FANS of Japanese food now have a new hangout with the opening of Matsu at the Lone Pine Hotel in Batu Ferringghi of Penang Island.
Located at the mezzanine level of the historic hotel which is the oldest along the Batu Ferringhi stretch, the restaurant has a swanky interior with pine wood seating and full-height glass windows.
The outlet aims to serve up the traditional fare of Japan with a modern twist.
The opening of the restaurant was attended by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and the Consul-General of Japan Tetsuro Kai.
Lim said the new outlet had been a long time coming as Japanese food had proven to be rather popular nowadays due to its figure-friendly and health properties.
“Japanese cuisine is also artistic. The way it is presented is beautiful.
“But when people are hungry, they probably won’t be too concerned with food presentation as long as the dish fills their tummies!”
He also expressed his belief that such establishments would contribute not only to Penang’s standing as a happening city, but also make it home to some of the best Japanese restaurants in the country.
Kai added that he hoped the restaurant would go on to be a success for many years to come.
According to hotel general manager Marco Battistotti, the hotel had gained a loyal following of Japanese guests over the years.
Therefore, when it closed down for a two-year refurbishment, it was decided that a Japanese restaurant should be opened as well.
“We wanted to bring the people of Penang and Japan together through food,” he said during the recent opening ceremony.
To mark the occasion, a 1.5m long roll of sushi with unagi, soft-shelled crab and prawns, was specially made.
It was later sliced into smaller pieces and sold to guests for RM10 each.
The proceeds from the sale went to the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.
In addition to that, the hotel also pledged to donate 10% of the restaurant’s first-month total sales to the disaster fund.
Located at the mezzanine level of the historic hotel which is the oldest along the Batu Ferringhi stretch, the restaurant has a swanky interior with pine wood seating and full-height glass windows.
The outlet aims to serve up the traditional fare of Japan with a modern twist.
The opening of the restaurant was attended by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and the Consul-General of Japan Tetsuro Kai.
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| Charity sale: Guests snapping up the sushi which was specially prepared to benefit the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund |
“Japanese cuisine is also artistic. The way it is presented is beautiful.
“But when people are hungry, they probably won’t be too concerned with food presentation as long as the dish fills their tummies!”
He also expressed his belief that such establishments would contribute not only to Penang’s standing as a happening city, but also make it home to some of the best Japanese restaurants in the country.
Kai added that he hoped the restaurant would go on to be a success for many years to come.
According to hotel general manager Marco Battistotti, the hotel had gained a loyal following of Japanese guests over the years.
 |
| Presentation is key: Matsu chef Yong Kah Wai putting the final touches to a sashimi platter |
“We wanted to bring the people of Penang and Japan together through food,” he said during the recent opening ceremony.
To mark the occasion, a 1.5m long roll of sushi with unagi, soft-shelled crab and prawns, was specially made.
It was later sliced into smaller pieces and sold to guests for RM10 each.
The proceeds from the sale went to the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.
In addition to that, the hotel also pledged to donate 10% of the restaurant’s first-month total sales to the disaster fund.
