Penang expats were treated to a great evening on 24 February when our regular Mingle was held at the Hillside Café in Tanjong Bunga. It’s only been open a few months and is already gaining a great reputation not only for its bistro-style food, but also for the relaxed and friendly ambiance. It’s lovely to go there in a group, but equally nice to go there alone because you will be made to feel so welcome by the owner, Elaine Stewart-Ng, or her daughter-in-law, Georgia Manley, who is also a director. Many people make new friends at the Hillside because there’s such a good vibe. In fact it’s almost like an ongoing mingle.

We were treated to ample plates of excellent food including bruschetta, calamari, seaweed crackers, prawn toast, mini pandans, duck wraps, and Georgia’s delicious mini almond tarts. All the food at the Hillside is homemade – including the potato crisps. Elaine noticed that some of the older minglers weren’t making it to the buffet table as much as they might have been so she took round plates of food and served them personally.

Local author Robert Kirby was also present and gave away two copies of his book at the lucky dip door prize. It’s in the Dancing Dragon or Headless Chicken series and it’s about leadership. Robert’s currently working on his next book when he isn’t cycling around Penang. We would like to thank the volunteers who “manned” the welcome desk, Jenny Ng and Kathy Roper.

Read This: The Expat Penang Mingle at Santai Bistro

Source: The Expat Magazine April 2015