Rice paper rolls, duck and lychee martinis.
I really enjoy cooking Asian food these days. Last night I cooked dinner for friends to celebrate my birthday. I'd invited 6 people to sup, and had decided early on that tonight's menu was going to be Asian and would feature rice paper rolls.
Because I had to work yesterday, and dropped by another birthday celebration, I didn't get to start cooking till 5pm. Even with J as sous chef, and the purchase of a duck (cheating slightly!), we had to bustle a little to get everything ready. J reminded me to stay calm.
Guests started arriving from 7.30pm, and when M appeared with the vodka and lychee liquer, I started to make a batch of lychee martinis. HC protested at the amount of vodka I sloshed into the cocktail shaker, so she diplomatically offered to take over and soon we had a round of martinis to get the dinner party started. By the time we sat down to our Vietnamese rice paper rolls I was turning slightly red.
Mains were egg noodles with shredded duck and shiitake mushrooms, beef salad with green papaya (with one variation - duck substitution for a beef-allergic guest), and duck pieces and rice. Noodles are a traditional Chinese birthday dish as they represent long life. HS obligingly grated a mountain of palm sugar, and we finished with sago gula melaka (sago pudding).
We didn't end up opening any wine as those drinking voted for more lychee martinis. Suitably relaxed by the alcohol, the conversation became quite mellow and candid (but retained a degree of respectability!). We moved from food science to the removal of facial hair to the chemicals in shampoo to stories of various people falling out of bed.
I think 6 to 8 people is a good number for dinner. Enough bodies so that people get to meet someone new, enough perspectives to make it interesting. More than that and its a challenge to cook for everyone. Note to self: plan another dinner party soon. One of my 50 things to do in 2007.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Birthday Celebrations
On the 21st, J brought me to Sailor's Thai, a chic Thai restuarant in The Rocks. We sat downstairs, which appeared to be an original sandstone building renovated and updated. We deliberated over the delectable menu for a while, and since we're indecisive types, and we like our food a lot, we decided on the tasting menu, which will give us portions of 6 to 7 dishes, and dessert. "Excellent choice" says the waiter. He'd said they were small portions, so we were pleasantly surprised to be presented with quite generous servings of our choices. The flavours were delicate and well-balanced. A favourite was the roast duck with longan salad.
A fantastic night - scrumptious food, great ambiance, wonderful company. And to top off our evening, an unexpected sighting of Leo Sayer enjoying a meal in the restaurant, flanked by two lovely ladies.
A fantastic night - scrumptious food, great ambiance, wonderful company. And to top off our evening, an unexpected sighting of Leo Sayer enjoying a meal in the restaurant, flanked by two lovely ladies.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Expedition to Cottage Point
It's Monday once more, hooray! It's my day off. I went sailing, as I haven't been out on the water for a while. Yesterday, J and I were out at Clifton Gardens, anear Balmoral Beach, having a cup of tea and I saw lots of yachts out. This prompted me to call the club and book in for a sail. And today, it was perfect weather for it too. I was allocated to a yacht with GS, GE and S. We had about 8 -12 knots to begin with, and we sped rapidly towards Lion Island. Coming back, we saw whitecaps (white peaks on the tops of waves) forming - an indication of the wind picking up even more. All in all an exhilarating sail.
Afterwards, I drove up to Cottage Point to see if there was a nice restaurant to bring Mum and Dad to when they visit. There was the Cottage Point Inn, accessible by road (involving some steps) or ferry. At the Cottage Point kiosk I ordered a coffee and sat down to read, but soon found myself in an interesting conversation with a fellow-coffee drinker who asked about sailing lessons (he saw the sailing club logo embroidered on my T-shirt). I had been reading Ian Irvine, and he recommended books by Ricardo Pinto and the movie "Wit". I recommended he further his interest in sketching and painting. I'd like to think we enriched each other's lives in some tiny way. Will check out Pinto and "Wit".
Afterwards, I drove up to Cottage Point to see if there was a nice restaurant to bring Mum and Dad to when they visit. There was the Cottage Point Inn, accessible by road (involving some steps) or ferry. At the Cottage Point kiosk I ordered a coffee and sat down to read, but soon found myself in an interesting conversation with a fellow-coffee drinker who asked about sailing lessons (he saw the sailing club logo embroidered on my T-shirt). I had been reading Ian Irvine, and he recommended books by Ricardo Pinto and the movie "Wit". I recommended he further his interest in sketching and painting. I'd like to think we enriched each other's lives in some tiny way. Will check out Pinto and "Wit".
Friday, April 13, 2007
Dunedin
10th April 2007
A leisurely day in Dunedin awaits. After a hearty breakfast, we took in the Otago Museum, walked through the University of Otago to admire the buildings, sauntered through the Botanic Gardens then trudged uphill the World's Steepest Street, Baldwin Street.
A leisurely day in Dunedin awaits. After a hearty breakfast, we took in the Otago Museum, walked through the University of Otago to admire the buildings, sauntered through the Botanic Gardens then trudged uphill the World's Steepest Street, Baldwin Street.
Day 4 of the Otago Central Rail Trail Cycle Trip
9th April 2007 - Hyde to Middlemarch
Our transport out of Hyde wasn't till 4 or 5pm, and we got dropped off at Hyde at 9am, so we had plenty of time. We lazed in the sun at Hyde checking our text messages and drinking coffee. When we felt ready we set off, noticing how the landscape became flat and open again, a change from the gorges and slopes of the past two days. Hyde to Middlemarch was mostly downhill, and we were exuberant as we took in the landscape that passed around us without too much effort.
At Hyde, we settled ourselves in the garden of the Kissing Gate Cafe where we devoured our lunch, ordered coffees and teas over 3 hours. We read magazines and played Hangman. It was a very relaxing end to the ride.
At 4pm, we said our goodbyes. J and I went onto Dunedin, the others were going back to Queenstown. The Dunedin-bound travellers got onto the Taieri Gorge Railway, a scenic rail ride and a fitting end to our tour of Otago. We ended up in the beautiful train station in Dunedin and wheeled our luggage to 97 Motel, in the heart of Dunedin. Back to city life after 4 glorious days in the country!
We had to have Chinese for dinner. After this many days of steaks, I was craving Asian food again.
Our transport out of Hyde wasn't till 4 or 5pm, and we got dropped off at Hyde at 9am, so we had plenty of time. We lazed in the sun at Hyde checking our text messages and drinking coffee. When we felt ready we set off, noticing how the landscape became flat and open again, a change from the gorges and slopes of the past two days. Hyde to Middlemarch was mostly downhill, and we were exuberant as we took in the landscape that passed around us without too much effort.
At Hyde, we settled ourselves in the garden of the Kissing Gate Cafe where we devoured our lunch, ordered coffees and teas over 3 hours. We read magazines and played Hangman. It was a very relaxing end to the ride.
At 4pm, we said our goodbyes. J and I went onto Dunedin, the others were going back to Queenstown. The Dunedin-bound travellers got onto the Taieri Gorge Railway, a scenic rail ride and a fitting end to our tour of Otago. We ended up in the beautiful train station in Dunedin and wheeled our luggage to 97 Motel, in the heart of Dunedin. Back to city life after 4 glorious days in the country!
We had to have Chinese for dinner. After this many days of steaks, I was craving Asian food again.
Day 3
8th April 2007 - Ranfurly to Hyde
For a change, we started the day with a tour of the local area. George, a local venison farmer, does tours as a sideline. He took us to St Bathans, an old gold mining town, where we admired the beautiful Blue Lake.
Blue Lake
Then onto Naseby where we tried our hand at curling.
Another delicious packed lunch from Jan which we enjoyed in a scenic picnic spot, then we were ready to start riding.
We only had to do 33kms today, so it was much easier than yesterday's ride. We had a little more time to look around and admire the scenery. I loved the backdrop of the mountains around us. Being out here brings such a feeling of freedom.
M got a puncture, which took a little time, but even then we still made it to Hyde just after 4pm. We were driven to Stanley's Hotel (built 1882). There were only 4 other guests other than us, so we had a wing of the hotel to ourselves, and 5 rooms amongst the 6 of us. Newly renovated bathrooms too. Luxury!
For a change, we started the day with a tour of the local area. George, a local venison farmer, does tours as a sideline. He took us to St Bathans, an old gold mining town, where we admired the beautiful Blue Lake.
Blue Lake
Then onto Naseby where we tried our hand at curling.
Another delicious packed lunch from Jan which we enjoyed in a scenic picnic spot, then we were ready to start riding.
We only had to do 33kms today, so it was much easier than yesterday's ride. We had a little more time to look around and admire the scenery. I loved the backdrop of the mountains around us. Being out here brings such a feeling of freedom.
M got a puncture, which took a little time, but even then we still made it to Hyde just after 4pm. We were driven to Stanley's Hotel (built 1882). There were only 4 other guests other than us, so we had a wing of the hotel to ourselves, and 5 rooms amongst the 6 of us. Newly renovated bathrooms too. Luxury!
Day 2
7th April 2007 - Omakau to Ranfurly
We set off about 9am in a slight drizzle, motivated by the thought of a coffee break in Lauder - 9km from Omakau. This was a very popular spot and many other cyclists were refuelling there as well.
This day was not planned well. We had to be in Wedderburn by 12.30 or 1pm to meet Jan who was providing us with a picnic lunch. SH and SL had also asked their friends to meet them there at 12pm. This meant we had to cycle 43 km before lunchtime! There was a slight incline here too, as we climbed to the highest part of the trail (618m above sea level). We were pushing ourselves but K and I were sore and could not go faster. A breakaway group (SH, SL and J) went ahead at top speed to meet the friends and collect lunch while the rest of us went at a pace we could maintain. Near the apex, we passed the line of 45 degree south latitude. M yelled it out to us, but K and I were too busy looking at the ground and pushing hard on pedals.
We finally got to Wedderburn at 1.30pm. Lunch was scrumptious and we ate ravenously but we got cold stopping and not long after K, M and I got there, we pushed on again. We cheered up at the thought it was 14kms more, but downhill, to Ranfurly. We got into Ranfurly about 4pm, and I was only too glad to put the bike away. I was lucky here, I scored the room with the ensuite. We rewarded ourselves with hot chocolate and apple pie, then later steak dinners and wine. We chatted to a local who participated in curling, and got us looking forward to our curling expedition tomorrow.
Ranfurly - Art Deco town
We set off about 9am in a slight drizzle, motivated by the thought of a coffee break in Lauder - 9km from Omakau. This was a very popular spot and many other cyclists were refuelling there as well.
This day was not planned well. We had to be in Wedderburn by 12.30 or 1pm to meet Jan who was providing us with a picnic lunch. SH and SL had also asked their friends to meet them there at 12pm. This meant we had to cycle 43 km before lunchtime! There was a slight incline here too, as we climbed to the highest part of the trail (618m above sea level). We were pushing ourselves but K and I were sore and could not go faster. A breakaway group (SH, SL and J) went ahead at top speed to meet the friends and collect lunch while the rest of us went at a pace we could maintain. Near the apex, we passed the line of 45 degree south latitude. M yelled it out to us, but K and I were too busy looking at the ground and pushing hard on pedals.
We finally got to Wedderburn at 1.30pm. Lunch was scrumptious and we ate ravenously but we got cold stopping and not long after K, M and I got there, we pushed on again. We cheered up at the thought it was 14kms more, but downhill, to Ranfurly. We got into Ranfurly about 4pm, and I was only too glad to put the bike away. I was lucky here, I scored the room with the ensuite. We rewarded ourselves with hot chocolate and apple pie, then later steak dinners and wine. We chatted to a local who participated in curling, and got us looking forward to our curling expedition tomorrow.
Ranfurly - Art Deco town
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Day 1 of the Otago Rail Trail Cycle Trip
6th April 2007 - Clyde to Omakau
The 5 Aussies headed out from Queenstown about 9am, and we met SL in Clyde at the Bike Hire place - Trail Journeys. Some adjustments followed and I decided against putting on my own bike seat, although I had the clipless pedals attached. This proved to be my downfall (see below). 45 minutes later, the six of us set off using the river path, which was full of turns and dips, and was where I fell off twice (in 9kms). Partly due to being clipped in, and not being able to put my foot down when I lost my balance.
Riding out of Clyde
About 20kms into the ride, we had settled into a pattern of riding - SL and SH were in front, their fitness levels serving them well. K and I took up the back, and J and M usually rode with one of us. Gradually the scenery started to change, and we saw the flat plains give way to gorges and hills and valleys in the distance. Being an old rail trail, the route is mostly very flat so we didn't have to climb steep hills, luckily.
Chatto Creek Tavern
We had lunch at the Chatto Creek tavern, which served up reassuringly large portions. We were surprised by the fruit in the chicken wraps, however. Then onto bikes again for the last hour of our day's ride. There was a slight incline called Tiger Hill and it was very slight but long and relentless. I was lagging behind and starting to feel very tired and sore. J rode with me and said encouraging things, and I took short breaks, as much to rest my shoulders as my legs. Just when I thought my legs couldn't take much more, we reached the apex of Tiger Hill and coasted downhill for a few kilometres. Its amazing how quickly my spirits picked up then! Not long after, we came into Omakau where we were staying the night. I have never been so happy to see a hotel in my life! The Omakau Commercial Hotel was humble, quaint and we were welcomed by the very friendly, helpful hosts. A hot shower, an icepack and a glass of Speights (local beer) later, I was much more cheerful.
The 5 Aussies headed out from Queenstown about 9am, and we met SL in Clyde at the Bike Hire place - Trail Journeys. Some adjustments followed and I decided against putting on my own bike seat, although I had the clipless pedals attached. This proved to be my downfall (see below). 45 minutes later, the six of us set off using the river path, which was full of turns and dips, and was where I fell off twice (in 9kms). Partly due to being clipped in, and not being able to put my foot down when I lost my balance.
Riding out of Clyde
About 20kms into the ride, we had settled into a pattern of riding - SL and SH were in front, their fitness levels serving them well. K and I took up the back, and J and M usually rode with one of us. Gradually the scenery started to change, and we saw the flat plains give way to gorges and hills and valleys in the distance. Being an old rail trail, the route is mostly very flat so we didn't have to climb steep hills, luckily.
Chatto Creek Tavern
We had lunch at the Chatto Creek tavern, which served up reassuringly large portions. We were surprised by the fruit in the chicken wraps, however. Then onto bikes again for the last hour of our day's ride. There was a slight incline called Tiger Hill and it was very slight but long and relentless. I was lagging behind and starting to feel very tired and sore. J rode with me and said encouraging things, and I took short breaks, as much to rest my shoulders as my legs. Just when I thought my legs couldn't take much more, we reached the apex of Tiger Hill and coasted downhill for a few kilometres. Its amazing how quickly my spirits picked up then! Not long after, we came into Omakau where we were staying the night. I have never been so happy to see a hotel in my life! The Omakau Commercial Hotel was humble, quaint and we were welcomed by the very friendly, helpful hosts. A hot shower, an icepack and a glass of Speights (local beer) later, I was much more cheerful.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Queenstown
Spent all day on planes and Auckland Airport, so given the 7am flight out of Sydney, it was a latish arrival into Queenstown at 5.30pm NZ time. Still, even my tiredness didn't prevent me from marvelling at the breathtaking mountains around the lake and town. And the Aspen, where I am staying, has a vantage point allowing great views of the lake from the dining room, verandah and some of the hotel rooms. This makes up for it being away from town. (The staff said when I booked that it was a 15 minute walk. It took me about 25 minutes).
I already feel the stress melting away. Work is a thousand miles away. Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the others tomorrow. Now its time to find some food and settle in for the night, maybe with a glass of red.
I already feel the stress melting away. Work is a thousand miles away. Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the others tomorrow. Now its time to find some food and settle in for the night, maybe with a glass of red.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Earth Hour
Syndey celebrated Earth Hour on Saturday 31st March. People were asked to turn their lights out from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Earth Hour starts a campaign to reduce greenhouse gases by reducing energy consumption. Lots of restaurants and busineses participated, which was great to see. S had a party to mark her resignation from work and Earth Hour was part of the party. So we turned the lights out and burned beeswex candles which are carbon neutral.
It was a great party, a little slow to begin with, as everyone seemed self-conscious but it warmed up and I had a really good time overall. Scrumptious food, as expected from the kitchen of S and H. Towards the end, Singster ensured that people were trying out their vocal chords unself-consciously.
Final word on greenhouse gas emissions - Earth Hour is a great start, but we need to do more on a daily basis, obviously. And hey, let's see more cyclists commuting to work. Every bike is one less car on the road.
It was a great party, a little slow to begin with, as everyone seemed self-conscious but it warmed up and I had a really good time overall. Scrumptious food, as expected from the kitchen of S and H. Towards the end, Singster ensured that people were trying out their vocal chords unself-consciously.
Final word on greenhouse gas emissions - Earth Hour is a great start, but we need to do more on a daily basis, obviously. And hey, let's see more cyclists commuting to work. Every bike is one less car on the road.
Three sleeps to go...
Not long now till I fly to New Zealand to cycle the Otago Rail Trail. Am really excited. I can't wait. Today I got some Gatorade in a concentrated form and some protein bars. I already have knicks, and a jersey to ride in on a warmer day. Thermals for cooler weather are coming along too.
Everyone I speak to feels the need to point out New Zealand is hilly. That really boosts my confidence! I keep telling myself, "we have all day to ride, I'm just going to take my time". Three sleeps to go... yay!
Everyone I speak to feels the need to point out New Zealand is hilly. That really boosts my confidence! I keep telling myself, "we have all day to ride, I'm just going to take my time". Three sleeps to go... yay!
Hot Cross Buns
I had a coffee with a friend V last Monday, at Circular Quay. I love having Mondays off. Circular Quay, sitting by the water, is one of the best ways to spend a Monday morning. While sipping our flat whites, we somehow got onto the topic of Hot Cross Buns. V mentioned that in the past, her family only ate them on Good Friday. And then without thinking, I voiced out loud to V: "why do we have hot cross buns?"
Her jaw dropped. I realised as soon as I registered her reaction. Of course, the cross symbolises the cross, after all the real reason for Easter. So how come when we think of Easter, most of us think of chocolate, the Easter bunny and having a long weekend? My thoughtless question was the perfect epitome of how the meaning of Easter has been lost. Its a lot like what we did to Christmas.
Her jaw dropped. I realised as soon as I registered her reaction. Of course, the cross symbolises the cross, after all the real reason for Easter. So how come when we think of Easter, most of us think of chocolate, the Easter bunny and having a long weekend? My thoughtless question was the perfect epitome of how the meaning of Easter has been lost. Its a lot like what we did to Christmas.
Sports
I tried doing the Mini-Triathlon at the gym the other day. Its all done on machines, indoors and is quite casual so I didn't feel too intimidated. I did a 5km bike ride, 500m row and 1km run in 19 minutes 26 seconds. I have to admit, I thought of giving up more than once during the run. Running is NOT my forte by any means. Still, I thought 19:26 wasn't bad for someone who failed the fitness test in primary school. The fastest time for a female so far (they put the times up on a whiteboard) was 15 minutes.
Exercise is an important outlet for me now. Right now its part of the taking care of myself priority. My plan is to try again in 3 months time and see if I can shave a minute off my time.
Exercise is an important outlet for me now. Right now its part of the taking care of myself priority. My plan is to try again in 3 months time and see if I can shave a minute off my time.
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