Promenade's Lobby Lounge

Let's take a break from eating heavy-duty food and for once, dine in a very relaxing atmosphere and have some desserts to munch on. And also it's because it's still pretty early and we're not in that dinner mood yet. So me and my partner-in-crime decided to lounge at the Lobby Lounge at Promenade Hotel, Tawau. The Promenade Hotel is actually located within (or adjoining, whichever you like to call it) Eastern Plaza building so finding the lounge is a no brainer. Plus, the main reason why we chose to go to such a 'fancy' place for evening tea was because they have a promotional thing going on for sometime now. If you go there after 6.00pm, all of their pastries will be at 40% off, as well as 30% for all cakes. So yay for us!

So we decided to take on their Chocolate Cream Cake (the cream was just very yummy!) and their Chocolate Brownie Cake (err, if I'm not mistaken, can't really remember the name though - but still very chocolaty, just the way I like em). While we were sitting in one of their booths, we also noticed that they're having a monthly promo on non-dessert snacks, so we decided to take them on their offer. There's a variety of snacks available on the list but we finally decided on their Honey Glazed Fried Chicken Wings (cause we're fools and thought that the food will looked exactly like the lovely picture on their menu). Not only did it came out less than appealing (I mean really, look at the picture - I reckon I can plate it waaay better than just stacking everything) but it's also 'meh' tasting (it's really them deep frying the fries & wings and glazed on some honey on top of it). Come on Promenade, I've tasted their full-on buffet, and I've never encountered anything like this. I'm dissapointed, Promenade!

** Current status - Still in operation (as of December 2013)

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Old Town White Coffee Tawau

At the beginning of my 'food-frenzy-blogging', I promise myself that I wouldn't do reviews that involves famous franchise joints but rules are made to be broken right? And since I do love to dine at Old Town White Coffee, I decided.. what the heck! Let's give it a go. So the Tawau based franchise is located at the popular Kubota Square (at Jalan Sin Onn), the first shop you'll see when you entered the place. As I've said before, parking can be a nightmare during peak hours (which usually means lunchtimes & weekends) so be prepare to walk a little.

Now other than a self-proclaimed dessert freak, I'm also proud to say that I'm a nasi lemak nutter. So I can say that the place has one of the most delicious nasi lemak there is. It might not be the best (because trust me, there is an even better nasi lemak out there - seen it, tasted it) but it's certainly very fulfilling with their rather generous portions. So this time around me and my mum decided to have their Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken (what else?) and some Steamed Rice with Chicken Mushrooms for mummy dearest. Mum is not a regular so when she said that her rice was quite tasty, I'm relieved (because that already a huge compliment from my fussy mum). Another favourite of mine is their side menus and I've ordered Fried Curry Puffs, which was somewhat bigger than your average curry puffs.

** Current status - Still in operation (as of December 2013)

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Ocean Area Seafood Restaurant

So here's another family favourite spot that I would like to share with y'all. We've been here since I could remember (and trust me, that's a loooong time for me to count on) and up until now, we're still a regular. The Ocean Area Seafood Restaurant (more affectionally known as 'The Ocean' within our family) is situated within the Fajar Complex, Tawau right next to the Zenzi Club (currently on renovation, I think) and another seafood restaurant. It's a pretty huge place so I dare you say that you can't find it. Huhuhuhu...

I think the main reason for our frequent visits is largely due to the fact that the place is (again) huge and very comfortable. The ambiance is really inviting and had that 'family feel' places to it. A lot of weddings had been done there so again I highlighted the hugeness of the vicinity. But it wouldn't mean a thing if the food is bad right? So what about the food there you asked? Well... honestly I've had better but it's not disappointing either. We've had their Sliced Fish with Ginger, Fried Bean Sprout with Salted Fish, Special Fried Tofu, Fried Yam Ring with Vegetables and a personal Fried Rice for my sister (cause she'd been craving it the whole ride to the restaurant - she's a mum-to-be you see). All in all the food was actually quite tasty and fragrant but the family agreed that all of the food lacked salt (which again, might not be such a negative as well) and quite bland sometimes. But they must've done something right since we're still coming back for more. Oh but their Coconut Pudding is just simply the best, I give them that. I can't find another place that has a pudding as yummy as theirs. And it's good to note that their restaurant is pork-free as well.

** Current status - Still in operation (as of December 2013)

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