Keep it Real

Honestly, the Americanisation in this country is off the rictor. And where the hell has customer service gone?  I was horrified and disgusted at what I discovered last night when I attempted to buy some pop-corn at the movies.

OK so, that in itself you might say, is quite American. Pop corn, movies, Coke. Yes, yes I admit, it is hard not to absorb some American Culture. But....when I attempted to buy Pop-corn, I felt like I was in a strange Willie Wonker land or some foreign place. There was no counter or canteen with real people standing behind it ready to scoop out hot buttery pop corn into a container and hand it to with me with a smile, bidding me a  good night and an enjoyable evening. No, I had to walk around this semi circle of sweets and drinks until I eventually spotted a glass cabinet, which I presumed to be warm, with pre-packed buckets filled with pop-corn sitting there for me to take. Next, I found several paper cups sticking out from the wall like some sort of horizontal tower. I took one and placed it against the respective drinks push button. Nothing happened. I realised that I needed to place the cup on the tray and then press the push button with my hand. Bingo!  Yes, I was getting it now. I found myself a lid to match the size of my cup (thank God it said small, medium and large and not regular, or whatever the American sizes are) and then a packet of Twisties and pivoted on my heel to look for a counter when I froze in horror at the site of two young attendants (at least there were real people to pay the money too I suppose) dressed in red striped outfits that resembled something of candy cane. WTF??  I thought, bloody hell, where am I?  Yes, I was in Chermside. Chermside, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Fair enough we don't all need to wear thongs and a string bikini or singlets to work but this was too much!

Is it just me or are we gradually diminishing our culture and flavour that gives us continuity and makes us unique?

It makes me think of the Pubs in Brisbane. Where have they gone?  Where are the normal good old fashion "old man" pubs? Why are have they been turned into pokie harbouring dens with disgusting blue and yellow swirly carpet and generic menus and beers on tap which the bar staff don't even pour. They just place the glass (which most of the time isn't even glass now) under the push button and fill it!  Ahhhhhhhhh! If it's not that style of place, it's been turned into some kind of yuppie overpriced and over-rated venue filled with wankers hitting on anything that moves!  Now, I am not saying that I don't like cocktail bars, wine bars, tapas bars and clubs and a diverse range of venues and I can yuppie it up with the best of them but, it brings me back to my original question. Where are the good old fashion pubs in Brisbane, where you can go for a good counterie and cold local beer poured by someone who knows how, and listen to a live band at a table with your mates?

Purple Themed Day

For most of us, there's no escaping the daily grind. We can sometimes feel like we're living out the exact same day over and over. Alarm goes off at same time everyday, shower, dress in the same uniform we pull over our heads everyday, spoon the same cereal into our mouths as everyday, tread the same track to work and back and so on and so on.

One of the lovely ladies where I work came up with a simple and fun idea of a themed day once a month. A different person gets to chose the theme each time, and without breaking the uniform policy, we all dress to the theme and bring a plate for morning tea that also relates to that theme.  We have had an animal print day, which brought the tiger out in us all, and the last one was simply "Purple".  Eyes were beaming brightly outlined with purple eyeshadow, nails were painted and purple earrings were shining. Coming up with purple food was interesting!  There were beetroot and olive dips, delicious, dainty, cupcakes with purple icing from Vanilla Pod, chocolates wrapped in purple wrappers, a blueberry beesting and purple jelly.

An easy yet fun way to give the working day a bit of fun.

Scenes from the Magical Mountain Retreat

Recently, my friend celebrated her birthday with a small group of close mates in the mountain country south of Boonah, Queensland. 

We stayed in a gorgeous cottage set in  the middle of a mountainous backdrop. There was an awesome smell of fresh air and eucalyptus trees, and beautiful sounds of birds and gentle running of water falls in the creek below, which is part of the Koreelah National Park. This location set the scene for a perfect weekend of relaxation and rejuvenation spent with loved ones in the heart of nature. With fires lit and crackling beside us, we enjoyed Tasmanian champagne and canapes with the setting sun over the mountain tops. As the cold night air touched our shoulders, we retreated to the warm inside of the cottage for a delicious dinner and french martinis. On to the back deck we retired, for dessert and red wine and shared stories, under the stars with the gas heater keeping us warm and the water falls flowing constantly in the background.

View from Back Deck of Cottage

We ventured outdoors the following day and immersed ourselves in Mother, walking along and breathing in the fresh air and gentle smell of wattle.

We admired the creek and rock formations that have existed for millions of years.

After driving along a dirt road in what seemed like someone's paddock, we came to the charming Spring Mountain Creek Cafe. To finish the celebration of my friend's birthday, we indulged in both a scrumptious lunch (I had Goat's Cheese Tart and Walnut Salad which was delectable) and a pleasurable local Pinot Gris with great company and immersed ourselves in the serenity.

The Broadbeach Experience

Aside from the crime on the Gold Coast that seems to be plaguing our screens, I've never really be crash hot on the South Coast. I always thought it was so over-the-top and cheesy. I couldn't handle the tossers in close proximity to me with their big ego's and very little skirts. Fake tans and gold hoop earrings with peuta heels was the first image to spring to mind when someone mentioned the GC. While that still reigns true, my recent experience staying at Broadbeach may be enough to sway my negative opinion.


Firstly, we participated in the 10klm event in the Gold Coast Marathon. It felt uplifting and energising to be involved in something good for the body, outside next to the beautiful blue sea in the warming sunshine. We both deserved and devoured a delicious brekky in Surfers, then splurged on a decent shopping spree at Pacific Fair, which was conveniently located opposite our apartments. Cold beers were enjoyed at the Broadbeach Tavern followed by a refreshing walk along the beach and a chance to use my SLR Camera for some photography practice (below). I spent a night in and enjoyed yummy take-away pizza from Crust in Broadbeach, and a red wine or two followed by a hot bath. My partner took advantage of the Goldy's famous night club scene and hit the town with the boys. Another delicious brekky was had with friends in Broady the following day and then a short trip home to Brissie.


It was thoroughly enjoyable, relaxing and refreshing and it left me wanting to return the following weekend. A perfect weekend away from Brisbane with a whole mixed bag of things to enjoy.

Broadbeach Mall

French Patisserie

Peppers by day

Peppers by night

Eastern Sea Chinese Restaurant

Ideally located in the central hub of cultural West End, is Eastern Sea Chinese Restaurant.  Not being the greatest atmosphere to dine in; partly due to the empty chairs around us, we still enjoyed our cheap and tasty spicy szechuan beef, yummy fried rice and cold beers, with fast and friendly service. I recommend seeing the owner Paul Yung for some tasty take-away if you're thinking of a night in, or to have a cheap meal pre-gig at one of the live music venues in the precinct.

Anise

I was nervous about sitting at the bar to dine. I thought that it might be uncomfortable; or that it could take the romance out of the evening, it was, after all, a special occasion to be celebrated with my partner. However, when I saw the dim lights and sparkling clean wine glasses set out; and glanced at the several large chalk boards filled with all types of wines I'd never heard, then spotted the groovy couch occupied by some trendy young New Farmian type ladies, and was mellowed and by the temperate music and hum of gentle chatter, I relaxed and became excited for the night ahead and for the culinary experience that awaited me at Anise the European/French wine bar and restaurant.

We were greeted by what I presume was the owner or manager of Anise. He was originally from Tasmania and this was reflected by the influence of Tasmanian Beer and Wine on the list. We accepted the offer of a beverage while we perused our menus. I chose a glass of bubbly form the Loire Valley in France which was light and fluffy almost with a hint of Vanilla (well that's what I thought anyway but I assure you, I am NO connoisseur). I was delicious to say the least. My partner had a Tasmanian Cascade Larger.  We decided, since it was Bastille Day, to chose the Degustation Menu with a special French Twist, and matched wine.

Over the course of the evening (which lasted 3.5 hours), we were served delicate, delicious food and wine which was explained to us by the young waitress at each course. It included a creamy garlic Escargot with a glass of French bubbly, an amazing seafood platter, perfectly matched with a sweet and surprisingly delightful white muscat, some tasty Mushroom Gnocci with a sauvignon blanc and then something I thought quited different, but apparently not for the French, Foie Gras ice cream with a sweet dense bread and caramelised onion matched with a light red. We enjoyed a palate cleanser and then the main dish of perfectly cooked lamb, beautifully presented, matched with a smooth Cabernet Merlot and to finish a silky syrupy dessert wine and Creme Brulee and Parfait.  Not quite ready to end the night, we opted for a glass of whisky. Three bottles were placed in front of us, my partner choosing Jameson I think and I chose a twelve year old Single Malt to cap the night.

I thoroughly enjoyed my night at Anise and am so glad we chose the Degustation Menu. It gave me the opportunity to try some food and wine that I had both never had the chance to experience before and/or never normally chose myself. The service was friendly and relaxed,  adding to the warm experience, and the food and wine was tantalising. I highly recommend Anise for dinner and in particular for a special occasion. Thank you Anise for making our night one to remember.

Out and About in Newfarm

The Famous Newfarm Rotunda

The Powerhouse



Jan Power's Farmers' Markets



Rose Garden