OXO Cafelab @ Penang

OXO Cafelab

Block G-32,

Persiaran Bayan Indah,

Penang

Business Hours: 9am to 1am daily.

Tel: 04-646 6881

Email: oxo.cafelab@gmail.com.

Run by partners Donn Tan and Michael Lau, the cafe seats up to 400 pax, with a choice of air-conditioned dining indoors or at the breezy al fresco area outside.

Football fanatics can enjoy live telecasts at the ‘soccer arena’ and engage in friendly banter with rival fans over a pint or two. A two-piece band also plays on weekends.

OXO’s menu is predominantly continental, with a few Asian favourites thrown in. Lau, who is also F & B director, weaves his magic in the kitchen — putting new twists on classic recipes and coming up with new combinations that you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

Their daily catch is sourced just down the road, directly from fishermen in Batu Maung, ensuring optimum freshness — and what a difference it makes.

Seafood lovers will enjoy the more discerning palate might gravitate to the Baked New Zealand Rock Oyster Rockefeller, topped with a special homemade sauce and cheese and grilled to gooey perfection.

Alternatively, opt for the Triple Variation King of Molluscs, where you’ll get a combination of baked rock oysters, scallops and green mussels, topped with white wine sauce and cheese.

The cafe is introducing several new items to its menu. Diners should look out for two delightful pasta dishes — the Fettucini a la Carbonara and Angel Hair Pasta with New Zealand Mussel and King Prawns. While the former is creamy and perked up with imported Anzac cheeses, the latter is stir-fried and has a spicy edge.

This month, they are launching a seafood buffet dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. The line-up includes fresh oysters, mussels, crabs, king prawns and crayfish.

Centurion Pecorino Pancakes, complemented with fried eggs, bacon and guacamole dipThe Pan Grilled Fish with Hondaishi Daikon Sauce, Fish Roe and SeaweedThe Delightful Fresh King Prawns and Spaghetti Broth, served with generous side condiments.

Rating: 6 /10