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Agua, Penang

by Maggie T 1 May 2011

I visited Agua with Jo and two guests from Europe; ironically after traveling literally across oceans from Europe to Asia they found themselves taking “A Mediterranean Journey” for lunch in Straits Quay. As we were shown to our seats we were met by an array of soft pastel colours in the decor and also bright Spanish themed paintings. The effect created an elegant yet relaxed setting, which complemented the soothing background music.

Our waiter was attentive from the start and we are given our menus, which offer a great variety of choice that includes a substantial menu for children. We decide to order a selection of tapas, while one of the lunch party opts for the express lunch which offers a choice of three different main courses: Mediterranean pasta, Calamaris Romana or Spanish Quiche, with as much Moroccan tea as you can drink and a small ice cream for dessert. The Spanish Quiche was indeed very tasty and filling. For RM22 it is a bargain lunch!

There is a huge choice of tapas and we tried five options from the menu. The Baba Ganoush, roasted aubergine puree served with pita looked boring but its appearance was made up for in the taste. We were disappointed with the Bruschetta - it is such a key dish in Mediterranean food and we felt that it could have been a bit more special and appealing. We can only describe it as ordinary; don’t get me wrong, it tasted good but was dull. The Albondigas, spanish meatballs in piquante tomato sauce which sounded rather sumptuous, was indeed delicious.

The menu offers a number of desserts: we try the Lemon Meringue Pie which was average. The Pear Helene covered in chocolate sauce was certainly tasty and enjoyable to those who possess a sweet tooth!

As we left Agua we realise two things, firstly there is no beating original Mediterranean cooking but on the flip side Agua succeeds in creating a substitute which is much appreciated when you desire a change from Asian food and it enables us to enjoy a worthwhile Mediterranean journey that will most certainly result in a return visit.