A June Trip to Brisbane

 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?

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...

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.

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.

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!

Growing up in Brisbane, Bracken Ridge was on the outskirts, Brisbane is growing and changing so much and the renovation here is testament of how much the boondock suburbs are now desirable places to live. Crazy to me that hasn't lived in Brisbane for 8 years now.

photo courtesy of urbanlist.com.au

As if she hadn't done enough for me. the new bride drove us to the airport at 5.45am. Brisbane Airport decided fire alarms would be a soothing soundtrack for our morning, but that aside, we aced our exit-row-to-ourselves hack again and loved getting home.

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.

Eating Sydney

 

For almost a year we have been waiting for this trip. A chance to get back to Sydney, to escape the longest wintry-weather misery of home and defrost and to get to see a show at the Opera House. Not any show, but one of Gudge's favourite bands, Swedish Prog-metallers, Opeth.

Before we got to the airport, we have a little tradition...

My usual: Whopper with Cheese

And at the airport, I have a little tradition (wink and smirk). On a side note, our flight was delayed. We live an hour from the airport so once we're there, we're there. I received a message to let me know of the delay 25 minutes after we were supposed to have boarded. Thanks for that Jetstar. I fly Virgin 90% of the time and I'm going to try to up that to 99%. Our flight home was also delayed, both for plane problems. Nope. Done.

The upside to this, and something I haven't been asked in some time, would I like a small or large wine. I think there's only one answer to that question, and I was very happy with my massive glass of Rose to get me through the delay. 

But we arrived eventually (we also had to circle around Sydney in the air for 40 minutes to wait for a storm to pass, I don't blame Jetstar for this.)

We stayed at the Meriton Pitt Street. My third time. I love its central location and walkability. I LOVE staying in an apart-hotel. Sydney accommodation is quite expensive and the Meriton is no different but we worked out the extra money for accommodation can be made up by eating one or two meals a day at home instead of at cafes or restaurants. So we were quite frugal but still ate well and had a wonderful time. I won't bother writing up the toasted sandwiches or cook at home pizzas.

View from room 3903 Meriton Pitt Street

Our first day involved a walk around Surry Hills and a visit to the Museum of Australia to see the Relics Exhibition. Gudge adores lego and we has certainly got me into it too. This was created by 2 of the winners of Lego Masters and depicts a futuristic, post-apocalypic world. Humans have ruined the planet and died out and mini-figs have taken over. It was extraordinary, so well done and very witty.

We stopped in back home for a midday siesta before walking down to Circular Quay for a ferry ride to Manly to take in the perfect weather before some afternoon window shopping.

As you can imagine, we were pretty knackered and opted for an easy, eat in meal.

I picked these up from the Woolies downstairs and reminded me so much of being in Japan, grabbing some bites to eat from the conbini and relaxing back at the room. These were certainly NOT the Japanese prices I fell in love with. 

Nigiri, Sushi roll, Takoyaki, Matua Savignon Blanc

Our second full day, we started with more window shopping before grabbing a little brunch of pistachio cheesecake to bring back to have with a cup of tea.

Pistachio Cheesecake, English Breakfast Tea

And a solo afternoon trip to the Botanic Gardens and specifically the Calyx for me. It was everything I hoped it would be.

The Calyx

As tonight was Gudgies special night, he was to choose the dinner destination. We had been on our last trip and it was very good. Of course it's for tourists and has the views to justify that, but the food and service was great so I was happy to go back to Wahlburgers.

It was one of those Tasmania-esque type days where all day it was coolish, but by the afternoon it was very hot in the sun, so we opted to sit in the shade, but still got to take in the surrounds.

It was happy hour and Monday night meal deals so I was happy with all of that. I started with a pornstar martini which was excellent, despite having to google the correct way to drink it (alternate sips between the martini and prosecco)

I couldn't go past a $25 Porterhouse (usually $44) with onion rings and salad with a side of truffle aioli and Gudge ordered a Chicken Burger. 

The steak, although it felt like a lower quality steak was cooked really well and was delicious. Good salad, the truffle aioli was excellent and very tasty accompaniment but the onion rings were cold.

His burger was not, in fact a chicken burger. But he was still happy with the burger and the tasty chips.

I decided I needed a little caffeine to get me through the night and I thought some sugar wouldnt hurt either, so we ordered an espresso martini and a serving of their Fried Dough- All American with cinnamon apples, ice cream and cream.

Although still pretty delicious, this was not cinnamon apples but chocolate sauce- The Classic. 

We certainly couldn't complain with 2 cocktails, soft drink, coffee, a steak, burger and dessert for not much over $100 but I don't think we'll be back after the incorrect meals brought out on two cases. (I still love Mark Wahlberg though.)

But the night was young and we were off to the show that was the reason we were in Sydney afterall.

A spectacular evening to wait. In a remarkably beautiful city.

And finally to the Opera House, great seats to a spectaular show. A bucket list item ticked off in having been to a show inside the Opera House and Gudge was so happy with the set. The band were outstanding, and had all the professionalism of a band formed 35 years ago.

Off to the airport in the morning and a quick eat before our lunchtime flight (once again delayed).

There's a lot of things we don't have in Tasmania- Ikea, Aldi and 2 weird things that we probably wouldn't miss if we had access to them, Red Rooster (oh gosh we get cravings for Red Rooster) and something I didn't even remember I had missed til I walked past. Roll'd spring rolls. I also ordered a Bahn Mi, which is good because we didn;t get home til close to 4 pm.

And that was our not-so-fancy but 100% enjoyable trip to Sydney. Done and dusted til next time.