Tuesday, January 15, 2008

The Green House, Penang

From The NST

The Green House in Muntri Street
Pat and Alan have happily settled in
Impossible Pie with butterscotch topping
IF you are a homesick Aussie in Penang, craving for the familiar taste of Vegemite, don’t fret. A generous spread of Vegemite on two slices of toast is within reach. This and a taste of home-cooked Aussie flavours at the Green House will make you feel right at home.

This little cafĂ© is a haven for connoisseurs of Aussie food, delightful desserts and free advice. Pat and Alan Jones, the affable Aussie couple who owns and operates the Green House, serves a mean menu of sandwiches, pasta, pizza, pies and yummy desserts — dished up with helpful tips and advice.

Pat explains that they are a friendly information bureau for visitors who need tips on places of interest, transport, schools, health care and even on where to buy a size 18 dress!

Aussie Impossible

Customers are always welcomed to enjoy a cuppa and share a yarn with the hosts. If Alan is not busy turning out pizza and pasta dishes and Pat has made her pies and desserts, the Joneses are more than happy to stop and chat.

If, like me, you’re always saving some space for dessert, this is where you can satisfy your sweet tooth the Aussie way. Made with fresh ingredients, Pat’s Impossible Pie and Sticky Date Pudding are synonymous with the Green House.

The signature Sticky Date Pudding is served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The blending of fantastic flavours melting in my mouth is simply heavenly.

As its name implies, it is impossible to deduce what goes into the Impossible Pie but sinking my fork through three delicious layers of this delectable dessert, drizzled with Butterscotch sauce, I am content to just enjoy it.

Second Home

Six years ago, the Joneses ran their own motel business in Victoria, Australia. Then, captivated by TV and magazine advertisements promoting Malaysia’s natural attractions, food, racial unity and diversity, they came to Penang for a holiday.

It was to be the first of many visits and they spent up to four weeks here every three months. But each time, they found it harder to leave and Pat and Alan seriously considered making Malaysia their Second Home. Their plans finally became a reality in 2005.

Today the Joneses are where they want to be — happy and kept busy serving Aussie favourites and dishing out free advice for foreigners who want a better understanding of the benefits of the Malaysia My Second Home programme.

Where It’s At

The Green House is located at 102, Muntri Street, Georgetown, Penang. Open from 9.30am to 5pm from Wednesday to Saturday and from 10.30am to 4pm on Sunday. Closed on Monday and Tuesday. Tel: 04-261 0681 or email: patalan@streamyx.com

Pictures by PEGGY LOH

No comments: