New in town…

I saw their Facebook page and was impressed by all the nice photographs. That was why I was anxious to drop by this new place in town – the Horisen 1 Cafe…

…located among the shops beside the Star Mega Mall here in Sibu. I loved the very nice decor…

My! They even have Mr Bean’s British Leyland Mini 1000 there, right above the stage…

…where I hear they would have live performances at night.

It’s a very big place, this gastropub – that’s what they call themselves so I guess it doubles as a watering hole later in the night…

…for those thus inclined but of course, we were there only for the food, nothing else.

My missus had the tori katsu don…

…that came with a complimentary glass of tea or coffee, hot or cold (RM7.80). They liked the rice though I thought it wasn’t really anything to shout about but the chicken was very nice.

My girl had their mixed grill (RM18.90)…

…and she loved their mushroom sauce, with a hint of some herbs and spices added and that really brought it a head above the rest. Unfortunately, the serving was so huge that she could not finish all of it…so if you are a small eater, perhaps if would be better if you could get someone to share with you.

Her friend/colleague had the chicken chop with black pepper sauce (RM12.90)…

…and she liked it very much. I, for one, would not order that as I am not a fan of black pepper sauce and for that very reason, you would not catch me going for the “prosperity burger” that makes an appearance once every year. Hmmmm…no wonder I am not prosperous! LOL!!!

I asked for their charcoal bun burger which I wanted to try to compare theirs with one that I just had a few days before to see whose would be better but they were out of those buns so I settled for what they called their French romance toast (RM12.90)…

…instead. Hmmmm…presentation was impressive, also on a chopping board like at many other places these days but I thought the toast per se…

…was a bit on the small side. I guess that was ok for a light lunch. I was wondering what was French about it though – that was balsamic vinegar, I think, and that’s Italian and the sides weren’t anything uniquely continental either.

The meat was quite nicely done…served open-sandwich style on toasted bread, probably baguette or French loaf and hence, the name, on a bed of cucumber and tomato slices with mayo and quite a bit of somewhat over-powering mustard and whatever else on top. All in all, I would say it would be all right to have this when one is in need of something different for a change but I would not say it was a must-order if you happen to drop by. I would have to go back one of these days and try the charcoal bun burger to see if that’s better.

It really is a big place, a spacious outside…and they have this inside area…

…as well. I took a few snapshots of the decor and stuff but they all came out blur. If you grew up in Sibu in the 50’s and 60’s like me, you would recognise those pictures on the wall, I’m sure.

While I was there taking the photographs, the chef came out to say hello…and HELLO!!! It turned out to be an ex-student of mine partnering with two other guys to open up this place. That’s good…and I do wish him and his friends all the best in their endeavour and hopefully, it will be a massive success. Good luck, guys!