Article and Photos By HELEN ONG

It’s back! Yes, Sigi’s, formerly By the Sea, is now back, with not just a new name (Sigi’s Bar & Grill on the Beach) but a completely new structure. The RM3 million makeover did more than give it a facelift: it's still in the same lovely surroundings within the grounds of the Golden Sands Resort in Batu Ferringhi, but that's all that's similar to the old one.

What used to be an old-fashioned patio restaurant is now a trendy and cool outlet where the hip will be happy to sit around the bar having a drink including one of their fabulous cocktails; couples can dine alfresco upstairs, and families and friends will happily tuck into good food in the air-conditioned main dining. There’s also a private room for groups or functions.

There's a lot of dark rustic hardwood, and the blue lights beckon at night, giving it a welcoming glow. The new menu reflects Executive Sous Chef John Brock’s experience gained whilst working in his home country New Zealand, France and the UK, where he was Chef de Partie Pastry in the two-Michelin star Midsummer House, and consists mainly of western with a smattering of popular local dishes and a couple of old favourites from Peppino’s.

You’ll enjoy the salads, pastas, wood-fired pizzas and excellent steaks (Aberdeen Angus, no less), although the Toma Hawk might be more appropriate for families and those with a carnivorous taste: it’s 1.2kg of Australian rib slow-roasted, and served with rosemary and garlic potatoes, Dijon mustard and café de Paris butter. There are also cod, salmon, lamb and chicken.

The Tarte au Citrone was excellent: tart and creamy at the same time - desserts are, after all, his forte - as was the Shortbread; soft but crunchy.

SGB will be officially opened on 10 March but don’t wait till then ‘cos that’s when the crowds will really be pouring in. Go on – try it now!

Sigi’s Bar & Grill on the Beach
Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La
Batu Ferringhi
Penang
Tel: 604 886 1852
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