So what do you when you come back from holiday? Short of another holiday, a "recovery" spa session is a tempting alternative.
Hence it was off to Endota Spa in the Melbourne CBD, where the 2 1/2 hour Layabout treatment promises plenty of just that. Laying about.
Tucked away in Flinders Lane and set in the basement of an impressive looking building that also houses Cecconi's, the spa's decor is similar to others in its franchise - all natural and earthy tones with its trademark green walls in the reception area. Only thing about a spa being underground is that there are no windows, which means no gazing serenely out of a window while sipping herbal tea in a bathrobe.
The Layabout starts off with what Endota calls the Billabong footbath. I soak my feet in a large tub of soothing warm water, while the therapist applies a lemon myrtle and mint scrub on my feet and legs. A foot massage sets the scene for the laying about that follows.
First, a half-hour organic facial using Endota's range of products tailored for my skin type. The last time I got an Endota facial (at the Malvern spa), I ended up with red, peeling skin. Luckily, the products used this time were perfect and felt really soothing. My therapist also had a very deft touch, which put me at ease.
Next, a full-body scrub and a warming clay body masque. Mmm. I drift away, wrapped in a cocoon of towels, while the clay masque works its magic. A light snooze later, I am gently woken up and escorted to a bathtub big enough for two, where I soak and wash away the remnants of that wonderful clay masque. The relaxation massage that followed was the perfect way to top off a most relaxing afternoon.
After getting dressed, I was ushered to the relaxation lounge to take it all in over a cup of tea. My therapist hands me a card listing all the products used, and I'm glad there wasn't a hard sell as that would've spoiled the whole "zen-ness" of the whole experience.
Overall, I was quite happy with this spa experience. While it's not as posh (and as expensive) as Aurora, it still ticked all the boxes for an excellent pampering experience.
Banish your post-holiday blues at:
Endota Spa Melbourne CBD
69-71 Flinders Lane
Melbourne, VIC 3000
t: +61 3 9650 7171
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Learning to like public speaking
I started a short course in public speaking tonight. Not the best time to be starting a short course, much less in public speaking - seeing that I'm still dealing with the three-hour time difference between Malaysia/Hong Kong and Melbourne*, and it was my first day back at work.
Lazy little me had every intention of skipping class tonight, in favour of a good lie-down on the couch. Then I got a call from the course instructor. Boo. To his credit though, I was very impressed that he took the time to follow up with me after I had informed him that I would be skipping his first class due to my well-timed holiday. He rang me to then to reassure me that I could still catch up even after missing the first class, and today he rang to bring me up to speed with what happened last week and what we were expected to do in class tonight.
Maybe he had past experience with lazy people like me, 'cuz that was the motivator for me to stay back after work despite being incredibly dazed and sleepy, and front up to class at 6.30pm.
Tonight we were required to talk for 60-90 seconds about something that we were passionate about. Brad had suggested that I speak about why I wasn't in class last week, and link in to my passion for travel. Which was a good idea, 'cuz I sure as heck wasn't prepared. Visual aids, you say? Google Images here I come.
Thank goodness he left me for lucky last. I think that being in a daze turns one's brains to sponge, because I managed to soak up an amazing amount of helpful hints and tips on how to improve my presentation and its delivery. I started writing down witty asides (oh la-di-da), and using the breathing techniques to calm my nerves. That's the thing that gets to me with public speaking - it's not that I can't ad-lib and improvise on my notes, it's the nerves that get me. This course, for me, is going to be very much about overcoming that fear of speaking to a group of strangers.
And, glad to say, I did pretty well :D I started off with a line about how my parents tell me to save and invest my money, but I choose to squander my savings on two of my passions - food and travel. I put up a pic of HK that I found on Wikipedia (thank you, creative commons licensing!) and even slipped in a joke about doing my bit for the HK economy, using KRudd's money.
But what really hit me (despite my lack of sleep) is that how much being in a learning environment had energised and inspired me. After the class, my brain was going at a million miles per hour, it was as if the cogs had started turning again after being dormant for so long. I started getting ideas for next week's presentation, and about the various topics I could speak about. I started realising how much I missed learning, and how fun it was.
Learning expands one's horizons; it keeps your brain from becoming stagnant, and your mind open to new ways of thinking. It revitalises your brain cells, and fuels ideas. And, as I realised tonight, when you learn something new, you invariably learn something new about yourself.
I'm so pumped for next week. I have two classes - Copywriting in Action on Tuesday, and Public Speaking on Wednesday. Thank you, Professional Development funds from work!
And I thought tonight was gonna be a drag.
*Hey, three hours might not sound like much, but it's still quite a bit to deal with! Going to bed at 1am Malaysian time means that I am staring at the ceiling until 4am in Melbourne. Getting up at 7am in Melbourne is like forcing yourself to be awake at 4am in Malaysia.
Lazy little me had every intention of skipping class tonight, in favour of a good lie-down on the couch. Then I got a call from the course instructor. Boo. To his credit though, I was very impressed that he took the time to follow up with me after I had informed him that I would be skipping his first class due to my well-timed holiday. He rang me to then to reassure me that I could still catch up even after missing the first class, and today he rang to bring me up to speed with what happened last week and what we were expected to do in class tonight.
Maybe he had past experience with lazy people like me, 'cuz that was the motivator for me to stay back after work despite being incredibly dazed and sleepy, and front up to class at 6.30pm.
Tonight we were required to talk for 60-90 seconds about something that we were passionate about. Brad had suggested that I speak about why I wasn't in class last week, and link in to my passion for travel. Which was a good idea, 'cuz I sure as heck wasn't prepared. Visual aids, you say? Google Images here I come.
Thank goodness he left me for lucky last. I think that being in a daze turns one's brains to sponge, because I managed to soak up an amazing amount of helpful hints and tips on how to improve my presentation and its delivery. I started writing down witty asides (oh la-di-da), and using the breathing techniques to calm my nerves. That's the thing that gets to me with public speaking - it's not that I can't ad-lib and improvise on my notes, it's the nerves that get me. This course, for me, is going to be very much about overcoming that fear of speaking to a group of strangers.
And, glad to say, I did pretty well :D I started off with a line about how my parents tell me to save and invest my money, but I choose to squander my savings on two of my passions - food and travel. I put up a pic of HK that I found on Wikipedia (thank you, creative commons licensing!) and even slipped in a joke about doing my bit for the HK economy, using KRudd's money.
But what really hit me (despite my lack of sleep) is that how much being in a learning environment had energised and inspired me. After the class, my brain was going at a million miles per hour, it was as if the cogs had started turning again after being dormant for so long. I started getting ideas for next week's presentation, and about the various topics I could speak about. I started realising how much I missed learning, and how fun it was.
Learning expands one's horizons; it keeps your brain from becoming stagnant, and your mind open to new ways of thinking. It revitalises your brain cells, and fuels ideas. And, as I realised tonight, when you learn something new, you invariably learn something new about yourself.
I'm so pumped for next week. I have two classes - Copywriting in Action on Tuesday, and Public Speaking on Wednesday. Thank you, Professional Development funds from work!
And I thought tonight was gonna be a drag.
*Hey, three hours might not sound like much, but it's still quite a bit to deal with! Going to bed at 1am Malaysian time means that I am staring at the ceiling until 4am in Melbourne. Getting up at 7am in Melbourne is like forcing yourself to be awake at 4am in Malaysia.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
A spa to write home about - Chuan Spa, Langham Place Hotel, Hong Kong
Hong Kong can sometimes leave you feeling all hot and frazzled, and in need of some respite from all the chaos, wonderful as all the chaos might be. Thus I'm glad that I incorporated some spa activity (or inactivity) into our trip - it's what you need in order to feel human again!
I picked Chuan Spa at the Langham Place Hotel in Mong Kok - thought I'd splash out a bit. I was worried that it wouldn't be nice despite it being a bit expensive, but those concerns were soon to be eliminated, together with any stress and tension gathered over the past month or so.
Firstly, the spa was on the 41st floor of the hotel. Upon check-in I am led to the Contemplation Room, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. The view was magnificent. A hot towel and tea awaited while I filled out the check-in questionnaire. The point of the questionnaire, other than to get your details, is to determine your state of being for today, which would help your spa therapist to tailor your treatment accordingly. This concept is based on the five Chinese elements of earth, wind, water, fire and (I think) metal. Mine was very clearly earth - looks like I needed some grounding elements to calm my frazzled (and overheated) holiday nerves.
The Contemplation Room:
I was then led to the change rooms and shown the showers, steam room, sauna and Oriental hot tub. Damn I forgot my bathers. And this place didn't condone nude bathing :( My slight disappointment at forgetting my bathers, however, was short-lived as I slipped into a fluffy bathrobe and slippers and made my way downstairs to the treatment room.
I had signed up for the 2.5-hour Chuan Escape treatment, and was greeted my therapist, Yee, before being led around the zen water garden to the 'Water' room. Opulently decorated, with dim lighting and soft colours, it made one feel calmer already just by being in there.
The treatment started off with a refreshing body scrub containing hints of peppermint. It felt tingly and cool against my skin. Yee's hands worked magic even with something as simple as a scrub application, and I begin to drift away...
Now the beauty of Chuan Spa is in the details. After applying the scrub, I could hear the sound of the shower being turned on. Yee washes my feet, dries them with a hot towel, then slips the spa slippers on before gently helping me up (me being all warm and fuzzy in the head) to the shower. This is what makes a spa treatment so special - when you feel like you're really being pampered and treated like royalty.
After showering, I am led to this cocoon-like machine that is kinda like a tanning bed, only it does good things to your skin (think it's a vichy shower?). A warming mud mask is applied all over my body, the top lid of the bed is shut down over me (only my body from the shoulders down was cocooned) and the steam turned on for half-an-hour or thereabouts.
I fell asleep. I even caught myself snoring a few times.
After the steam treatment, the vichy showers were turned on inside the cocoon. Invigorating jets of water in various rhythmic massage modes washed the mud away, while the bed - as I discovered with mild surprise - doubled as a vibrating massage table.
Another shower later and I was led to the 'Heaven' room for my aromatherapy massage. Yee used a mix of techniques to melt away the tension. She also massaged my tummy - I think this was because I had listed indigestion as one of the discomforts I had experienced in the last week or so, no doubt due to my excessive eating in KL!
The hour was over too soon, and I soon found myself being led to the Relaxation Room, which contained a row of plush day beds overlooking the city. By then night had already fallen and the view was breath-taking. I reclined on the big, fluffy pillows and savoured the view over some hot tea and fresh fruit, soaking it all in. This was really the perfect ending to an already exceptional spa experience.
Here is the view from the 41st floor by night:
I wish I could do this every month. There is a Chuan Spa at the Melbourne Langham on Southbank, but it is slightly more expensive than the HK one, and I don't know if it's held to the same high standards. Will have to give that one a go.
Chuan Spa HK is definitely at the top of my list now - sorry, Aurora Spa Retreat!
I picked Chuan Spa at the Langham Place Hotel in Mong Kok - thought I'd splash out a bit. I was worried that it wouldn't be nice despite it being a bit expensive, but those concerns were soon to be eliminated, together with any stress and tension gathered over the past month or so.
Firstly, the spa was on the 41st floor of the hotel. Upon check-in I am led to the Contemplation Room, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. The view was magnificent. A hot towel and tea awaited while I filled out the check-in questionnaire. The point of the questionnaire, other than to get your details, is to determine your state of being for today, which would help your spa therapist to tailor your treatment accordingly. This concept is based on the five Chinese elements of earth, wind, water, fire and (I think) metal. Mine was very clearly earth - looks like I needed some grounding elements to calm my frazzled (and overheated) holiday nerves.
The Contemplation Room:
I was then led to the change rooms and shown the showers, steam room, sauna and Oriental hot tub. Damn I forgot my bathers. And this place didn't condone nude bathing :( My slight disappointment at forgetting my bathers, however, was short-lived as I slipped into a fluffy bathrobe and slippers and made my way downstairs to the treatment room.
I had signed up for the 2.5-hour Chuan Escape treatment, and was greeted my therapist, Yee, before being led around the zen water garden to the 'Water' room. Opulently decorated, with dim lighting and soft colours, it made one feel calmer already just by being in there.
The treatment started off with a refreshing body scrub containing hints of peppermint. It felt tingly and cool against my skin. Yee's hands worked magic even with something as simple as a scrub application, and I begin to drift away...
Now the beauty of Chuan Spa is in the details. After applying the scrub, I could hear the sound of the shower being turned on. Yee washes my feet, dries them with a hot towel, then slips the spa slippers on before gently helping me up (me being all warm and fuzzy in the head) to the shower. This is what makes a spa treatment so special - when you feel like you're really being pampered and treated like royalty.
After showering, I am led to this cocoon-like machine that is kinda like a tanning bed, only it does good things to your skin (think it's a vichy shower?). A warming mud mask is applied all over my body, the top lid of the bed is shut down over me (only my body from the shoulders down was cocooned) and the steam turned on for half-an-hour or thereabouts.
I fell asleep. I even caught myself snoring a few times.
After the steam treatment, the vichy showers were turned on inside the cocoon. Invigorating jets of water in various rhythmic massage modes washed the mud away, while the bed - as I discovered with mild surprise - doubled as a vibrating massage table.
Another shower later and I was led to the 'Heaven' room for my aromatherapy massage. Yee used a mix of techniques to melt away the tension. She also massaged my tummy - I think this was because I had listed indigestion as one of the discomforts I had experienced in the last week or so, no doubt due to my excessive eating in KL!
The hour was over too soon, and I soon found myself being led to the Relaxation Room, which contained a row of plush day beds overlooking the city. By then night had already fallen and the view was breath-taking. I reclined on the big, fluffy pillows and savoured the view over some hot tea and fresh fruit, soaking it all in. This was really the perfect ending to an already exceptional spa experience.
Here is the view from the 41st floor by night:
I wish I could do this every month. There is a Chuan Spa at the Melbourne Langham on Southbank, but it is slightly more expensive than the HK one, and I don't know if it's held to the same high standards. Will have to give that one a go.
Chuan Spa HK is definitely at the top of my list now - sorry, Aurora Spa Retreat!
Monday, October 05, 2009
Hong Kong - Day 2
Day 2 in HK, and I've probably worn down the soles of my sandals from all that walking around. Although the heat was more bearable than it would've been in summer, the humidity was still pretty high.
We spent the day walking around Hong Kong park, a welcome spot of green in the concrete jungle of Central. Jam made me hike up a million and one steps in the searing afternoon heat to this walk-through aviary...only there were hardly any birds there :P Well, to be fair I was probably expecting a bit too much as I had been to the biodome in Montreal and the aquarium in Osaka, which also had a pretty good biodome.
Admiralty station is the one nearest to the park, I think:
A waterfall in the middle of the city...ahhh.
Anyway, after a massive trek across the park and the rest of Central in an attempt to return to Admiralty station, we stopped for lunch at reputedly one of the best restaurants in HK for wonton (prawn dumpling) noodles. We thought that reputation was well-deserved. The wontons were as big as your spoon, and even though you only got three wontons per bowl, they were substantial enough that you didn't feel cheated.
The place was packed out, but turnover was pretty quick - they don't waste time here in HK!
We then wandered around Graham St Market. Nice to know that there was a wet market right in the middle of the CBD. One thing's for sure, the locals like their seafood F.R.E.S.H. None of this frozen crap. The fish we saw were either swimming in tanks, or so fresh out of the water they were still flapping and jumping around. Some were so freshly cut up that their gills were still a-goin' and their hearts were still a-pumpin'. Definitely not for the squeamish.
We then went to Mongkok for a spot of shopping and to meet my appointment with Chuan Spa at the Langham Place Hotel. Read about my spa 'experience' here.
Jam went exploring while I was at the spa and found Mos Burger! Needless to say that's what we had for dinner. It's not as good as the Japan one, but it was still pretty tasty.
Walked around Mong Kok after that. The Ladies Market at Tung Choi Street has become such a rip-off these days, it's almost not worth the effort. The traders know that you're going to haggle with them anyway, so they start off with an astronomical price. I bought two souvenir fridge magnets there, and the opening bid was HK$60, which I haggled down to HK$20 each if I bought two. A couple of days later, when we were at Sham Shui Po, I found the exact same magnets in the market there - and the opening bid was HK$20. Go figure.
What's the best thing since sliced bread? Steamed milk pudding, that's what! I've been told that it's made of milk and egg white, but whatever it is, it sure is yummy! Yee Shun Milk Co. is a chain that is famous for its steamed milk pudding. They also do an egg one, which is yellow (I assume they throw the yolk in). I couldn't seem to find the one that my grandfather went to for many many years - it is/was called Hong Ming Dairy. They did the best steamed milk pudding. What I loved best about Hong Ming is that the waiters looked like they've grown old with the cafe, some of them were only slightly younger than grand-dad! I could never quite remember exactly where it was, so I don't even know if it's still there :(
We spent the day walking around Hong Kong park, a welcome spot of green in the concrete jungle of Central. Jam made me hike up a million and one steps in the searing afternoon heat to this walk-through aviary...only there were hardly any birds there :P Well, to be fair I was probably expecting a bit too much as I had been to the biodome in Montreal and the aquarium in Osaka, which also had a pretty good biodome.
Admiralty station is the one nearest to the park, I think:
A waterfall in the middle of the city...ahhh.
Anyway, after a massive trek across the park and the rest of Central in an attempt to return to Admiralty station, we stopped for lunch at reputedly one of the best restaurants in HK for wonton (prawn dumpling) noodles. We thought that reputation was well-deserved. The wontons were as big as your spoon, and even though you only got three wontons per bowl, they were substantial enough that you didn't feel cheated.
Massive wontons at Tsim Tsai Kee
The place was packed out, but turnover was pretty quick - they don't waste time here in HK!
We then wandered around Graham St Market. Nice to know that there was a wet market right in the middle of the CBD. One thing's for sure, the locals like their seafood F.R.E.S.H. None of this frozen crap. The fish we saw were either swimming in tanks, or so fresh out of the water they were still flapping and jumping around. Some were so freshly cut up that their gills were still a-goin' and their hearts were still a-pumpin'. Definitely not for the squeamish.
We then went to Mongkok for a spot of shopping and to meet my appointment with Chuan Spa at the Langham Place Hotel. Read about my spa 'experience' here.
Jam went exploring while I was at the spa and found Mos Burger! Needless to say that's what we had for dinner. It's not as good as the Japan one, but it was still pretty tasty.
Walked around Mong Kok after that. The Ladies Market at Tung Choi Street has become such a rip-off these days, it's almost not worth the effort. The traders know that you're going to haggle with them anyway, so they start off with an astronomical price. I bought two souvenir fridge magnets there, and the opening bid was HK$60, which I haggled down to HK$20 each if I bought two. A couple of days later, when we were at Sham Shui Po, I found the exact same magnets in the market there - and the opening bid was HK$20. Go figure.
What's the best thing since sliced bread? Steamed milk pudding, that's what! I've been told that it's made of milk and egg white, but whatever it is, it sure is yummy! Yee Shun Milk Co. is a chain that is famous for its steamed milk pudding. They also do an egg one, which is yellow (I assume they throw the yolk in). I couldn't seem to find the one that my grandfather went to for many many years - it is/was called Hong Ming Dairy. They did the best steamed milk pudding. What I loved best about Hong Ming is that the waiters looked like they've grown old with the cafe, some of them were only slightly younger than grand-dad! I could never quite remember exactly where it was, so I don't even know if it's still there :(
Thursday, October 01, 2009
We are in Malaysia!
Yayy! Have started my long-awaited holiday trip to Malaysia and Hong Kong. Arrived in Malaysia last night, got off the plane and went straight for supper. In Malaysia, the first thing you do when you land is to eat.
Went to this outdoor eating place in Puchong, with tables spread out all around and even into the parking spaces across the street. Don't think this is actually legal, but hey if no one's looking...
Had two types of noodles - the dark, saucy Hokkien style and the lighter, egg chiffon Cantonese style. And three types of satays (meat skewers cooked over a charcoal bbq) - chicken, beef and goat. Loved the goat satay - the flavour of the goat went really well with the spicy peanut sauce and 'ketupat' (glutinous rice cakes).
Back to the parents' place...and there were durians waiting! YUM. I LOVE DURIANS. Mum said that we were lucky as the season has just started. Yummy yummy yummy. It's an acquired taste (and smell!), even for those who have grown up with the fruit. Well, I guess not like every Aussie loves Vegemite either.
Today we went to 1 Utama, a shopping centre near my folks' place. Had lunch at a cafe called Little Cravings, and ordered a nasi lemak and nasi kunyit with chicken curry. Nasi lemak is a classic Malaysian dish traditionally eaten for breakfast. You can have the 'fancy' version, with meat - usually chicken or beef curry - or just the basic version, which usually comes with sambal (chilli shrimp paste), crunchy fried anchovies, roasted peanuts and a boiled egg. Sometimes it also comes with pickled veggies, called achar. Ours came with a dry chicken curry, which was pretty good. It had the right amount of spiciness and wasn't too dry.
The main ingredients in nasi kunyit is turmeric, coconut milk and pandan leaves (thank you, interwebs!). The turmeric gives the rice its lovely yellow colour, while the coconut milk and pandan leaves lend the dish a rich, yummy fragrance. Glutinous rice is used, which adds to the 'richness' i.e. you can't eat too much or else you'll start feeling a little ill. It came with a gorgeous looking yellow chicken curry, with lots of sauce to drizzle over the rice. I liked the dish well enough, my only complaints were that there wasn't too much meat on the chicken and the dish overall wasn't hot enough (in temperature, not spiciness).
We spent much of the day walking around the shopping mall, which has become quite massive over the years, like Chadstone. The exchange rate is pretty good at the moment - one Australian dollar buys about RM2.90. Food here is really cheap, so it goes a long way. For example, our lunch for three cost about RM32, which is like about 11 bucks!
Went to Topshop, but couldn't really find anything I liked. Jam bought jeans for A$45, and a pair of red Adidas runners for like A$90. I got a book from MPH - Magyk, the first in the Septimus Heap series - for A$7! Bargain. I've been getting into young adult sci-fi/fantasy these days, there are a some brilliant ones around. Although I still haven't jumped onto the Twilight bandwagon...not quite sure if I'll do that. Yet. I'm kinda still skeptical about all the (over)hype. I've got my eye on another series, The Lightning Thief series by Rick Riordan, so would probably check that out first. Have a feeling that I'll be carting a box of books back to Melbourne!
Got my skincare fix at Shu Uemura - bought the cleansing oil and Nobara foundation for RM400/A$137, which entitled me to a seven-piece gift set plus free mini-facial. Yayy - loot AND face pampering :)
Started feeling peckish and stopped by this place called I Love Yoo!
I am serious.
The cafe has a pretty small menu, centred around congee and its accompaniments - usually deep fried chinese doughnuts and other assorted fried cake-y things - as well as soybean milk and tofu desserts, and coffee.
We got some congee with chinese donut and a tofu dessert:
Yum. And only RM15/A$5.10 !
I'll put another post up about dinner. Needless to say we ate too much.
Went to this outdoor eating place in Puchong, with tables spread out all around and even into the parking spaces across the street. Don't think this is actually legal, but hey if no one's looking...
Had two types of noodles - the dark, saucy Hokkien style and the lighter, egg chiffon Cantonese style. And three types of satays (meat skewers cooked over a charcoal bbq) - chicken, beef and goat. Loved the goat satay - the flavour of the goat went really well with the spicy peanut sauce and 'ketupat' (glutinous rice cakes).
Back to the parents' place...and there were durians waiting! YUM. I LOVE DURIANS. Mum said that we were lucky as the season has just started. Yummy yummy yummy. It's an acquired taste (and smell!), even for those who have grown up with the fruit. Well, I guess not like every Aussie loves Vegemite either.
Today we went to 1 Utama, a shopping centre near my folks' place. Had lunch at a cafe called Little Cravings, and ordered a nasi lemak and nasi kunyit with chicken curry. Nasi lemak is a classic Malaysian dish traditionally eaten for breakfast. You can have the 'fancy' version, with meat - usually chicken or beef curry - or just the basic version, which usually comes with sambal (chilli shrimp paste), crunchy fried anchovies, roasted peanuts and a boiled egg. Sometimes it also comes with pickled veggies, called achar. Ours came with a dry chicken curry, which was pretty good. It had the right amount of spiciness and wasn't too dry.
The main ingredients in nasi kunyit is turmeric, coconut milk and pandan leaves (thank you, interwebs!). The turmeric gives the rice its lovely yellow colour, while the coconut milk and pandan leaves lend the dish a rich, yummy fragrance. Glutinous rice is used, which adds to the 'richness' i.e. you can't eat too much or else you'll start feeling a little ill. It came with a gorgeous looking yellow chicken curry, with lots of sauce to drizzle over the rice. I liked the dish well enough, my only complaints were that there wasn't too much meat on the chicken and the dish overall wasn't hot enough (in temperature, not spiciness).
We spent much of the day walking around the shopping mall, which has become quite massive over the years, like Chadstone. The exchange rate is pretty good at the moment - one Australian dollar buys about RM2.90. Food here is really cheap, so it goes a long way. For example, our lunch for three cost about RM32, which is like about 11 bucks!
Went to Topshop, but couldn't really find anything I liked. Jam bought jeans for A$45, and a pair of red Adidas runners for like A$90. I got a book from MPH - Magyk, the first in the Septimus Heap series - for A$7! Bargain. I've been getting into young adult sci-fi/fantasy these days, there are a some brilliant ones around. Although I still haven't jumped onto the Twilight bandwagon...not quite sure if I'll do that. Yet. I'm kinda still skeptical about all the (over)hype. I've got my eye on another series, The Lightning Thief series by Rick Riordan, so would probably check that out first. Have a feeling that I'll be carting a box of books back to Melbourne!
Got my skincare fix at Shu Uemura - bought the cleansing oil and Nobara foundation for RM400/A$137, which entitled me to a seven-piece gift set plus free mini-facial. Yayy - loot AND face pampering :)
Started feeling peckish and stopped by this place called I Love Yoo!
I am serious.
The cafe has a pretty small menu, centred around congee and its accompaniments - usually deep fried chinese doughnuts and other assorted fried cake-y things - as well as soybean milk and tofu desserts, and coffee.
We got some congee with chinese donut and a tofu dessert:
I'll put another post up about dinner. Needless to say we ate too much.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Birthday blog - serious pampering at Aurora Spa Retreat, St Kilda
So it was my birthday a couple of weeks ago. I remember when I used to enjoy birthdays. That's probably cuz I wasn't so fricken' old.
One of the good things about turning 29 is that I can now afford to buy myself presents, and not having to wait for people to give them to me. Besides, after a certain age nobody gives you presents anymore (except for your boyfriend, or else he'll be in deep shit), because you're a grown-up now, and only kids get presents.
I can also take a day off to pamper myself at a spa. Oh, Aurora Spa Retreat, how I love thee. My boy (who is not in deep shit btw) gave me a $150 gift card from Aurora for Valentine's Day (*grins*), and I've been waiting all year to use it.
Aurora is certainly not the cheapest day spa around. But it's supposed to be one of the more amazing ones. The last time I was there was a couple of years ago, where I dropped some $300 for a two-hour treatment. I had booked in for a similar treatment this time too - a one-hour Kitya Karnu Signature body treatment and a one-hour detox massage.
The Kitya Karnu is Aurora's award-winning treatment, and it's not hard to see why. I am taken to my own private steam and shower room, where Trent my therapist lets me choose a salt scrub to slather over my dull-looking skin. I pick one that smells like lavender, and he lets me sniff the accompanying oil.
Now one might think that it would be awkward and slightly uncomfortable to have a male therapist in the wet treatment room, but hey, equal opportunity for all, I say. If Trent wants to be a spa therapist, then more power to him. If spa patrons were to reject male therapists, they would be denying these guys an opportunity to do their job. And there would be less male therapists in the industry. Same deal with introducing more women to male-dominated industries - if no one gave these women a chance, then we are actively reducing their opportunities to prove themselves and make their mark.
Enough philosophising,back to the treatment. The oil is applied all over my skin, and when the salt is sprinkled over that, it creates a warming sensation. After letting it sit for a few minutes, the concoction is showered off. Repeat on the other side. I also get a hair masque put in, together with a soothing scalp massage and a nice little face clean. Trent has hands of magic.
After the treatment (who thought one hour could pass so quickly?) I shower off the remnants of the scrub and hair masque, before slipping back into my comfy robe and slippers. Trent shows me back to the lounge and to the shelf of creams where I could rehydrate my face with some moisturiser. He also had a glass of water with lemon to rehydrate my body before the next treatment.
Next, the detox massage. After a brief chat about what concerns I wanted to address, my therapist applied some warming balm to my shoulders and upper back before beginning the massage. She was a tiny little thing, but boy did she have arms of steel! Her touch was firm and therapeutic. At times it was a little *too* firm - I think she gave me bruises! Nevertheless, it was still quite enjoyable and the hour passed by quickly. I didn't doze off like the massage I got in Takayama, Japan but it was still pretty good.
Aurora is also not the type of spa to rush you out after your treatment. I had some time to sip more tea at my leisure, before popping into the change room for a proper shower. The spa provides everything - shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body oil/lotion, even a hair dryer.
I left the spa feeling relaxed, yet invigorated somehow. If only money weren't an issue. I could certainly make a habit out of this.
Now for dinner - but that's another entry.
Pamper yourself at:
Aurora Spa Retreat
The Prince Hotel
2 Acland Street
St Kilda
t: +61 3 9536 1130
One of the good things about turning 29 is that I can now afford to buy myself presents, and not having to wait for people to give them to me. Besides, after a certain age nobody gives you presents anymore (except for your boyfriend, or else he'll be in deep shit), because you're a grown-up now, and only kids get presents.
I can also take a day off to pamper myself at a spa. Oh, Aurora Spa Retreat, how I love thee. My boy (who is not in deep shit btw) gave me a $150 gift card from Aurora for Valentine's Day (*grins*), and I've been waiting all year to use it.
Aurora is certainly not the cheapest day spa around. But it's supposed to be one of the more amazing ones. The last time I was there was a couple of years ago, where I dropped some $300 for a two-hour treatment. I had booked in for a similar treatment this time too - a one-hour Kitya Karnu Signature body treatment and a one-hour detox massage.
Upon check-in to the spa I am led to the change rooms and provided with a robe and slippers. I come out and there's a cup of herbal tea waiting in the lounge area. The lounge is all earthy tones and neutral colours, with self-help and new age tomes in the magazine racks. No clocks to hurry you along.
The Kitya Karnu is Aurora's award-winning treatment, and it's not hard to see why. I am taken to my own private steam and shower room, where Trent my therapist lets me choose a salt scrub to slather over my dull-looking skin. I pick one that smells like lavender, and he lets me sniff the accompanying oil.
Now one might think that it would be awkward and slightly uncomfortable to have a male therapist in the wet treatment room, but hey, equal opportunity for all, I say. If Trent wants to be a spa therapist, then more power to him. If spa patrons were to reject male therapists, they would be denying these guys an opportunity to do their job. And there would be less male therapists in the industry. Same deal with introducing more women to male-dominated industries - if no one gave these women a chance, then we are actively reducing their opportunities to prove themselves and make their mark.
Enough philosophising,back to the treatment. The oil is applied all over my skin, and when the salt is sprinkled over that, it creates a warming sensation. After letting it sit for a few minutes, the concoction is showered off. Repeat on the other side. I also get a hair masque put in, together with a soothing scalp massage and a nice little face clean. Trent has hands of magic.
After the treatment (who thought one hour could pass so quickly?) I shower off the remnants of the scrub and hair masque, before slipping back into my comfy robe and slippers. Trent shows me back to the lounge and to the shelf of creams where I could rehydrate my face with some moisturiser. He also had a glass of water with lemon to rehydrate my body before the next treatment.
Next, the detox massage. After a brief chat about what concerns I wanted to address, my therapist applied some warming balm to my shoulders and upper back before beginning the massage. She was a tiny little thing, but boy did she have arms of steel! Her touch was firm and therapeutic. At times it was a little *too* firm - I think she gave me bruises! Nevertheless, it was still quite enjoyable and the hour passed by quickly. I didn't doze off like the massage I got in Takayama, Japan but it was still pretty good.
Aurora is also not the type of spa to rush you out after your treatment. I had some time to sip more tea at my leisure, before popping into the change room for a proper shower. The spa provides everything - shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body oil/lotion, even a hair dryer.
I left the spa feeling relaxed, yet invigorated somehow. If only money weren't an issue. I could certainly make a habit out of this.
Now for dinner - but that's another entry.
Pamper yourself at:
Aurora Spa Retreat
The Prince Hotel
2 Acland Street
St Kilda
t: +61 3 9536 1130
Pre-holiday pampering at Endota Spa Malvern
On the weekend before our trip I decided to get into the vacationing mood (and to appease my spa addiction!) by booking in for a massage and facial at Endota Spa Malvern. I had come across a September special on their website - a free half-hour facial if you book in for a one-hour massage for $80. Bargain, I thought.
Endota Spa is an Australian day spa franchise, with branches all across Australia. There are some 25 Endota day spas in Victoria alone, spread across from Berwick to Williamstown. I figured that a franchise this successful would be a pretty safe bet.
When I rang to make my booking, the phone at Endota Malvern did not even ring, or go to voicemail, or even emit the fax machine sound. Instead, it kept giving me the busy signal all day. I rang both the Chadstone and Camberwell spas to make sure that I had the right number, and that they were open. As a final resort I made my booking online and rang back the next to confirm. That went pretty smoothly as they had received my email and had already booked me in. I also got a call the day before my appointment to confirm, which although standard in the industry was still a nice touch.
Endota Spa Malvern is located on Station Street, near the train station (duh). There's plenty of parking. The spa itself struck me as being more like a beauty salon than a day spa. Maybe I've been spoiled by Aurora Spa Retreat - to me a day spa should have, aside from its treatment rooms, a change room, showers and amenities like robes and slippers. Instead, I was led straight to a treatment room (after filling in the questionnaire and a cup of tea), and advised to leave my bag and clothes wherever there was space for it. Maybe they only reserved the robes for clients who got the water treatments?
My one-hour massage was blissful. Then again it was a relaxation massage, so the therapist wasn't as heavy handed as the one who gave me a detox massage at Aurora. I found my therapist pleasant enough, but learnt that she wasn't exactly big on explaining how things work to me. She didn't talk through the treatment in detail, and when she finished the massage she didn't bother saying the obligatory "now we're going to start your facial, so just stay where you are and we'll look after the rest bla bla bla" line. She just left the room and me wondering what was going on, as she had a towel over my eyes and head.
She then came back in and started the facial without saying anything. I was like "...umm, are we starting the facial now?" - dumb question, I know. But I had to be sure!
The half-hour organic facial was less pleasant than the massage. I'm not sure if it was the products she was using, or the over-hot towels she placed on my face, but my cheeks started stinging a little, and for the next two weeks they were red and flaky, like some sort of a reaction. I didn't say anything at the time as it was only in the early stages of the facial, plus the half-hour went by pretty fast.
Afterwards I was taken to the lounge to relax. The therapist told me what products she used on my face, and mentioned that my skin was a little on the dry and sensitive side, which wasn't all incorrect. Overall it wasn't a bad experience. The massage was really nice but I've always been wary of facials (had my fair share of red, splotchy skin afterwards), so maybe that marred the experience a little. The staff were friendly and professional, and while the place is no Aurora Spa Retreat, it's still a nice little spot to get your beauty and spa fix, at more affordable prices.
When I rang to make my booking, the phone at Endota Malvern did not even ring, or go to voicemail, or even emit the fax machine sound. Instead, it kept giving me the busy signal all day. I rang both the Chadstone and Camberwell spas to make sure that I had the right number, and that they were open. As a final resort I made my booking online and rang back the next to confirm. That went pretty smoothly as they had received my email and had already booked me in. I also got a call the day before my appointment to confirm, which although standard in the industry was still a nice touch.
Endota Spa Malvern is located on Station Street, near the train station (duh). There's plenty of parking. The spa itself struck me as being more like a beauty salon than a day spa. Maybe I've been spoiled by Aurora Spa Retreat - to me a day spa should have, aside from its treatment rooms, a change room, showers and amenities like robes and slippers. Instead, I was led straight to a treatment room (after filling in the questionnaire and a cup of tea), and advised to leave my bag and clothes wherever there was space for it. Maybe they only reserved the robes for clients who got the water treatments?
My one-hour massage was blissful. Then again it was a relaxation massage, so the therapist wasn't as heavy handed as the one who gave me a detox massage at Aurora. I found my therapist pleasant enough, but learnt that she wasn't exactly big on explaining how things work to me. She didn't talk through the treatment in detail, and when she finished the massage she didn't bother saying the obligatory "now we're going to start your facial, so just stay where you are and we'll look after the rest bla bla bla" line. She just left the room and me wondering what was going on, as she had a towel over my eyes and head.
She then came back in and started the facial without saying anything. I was like "...umm, are we starting the facial now?" - dumb question, I know. But I had to be sure!
The half-hour organic facial was less pleasant than the massage. I'm not sure if it was the products she was using, or the over-hot towels she placed on my face, but my cheeks started stinging a little, and for the next two weeks they were red and flaky, like some sort of a reaction. I didn't say anything at the time as it was only in the early stages of the facial, plus the half-hour went by pretty fast.
Afterwards I was taken to the lounge to relax. The therapist told me what products she used on my face, and mentioned that my skin was a little on the dry and sensitive side, which wasn't all incorrect. Overall it wasn't a bad experience. The massage was really nice but I've always been wary of facials (had my fair share of red, splotchy skin afterwards), so maybe that marred the experience a little. The staff were friendly and professional, and while the place is no Aurora Spa Retreat, it's still a nice little spot to get your beauty and spa fix, at more affordable prices.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Slow news day
Nothin' much has been happening this past week. Haven't really gone out cuz Jam is sick, and I've also been really busy at work. Damn you work!
Got my hair cut, bought a dress, signed up for a copywriting short course that work is gonna pay for (ok, so maybe damn you slightly less, work!), bla bla, bla bla. "Meh" is the word that comes to mind. Guess I should appreciate the quiet time before we go on holiday in a few weeks!
Oh, and it's my brother's birthday today. Happy Birthday Jeremy! And it's my birthday on Wednesday. So yeah, this is the calm before the flurry (storm's a tad too...dramatic).
At least it's warming up.
Got my hair cut, bought a dress, signed up for a copywriting short course that work is gonna pay for (ok, so maybe damn you slightly less, work!), bla bla, bla bla. "Meh" is the word that comes to mind. Guess I should appreciate the quiet time before we go on holiday in a few weeks!
Oh, and it's my brother's birthday today. Happy Birthday Jeremy! And it's my birthday on Wednesday. So yeah, this is the calm before the flurry (storm's a tad too...dramatic).
At least it's warming up.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Chun Po Chinese Restaurant, Glenferrie Road, Malvern
I've heard about Chun Po for quite a number of years now, but have never got around to trying it out. It's gotten quite a number of good reviews and have been in probably most (if not all) of The Age Good Food Guide editions.
So tonight, on a last minute whim, we decided to give a go tonight. And of course, I had to forget to bring my camera AND my phone to the restaurant. So no pictures - sorry!
From the outside, Chun Po looks like your typical suburban restaurant. Inside, there are two levels of closely packed tables, with specials listed on brightly coloured strips of paper. At first we were a bit concerned that there was only a table of Chinese people dining there - a sure sign that a restaurant serves good authentic cuisine is by the presence of diners native to that type of cuisine - but luckily those concerns were short-lived.
A workmate had told me that the sweet and sour pork here was to-die-for, so we got that. The four of us also got the combination vegetables with Japanese bean curd, oyster omelette and wasabi steak fillet.
The portions were really generous. The sweet and sour pork was one of the best I've had in Melbourne. I usually stay away from this dish here because not many restaurants do it well - usually there's too much batter, or the sauce tastes really "fake" - but here the sauce was a nice mix of sweet and sour flavours, and the pork was lightly battered and crispy.
I really liked the mixed vegetables with bean curd dish, there was a good mix of vegetables - different types of mushrooms, water chestnuts, broccoli, carrot, beans - which went well with the silky Japanese tofu. The wasabi steak fillet was beautiful. The beef was tender, juicy and flavourful, drizzled with wasabi mayo that packed enough of a kick but wasn't too overwhelming.
The oyster omelette was probably the only let down for me. The execution was good - a nice, crispy omelette that wasn't too thick, filled with little oyster pieces. But on the whole it seemed a little ordinary compared to the other offerings on the table, and I didn't think that it was worth the $23.80 they charged for it. But the oyster fans around the table had no complaints. I'm a fan of fresh oysters, and somehow this dish just didn't do it for me.
I was so full at the end of it, I could hardly move. At the end of the meal we were brought a plate of watermelon and cantaloupe slices, and cubes of coconut jelly topped with mung beans. It was a nice finishing touch to a really delicious meal.
You certainly can't go past
Chun Po Chinese Restaurant
18 Glenferrie Road, Malvern
t: +61 3 9509 9624
So tonight, on a last minute whim, we decided to give a go tonight. And of course, I had to forget to bring my camera AND my phone to the restaurant. So no pictures - sorry!
From the outside, Chun Po looks like your typical suburban restaurant. Inside, there are two levels of closely packed tables, with specials listed on brightly coloured strips of paper. At first we were a bit concerned that there was only a table of Chinese people dining there - a sure sign that a restaurant serves good authentic cuisine is by the presence of diners native to that type of cuisine - but luckily those concerns were short-lived.
A workmate had told me that the sweet and sour pork here was to-die-for, so we got that. The four of us also got the combination vegetables with Japanese bean curd, oyster omelette and wasabi steak fillet.
The portions were really generous. The sweet and sour pork was one of the best I've had in Melbourne. I usually stay away from this dish here because not many restaurants do it well - usually there's too much batter, or the sauce tastes really "fake" - but here the sauce was a nice mix of sweet and sour flavours, and the pork was lightly battered and crispy.
I really liked the mixed vegetables with bean curd dish, there was a good mix of vegetables - different types of mushrooms, water chestnuts, broccoli, carrot, beans - which went well with the silky Japanese tofu. The wasabi steak fillet was beautiful. The beef was tender, juicy and flavourful, drizzled with wasabi mayo that packed enough of a kick but wasn't too overwhelming.
The oyster omelette was probably the only let down for me. The execution was good - a nice, crispy omelette that wasn't too thick, filled with little oyster pieces. But on the whole it seemed a little ordinary compared to the other offerings on the table, and I didn't think that it was worth the $23.80 they charged for it. But the oyster fans around the table had no complaints. I'm a fan of fresh oysters, and somehow this dish just didn't do it for me.
I was so full at the end of it, I could hardly move. At the end of the meal we were brought a plate of watermelon and cantaloupe slices, and cubes of coconut jelly topped with mung beans. It was a nice finishing touch to a really delicious meal.
You certainly can't go past
Chun Po Chinese Restaurant
18 Glenferrie Road, Malvern
t: +61 3 9509 9624
Friday, September 04, 2009
Ben Folds at the Palais Theatre
Last night we went to see one of the most awesomest musicians and entertainers ever - the amazingly talented and ridiculously ingenious Ben Folds! He was playing a one-night only show at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda. The Palais is one of the oldest and venues in Melbourne, and one of the most beautiful that I've seen (together with the Forum and the Regent Theatre). It opened its doors in 1927 and, according to its website, is in serious need of restoration. I love old buildings.
We met up with Sarz and Jules for dinner beforehand, and missed the support act entirely (not that we mind). Had dinner at Chinta Ria Soul on Acland Street. The Chinta franchise is still going strong after all these years, even with separate owners each restaurant still retains the same warm, cosy feel.
With not much time left before the gig, we decided to order the quick and easy stuff. The boys had Asahi beers, and I had a glass of their Swan Valley merlot, which was a nice and easy quaff - by my standards, seeing that I had to skoll it towards the end as we were running late for the gig...
We got REALLY GOOD SEATS at the Ben Folds gig - in the stalls, Row P seats 22-25. We were right bang in the middle and were close enough to see Ben's fingers fly across the grand piano keys.
It was a smashing gig. Ben played a good combo of his old and new stuff - like "Annie Waits", "Zak and Sara", "Effington", "Landed", "Gracie", "Still Fighting It", "Fred Jones", "Brick", "Emaline", plus heaps more - as well as two new songs that haven't been released yet. They're from an upcoming album done in collaboration with the writer/author Nick Hornby (High Fidelity), and they sound pretty good! One was about Levi Johnston - the 18-year-old boyfriend of Bristol Palin (daughter of ex-American VP candidate Sarah) and father of her child - and how he got dragged into the limelight, put on the spot and made to marry the girl.
And then there was Missy Higgins!
She came on stage for one song - "You Don't Know Me", which Ben sang as a duet with Regina Spektor on his latest album. She also played some very simple drum rhythms, which was good fun.
Ben totally rocked out with his c*ck out (Ben fans would know what I mean!). The crowd went wild every time, and brought the house down with much cheering, screaming, clapping and foot-stomping. He also took some requests. He played "B!tches ain't shit", which was awesome!
The last time I saw Ben in Melbourne was in 2006 when he played with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, which was absolutely amazing. So it has been a while, and I'm glad I got to see him play.
Dinner was at:
Chinta Ria Soul
94 Acland Street, St Kilda
t: +61 3 9525 4664
The grand ol' Palais
As you can see, the Ben Folds gig was SOLD OUT!
We met up with Sarz and Jules for dinner beforehand, and missed the support act entirely (not that we mind). Had dinner at Chinta Ria Soul on Acland Street. The Chinta franchise is still going strong after all these years, even with separate owners each restaurant still retains the same warm, cosy feel.
With not much time left before the gig, we decided to order the quick and easy stuff. The boys had Asahi beers, and I had a glass of their Swan Valley merlot, which was a nice and easy quaff - by my standards, seeing that I had to skoll it towards the end as we were running late for the gig...
Jam's roti with chicken curry - note that they've actually cut the roti up, which isn't as authentic than if they had served it with a whole piece of roti. Chinta Blues (also on Acland St, but near the corner of Fitzroy St near the Prince of Wales hotel) does this.
Jules and I had the curry laksa. The soup was really rich with lots of coconut milk which, while yummy, is not always necessarily a good thing, as it can distract from the flavour of the laksa
Sarah's chilli prawns. Not what I expected - I thought the sauce would be the traditional reddish sweet chilli one, but this came across as more of a tangy Thai style. It still got good reports though.
We got REALLY GOOD SEATS at the Ben Folds gig - in the stalls, Row P seats 22-25. We were right bang in the middle and were close enough to see Ben's fingers fly across the grand piano keys.
It was a smashing gig. Ben played a good combo of his old and new stuff - like "Annie Waits", "Zak and Sara", "Effington", "Landed", "Gracie", "Still Fighting It", "Fred Jones", "Brick", "Emaline", plus heaps more - as well as two new songs that haven't been released yet. They're from an upcoming album done in collaboration with the writer/author Nick Hornby (High Fidelity), and they sound pretty good! One was about Levi Johnston - the 18-year-old boyfriend of Bristol Palin (daughter of ex-American VP candidate Sarah) and father of her child - and how he got dragged into the limelight, put on the spot and made to marry the girl.
And then there was Missy Higgins!
She came on stage for one song - "You Don't Know Me", which Ben sang as a duet with Regina Spektor on his latest album. She also played some very simple drum rhythms, which was good fun.
Ben totally rocked out with his c*ck out (Ben fans would know what I mean!). The crowd went wild every time, and brought the house down with much cheering, screaming, clapping and foot-stomping. He also took some requests. He played "B!tches ain't shit", which was awesome!
The last time I saw Ben in Melbourne was in 2006 when he played with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, which was absolutely amazing. So it has been a while, and I'm glad I got to see him play.
Dinner was at:
Chinta Ria Soul
94 Acland Street, St Kilda
t: +61 3 9525 4664
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Mmm...Movenpick ice cream
Was at Harbour Town and Waterfront City at the Docklands for lunch today - it was my first time there (I know, I know). Strange to see all these shops at the Docklands. I'm used to it being quite barren and almost deserted, but looks like that's changing. Maybe I'm just a little sick of the place from going there three times a week back when I was doing dragon boat training!
Anyway, there's all sorts of shops there now, and food places! There's your fast food like KFC and Nando's, but there's also Chilli Padi and Gold Leaf. Guess the most exciting addition (for bargain hunters and American retail lovers) to the area is Costco. People were queuing up to get in on the first day it opened. I don't really see what the big deal is *shrugs* Maybe I'll get proven wrong when I actually check the place out for myself!
And there's Mövenpick ice cream. I've heard of it before, but never got the chance to try some. So I got really excited when I saw that they had opened a store at here in Melbourne! I had to try some. There were heaps of flavours on offer - too bad I didn't have my camera on me! I got too excited and totally forgot about taking photos anyway. So here's the Mövenpick website, for you to peruse and to drool at the pretty pictures :D
I had the mint chocolate ice cream, and it was sublime. Fresh minty goodness that didn't taste "fake", and really generous flakes of chocolate stirred throughout. It was definitely up there in my list of top yummiest ice creams.
Now I have a reason to go to the Docklands again! Maybe next time I'll check out Costco. Apparently they sell really good cheese pizzas...
So where's this yummy place?
Mövenpick
Shop CCG807 Waterfront City Docklands
t: 9670 7994
Anyway, there's all sorts of shops there now, and food places! There's your fast food like KFC and Nando's, but there's also Chilli Padi and Gold Leaf. Guess the most exciting addition (for bargain hunters and American retail lovers) to the area is Costco. People were queuing up to get in on the first day it opened. I don't really see what the big deal is *shrugs* Maybe I'll get proven wrong when I actually check the place out for myself!
And there's Mövenpick ice cream. I've heard of it before, but never got the chance to try some. So I got really excited when I saw that they had opened a store at here in Melbourne! I had to try some. There were heaps of flavours on offer - too bad I didn't have my camera on me! I got too excited and totally forgot about taking photos anyway. So here's the Mövenpick website, for you to peruse and to drool at the pretty pictures :D
I had the mint chocolate ice cream, and it was sublime. Fresh minty goodness that didn't taste "fake", and really generous flakes of chocolate stirred throughout. It was definitely up there in my list of top yummiest ice creams.
Now I have a reason to go to the Docklands again! Maybe next time I'll check out Costco. Apparently they sell really good cheese pizzas...
So where's this yummy place?
Mövenpick
Shop CCG807 Waterfront City Docklands
t: 9670 7994
Monday, August 31, 2009
The Vulpine at The Empress
Last night was the final installment of The Vulpine's 'A Month of Mondays' residency at The Empress Hotel in Fitzroy North. Everyone (by everyone I mean our group of friends!) turned up to show their support and to catch up over a few drinks, some good bar food and some rockin' music. If you're wondering why I'm spruiking this gig hardcore, it's because my boyfriend's the lead singer in the band :)
We turned up early so the band could begin setting up for the night. Monday is $10 Burger Day at The Empress, and not only are they yummy, they're also such good value (they're usually $17). However, I didn't really feel like a burger last night, so went with the roast veggie risotto instead ($12).
The burger comes with a beef, chicken or veggie pattie, sandwiched between layers of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, sweet onion, cheese, and tomato chutney, together with some chunky chips on the side. Here is Jam's half-eaten chicken burger:
And here's my roast veggie risotto. It was good but just a little too salty for me. I also found myself biting into not-quite-cooked arborio rice - am assuming that it wasn't quite cooked as it was still a bit crunchy. It was a bit massive though...I couldn't finish it :P
The Vulpine was supported by Josh Levy and his brother Jake. Josh works with Sarah, who plays keyboard in The Vulpine. He is seriously talented, and has some pretty amazing tunes. I like how his songs are based on various moments in his life, and he is a good storyteller.
The Vulpine rocked it as usual - no, I'm NOT saying that because my boyfriend's in it - and wrapped up their residency with an awesome set. This despite Jam being sick last week AND hurting his neck yesterday! He was sitting down for the whole thing, and I think he rather liked it! :D
Nothing like good music (and rainbows!) to start off the week, now I'm really really excited for Ben Folds at The Palais on Thursday!
Where things are:
The Empress Hotel
714 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy North
t: +61 3 9489 8605
We turned up early so the band could begin setting up for the night. Monday is $10 Burger Day at The Empress, and not only are they yummy, they're also such good value (they're usually $17). However, I didn't really feel like a burger last night, so went with the roast veggie risotto instead ($12).
The burger comes with a beef, chicken or veggie pattie, sandwiched between layers of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, sweet onion, cheese, and tomato chutney, together with some chunky chips on the side. Here is Jam's half-eaten chicken burger:
And here's my roast veggie risotto. It was good but just a little too salty for me. I also found myself biting into not-quite-cooked arborio rice - am assuming that it wasn't quite cooked as it was still a bit crunchy. It was a bit massive though...I couldn't finish it :P
The Vulpine was supported by Josh Levy and his brother Jake. Josh works with Sarah, who plays keyboard in The Vulpine. He is seriously talented, and has some pretty amazing tunes. I like how his songs are based on various moments in his life, and he is a good storyteller.
Josh and Jake (insert witty description here - I'm braindead)
The Vulpine rocked it as usual - no, I'm NOT saying that because my boyfriend's in it - and wrapped up their residency with an awesome set. This despite Jam being sick last week AND hurting his neck yesterday! He was sitting down for the whole thing, and I think he rather liked it! :D
The Vulpine rockin' out
Nothing like good music (and rainbows!) to start off the week, now I'm really really excited for Ben Folds at The Palais on Thursday!
Where things are:
The Empress Hotel
714 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy North
t: +61 3 9489 8605
How to feel better on a Monday
Nothing like a rainbow to make crappy Mondays just that little bit better!
A weekend in the city Part 2 - of coffees and juice
After a fantastic night of dining at Abla's, and a rather sleepless one in our little serviced apartment on Bank Place, the two of us were up bright and early the next morning (i.e. today! Sunday!). A lukewarm shower (yeeuuggh), a hot cup of tea (at least we got that one right), and we were out in the chilly Melbourne air by 10am or so, after checking out of the hotel and leaving our bags there to pick up later.
First thing on my mind: COFFEE!!! Need. Coffee. Now. And breakfast, although that came a pale second to the coffee. We wandered off in the direction of Degraves Street (via Centre Place), which, as many of you would know, is one of Melbourne's many (famous) laneways containing many little cafes peddling one of humankind's main legal addiction - coffee. Espresso coffee, to be exact.
I've heard many good things about Journal but have never been there (yeah, and my generation is supposed to be an early adopter). It's on Flinders Lane near the corner of Degraves St, in the CAE building if I'm not mistaken. It looks trendy enough for Melbourne - all high ceilings and communal tables, breakfast menu scrawled on a chalkboard near the entrance. Trendy, art student types made up the wait staff, wearing trendy, "i-bought-this-from-salvos/savers" outfits in trendy, asymmetrical (mostly) hairstyles.
Here are a couple reviews of Journal, in The Age Epicure and Melbourne Cafe Reviews.
Jam was craving eggs and bacon, however, today's breakfast board didn't have them :( But, being the sweetie that he is, he opted for a toasted ham and cheese croissant instead. I had the toasted leg ham, tomato and cheddar sandwich. Flat white for him, soy latte for me. The coffee was fantastic. Yum. So good I had to have two. The toastie was rather delicious too, with enough helpings of melted cheese and good sourdough (I think) bread. And you know it's a trendy place when Dan Spielman walks in ;)
Oh yeah. Sorry, no pictures of the yummy toasted sanga - it simply went too quickly. The coffee too.
Leisurely breakfast in a trendy CBD cafe while reading the Sunday papers - check. Now to tick the other thing off our list - strolling through the CBD via its series of laneways.
We continued on Flinders Lane, and stopped by Polyester Records. Then off into Block Arcade, where we bought Sarah and Jules a bag of Haigh's peppermint chocs and a gold-wrapped milk chocolate frog, as tokens of our gratitude for them looking after Oska while we were away from home. Back out into Block Place and into Royal Arcade. Stopped by Suga to watch the masters at work, churning and rolling out those pliable chunks of sugar that would become bite-sized boiled lolly pieces, passed by the quaint little babushka shop, then out on to Bourke Street. Nipped into the GPO for a quick squiz at the latest fancy fashions, stared at a pair of Campers that I really want but are oh-so-expensive, then out on to Elizabeth Street.
Time for a morning pick-me-up. Where better to go for a cup of fresh juice than Tropicana Juice Bar? You'll know the place - it's brightly coloured and has all manner of fresh fruit adorning it's front doors (right now it's oranges). I got the Giles Special - a blend of fruit and veg juice with a hit of ginger, and he got the South American Delight (apparently the ingredients are a secret, but we could definitely taste the ginger and lime).
Then up on to Little Bourke Street, left at Hardware Lane (the cafes were just starting to come alive when we walked past), across Queen Street, past Vue de Monde and back into Bank Place where we picked up our bags and headed home. We could have done more in the city, but guess the combination of us recovering from being sick and the lack of sleep the night before had done us in.
What you need to know:
Journal
Shop 1, 253 Flinders La, Melbourne
t: +61 3 9650 4399
Tropicana Juice Bar
213 Elizabeth St, Melbourne
t: +61 3 9670 3568
First thing on my mind: COFFEE!!! Need. Coffee. Now. And breakfast, although that came a pale second to the coffee. We wandered off in the direction of Degraves Street (via Centre Place), which, as many of you would know, is one of Melbourne's many (famous) laneways containing many little cafes peddling one of humankind's main legal addiction - coffee. Espresso coffee, to be exact.
I've heard many good things about Journal but have never been there (yeah, and my generation is supposed to be an early adopter). It's on Flinders Lane near the corner of Degraves St, in the CAE building if I'm not mistaken. It looks trendy enough for Melbourne - all high ceilings and communal tables, breakfast menu scrawled on a chalkboard near the entrance. Trendy, art student types made up the wait staff, wearing trendy, "i-bought-this-from-salvos/savers" outfits in trendy, asymmetrical (mostly) hairstyles.
Here are a couple reviews of Journal, in The Age Epicure and Melbourne Cafe Reviews.
Jam was craving eggs and bacon, however, today's breakfast board didn't have them :( But, being the sweetie that he is, he opted for a toasted ham and cheese croissant instead. I had the toasted leg ham, tomato and cheddar sandwich. Flat white for him, soy latte for me. The coffee was fantastic. Yum. So good I had to have two. The toastie was rather delicious too, with enough helpings of melted cheese and good sourdough (I think) bread. And you know it's a trendy place when Dan Spielman walks in ;)
Oh yeah. Sorry, no pictures of the yummy toasted sanga - it simply went too quickly. The coffee too.
Leisurely breakfast in a trendy CBD cafe while reading the Sunday papers - check. Now to tick the other thing off our list - strolling through the CBD via its series of laneways.
We continued on Flinders Lane, and stopped by Polyester Records. Then off into Block Arcade, where we bought Sarah and Jules a bag of Haigh's peppermint chocs and a gold-wrapped milk chocolate frog, as tokens of our gratitude for them looking after Oska while we were away from home. Back out into Block Place and into Royal Arcade. Stopped by Suga to watch the masters at work, churning and rolling out those pliable chunks of sugar that would become bite-sized boiled lolly pieces, passed by the quaint little babushka shop, then out on to Bourke Street. Nipped into the GPO for a quick squiz at the latest fancy fashions, stared at a pair of Campers that I really want but are oh-so-expensive, then out on to Elizabeth Street.
Time for a morning pick-me-up. Where better to go for a cup of fresh juice than Tropicana Juice Bar? You'll know the place - it's brightly coloured and has all manner of fresh fruit adorning it's front doors (right now it's oranges). I got the Giles Special - a blend of fruit and veg juice with a hit of ginger, and he got the South American Delight (apparently the ingredients are a secret, but we could definitely taste the ginger and lime).
Then up on to Little Bourke Street, left at Hardware Lane (the cafes were just starting to come alive when we walked past), across Queen Street, past Vue de Monde and back into Bank Place where we picked up our bags and headed home. We could have done more in the city, but guess the combination of us recovering from being sick and the lack of sleep the night before had done us in.
What you need to know:
Journal
Shop 1, 253 Flinders La, Melbourne
t: +61 3 9650 4399
Tropicana Juice Bar
213 Elizabeth St, Melbourne
t: +61 3 9670 3568
Sunday, August 30, 2009
A weekend in the city - Abla's and Metro Apartments on Bank Place
It's our two-year anniversary and we thought we'd do something extra special. So I booked us a night in the Melbourne CBD, at Metro Apartments on Bank Place. I actually booked this a month or so earlier, when I came across a travel article on The Age that promoted a Winter Warmer package at the accommodation - $130 per night, with a bottle of wine on arrival.
I wanted to have dinner at Vue de Monde, which was just up the road from the apartments, but turned out they were fully booked, so I reverted to an old favourite instead - Abla's. The yummiest of yummy Lebanese food, and awesome value for money.
Had brunch with Sarah and Jules in the morning at Monkey, this little cafe near the corner of Chapel and Carlisle Streets in Balaclava. We've been there a few times now. It's a quirky little place serves fantastic coffee, fresh juice and really yummy food. The owners are pretty quirky too, and best of all they sponsor orang utans in Borneo (the cafe has pictures of their sponsored families up on the walls). I usually have the french toast there, and the first time I had it I decided that it was the best french toast I have ever had. Period. The most beautiful bread (I think it's some type of Middle Eastern bread) that sopped up the french toast mix and maple syrup beautifully, soft sweet bananas and crunchy bacon. Yum.
I must say, however, that like the quirky but delightful owners, sometimes you never know what you're gonna get at Monkey. Today our french toast came drizzled with berries and berry syrup. Which was fine on its own, but I guess we weren't expecting that so it threw us off a bit. Plus the tart berry syrup didn't quite go with the bacon and banana and maple syrup. Hmmm. Anyway, I shall not write this place off just yet - next time we'll be more specific. Sarah had a flourless chocolate cake for dessert...and it was divine. It came with a rich chocolate ganache with ribbons of white chocolate icing drizzled on top.
Oska was having a sleepover at Sarah and Jules, so after dropping him off with them and saying goodbye (with almost a tear in my eye!) we headed into the city, and thus began our "romantic" weekend away. I say "romantic" with tongue-somewhat-in-cheek as we had both been sick for a couple of days now - I had spent Friday either sleeping or being a zombie - and it took pretty much all our strength to just stay awake and not pass out in our hotel :P
Our booking at Metro Apartments on Bank Place said we had a one-bedroom suite. I'm not so sure about the suite part. Since they were selling themselves as serviced apartments, I had expected it to be bigger. At least it had high ceilings to allay any feelings of claustrophobia.
The place overall was good for what we paid for it. It was clean and most amenities that were to be expected were there. I'm taking points of for the details (or lack thereof). For example, our duvet (or is that a bedspread? The topmost layer that goes on top of the doona to make the bed look pretty) had a hole in it that looked like a cigarette burn, and the hot water when we had a shower in the morning was lukewarm at best. My only other complaint about the place is the fact that it was right near a couple of nightclubs and bars - The Irish Times, The Balcony and Marrakech - which meant that it was SUPER NOISY up until about 4am. Thumping doof doof music, crowds screaming and yelling like a zombie apocalypse had befallen us, stupid people revving their bikes and cars. Not very good for when you want to get a good night's sleep. If you ever end up staying here, make sure you ask for a room as far away from these places as possible.
Caught the No.96 tram to Elgin Street in time for our booking at 7.30pm. Did you know that this tram route was mentioned in National Geographic's top ten tram rides in the world? Nah, I didn't either :P
The banquet at Abla's is probably the best value for money - 12 small dishes, including dessert and coffee at the end - for $55. The place has changed a bit over the years (not for the worst, just with the times I guess). When I first went to Abla's the banquet cost $40, there was no wine list and there was no corkage. Now there's a simple wine and beer list, and to make up for that, a $2.50 per person corkage. Not that I am complaining. The food, service and hospitality remain top-notch - warm, friendly and personable.
After ordering a glass of Secret Stone sauvignon blanc (I wanted to crack open the De Bortoli Willowglen that we got free with our hotel stay, but Jam felt like beer) and an Efes beer, we started off the banquet with pita bread and the mixed dips - labne (yoghurt dip), baba ghanooj (smoked eggplant) and hummous bi tahini (chickpeas with garlic, tahini and lemon juice). The baba ghanooj had this tasty smokiness to it, and you could really taste the chickpeas in the hummous...this rich, nutty flavour.
We then moved on to...
Silverbeet rolls - yummy but I'm not a big fan of silverbeet
The yummiest rice dish ever - pilaf flaoured with minced lamb, covered with chicken pieces and almonds.
The pastry was melt-in-your-mouth, and the filling had the right amount of sweetness, yet at the same time it tasted really decadent, like we were havinga treat that we weren't really supposed to. Despite the fact that I was too full to move, I could've had a couple more.
To finish we were served Lebanese coffee flavoured with cardamom spice. Perfect.
Oh the yummy places we would go!
Monkey Cafe
157 Chapel Street, Balaclava
t: +61 3 9534 4441
Abla's Lebanese Restaurant
109 Elgin Street, Carlton
t: +61 3 9347 0006
I wanted to have dinner at Vue de Monde, which was just up the road from the apartments, but turned out they were fully booked, so I reverted to an old favourite instead - Abla's. The yummiest of yummy Lebanese food, and awesome value for money.
Had brunch with Sarah and Jules in the morning at Monkey, this little cafe near the corner of Chapel and Carlisle Streets in Balaclava. We've been there a few times now. It's a quirky little place serves fantastic coffee, fresh juice and really yummy food. The owners are pretty quirky too, and best of all they sponsor orang utans in Borneo (the cafe has pictures of their sponsored families up on the walls). I usually have the french toast there, and the first time I had it I decided that it was the best french toast I have ever had. Period. The most beautiful bread (I think it's some type of Middle Eastern bread) that sopped up the french toast mix and maple syrup beautifully, soft sweet bananas and crunchy bacon. Yum.
I must say, however, that like the quirky but delightful owners, sometimes you never know what you're gonna get at Monkey. Today our french toast came drizzled with berries and berry syrup. Which was fine on its own, but I guess we weren't expecting that so it threw us off a bit. Plus the tart berry syrup didn't quite go with the bacon and banana and maple syrup. Hmmm. Anyway, I shall not write this place off just yet - next time we'll be more specific. Sarah had a flourless chocolate cake for dessert...and it was divine. It came with a rich chocolate ganache with ribbons of white chocolate icing drizzled on top.
Oska was having a sleepover at Sarah and Jules, so after dropping him off with them and saying goodbye (with almost a tear in my eye!) we headed into the city, and thus began our "romantic" weekend away. I say "romantic" with tongue-somewhat-in-cheek as we had both been sick for a couple of days now - I had spent Friday either sleeping or being a zombie - and it took pretty much all our strength to just stay awake and not pass out in our hotel :P
Our booking at Metro Apartments on Bank Place said we had a one-bedroom suite. I'm not so sure about the suite part. Since they were selling themselves as serviced apartments, I had expected it to be bigger. At least it had high ceilings to allay any feelings of claustrophobia.
The place overall was good for what we paid for it. It was clean and most amenities that were to be expected were there. I'm taking points of for the details (or lack thereof). For example, our duvet (or is that a bedspread? The topmost layer that goes on top of the doona to make the bed look pretty) had a hole in it that looked like a cigarette burn, and the hot water when we had a shower in the morning was lukewarm at best. My only other complaint about the place is the fact that it was right near a couple of nightclubs and bars - The Irish Times, The Balcony and Marrakech - which meant that it was SUPER NOISY up until about 4am. Thumping doof doof music, crowds screaming and yelling like a zombie apocalypse had befallen us, stupid people revving their bikes and cars. Not very good for when you want to get a good night's sleep. If you ever end up staying here, make sure you ask for a room as far away from these places as possible.
Caught the No.96 tram to Elgin Street in time for our booking at 7.30pm. Did you know that this tram route was mentioned in National Geographic's top ten tram rides in the world? Nah, I didn't either :P
The banquet at Abla's is probably the best value for money - 12 small dishes, including dessert and coffee at the end - for $55. The place has changed a bit over the years (not for the worst, just with the times I guess). When I first went to Abla's the banquet cost $40, there was no wine list and there was no corkage. Now there's a simple wine and beer list, and to make up for that, a $2.50 per person corkage. Not that I am complaining. The food, service and hospitality remain top-notch - warm, friendly and personable.
After ordering a glass of Secret Stone sauvignon blanc (I wanted to crack open the De Bortoli Willowglen that we got free with our hotel stay, but Jam felt like beer) and an Efes beer, we started off the banquet with pita bread and the mixed dips - labne (yoghurt dip), baba ghanooj (smoked eggplant) and hummous bi tahini (chickpeas with garlic, tahini and lemon juice). The baba ghanooj had this tasty smokiness to it, and you could really taste the chickpeas in the hummous...this rich, nutty flavour.
We then moved on to...
Lady fingers - crunchy filo pastry filled with perfectly-spiced minced lamb and pine nuts.
Loubyeh - green beans in tomato sauce. I love it.
Makaneek - spiced lamb and beef sausages. I didn't take a very good picture of these yummy little morsels - they look better in real life and taste yummier!
Chicken wings - these were really well-cooked and literally fell off the bone. Mmm...
Tabbouleh - nice and tangy. According to the Abla's menu it's a Lebanese salad of parsley, tomato, mint, spring onion and cracked wheat.
Kibbee - this was stuffed with some lovely spiced meat and pine nuts. According to the menu the casing is made of minced lamb and cracked wheat
Possibly the best felafel I've ever tasted.
Yummy lamb skewers. By this time I was too full to eat the whole thing!
Dessert was Turkish Delight and the BEST, I mean *BEST* baklava ever. And I've had baklavas before.
The pastry was melt-in-your-mouth, and the filling had the right amount of sweetness, yet at the same time it tasted really decadent, like we were havinga treat that we weren't really supposed to. Despite the fact that I was too full to move, I could've had a couple more.
To finish we were served Lebanese coffee flavoured with cardamom spice. Perfect.
Oh the yummy places we would go!
Monkey Cafe
157 Chapel Street, Balaclava
t: +61 3 9534 4441
Abla's Lebanese Restaurant
109 Elgin Street, Carlton
t: +61 3 9347 0006
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