KEN HUNTS FOOD: The Safe Room @ Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Sunday, July 6, 2014

The Safe Room @ Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang.

The Cafe culture in Penang is still percolating and with myriad of options available, Cafe owners/ restaurateurs have had to work a lot harder to distinguish themselves from their competitors. The Safe Room at Campbell Street (few shops away from Moustache Houze and Sugar Honey) is pushing it to a whole new different league by offering Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream. Probably the first in Penang, we like the open-kitchen concept as diners get to witness the whole process at the bar- the extraction of Liquid Nitrogen from the storage tank, the blending of Fruits and finally, the freezing process. The Safe Room is not a one-trick pony, the place does offer a range of Cakes (though limited) and some Mains (such as Pasta, Egg Ben, Breakfast set etc). The flavors (for the Ice Cream) are a little bit safe and predictable for now, but the management is currently working on some new flavors and have plans to add them to the menu real soon. Additionally, there is a Tree locked in the "Safe Room" and couples get to purchase a "Love Lock" at Rm 39.90 each (engraving names on the Lock is included) and have it locked to the Tree which nicely tucked with the "Safe Room" (for more information, kindly inquire within).

The Safe Room's signature Coconut Nitro Ice Cream (Rm 13.90), using fresh coconut displayed at the refrigerated counter (with some Vanilla Ice Cream and Sugar Syrup added), the fresh Coconut juice was transformed into a pristine-white velvety smooth Ice Cream-Sorbet. It was not as creamy as compared to the usual Ice Cream but it does carry a hint of Coconut flavor. We enjoyed this for being light and healthy (not sweet), just perfect to quell the blistering tropical heat.

For those who prefer exotic flavors, go for their Jackfruit Nitro Ice Cream (Rm 9.90). The fresh fruit was blended, but not too fine, leaving traces of the flesh for a more layered dimension of texture. The flavor was predictably strong with an agreeable amount of sweetness (though sweeter than Coconut). Do note that The Safe Room uses different types of fresh fruits daily and certain flavors may not be available at times. Other flavors available during our visit were Strawberry, Kiwi and Mango.

Tummy-filler was Egg Benedict (Rm 14.90), poached Egg served on top a of thick buttered Toast and slathered with their home-made Hollandaise sauce. Salad (Lettuce and Cherry Tomatoes) dressed with Japanese Sesame Dressing was also served as side. We were not convinced with the thickly cut Toast, the texture was on the crispy side and we thought the combination did not really work. The Hollandaise sauce was okay but it did not leave me with a very strong impression, as though the flavor was a little subdued.

Dragon-Breath (Rm 9.90) is yet, another instagram-worthy order. Freshly popped Popcorn infused with Liquid Nitrogen, the person who pops the Popcorn in the mouth will get to spit like a dragon. Nothing worth to comment on the Popcorn but it can be really fun to play it with your friends and to film some videos.