) fits the definition of healthy perfectly. It gives the right food and right energy in one-go. The set includes a Fruit of the Day (which can be Orange, Apple or Banana), a Yogood Energy Bar, a piece of Danish Pastry, choice of Yogurt and a choice of Coffee/ Tea/ Juice.

Creamy Tuna (Rm 11)- Croissant, Tuna, Lettuce and Mayonnaise

Roman Chicken Caesar (Rm 11)- Wholemeal Bread, Grilled Chicken, Cheese, Lettuce and Caesar Dressing.

Classic Corned Beef (Rm 11)- Ciabatta Bread, Corned Beef, Rocket, Lettuce, Gherkins and Mayonnaise; Crunchy Wrap (Rm 11/ Vegetarian)- Flour Tortilla, Mixed Lettuce, Beans, Aubergine and Carrots.

Egg Mayo (Rm 11)- Wholemeal Bread, Egg Salad and Lettuce.

In spite that there are only 5 types of Sandwiches available at Barista but there are more than sufficient to please everyone, from Chicken to Beef, and from Egg to Vegetarian options. My favorite of the day goes to the Crunchy Wrap, I was impressed by how the Aubergine dovetails with Carrots for the crunchy, juicy yet soft and creamy bite. It was not needy for any dressing but the enticing combination was good enough to wow me. The Corned Beef was another note-worthy choice, unlike ordinary Corned Beef, which may carry an unpleasant taste, Barista's works perfect well to my liking.

Barista's Mixed Green Salad (Rm 10) caught my attention. You would have guessed it right, it was just an ordinary Salad but the greens were really fresh and convenience is what it really offers. All the greens were washed and packed in a ready-to-eat bowl together with its dressing. You may even consider to buy it home for any home parties or occasions.

The Barista is not a one-trick pony, it does not only serve local foods nor some quick snacks. Diners can expect to see something quick yet light such as this Soba Noodle Salad (Rm 10) which will be served together with its tangy Japanese Sesame Soy dressing and flecked with a handful of toasted Sesame Seeds. This dish is perfect for the health-conscious in you, it was refreshingly light and easy on the palate. However, I thought the portion could be bigger and the Lettuce could be replaced with some julienned Cucumbers for a juicy and crunchier bite.

For something to nibble and munch on, go for their Rojak Buah (Rm 8). The hearty Rojak consists of tropical fruits such as Apple Guava, Water Apple, Starfruit, raw Mango and Pineapple. Unlike the ordinary and commonly found Rojak, one shall not find any Jicama nor Cucumbers in their Rojak. Their Rojak sauce, on the other hand, was sticky and gooey, with a discernible sweetness; though not mind-blowing but it can be a really good alternative to satiate your craving.