DCOVA @ Logan Heritage, Penang

Sumptuous Italian Fare

Penang is so renowned for its abundant of street food that cafes or bistro takes a rather understated backseat to all the food commotion in the island. There are plenty of cafes and bistros that do deserve more attention such as DCOVA.

DCOVA is located in Logan Heritage row at Bishop Street, a heavily business populated area. House in an old building DCOVA has been around for a few years, discreetly serving coffee, pasta and desserts to plenty of locals. Word of mouth gets out and many continues to flock there to hang out at the quaint ambiance of the bistro.

Owned by several partners, DCOVA is a result of several foodies’ vision of a bistro where one can relax and enjoy great food and drinks. We got to know about DCOVA from owner, former Foodsion editor Lean Hooi. He and his partners wanted to serve quality food to Penangites as well as other foodies and opted to focus on a menu filled with Italian favorite pastas and artisanal desserts.

DCOVA feels like home, comfort in another word. The moment you walk in, the ambiance at DCOVA makes one feel at ease. High ceiling echo space around the long café. The minimal interior exudes contemporary wall art and graphical pieces with a simple industrial furniture and banquette seating.

We met with other foodies while on a trip to Penang and was certainly very pleased with our meal at DCOVA. The bistro serves a nice range of premium tea infusions from Tealeaves besides coffee and other beverages. We tried the Organic Chamomile (RM17.90) and Shanghai Rose (RM17.90).

Served with a timer, one should infuse the tea leaves for just the right timing to avoid the tea releasing its bitterness. The Shanghai Rose was exceptionally soothing and has such a plush rose aroma that releases happy endorphins in me.

Our little one had this amazing icy slush of Summer Strawberry (RM14.30), a tall glass of creamy and fruity strawberries. Mommy stole a taste and kept going back for a few more of this yummy and refreshing drink.

The Affogato (RM10.05) is also very commendable. Looking rather pale, we were rather surprise by the strong coffee note in this thick velvety smooth coffee blended with ice cream. I would order this again...

Tuck into a generous lean and green dish of Teriyaki Chicken Salad (RM18.90) at DCOVA for a healthy option. Crisp greens topped with tender and juicy savory teriyaki chicken is very satisfying and easy to enjoy without the guilt.

Pastas are their signatures at DCOVA and truly yummy to the very last strand. I am quite a food snob and is particular with my pasta being cooked al dente. At DCOVA, they also share the same thoughts and serve all their pasta with a very good al dente bite, as how it should be. The Spicy Seafood Aglio Olio (RM23.90) blew our taste buds the moment we tried this dish. Sufficiently moist and a good kick of heat worked wonders with pasta, prawns and squid. I would love more garlic to be added for extra oomph!

The Carbonara DCOVA (RM20.90) was very luscious, each strand heavily coated with cream and egg yolk. Served with lean back bacon, make sure to eat this fast as cream can get cloyingly rich when it cools down. Worthy of every calorie it has…

Generously dolloped with lots of fish roes, the Ebiko Alfredo (RM23.90) with prawns is sublime. While others think it’s a tad salty from the generous crowning glory of ebiko, I certainly didn’t mind it at all. The popping sensation of the ebiko gave the dish a delicious textural component to the pasta and prawns. Lots of umami notes that tantalized the palate to keep going back for more.

Toss in a light lashing of garlicky cream sauce and served with back bacon slides and asparagus, the Bacon Al Dante (RM19.90) is pretty decent in flavours. The bacon is still yummy despite it being lean and the asparagus were cooked just right with a little crisp texture.

More ebiko again, I am beginning to think there’s quite an ebiko fan base here at the bistro. This round, it’s crowned on Pasta Alnero di Seppia (RM27.90). A jet black squid ink tainted pasta served with squid rings, cherry tomatoes and lots of ebiko. The paste is very moreish and delicious. No heart feelings but it’s not a dish to order on a first date since it will taint your teeth with its color and flecked by orange speckles of roes… nevertheless, I really love the pasta a lot.

After a first taste of Riz Alnero di Seppia (RM28.90), I wanted to hog this whole dish to myself. Rice cooked al dente and flavoured with the moreish squid ink and seafood broth, the dish is completed with two large fried prawns and squid rings. Not only does the dish looked divine, it tasted pretty fabulous in every spoonful. My favorite dish of the evening at DCOVA.

My little one opted for the Cheese Baked Rice with Sausage (RM22.90) and polished off this whole dish by himself happily. When asked how the dish was, he simply said very cheesy and yummy! There’s also versions with tuna and prawn.

DCOVA offers desserts from Passionis, an artisanal dessert house on the island. The Strawberry Shortcake looked too pretty to be eaten. Its light and creamy mousse with layers of sponge and fresh strawberries make a light and sweet ending to a meal.

On the other hand, chocolate lovers will swooned at the Double Chocolate Hazelnut Praline, a decadent slice of layers of dark and milky chocolate with a hazelnut feuilletine base, finished with a mirror chocolate glaze. Every bite is dark, rich and sinful…

DCOVA is good enough to warrant many returns as the dishes are quality and prepared well. Not only do we love the quaint ambiance, we also enjoy the drinks and the company that evening. A great bistro worthy of visits… now if only they would open an outlet in KL for me!

DCOVA

Logan Heritage

No. 4, Lebuh Bishop,

10200 George Town, Penang

Tel: +60 4-261 3121

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dcovalogan/

Business hours:

Sunday to Thursday 10.00am - 10.00pm

Friday & Saturday 10.00am - 12.00am