Chow for Now - Dim Sims to Die For!

Dim Sims to Die For.
The Yow Sing Chinese Take-Away almost hides itself next to The Tyre Franchise on the corner of Rosanna Rd and Lower Plenty Rd Rosanna/ Viewbank.
Your writer has been a customer since March 1971.
Proprieter Martin has become famous for his little delicacy, unparalled in Melbourne's Cantonese community
cuisine. Highly recommened, you can buy them frozen in dozen lots.
The Combination omelette at $8-50 is unbeatable economy.
Yum Sing

Chow for Now Potato Cakes

Great Potato Cakes.
Finding an excellent potato cake in Gtreater Melbourne is becoming harder each year. However: three potato cake providors are presented herewith.
Big Al's Fish and Chips 17b Vernon Street South Kingsville [ swing left just over The Westgate ]. Al and his tribe pump out heaps of fish and chips but his cuisine par excellence is his home - made potato cake. They're nice and chunky with a fine cover of batter, tasty and stacks better than chips.
Open 'til 9-00pm most nights - Drop in to greeted by the ever-smiling crew. The fish ain't bad either. 

Comfy Chair

Seldom does something as simple as a chair rock my world. With the balance of comfort and lower back support, this vintage beauty has it all.

Although it will probably get worse, the cracked vinyl adds character to this hardwood piece. Yes, the legs are a little wonky, but again this adds to the overall personality. It only seats one, but this makes it the ideal reading chair for a bit of alone time, or story time with the kids.

A quick polish reveals the aged and beautifully mellow stain under decades of dirt. In the harder to reach areas, a build-up of lacquer confirms a certain age and craftsmanship, unparalleled in modern times.

The age-buffed armrests not only give one a sense of wellbeing, but double as a rest for a mug of dark-roast, or a glass of one’s favourite single-malt.

–Kieran

Photos From Travel

SANTA MARGARITA

We were fortunate to have a week on vacation in this old fashioned fishing village on the Italian Rivira just north of the famous village Portofino.
Children are the same wherever you go, there language universal as they smile and engage with innocence and honesty. These little girls were set up for the day,  with umbrellas and chairs and the inviting blue sea, they were chatting and playing games in another language, yet I could almost understand them.

PARIS

In the busy streets of Monmatre, we fell upon this vintage store on our way to dinner.
The French way of life is decadent and full of style and charisma. This little store is full of treasures and kept us entertained for too long.

AMALFI COAST


We spent four days in a place called Priano, on the Amalfi Coast. Most of our time was spent sunbaking on the rocks watching the sea and enjoying peachy wine and caprese salads. One specail day we took a small boat and explored the grottos and swimming spots on the way to this restaurant where we indulged in fresh seafood and watched the families on the crowded pebbled shore.

Melissa Freedman

Jean: Flagstaff Gardens

THE FLAGSTAFF GARDENS

 Melbourne was built, not on seven but on four hills. These were Batman Hill, Flagstaff Hill, Parliament Hill and Eastern Hill. Batman Hill stood above a beautiful blue lake. The lake was filled in and Batman Hill demolished and the topsoil moved to the eastern suburbs. The Hill was considered as a site for Botanical Gardens, but the ‘miasmas’ from slaughtering yards down the hill led city planners south of the Yarra River.



The Flagstaff Hill was known as the Western Hill and, after early settlers were buried there, Burial Hill. It was covered with sheoaks. These gave it the appearance of a primeval park where timber cutting and tree felling were unknown. Not one sheoak remains in the current Flagstaff Gardens.
 There are two large palm trees:

 Morten Bay figs:

 Gum trees:

and flower beds:

 But none of the original sheoaks. It is a lovely spot to have a barbecue Lunch :

 and entertain the children:

but little remains in this oasis in the inner city of Melbourne to suggest its long and colourful history.
 In 1840 it was decided to erect a signalling station that could inform the settlers of the arrival and departure of shipping from Williamstown. On 15 September of that year a flagstaff which resembled the mast of a ship was equipped with a device for hoisting a black ball. Just behind the Flagstaff, an octagonal building with windows in each wall was constructed to house the telescopes and signalling flags . This was later developed as an observatory. In 1841, a higher flagstaff was raised and a small cannon placed at its base. Upon the arrival of an important vessel the lookout would fire a shot. This was the signal for many of the shopkeepers of early Melbourne to clap up their shutters and rush as soon as possible to Sandrich ( Port Melbourne ) or meet on the Hill to gain the latest tidbits of gossip from home.

Flagstaff Hill was a favourite gathering place for settlers who strolled there in the evening, obtaining the latest shipping information and examining the temperature readings for the day. Governor LaTrobe was a frequent visitor.

 It was the site at which the proclamation of Victorian self-government was made on 11 November 1850. It was the area from which early settlers could view the bay, the Western District and the Great Dividing Range as well as the Dandenongs. According to legend the first Melbourne Cup race was run around this hill, and, at the time of the Eureka Stockade, it was the scene of radical protest. On a clear day the citizenry of Melbourne town could watch the ships on the bay, and look across to their neighbours at Williamstown. For some, this was the most historic view in Victoria, if not Australia.

Yet in Australia’s bicentennial year, 1988, the view was lost. It was not lost without a fight.

 Ray Nilsen:

 and his fellow members of the West Melbourne Action Group tried to prevent development which obliterated the view. The protesters succeeded in cutting a slice off a building so that a ‘tunnel’ view was saved. But in the 1990s the Kennett government permitted more high rise buildings and even that view was lost. All that remains is the lonely flagpole, dwarfed by city buildings.

The gardens are surrounded on two and a half sides by high rise city buildings. But the streetscape has been kept to two storeys on part of the King Street side. The historic St. James Old cathedral with its pepperpot tower nestles between the trees when you stand on the hill.

 .

This is where I will leave you as I walk down those steps, navigate King Street and enter the warm Georgian Old Cathedral. It helps that there is an organ there tht I can play.

Derby Day 2012

                              A DAY AT THE RACES

Sunshine and a light breeze, temperature ranging from nineteen to twenty two, only a  five percent chance of rain, providing perfect conditions for Derby Day 2012.

The first day of The Cup week carnival, at Flemington, Derby Day  racegoers are fresh excited and full of social chatter as they arrive on course . Traditionally a day dominated by black and white fashion, this day carries a certain formality, as ladies and gentleman dress up in race wear finery.

Fashions on the field is a major draw card for the perfectly polished young beauties .Hats, gloves, spray tans, eyelashes and so much more, each participant is hoping to be the lucky winner of a wonderful overseas trip.

Thoroughbreds parading in the mounting yard, turned out beautifully with the hopes and dreams of trainers, strappers and owners alike, awaiting the results of their tireless efforts.. As the jockeys appear in their bright silks, the instructions are given and the riders take their mounts.

The roar of the crowd can be heard as the gates open and the gallop begins.

This is a carnival, with entertainers around every corner. A courtyard with the welcome shade of the old peppercorn tree is where the bookies are busy placing bets as the eager punters try their luck.

From the Nursery Car park, where young folk pack their picnic and set  up for a day of fine food and bubbles, to the corporate buildings in the birdcage where sponsors entertain clients with five star catering and splendour,a good time is had by all.

Melissa Freedman

Monteith's Releases Something Different

Over the past few years tastes have migrated and micro-brewery beers have seen a huge uprising across Australia. I am the first to proudly say ‘quality over quantity’ when deciding between a six-pack of craft beer and some cheaper buck-a-can swill. Though I must say that by the time I am on my third or fourth schooner, I could not confidently tell any difference between a Little Creatures Bright Ale and a James Squire Sun Down Lager. I am not professing to be a beer connoisseur of any kind, just your regular once-a-week drinker who prefers a finer refreshment.

Therefore when I try a drink that is uniquely different, my taste buds go into overdrive. That’s where our friends over in New Zealand come into their element with the Monteith’s Golden Lager. Its distinctly simple orange label gleamed at me through the glass doors, enticing me to give it a go. I immediately recognised the Monteith’s shovel logo from their beautiful range of ciders, but had not seen a beer from this company until now.

Back at home, I uncapped my first bottle and poured the golden liquid into a schooner glass; it effortlessly rose to form a perfect head. From the first sip I was in love. The distinct taste sets this beer aside from the rest of the pack. The hops taste that I am so used to is still there, though a lot more subtle. At first I almost entirely missed the dark malty taste I am so used to, but it is definitely still there. I could not quite put my finger on the distinct flavour that was sneaking its way through, and – I hate to admit – it wasn’t until I read the label that it all came together with ‘a cashew nut smoothness’.

At only $17 a six-pack, if you are anything like me and always looking for something a little different, Monteith’s Golden Lager is well worth a shot.

–Kieran

My Spiritual Warrior

                             A MOTHERS LOVE


There you were my spiritual warrior, fading away before my eyes. Your breath laboured, your skin pale, and clammy, your being fragile. You asked me if this was the end. I didn't want it to be the end, but I knew this was as much as your beautiful body would stand. Your spirit as bright as ever, you had no fear, no tears, no regret. You were, as you would say going home.

One by one we had a moment with you to hear for the last time your soft words of wisdom. I wanted so much more, I was not ready to say goodbye.You were tired and ready to go, your soul returning to the source, for rest and rejuvenation.

So now I miss you and feel the absence of your physical being. No more hugs and kisses, no more soft touches of reassurance no more long chats on the phone and afternoons in the sun.

I call you in my dreams and you always come. Sometimes I want to sleep forever just to stay with you close by. Here I can feel you, your hugs and your love, it is here that I feel restored.

You promised we would meet again. For now I have memories and photos and stories that my children recount of the world you so generously shared with them. I am so lucky to have had you as my mother.

Melissa Freedman

Men in Black III Really Surprises!

We all remember Will Smith stealing the show when he took to the silver screen in Men in Black I and II, but to wait a decade to make a third has to be a risk for any studio right?

That’s what I thought anyway. I gave this film a miss at the cinemas, applying my normal ‘I’ll wait ‘till it’s $3 in the video shop’ mentality. I now regret not having gone to the cinema to see it.

Too often with these predestined blockbusters, you sit through a two hour display of the best CGI the studio could afford and it is not until the credits roll that you start to wonder whether there was actually a film script at all. This is not the case for Men in Black III. I was even impressed with the intelligent, yet still comedic, approach they took to time travel. This is so often done so nauseatingly that to see it tackled well in a comedy is a real breath of fresh air.

CGI special effects are nothing short of spectacular and for the most part seamlessly integrated into the live-action throughout. I like a film where they complement, rather than replace props and difficult to shoot scenes.

As a fan of Flight of the Conchords, I have to say that Jemaine Clement stole the show. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones channel their 2002 characters in a nothing short of hilarious delivery. I would have liked to see Rip Torn as Agent Zed again, though his character was unfortunately written out. The only other thing missing from the film was the talking pug dog.
 



He's hard to pick at first!



If you liked the first two films, but haven’t caught this one yet, then MIB3 is a must grab for your next movie night. (Don't forget the perfect beer too!)

–Kieran

Live Export Trade

by Meredith

Since responding to the Animals Australia campaign against factory farming (see my earlier post on 12 November), I have received regular email and Facebook appeals from numerous animal welfare organisations.

One of the more disturbing concerns the plight of live export animals sent from Australia to the Middle East. Although many of the more graphic images are censored, this film is shocking. It was also featured on ABC Four Corners on Monday 5 November.

'Do you think live exports are a good idea?'  Then watch this!

The film exposes the barbaric nature of the live export trade and what can happen to the animals if things go wrong. The graphic content, combined with an appeal to my compassion and ethics, manipulated my feelings once again. I was moved enough to write immediately to my local member about my opposition to the live export trade, as requested by Animals Australia.

Since then, however, I have begun to wonder if actions such as indignant letters are going to change things. The fact is, stopping the live export trade would have severe repercussions for large sections of Australia’s rural population. I doubt either side of politics is likely to take such drastic action, and the Greens are not likely to have enough power to force them.

Nevertheless, I suspect that I will continue to receive updates on issues such as these now that I have dipped my toe in the water.

HEY KIDS!                          The BIG BANANA is now FIFTY!    post by Cristian

Yes indeed - 2013 is time to revisit that crazy fibreglass THING FROM ANOTHER TIME just off the Pacific Highway at Coff's Harbour.  Forty years seems like a long time: not at the BIG BANANA where it's still 1963!

Forget dreary educational stops like museums, or fancy amusement parks.  Pull over at one of Straya's most loved attractions and experience wholesome family fun the way it should be! ALL WELCOME!! 

See this girl?  She's HAPPY.                                                                      That's what makes you a better person.  Also remember to eat lots of fruit - especially BANANAS. Make sure your kids experience wholesome simple fun (and eat their fruit) before they become cynical and over-educated.

This little critter knows the BIG secret!

So take a break at one the BIG THINGS and enjoy the simple things in life.  If you're still feeling guilty, pop into a modern art exhibition or see an avant garde play afterwards (obviously you'll need to continue on to Byron Bay...or return to Sydney) -- but don't forget the riper things in life.

You may also consider the appropriately named BIG PINEAPPLE, the hideous BIG PRAWN, or the erstwhile BIG KOALA (approach with caution) in your travels.  The BIG MERINO is now located out of sight to avoid alarming motorists (or the other way around).

NEW FROM U-NEED-IT.com

Block of Wood.

This handy, hand-sawn block of valuable plantation timber has many uses around the home.  Handcrafted using the finest crafstmanship, our team of skilled artists has launched Block of Wood for you with his un-matched skill and dedication.

Use Block of Wood as a beautiful conversation piece on your dining table.  Be the envy of your friends as they remark on your new minimalist statement.  Great learning aid for helping the kiddies learn to count - especially up to 1.  Makes a fine wedge for stopping things from rolling about the place! Keep intruders at bay by pushing against doors ("Jumbo" Block recommended). And best of all, your Block of Wood can be personalised in so many ways! All you need is a saw, heavy duty plane or router! (Tools not included). Your Block of Wood will look attractive placed at any angle - especially sideways.

Order today and you'll receive a beautiful set of matching coasters made from genuine fence-post trimmings FREE!

Block of Wood
Available in three sizes:
Standard - for standard use $89. 99
Petite - for the apartment dweller $79.50
Jumbo - for the rancher or art curator $129.89 (inc. fuel tax)

Each Block of Wood comes with a twelve month guarantee subject to fire risk / dry rot zones.

Recommended and reviewed by Cristian.

Eclectic Elwood

Posted by Sue Lill







Photo taken from inside
'Sails on the Bay' Restaurant, Elwood

Elwood is one of the many ‘hidden secrets’ of Melbourne. It is a mixture of young and old, shabby and chic. It oozes charm and sophistication and 'dagginess' too. 

Elwood beach is a hive of activity and gives residents and visitors a stunning venue to:

• Exercise
• Walk their dogs
• Reflect on the day
• Meet friends and socialise, and
• Sometimes just stand in awe of a wondrous sunset!

Ormond Road Shopping Village is one of the many ‘strip shopping’ gems in the area and below are my thoughts  on three (3) of its shops:

• Review 1
  
  
  

  

Bella Inspirations

Whether I am walking to the local shops to buy boring stuff like milk and bread, I always seem to walk past the shop ‘Bella Inspirations’, even if it isn’t on the same side of the road as the supermarket!  

The visual merchandiser does a stunning job. Sometimes I will just look in the window to see what’s new - from beautiful scarves and bags, to upside down umbrellas hanging from the ceiling and skincare products beautifully presented. When I have more time I walk in and feel like a kid in a candy shop. There is so much to see in such a small area. It sells cards, even some items of Lounge Apparel clothes, candles, skincare products, jewellery, calendars, perfumes to name a few.

It is a place that you know you will find cards and presents to suit most of your friends and family. Indeed, it is a place to buy something special for yourself!!!

There is always a ‘specials’ section which is perfect for picking up bits and pieces for the ‘present drawer’ – you know the place you store things ‘just in case you need a present at the last minute and haven’t got time to fly around to find just the right thing!’. Or, and I am sure this is not you, but perhaps someone has forgotten a very special person’s birthday, anniversary or even the fact that they are flying out to Europe next week and you need a little something for the party tonight???

For me, Bella Inspirations makes a visit to the supermarket much more pleasurable . . .

98 Ormond Road Elwood Vic 3184

www.bellainspirations.com

•  Review 2

Naughts & Crosses

Bubbles emerging and escaping from an alleyway on your way to Bella Inspirations certainly causes you to stop. Toddlers in prams reach out their little arms and hands to grab the bubbles and laugh and giggle as their parents discover the source.

Big people like me are also drawn to the source probably because it evokes memories of childhood. Perhaps also the phrase ‘What the . . .’ comes to mind.

Grandparents must be thinking where can I buy one of those machines!!!

It is a brilliant marketing idea to draw people to the shop situated just down the alleyway where more visual wonders are to be had.

So you know what to do if you are in the area, just follow the bubbles and you may start laughing and giggling yourself. You don’t always get that when shopping online!!!

• Review 3

The Leaf Store and The Leaf Store Florist

‘delicious shopping – personal delivery – share your food passion’

As you enter this store you feel as if you are being taking back in time. It has a wonderful ambience and dedicated clientelle.

No matter if you need the salad items or vegies for tea tonight or are having friends over for 3 course meal you will find everything you need – and more – in this store.

It has recently expanded but still has the same relaxing and ‘old world’ charm. Another change has been to move the florist area which used to be at the front of the shop. I used to love purchasing my goodies at the cash register and taking in the most wonderful floral smells that just wafted in the air.

Now a few doors down you will find The Leaf Florist full of stunning flowers.

Both are worth a visit!

Address – 111 Ormond Road Elwood

Facebook.com/theleafstore

Twitter.com/#/theleafstore

 

Opera on Ice - a review

By Angelina

So they had me at the promo: welling up around the 30-second mark and free-flowing tears by 1 minute 27 seconds. Admittedly, figure skating is a sport I am very passionate about. I acknowledge that makes me an odd Australian - but you have to be hard of heart not to appreciate the beauty of this scene alone:

The Arena di Verona - it’s a warm Italian night. Below is a magnificent, glistening ice stage and on it, some of the finest, most powerful figure skaters in the world. Rousing arias from the world’s most beloved operas: 'Don Giovanni', 'Aida', 'Carmen', 'Romeo and Juliet', 'Turandot', 'Tosca' and 'La Traviata'. All performed live by international opera stars and a 200-strong Verona Arena Orchestra and Choir.

The skating ‘tricks’ are flying spectacularly thick and fast. Seemingly impossible lifts and throws: at one point Qing Pang is lying horizontally above her husband’s, (partner Jian Tong), head performing a triple twist. Two-time World Champion and Olympic silver medallist, Stéphane Lambiel, thrills the audience with his hamming up of Rigoletto’s La Donna e Mobile and his incomparable headless ‘blur’ spin. 2012 World Champion, Carolina Kostner plays a strong and stunning fair-headed Carmen in her home country.

Pang & Tong's triple twist

Stephane Lambiel's Headless Spin

Given that this is the movie version of the 2011 performance of Opera on Ice, the clever editors have put in place some wonderful slow motion tricks so that viewers can take in highlighted spins, jumps, lifts and throws in accentuated and prolonged glory.  I thoroughly appreciated this, (any figure skating aficionado who says they can always pick a triple from a double is probably not being very truthful …), but my skating friend found these tricks distracting from the flow of the performance.

Second time around I decided to share this glorious experience with my ice hockey playing husband and my seven-year-old daughter. I had high hopes for this cultural family outing. My daughter sat with her fingers in her ears yelling, “Why are they ruining the skating with this horrible loud music!” And whilst decimating his coffee flavoured choc top my husband whispers, “That Stéphane’s a man I could turn for!”

When it returns next year, I’ll be going with my skating and opera loving girlfriends.

77 mins, showing at Palace Cinemas around Australia (as part of the Lavazza Italian Film Festival). The international who’s who of figure skating also includes Canadian Emanuel Sandhu, Russian pair team Tatiana Totmianina and Maxim Marinin; Italian dance team, Anna Cappellini & Luca Lanotte and French dance team Isabelle Delobel & Olivier Shoenfelder, and Hot Shivers, the Italian National Synchronised Skating Team.

Melbourne's Eiffel Tower

by Angelina
Part 2 of the Mummy & Me Girls’ Day Out in Melbourne

Imogen is in love with Paris - not that she’s ever been there. She has Eiffel Tower clothing; an Eiffel Tower toy hanging from her school bag and she madly cuts and pastes little Paris motifs on to anything that will take UHU glue. This obsession has been around a while so when two years ago she pointed up at the spire of the Arts Centre and exclaimed: “Look, Mummy, it’s the Eiffel Tower in Melbourne!” I didn’t exactly correct her …

So part two of our regular Girlies’ Day Out is a visit to Melbourne’s Eiffel Tower, (or the Victorian Arts Centre as it’s commonly known).

Before even entering the Arts Centre there are two very important stops: the first is the large, paved outdoor stage in the forecourt. The second is the strategically placed outdoor café serving very good coffee. The two work hand in hand: while I caffeinate, little Miss ‘Me’ provides the entertainment. This can be anything from balletic leaps and pirouettes, through to the most recent ‘treat’, which was the horse-riding move from the Gangnam Style YouTube clip.

Over summer we encountered a small challenge when the ‘stage’ was covered by a very big but elegant Spiegeltent. This, however, lead to the wonderful discovery that there is even more kid-friendly open space to both the south and west of the Arts Centre with some very interesting sculptures available for being climbed on, prodded or at the very least, posed with.

Once the outdoor ritual is complete, it’s time to move into the “Eiffel Tower”.  The mural that meanders up and down the staircase inside the entry foyer immediately ignites Imogen’s curiosity. She’s eager to following it up and down in both directions to find the fairies, unicorns, bouquets of the flowers, and sea creatures. Is it an underwater fantasy or is it a fairy world? Intriguing!

Down the staircase (or escalators) and we are into the underworld of the State and Playhouse Theatres. In quiet times, the wide, empty carpeted spaces are too tempting for a seven year old not execute a couple of swift, clean cartwheels. This is in between gasps at the various costumes on display. Usually anything involving a tutu, Dame Edna or hot pants catches her eye as she ponders what type of dance her and her school friends might do if they had those costumes.

I take in the superb public art collection around the theatres, which includes indigenous works by several renowned Papunya artists and modern Australian works by Arthur Boyd, John Olsen and Roger Kemp. Sadly, these are less interesting for Imogen – but she has Kylie Minogue’s hot pants.

Kylie Minogue's Hot Pants

Arthur Boyd's 'The Actor'

We say ‘Adieu’ to the underbelly of the Arts Centre and often find an interesting performing arts exhibition upstairs (thank you to the Arts Centre for introducing Imogen to ACDC!), and maybe make a nice little stop for lunch at Café Vic.

All this, and if we’re actually visiting to see a ballet or some theatre too, that’s just an added bonus!

http://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au