December 30, 2012
George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Number 3 on the New York Time’s 36-hours in Penang was to go to China House, describing it as “10,000 stunning square feet of food, drink, and retail and arts outlets in three interconnected shop houses in the city’s warehouse district.” What-the-what?! I made a mental note early on to NOT miss seeing this place.

On our third (and final) night in the city, we had yet to see China House, so I pestered Alex to head out in search of it even though it was late, the weather was rainy, and we were tired.

Then….we got lost. It started to rain harder. Alex was without umbrella and pissed at me for making her wander around the city at night for what was turning out to be a quest for a mythical Malaysian restaurant when we could have just ate at TekSen again.

But the New York Times described it as a 10,000 ft mecca of food and art, so I knew it had to be SOMEWHERE.

At last, we found it!

Whew. Then…WOW.

I don’t even know how to describe this place. It is housed in a loooooong, historic building, literally spanning the block. It morphs from bakery to restaurant to lounge to bar downstairs, with art galleries and shops taking over the entire top floor.

We sat at a tiny table in the middle of the madness, indulging in full-on vacationmode by ordering all of the Western items on the menu. (After six months in Japan, you know, it needed to happen). We dined on fresh salads and french fries, cold beer, and a large wedge of carrot cake for dessert. Luckily, this time I brought my camera, capturing what might be the most badass layer cake on my way out the door.

A fitting final moment for this cozy island capital. I’m crossing my fingers I’ll be back someday.

Next: Kuala Lumpur. The last stop in vacationland.