Friday 21st April


Turns out I'm 1km from Sardi Cafe! It's at the end of my street and around the corner, though uphill so we trammed it. While I have never heard of this place according to the chats it's a very popular lunch spot in a residential area (there is nothing but houses around, like the ascot food store). Highly sort after made popular by bloggers as they were all invited to dine there. That is how you attract attention, though it doesn't impress me. 

At 1pm on a Friday the place was bustling and full, business meetings, the office cafe and locals dropping by for a coffee. And us dropping by in between meetings.

Friday 21st April

We're back! Sorta, Day 8 if I drop something on the floor its gone, I can't look up or down. It hurts. But not enough to stop us from going out for brunch! Though brunch turns out to be lunch, as we fluffed about (a specialty). I wasn't planning to go to the city but we were summoned.

Turns out I'm 1km from Sardi Cafe!  It's at the end of my street and around the corner, though uphill so we trammed it, and on the way came across an olive tree, fijoa and a beautiful fence detail. Across the street from the cafe is a warehousey house with a front yard full of fruit trees.





Back to the house to pick up my certificate in a gold cylinder then of to job interview I epically failed. There was a panel of 3 and the questions were hard... over to MRP we picked up a plain white night dress, for an art project. Down to Fed Sq for a free tuna toastie, yum! It was dark and I had a lot of bags, pictures didn't happen. Back up to Lindt, there isn't anything but filled choc eggs at lindt, they're very good though at $1 each, the white choc is less sweet than usual. 

Back to the house by 7pm, the shortest city trip we've had! We were going to make cake when we when we had an episode. I felt as if sparks could fly out from my finger tips with blind range. Someone had stolen my egg! It was the last egg required for the cake!

And that is how we ended up having dinner at 11pm, and making cake at 1am. 



Met up with bio guy for a dinner at 10pm (on a Friday) though almost everyone was closed except grill'd in the small town! We sneaked through the door minutes before the sign was flipped, and were lucky to order takeaway. Curry Camp closes at 9.30pm almost always - so early for me! But fine for a small town. 

Bio guy made cake, it failed as the mixture separated into two layers instead of the one. This time we didn't line the tin on the sides and that worked out quite well, in that the sides didn't fold in.

Saturday





To market we went, probably not worth it unless you plan to buy lots or just happen to be in the area though. We sat back and observed the pros do it. Bought 7 lady finger bananas for $2 and 3 boxes of figs (pretty good ones, a mix of B & C grade) for $5! We stalked them as they were 2 for $5 at first. There was lots of green stuff and mushrooms and apples sold by the bag. 

Bio guy is ridiculus, and has a distain (not fear) of trams so we took quite a hike to dinner, while rejuvinanted him. Like a dog he'd do anyything for food. There isn't much more to him than food and video games. *sigh*




We ordered a meal to share, chicken, chips and salad. Everything was delicious! This was at Kuku Mama, which we love to visit on Tuesdays before a movie, though today is Saturday.

Train and bus to Monash, we made it! 6.30pm Windsor to 7.30pm Monash Clayton. The HMS pinafore was well worth the trip! Yes I've seen it before but this is a show I'd like to see every time it comes to town.
Seated in the 5th row center I was close enough to hear the swishing of the beads and see frown lines. When it comes to shows the seats at the front where you can see all the details are the best!


Daniel's Doughnuts located near Spotlight is open 24/7! Part of the not so trendy towns being more upcoming, like GW. $3 donuts we shared the salted caramel which wasn't anywhere near as sweet as expected! And the custard with a fake lemon myrtle taste. Light and fluffy these are true donuts. 

Charlie & Co. dined as guests of Your Social Chef and Okra.
Thursday 20th April



Local gems are here are there, though like a diamond they may be hard to find among all the rhinestones of food porn which look spectacular but taste just like sugar, carbs laden full of artificial colours. From a local gem to hatted restaurant (chef’s hat in the 2016 Gault Millau guide), Okra "blends Thai, Malaysian, and Indonesian dishes into an irresistible Southeast Asian fusion menu" and has been featured in The Age Good Food Guide every year since opening 16 years ago in 2001, and it's not hard to see why.

Hosted by the man behind Okra, Lawrence and Mark of Your Social Chef we were introduced to a delicious array of delights that Okra has to offer.



While Okra looks small it's actually much larger than it appears with seats that go right to the back of the long house shaped restaurant, and there's more seats and a function room upstairs.




We started of with casava crackers, similar concept to prawn crackers these were the bomb with sambal! Fiery hot, I may have died a little (though to me toothpaste is hot). They weren't oily which was nice. 




With a silky dumpling skin sitting in a sweet and tangy soup, the creamy topping balancing out the flavours. Small but mighty in flavour the chicken dumplings were a hit! Yes so small, but so awesome!




Next up were satay skewers, soft tender meat well marinated these were fragrant and paired with a peanut satay. While I can count the number of times I've had satay on one hand, I have to say these are the best ones we've had! They were moist and flavorsome. 
This dish was on fire! Oven baked (most definitely cooked) oysters, soft little morsels, seasoned with ginger and garlic. Sitting in a soup (much like XLBs) that was both sweet and tangy! As they were cooked they weren't slimy at all, creamy and tangy with lemon they melted on your tongue. 




If you don't think a salad can be as good as any protein based main you haven't tried this salad, well dressed and marinated we couldn't help but eat most of this salad! With lime, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, all those thai dressing flavours.

Crispy tofu-ish skinned pork rolls, were indeed crispy and a textural delight! The fried tofu soaked up the sauce and the rolls were served with cucumber and tomato to cut down the meatiness.





This is Okra's namesake and signature dish, though I can't say I'm an okra fan, as it is quite seedy an slimy! Perhaps if you grew up eating it you'd like it though. 





While everything was amazing, this one this was the real highlight (of the mains). Fresh snapper with a thai marinade, that contrast of sweet, tangy tamarind with aromatic garlic & onion, though there's so much more to it than just the ingredients listed.

Served with coconut rice it was the bomb! This dish alone sees us returning! Oh and on size, this dish serves at least two. Surprisingly you could order this takeaway too, which we shall do.




Marinated grilled chicken, a pretty healthy choice that doesn't compromise on taste, fresh served with a salad. The only thing it could have used was a squeeze of lime. But other than that it was tender and moist, no chewy bits nor was it dry (like when I make it). One of the best grilled chickens I've had, a classic.


In comparison to everything else we had the lamb curry paled, though normally holds its own light, being a classic winter dish. Mopped up with fresh, light and beautiful roti chanai. The flavours hit the right notes, the balance of creamy, spicy without being hot. I loved the eggplant which soaked up all the flavours.

We're on our way to over indulging, though the secret is just to eat a little of everything (except the salad, I totally devoured that), or run. Room for dessert? Always!

What do you pick when you can't decide? A bit of everything to share! A fusion of a platter with fruits, ice cream and two classics.

Served warm the sticky rice and sago pudding covered in a coconuty caramel custard was creamy and with just the right sweetness, the contrast of textures and temperatures was a delight to the taste buds.

The real highlight was the durian ice cream, made in house unfortunately you can't buy this by the pint *devastated, hook me up if you know a durian dealer* using Musang King Durian this is the real deal. But if durian isn't for you there's a mid-strength green tea, and the classic vanilla.



A burst of flavour and delights summons up our evening at Okra tonight. Small bites with big flavour, everything from entrees to dessert was superb! While prices reflect the area and quality it is well worth the price.

Our recommendations? The oysters, satay skewers, and fish if we had to pick our top three. But lets add the salad and roti to the must try list as sides.

Located opposite the Rivoli Movies near Camberwell Junction, Okra's easy to get to with ample parking. On Sundays Okra offers a Malaysian Hawker style feast, with mains from $13 with a large variety to choose from, almost all the dishes are under $20 too. We can't wait to return soon!

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Photobucket had a meltdown and codes died, if you wanted it to work again you had to pay so now we're self hosting pictures. 

Thursday 13th April




Arrival & Prep
The day has come. For dental surgery. We arrived at 7.40am, shortly after waiting for less than 15mins we saw the surgeon. Then the anesthesiologist (suited up), nurses then a 3rd nurse - four people. 

The first few talked about what's happening, some paperwork then with the food loving nurse we were given a gown or two and locker. The gown is typical hospital sheet material and then there's a stripey school uniform inspired one. You could op to BYO outer gown which we did, highly recommend as it adds a calm (just makes you slightly less stressed). Note - wear easy slip on shoes, no heels or gladiator laces.

We (I, this was a solo journey) were given mouthwash that was so hot it burnt the sides of my tongue! Yes I do find toothpaste hot, it's a recent thing, I've used the same toothpaste for years. With our stuff in the locker we moved to the waiting room. Do not communicate with the others! Like exam stress it's contagious. Horror stories and stories of volcanic eruption - in your mouth!

It's very bright in here...
Up next we were led to a very brightly lit room, a huge one for the requirements, nothing like on Grey's Anatomy. Bigger and brighter, and less people. We took off our shoes and robe. Potentially flipped over the table (me, not the table) but we asked for help and got a step. The table was small, and I'm 5"! 

A delightful warm thing was placed on my, a blanket idea but those air bags used to pad parcels to post, constantly blowing with warm air! Now all I need was a puppy!
The anesthesiologist checked my blood pressure then stuck something in my hand, an iv drip. That actually really hurt!! Its now 10-12hrs later and that still was the most pain I've endurance this round. Hurts more than a blood test. A month on there's still a mark on my hand.
Gas mask application, yucky air. Not food tastes.. was hoping for cinnamon buns (I'm after Accutes candle in that scent). Feeling sleepy? A little though I crashed like nothing even before.

Hello Again
Daniel? I saw him. That's all I remember...
I see a window. We didn't walk towards the light, I asked where's Daniel. He's gone...

In in a bed, sides up. Is this the same one? It's lower and the yellow airbag is a blanket (that's not yellow). A bit dizzy and my brain is as slow as my phone... *naps*.

Up again groggy. Drank the cordial. What is this? Drinks of my childhood but no more. Tastes like red jelly cups. My tastes have advanced. Haven't had cordial since bank home.
Blood everywhere, oh joy. On the railings, blankets, robe and me.
Oh gawd I need sunglasses and earplugs! I can hear children's program on tv, so loud and much! Yes like me, but not right now.

Craving key lime pie. Of all the desserts in Melbourne I picked a rare one... I haven't even thought about key lime this month. Completely out of the blue, we were closed to pavs - which I can eat!

Going... Shopping!

Got dressed and moved to the discharge room with recliner, and tv ughh. What we need is a quiet place. Another blood pressure test, we were given info on meds and ready to go. Sore throat...

The smell of bananas makes me feel sick and like I'm going to throw up.

No one has key lime pie, not even MD... City driving really isn't a good idea.

Bought meds and some  no chew hospital food. Nutrition/carb loading. 

A couple doors down was Review! They said I can't go shopping on the same day, but I did it! Found a $54 black skirt for dance! Ok for work too, it flows. Only one of the two dresses I wanted was one sale, there's no more free postage if you buy in stores via transfer. :( We've got cherries on white, hoping to swap for black on the forums.

Surprisingly aldi had key lime pie! More like lemon, it really needs that blow torched Meringue top.

4.30 pm
8pm Home! Still numb.
1.30am. Bed. More like pins and needles

What I ate: dry expensive coconut cake (from Safeway, not bought by me) mixed with passion fruit sorbet (aldi $1 single serve). Pitango orange soup (didn't like it) and pie filling. No crust.

Day 2 - My face is puffy and feels funny... eating soup but isn't not enough... I need more. Wanting all these things I can't have like... spaghetti meatballs, fish and chip and nuggets. Things I love (?) though don't crave too often

Had a jelly drink which made me itchy!! It was one of Yeo's.

Can't bend more than 30 degrees or get anything on the ground, hurts jaw...




Day 3
My face is puffy!! And it hurts/feels funny. The day was spent hiding in bed/procrastinating. We got up by 10pm but by 2am I felt a bit dizzy and disoriented and had a lie down...

Day 4 - Hibernation

11 Days Later - It still hurts a little when I move my head, shoes are a struggle as well as using the dishwasher

3-4 Weeks Later - It hurts on and off, week 3 check up said it was bit inflamed and to take more anti-inflammatory stuff.



TLDR; - BYO robe (not a fluffy towel type, or too short) and slip on slippers. You too shall survive this. Hibernation is highly recommended for at least a week, work from home, cover all the mirrors and reflective surfaces!

Tuesday 11th April 
On the way to the shows we stopped for a quick and cheap dinner at Nhu Lan. While we're a regular at their Footscray store for years, we've never been to the Richmond one.







At 5pm it was dead, though we hope still fresh. Back when I was at school (I graduated in 2011) rolls were $4 though these days they're  $5. With complimentary pate.




We had the onion chicken, in that soft on the inside and crunchy bread roll that nhu lan is known for. Unfortunately it wasn't as crunchy as expected but I'm willing to give it another shot. 




We also ordered the pain au raisin which was a mistake. Instead of been crispy it was floppy and a dud, nothing remotely like Agatha's amazing pastries. I'm very iffy about asian bakeries to be honest, because the rules that apply to us don't seem to apply to them. In that second day baked goods need to be discounted/clearly labelled or just not sold.






The glutenous rice was a favorite as always, made off site delivered to some bakeries and shop, like the dessert soups. They range $3-$4.50, and some are more popular/rare than other.

Service was minimal, though adequate.

Monday 10th April




Job interview. We got lost, uber maps wasn't great either... fortunately others were late too. Train, bus and uber. The position is for marking standardized tests, the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy 2017 (Naplan). Le beau and the teachers hate this test, as it ranks you against others in the state. Not how good you are, but how good you are compared to others. - That is life, most of the time. 

It's ok not to be smart, some kids have other gifts, but this test is a downer if you're not an academic. This test is hard, how do you do well on it? Have a tutor who specifically trained you for this test.

Update - I got the job. 


Lunch at Samurai end of day specials onion pancake  $4, it's huge! This is a snack for two, it was good though got boring and was thicker than usual, oven baked it was a healthy choices beside the deep fried goodness and oily noodles. 

Tuesday



A day at the office, an interview, crashing and three shows. All in a day, I like to make the most of my time left. I always thought the best compliment was "You're so pretty!" (Which I rarely ever hear, I'm not pretty but I have a great wardrobe and stuff, very materialistic). But then someone said something to me, a line that I've given but never received: you remind me of me when I was younger.



Update - Didn't get the job, but made it to round 2 interviews.



On the way to the shows we stopped for a quick and cheap dinner at Nhu Lan. While we're a regular at their Footscray store for years, we've never been to the Richmond one.

Three shows a night, that's what efficiently looks like. Unfortunately the first two shows were dud, though tickets were $5. The first made plenty of sex jokes and had the big o on stage. Nope. The second was a talk show host, he had no idea what he was doing.




The third with a trio act with Edinburgh comedians from up left north. That was hilarious! My favorite story? The gf brings crack to a party, an awards night with 500 cops and the best sniffer dog of the year. XD I don't think you could make that up!

Wednesday

My last day of real food, till next Thursday (we've got dinner booked ).

Turns out you can't take pictures at the pool?! I was shooting a donut, if I wanted skin I'd go outside on a Friday night. People wear more to the pool than clubbing.



Temptation is everywhere. I need help. Chatime, the premium with pearls  $5.50, the classic with black tea and light chewy tapioca pearls that have a hit of sweetness. They aren't though marbles of rubber I recall back home. Service was great from Kidson who made an attempt to look me up (forgot the card, as I didn't plan on going out today). At 11.30am it was very quiet. Quieter than Starbucks ever.

Thursday

The day has come. For dental surgery. No pictures were taken before I wasn't fully mentally there and doubt I could have sneaked a camera into surgery, also there was blood everywhere.

They said I can't go shopping on the same day, but I did it! Found a $54 black skirt for dance! Ok for work too, it flows. Only one of the two dresses I wanted was one sale, there's no more free postage if you buy in stores via transfer. :( We've got cherries on white, hoping to swap for black on the forums.



Surprisingly aldi had key lime pie! More like lemon, it really needs that blow torched meringue top. Hospital food is gross, I do wonder how it compares to aeroplane food. A week of rest has been prescribed, but that doesn't stop us from catching up on adventures!

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