Films Cafe

Special thanks to Films Cafe for extending this food review invitation.

Update: This business has ceased its operations.

Films Cafe is an eatery at the corner of Victoria Street (Lebuh Victoria) and Gat Lebuh Melayu in George Town. The proprietors have been operating a film production studio on the upper floor for several years. As the studio frequently collaborates with university faculties, the lower floor was converted to be a café where interns can hang out and work on assignments. This is how Films Cafe came into existence.

The menu at Films Cafe revolves around Western dishes such as pasta, waffles and sandwiches. The theme of the dining section varies according to current movie trends. For example, Star Wars is the main topic today. There is a live band to lighten the mood on Friday and Saturday evenings. From time to time, Films Cafe hosts talks conducted by local movie producers in hopes of inspiring local talent.

The portion of Spaghetti Aglio Olio (RM23.90) is large and contains three plump shrimps, justifying the price tag with quantity and quality. Seasoning primarily relies on garlic and olive oil, while red chili peppers play a smaller role. Upon request, this pasta dish can be made spicier. Overall, the taste is pretty balanced but I think the amount of oil should be reduced.

Pork Burger With Wedges (RM19.90) is served in a basket. The patty packs 200 grams of genuine ground pork, making this a heavenly treat for staunchest pork burger fans. I feel that the patty can use some seasoning to draw better pork flavors. The whopping burger also includes delectable ingredients like bacon strips, pickled gherkin, cheddar cheese, sautéed portobello mushrooms and onion.

The next dish is Grilled Chicken Stuff With Shrimp (RM28.90). Deboned chicken thigh is seasoned thoroughly, then rolled with shrimps. The braciola is baked (not grilled as the name implies) to retain its moisture. The chicken should be consumed while it is still warm, otherwise it becomes dry and tougher than ideal.

Meanwhile, the white sauce is infused with Sauvignon blanc wine for the aromatic appeal. As for plating, the chicken is served with diced cucumber, roasted potato and sautéed onion.

There are a number of fruit juices in the drinks menu. For example, Going My Way (RM15.00) is a mixture of carrot, orange and tomato juices. Juices are derived from actual fruits. Apart from natural sweetness, no sugar is added.

As for coffee, the shot of Espresso (RM6.00) has decent aroma but its bitterness and sourness do not appeal to my palate.

Flower Tea is prepared from a teabag. Its floral scent is soothing the mind. The tea also flows smoothly between the lips, resulting in pleasant warmth in the chest.

Name: Films Cafe
Address: 56, Lebuh Victoria, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-251-9569
Business hours: 11:00am-11:00pm (Sunday-Friday), 11:00am-1:00am (Saturday), closed on Mondays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/films.cafe.penang
Coordinates: 5.41168 N, 100.33630 E
Directions: Films Cafe is located at the intersection of Victoria Street (Lebuh Victoria) and Gat Lebuh Melayu, just a short distance from Ice Estate. There are several parking spaces in front of the restaurant for its customers. In addition, there are more parking spaces along Victoria Street and Gat Lebuh Melayu.