This article is part of my Christmas 2018 compilation.
Special thanks to The Wembley for extending this food review invitation.
The Wembley is a prominent hotel along Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine) in George Town. This evening, the 4-star hotel is giving a preview of the upcoming Christmas menu. Themed “Christmas Winter Wonderland”, the buffet is served at Wembley Cafe on Level 2.
As per tradition, the yuletide meal centers on Roast Turkey. The delicacy is served with giblet gravy and cranberry sauce. I personally prefer the former as a savory condiment works better with poultry. Meanwhile, the equally succulent stuffing is made from turkey, chicken, chestnuts, herbs and spices.
The Asian tapas section presents light snacks such as meatballs, otak-otak, oyster omelette (蚵煎) and satay. For something even lighter to keep the appetite up, get some crispy crackers like keropok and papadum.
Seafood on ice covers marine delicacies such as snow crabs, shrimps, green-lipped mussels, bay mussels, oysters and scallops. In addition, diners who love Japanese food can help themselves to assorted sushi (寿司) and sashimi (刺身).
Tempura (天麩羅) is served at the à la minute counter. The choices are shrimps, mushrooms, eggplants, sweet potatoes and more. The main appeal of tempura is the crispy batter. Be sure to consume tempura while it is still hot from the fryer.
As for red meat, the dish of Sliced Lamb Leg is garnished with Lebanese fattoush salad. Another recommended choice is Smoked Beef Medallions. The accompanying sauce is prepared from chestnuts and tarragon.
I am quite satisfied with the dish of Mussels With Citrus Cilantro Mayonnaise & Ebiko. The green-lipped mussels are baked with mayonnaise-based sauce, and then garnished with shrimp roe to give a mild touch of saltiness. Other notable seafood dishes are Gratinated Oysters, Almond Crusted Salmon and Sea Bass With Nyonya Curry.
Diners who prefer something local can go for Penang Char Koay Teow (槟城炒粿条), Wok-Fried Clams With Tauchu, Inchi Kabin, Nyonya Chap Chai and Wok-Fried Mantis Prawns.
Christmas pastry is a welcoming sight during this festive season. For instance, Christmas Stollen is a traditional German bread that contains candied fruit and nuts. In my opinion, the Christmas Stollen is too sweet for comfort. Other iconic Christmas treats are Yule Log and Gingerbread House.
Another noteworthy mention at the pastry section is Bread Pudding. Sweetened with raisins and cherries, the pudding is best enjoyed with vanilla sauce. In addition, Christmas Panettone is a sweet bread loaf from Milan.
Customers who have a sweet tooth will be delighted by the plethora of confectionery such as fruitcake, red velvet cake, strawberry mousse cake, gingerbread, tiramisu, cupcakes and meringue tarts.
I am most attracted by the ganache-filled chocolate truffles and macarons. Although overlooked by many people, the butter cookies are surprisingly delectable too. Finally, it is a pleasure to conclude the hearty meal with chocolate fondue and ice cream.
The Wembley has several buffet sessions before and during Christmas. But if you have to choose one, go for the Mystical White Wonderland Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner. Sit back and immerse yourself in Christmas hymns from carolers throughout the evening.
There are also several buffet sessions on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. On New Year’s Eve, The Wembley is throwing a costume party at the Lobby Lounge while waiting for midnight to strike.
Name: Wembley Cafe
Address: 183, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-259-8123
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.stgileshotels.com/hotels/malaysia/penang/stgiles-wembley/wembley-cafe
Coordinates: 5.41311 N, 100.32989 E
Directions: The Wembley is located at Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine), just opposite of Hotel Jen and 1st Avenue Mall. Wembley Cafe is located at Level 2 of the hotel. There is a multilevel parking garage at the hotel. Patrons to Wembley Cafe can get their parking tickets validated for a flat rate of RM6.00 per entry.
