March 2014
If a bottle of wine and a bite to eat is your ideal way to spend a few hours then head to 16 Degree a combination of a cigar and bottle shop, and bistro. The wine shop has a huge range of wine available from most of the wine producing regions of the world. and the great part is that you can enjoy them all in the café and there is no corkage to pay.
The menu is a simple bistro menu with the emphasis on good quality ingredients and fresh preparation. There is a good choice of starters like the Bacon Cigars, mini sausages wrapped in bacon and baked in a brandy , barbecue sauce, is definitely one for the pork lovers. The 16 Degree Pork Burger with Bacon is a festival of flavours, topped with caramelised mushrooms, onions, cheddar and parmesan and served with fries - this is quickly becoming the house favourite along with its beefy companion. Quesadillas with a choice of chicken or pork are fresh and filling (ideal with a glass of house wine). A selection of main courses include a thick cut Pork Chop and Seafood Platter (a selection of fried seafood).
The beauty of this place is that you can do your own wine pairing and choose your price range from a bottle of the best premium wines to a simple glass of French house wine. Premium wines like La Croix-Jura and Chateaux Des Perails, fine red wines from France are directly imported by 16 Degree ensuring quality and availability. The Katnook, Flounders Block, Sauvignion Blanc is an excellent wine and will be chilled upon your request if you want to enjoy it in house. If wine is not your tipple of choice fear not as there is a good selection of premium beers on offer including Sapporo Beer for whom 16 Degree is the sole distributor and some unique German Beers like Kostritzer Schwarzbier a dark lager not easily found elsewhere in Penang.
This new establishment has big plans. including a retail chiller cabinet selling pork products fresh and processed, a cigar lounge and wine tasting evenings. You can also pick up a some fine cigars and pipe and Shisha tabacco while you are there. This is definitely one to try and you will be going back for more. Tara Tiffany Ghale