Kimberley Hotel is a new hotel at Jalan Sungai Ujong, within a short walking distance from Prangin Mall. Refurbished from heritage buildings, the 5-floor hotel has 118 rooms in total. Just across a narrow alley from the hotel is Auction Rooms, an eatery which is also under the same management.
Auction Rooms was inspired by auctions that the owner observed during her stay in Australia, although no auctions actually take place here. Despite the modest facade, the dining section of Auction Rooms is elegantly furnished with comfortable sofa cushions and pillows. Cool ambience and warm lighting make the place quite relaxing indeed.
Set lunch (RM18.00) is served between 11:00am and 3:00pm daily. The meal includes a starter, a choice of main dish (such as Otak Chicken Wings and Fish N Chips), ice cream dessert and a drink. The food at Auction Rooms is pork-free.
Today’s appetizer is deep-fried spring roll, which is best enjoyed when still hot from the fryer. Inside the crispy roll are shredded jicama and carrot. I like the fact that the spring roll does not feel too greasy.
According to the staff, Grilled Chicken Chop With Mushroom Sauce is one of the popular dishes here. A piece of deboned chicken leg is grilled until brown, then served with grilled potato and a spoonful of mushroom sauce.
The chicken is bursting with juicy tenderness, thanks to the right choice of meat and perfect doneness. Creamy and chunky mushroom sauce serves to enhance chicken flavor to greater heights.
Another choice of main dish is Chicken Parmigiana. Also made from deboned chicken leg, the fillet is deep-fried until crispy. As per tradition, chicken is then topped with fresh tomato sauce and molten cheese. This dish is also served with grilled potato.
The chicken is enjoyable right from the first bite. I like how the succulent flesh interacts with tangy tomato sauce and creamy cheese. I find the fillet to be enjoyable from the beginning till the end. Although I still believe that pan-frying produces better Chicken Parmigiana, I am still satisfied with Auction Rooms’ cooking.
Ice cream is served as the dessert. The ice cream is quite dense and does not melt too quickly, much to my delight. I also like the use of honey corn flakes to provide lovely crispiness.
As for drinks, the set meal comes with iced peach tea. Should customers prefer, the à la carte drinks menu also provides a range of coffee, tea, juice and mocktail choices.
The pastry section of Auction Rooms has a handful of cakes to enjoy with coffee. The cakes are sold by the slice.
A slice of Chocolate Deluxe (RM14.00) is the choice to satisfy our sweet tooth. The dark chocolate mousse cake is rich in bold flavor, striking a chord with my palate. A piece of white chocolate and sprinkle of gold dust serve as icing on the cake.
Having fulfilled our sugar craving, the next order of business is an adrenaline boost to get through the lazy afternoon. Mocha (RM11.00) and Cappuccino (RM11.00) are prepared from an espresso machine and are reasonably well-prepared. Foam art provides aesthetic appeal.
The restaurant also serves set dinner (RM28.00) from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. The meal also includes starter, dessert and drink, but different main dishes are offered. Meanwhile, breakfast at Auction Rooms primarily caters hotel guests, but walk-in customers are also welcomed to dine.
Name: Auction Rooms
Address: 38A, Jalan Sungai Ujong, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-263-6688
Business hours: 7:00am-10:00pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/auctionroomsgeorgetown
Coordinates: 5.41581 N, 100.33173 E
Directions: From Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, turn left to Jalan Sungai Ujong. Auction Rooms and Kimberley Hotel are located shortly on the left. There is a narrow lane between both buildings which leads to a car park at the back of the hotel.