Feringgi Grill @ The Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia

During our stay at Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa Rasa Wing we had twice breakfast at the Feringgi Grill.

Please see also our hotel review. Breakfast is one of the many benefits included when staying in the Rasa Wing section of this memorable resort.

The fine dining restaurant was located on the first floor of the Rasa Wing and could be accessed via staircase or elevator.

We were warmly welcomed and brought to our table. It was round, large and covered with a white linen cloth and near the floor to ceiling windows, so we could enjoy a gorgeous view too.

The interior was elegant with a beautiful carpet.

We were advised that the buffet included all cold items and a menu was available for hot items.

We could request as many a la carte items as we liked.

A friendly waitress took our order for our cappuccinos, orange juice, Eggs Benedict and waffles.

We were asked what consistency of the eggs we wanted, which was a nice touch.

The buffet was on the smaller side, but had everything one could wish for from smoked salmon to yogurt, berries, pastries and much more.

One interesting item was the whole wheat croissant. My better half tried it and said it was very good.

The waffles were an indulgence and the Eggs Benedict one of the best we had so far.

All breakfast items were high quality and delicious.

The staff was attentive and friendly.

Once we were offered to try a typical savory local pastry. I don't remember the name, but we very much enjoyed it.

Breakfast was something to look forward to and beside the overall experience a reason to return.

©2015 

Balfes @ The Westbury Dublin, Ireland

Before travelling by long distance bus to Belfast we had breakfast at Balfes, located at the Westbury Hotel, Dublin, Ireland and formerly known as Cafe Novo.

Normally we are frequently going there for the weekend brunch, so breakfast during the week was a new experience for us.

During brunch the whole restaurant is accessible, not so when having breakfast during the week. Only the bar section was open to the public. This was the only thing I disliked. The bar was busy due to some job interviews taking place and other guests. All the low tables were occupied. It left us only high ones and meant sitting on a bench or bar stool. It was a bit uncomfortable for me and the tables are slightly too small.

There was another difference. The portion sizes were much larger at breakfast than it is during brunch.

The service was as always attentive and we were recognized as regulars.

We ordered two Chai Lattes, two Orange, carrot and ginger juices, Eggs Benedict, an omelette with smoked salmon and oat pancakes sweetened with agave syrup. The food was delivered timely and was delicious. The oat pancakes were especially interesting and filling.

The bill came in at 45 Euro (ca. 56.20 USD).

In the future we will return either for breakfast or brunch.

©2014

Balfes @ The Westbury Hotel, Dublin, Ireland

After watching an Iranian movie called Willow and Wind at the Irish Film Institute we wanted to have brunch at Cafe Novo at the Westbury Hotel in Dublin, Ireland, which we visited a few times over the years.

To our surprise the name had changed to Balfes. That wasn't the only thing that was different. It had been renovated and there were some menu changes too. For example there was no longer French Toast on the menu.

The renovation was a success in our opinion and looked good. It had now a nice contrast in black and white, dark chairs and comfortable leather sofas.

The atmosphere was good with a lot of families with young children, who were very well behaved.

The staff recognized us immediately, but they were very busy. They were attentive, though, and always there when we needed them.

We ordered during Sunday brunch four chai latte, two fresh orange juice, one Eggs Benedict, one Eggs Royal, blueberry pancakes with bacon and maple syrup and mixed berries with champagne sabayon. Everything was fresh and delicious.

We paid 55.50 Euro, ca. 71.90 USD.

No matter if it's called Cafe Novo or Balfes we are going to be regular guests in the future.


 ©2014

Cafe Novo @ The Westbury Hotel, Dublin, Ireland

We frequent the Cafe Novo at the Westbury Hotel in Dublin for years now and knew also the predecessor The Sandbank.

It is one of our favorite cafes in Dublin, because we like the design, the friendly and efficient staff, the excellent food and value.

There are two areas - at the front the bar and lounge style seating and at the back the restaurant.

On this occasion only the front was busy with couples and a group of parents with their small babies - really cute and not noisy at all.

We could choose our table at the back.

Cafe Novo is contemporary and industrial in design.

We arrived in time for Saturday brunch. There were summer cocktails, pancakes, omelettes, a full Irish breakfast, a variety of poached eggs and many more items on the menu.

We ordered four Chai Lattes, two Eggs Benedict and one
Banoffee Sundae to share.

All was very delicious and the staff was very attentive, as usual a great experience.

We paid 43.50 Euro (ca. 58.15 USD) excluding tip.

We are going to be back soon.

©2014