It was a beautiful afternoon for a bus ride to Penang Hill. Me and my classmates were all geared up for it. I remember the last time I went was a good more than 10 years ago. Can't remember exactly how it was 10 years ago, but what was I about to experience after that bus ride was like a breath of fresh air after a week polluted with assignments and tests.
We were on a mission. In reality, it was more like our university assignment that allows us to enjoy at the same time. Our main objective is a restaurant on top of the hill called David Brown's. And like every top-of-the-hill restaurant, there was a reputation to keep and I was looking forward to it every second we rise up with the train to the top of the hill.
Before that, a quick history lesson:
It was 1800, a lad of 22 arrived in Penang to assist his friend, James Scott in his business. David Brown was originally in the spices business of the area of Sungei Gelugor. The Scottish-born young man later took care of the estate and thus becoming the largest land owner in Penang during that time after the death of James Scott.
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| On the train |
We reached the top of the mountain and found ourselves in shrouded mist. Smiles shone brightly on our faces as we took pictures of the breathtaking scenery. Once we've had enough of fun and games, we went to the main topic of the day, David Brown's Restaurant.
We found the restaurant to be enveloped away safely in the midst of mists and strawberry farm. It was more a comfortable cottage, the image of a lukewarm bed enveloped by the cold mist come to mind.
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| Front Entrance |
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| Picturesque wall |
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| Antique Cupboard |
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| Collector's cap |
Back to business, we had a talk featuring our very own renowned Chef Azli Razali on how to write a good food writing blog. He says the key is to keep doing it and eventually, you'll get better at it. The tricky part is consistency and ability to deliver with the deadline.
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| Chef Azli giving a talk Photo from The Little Cloud |
After that educational talk, we had scones. Though I was among the unlucky ones as the scones were finished before it reached me. (We stood in line for it like a good Malaysian) I had to relieve myself with a cup of coffee and got to taste a sip of the famous jam that is made fresh from the strawberry farm around the corner. The staff were very knowledgeable when providing the answers during the Q&A session. We also found out that weddings can be held at this restaurant, more than just a great place to hang out. We then hung around the mosque nearby till we're done with Maghrib prayers.
Then it was the climax, the juice; it was dinner time.
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| Inside dining area |
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| Outside dining area; table with center-piece |
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| Garden Salad |
The appetizer came as soon as all of us has sat. Other than the fast delivery of food to the table, when asked, the staff are also well-versed on the food that they serve. There are a couple of times that I've stopped the waiter for information on the food and they gave a well-mannered and in-depth answer. I've received a Garden Salad as my appetizer and I was duly impressed with the presentation of the food. The colour is balanced perfectly with the hue of red from the tomato, capsicum and strawberry, the green from the salad and cucumber, the yellow capsicum and sided with a deliciously rich tinge of thousand island. The salad has a very fresh scent, showing that it has been "taken care" of like a newborn baby; with care. Complimented with the sweet scent of thousand island and fresh vegetables, this dish makes the eater experience a great escape to the jungle in the comfort of the dining table.
Once the salad goes inside the mouth, each ingredient is felt individually its distinct wonderful taste with a fresh crunch at every bite. This garden salad can be said to be a well-plan marriage of capers, gherkins, olives, capsicum, tomato, cucumber, strawberry, jerked garlic with thousand island. It also has been seasoned well with that perfect balance of salt, sweet and sour. My favourite has always been olives for any salad for its reminiscing taste and health benefits. Olives has always been known for its cancer prevention properties, its health benefits for skin, hair, bone, connective tissues, digestive tract, eyes and proves to be an excellent source of iron. other than olives, tomatoes also play an important role to maintain a healthy lifestyle for its anti-cancerous properties. It is also rich with vitamins that allow the prevention of DNA damage. Tomatoes also reduce the risk of heart disease and protect against thrombosis; when blood clots in the blood vessel.
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| Onion Soup |
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| Pan Grilled Seabass |
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| Apple Pie |
This Garden Salad has made an impact as an appetizer and leave the other courses of the meal as plain adequacy of filling the stomach. Though food critique follows the perspective of a person, I strongly believe that everyone should come to David Brown's Restaurant to taste their variety of food with a beautiful tranquil scene.
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| Exquisite view by the dining table |
The restaurant is open from 9 am to 9 pm everyday and can be contacted for reservations at:
David Brown’s Restaurant and Sky Terraces,
Strawberry Hill, Penang Hill,
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 04-8288337
Faz: 04-8266337
Email: info@penanghillco.com.my
