A chance to escape Tassie winter for the warmer sub-tropical climes of Brisbane. Yes Please!
One of my best friends was getting married and there was no way in the world I wouldn't be there for it.
It's difficult for Gudge and I to travel interstate together, we have our cat son who needs care and love and we don't have a huge network of friends down here. We thought we'd reach out to our friends back in Queensland to see if anyone would like to come down for a holiday and house and cat-sit and we found a taker! Percy cat was nervous at first but settled in well, we received photo and video updates and we could relax, and enjoy a trip to our old home and spend time with our nearest and dearest.
We were incredibly blessed in that Gudgies' sister was abroad and kindly allowed us to stay at her house for our 5 days in Brisbane. This was perfect for us. We had our own space, didn't feel like we were imposing on anyone, it was fab.
We arrived on the Thursday on a fantastic flight with Virgin (Economy X, worth ever cent). We got to the house, picked up some groceries and settled in.
The next day I had promised the bride to be that I would assist with the bridal bouquets. I have never created a bouquet before, but I love plants and flowers. How did I do?
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| Inspo pic | Bouquet I made |
That night, the supper club of old was reunited. Carly, Anna and I used to love catching up for wonderful meals in Brisbane when I lived there and were absolutely generous in their offer to take me out for a special birthday dinner.
Carly, with her finger on the pulse chose the restaurant Central for our dinner. Modern Chinese in Brisbane's CBD.
Straight away the entrance is dramatic.
Drapes, hanging Peking Duck, concrete and a staircase down...
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| photo courtesy of broadsheet.com.au |
Inside felt like being transported to the trendiest restaurant in New York, like we would be seated next to the cast of Sex and the City, but not intimidatingly so. It just felt fresh and cool and very, very 'the place to be'... but not in a wanky way.
We hadn't seen each other in years so the three of us were so keen to catch up, voiding all responsibilities of, you know opening the drinks menu to select a wine. The waiters and service was absolutely incredible, possibly the best I've had. From being asked 'still or sparkling water?' and having it poured from the other side the moment we told them. It was like that all night. The girls had subtly wished me a happy birthday and I was brought a gratis birthday cocktail. The service was 11 out of 10 all night.
It was suggested that rather than the banquet menu which we were leaning toward that we select the share plates we were drawn to, so we went that way.
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| menu shot courtesy of Central Restaurant and Bar |
It was a beautiful looking menu. We started with the scallops. Fresh, perfectly cooked with wonderful flavours. To drink, following my Lychee and Champagne cocktail, we shared a bottle of French Beaujolais wine.
We followed this with the Peking Duck Potsticker. Gosh they were just so pretty. Also very tasty.
I was very much looking forward to the prawn and crab spring roll. I love spring rolls in general, and I can happily say this was one of the best spring rolls I have ever tried.
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| two pics because it was my favourite |
Following this, the XO Chicken San Choi Bao
Another item I was particularly looking forward to was the Crispy Eggplant. It was texturally wonderful but I thought the vinegar dressing to be a little much. I had a piece with no dressing and it was wonderful.
To round out our savoury dishes, we had the Black Angus Stirfry and Fried Rice which was also excellent, but the potato addition to this was a real unexpected highlight.
We were recommended the mango pudding for a light dessert to share and it rounded out the meal perfectly.
This was one of the loveliest and enjoyable dining experiences I've had in some time. I have no doubt my company was a big part of that (thank you Anna and Carly), but to our wonderful, funny servers, thank you, you really made it for us. To Central Restaurant, you absolutely nailed it.
Thank you also to Brisbane for your 50c train fares. Amazing!
The following day was the wedding.
We had some running around to do in the a.m. and treated ourselves to our favourite fast food.
The wedding of my glorious friend Hailey, to her partner Rob was just lovely. Warm, small, very romantic. We were treated to grazing tables, pizza, and as much prosecco as I could handle (which isn't all that much these days). We both had a wonderful time and I feel so lucky to have Hailey in my life and that she wanted us there on such a special day.
Sunday we had planned a little, casual get together in the afternoon and a walk around Roma Street parklands in the morning. I've always loved Roma Street parklands. The parklands turn 25 this year and I remember the opening and always enjoyed visiting when I lived in Brisbane and spent quite a lot of time there when I lived in Spring Hill.
It has matured beautifully and I loved being there and eyeing off plants that I can't grow back in our cool-temperate garden back home.
We enjoyed our afternoon at Sea Legs Brewery and caught up with a wonderful group of people. Also- great Frickles, Perogis and Loaded Fries!
Monday we went to DFO (Outlet shopping) before a final catch up with Hails where she treated me to a fantastic steak at Bracken Ridge Tavern. Steak 9.5/10, chips 10/10. Thank you so much for the birthday meal, Hails!
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| photo courtesy of urbanlist.com.au |
Our favourite Cheese and Chocolate Makers, Coal River Farm have opened a second Cafe in the upgraded Hobart airport, and for the price of a couple of microwaved Jetstar toasties we decided to have some Poached Free-range Eggs with Halloumi, and Mixed Berry and Chocolate Waffles. We were very happy with our choice.
A great 'Welcome Home'!
Finally, some birthday treats on arrival home.
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