It was an eventful year: Mark Twain published “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, the chancellor Otto von Bismarck occupied Cameroon, Louis Pasteur successfully tested the anti-rabies vaccine, Rodin created the marvelous ”Les Bourgeois de Calais”, the Statue of Liberty was brought to New York. All of them are mentioned in the history text book, as they were events that marked humanity. All, except one, which, a traveller who is looking for delights, refinements and incredible experiences, considers important, essential, and not to be missed: the opening of one of the most exquisite, stylish restaurants in the world, Eastern&Oriental Hotel in Penang.

Walk into the hotel, watch, taste and you`ll understand my… indignation

The strong accents of colonial style, with all setup of fine silver ware, the starched tablecloths, all these add this marvelous place on the “must “ list, for an afternoon in Penang.

I recommend you a 5 o`clock here (@Ana Morodan, this spot was specifically designed for you), after the magic ritual, invented by Ann of Bedford and her “Sinking Feeling”, in which you devote some hours to relishing a good tea, as well as some precious sweets over here.

At E&O, all teas are divine, and the starters which are served on amazing filigree trays are magic: salmon rolls, cheese and poppy seeds, toasts and cucumber, cream and tomatoes, mini croissants with eggs and bread with marinated tuna, and, as dessert, dumplings with raisins, served with homemade strawberry jam and unctuous whipped cream.

A royal feast, in a magical place with 130-year history.