Sunday 12th December 2010

ROTTNEST ISLAND GETAWAY FOR LONG'S 30TH
Today was my first every trip to Rottnest Island. Yes, I have lived in Perth since 1992 and have not made it over to this gorgeous island until today.

We took the ferry and it was a beautifully warm day as we bounced across the ocean. I was building up with anticipation as the island drew near. I couldn't wait to hit the gorgeous blue water with my snorkel gear and camera!

We stopped at Little Salmon Bay and spent most of the morning there.

It really hit home how we spend money travelling overseas for holidays to visit beaches and relax in the warm sun, when we are missing out on these wonderful places right in our backyards! I guess it's a case of 'the grass is always greener'.

After the snorkelling, we were all famished and caught the bus to head back to town for lunch at Dome.

It's funny how I just spent the morning gazing at fish underwater,
and the only thing I was craving was fish and chips!

After lunch, we boarded the bus again and disembarked at Little Parakeet Bay for a really quick snorkel before it was time to head back to town to catch the ferry back to Perth.

Back in Perth, we were starving! So, we went out for dinner.


HAPPY STAR NOODLE HOUSE
48 Hulme Court, Myaree
Ivy did the ordering for us. I just wanted to eat!

Crispy Chicken

Crisky Skin Chicken

Sizzling Japanese Tofu

Complimentary Fresh Fruit

What an awesome day!

Saturday 11th December 2010

Even though I no longer work at SJOG, I went as Lisa's date to their Christmas Party tonight at Burswood in the Summer Marquee.

The theme was 'Mad Hatters Party' but it looked like most people had just dusted off their Melbourne Cup fascinators. There were some quirky hats around the place though.

For only $50, it was rather great value for money this year. We had a drinks package including wines, bubbly and a few beers. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a plate of prawns and antipasto. It didn't take us long to polish these off!

Peeled Prawns with Lemon Wedges and a Cocktail Sauce.

Antipasto Plate.

Like last year, it was disappointing that the buffet displays were in the dark. We could barely see what we were picking from. A few lanterns or candles wouldn't have gone astray.

I enjoyed one plate from the buffet - meat and salads.

I went back for seconds and wondered if they had any prawns left. I was in luck! There was one plate left and someone scooped half of them onto my plate. I only managed to eat a few of them before I lured out onto the dance floor with great music.

While I was dancing, I noticed what felt like a mosquito bite on my left cheek. I ignored it, but then felt a few more bumps next to the first bump. Then I felt some on my right cheek. Later in the toilets, Lisa proclaimed that I had hives!

Wah! I have never had hives on my face before! I can't think why I had them - perhaps the prawns? It sort of put a dampener on my night but after the hives subsided I was out on the dance floor again.

Should I sue Burswood!?

Friday 10th December 2010

Using some of Ian's harissa paste, I made a rich tomato sauce with bacon and stirred through some penne. I brought in some for everyone at work. It's so great to have people enjoy the food that I cook. It means I don't have to be eating the same thing for days!

Thursday 9th December 2010

Today is our weekly feast day at work. It was my turn to do the grocery shopping so I decided on the theme.

STUFFED SPUDS!
I got up early today and boiled 2kg of nadine potatoes, cooked up some chilli con carne, sliced spring onions and bacon.

At work, I set up our 'spud stuffing station'.

I made up my spuds with the chilli con carne mix,
grated Tasty cheese and sliced spring onions.

After heating up my spuds, I added a dollop of sour cream
and Ian's harissa and yoghurt dip on the other.

Noelle opted for nachos with Doritos.

Ian's brought in some of his homemade Dolmades - vine leaves stuffed with rice, tomatoes and herbs - and they were absolutely divine! I loved the tanginess from the lemon juice. I need to find someone with a grave vine so I can grab some vine leaves and try making these myself!

Rebecca brought in homemade Challah (pronounced hala) bread that she baked with chocolate chips. I didn't have a chance to try any though because I ate too many potatoes and was full!

Wednesday 8th December 2010

For lunch today, I used the leftover creamy saffron sauce and prawns that I made a few nights ago. I simply cooked some penne and tossed through the sauce.

Tonight Meng and I grabbed a really quick dinner in Northbridge before heading to the Bon Jovi concert. He managed to score some free tickets and knew how much of a fan I am and took me! Thanks Meng!


CORI ANNA RESTAURANT
5/347 William Street, Northbridge

We ordered the Seafood Pancake to share - $8
The seafood was obviously the frozen variety that you get in the freezer section of supermarkets. I don't know whether they made the pancake of it's the frozen type that they just reheated, but Meng says he saw them flipping something in a pan through the window that leads to the kitchen. The pancake was nice but I thought it was a bit doughy.

We also shared the Seafood Fried Rice - $13
The fried rice had the same seafood that we found in the pancake. It was okay. Nothing special.

I love the pickled condiments that accompany any good Korean meal.

After the concert, we went for supper in Northbridge but I didn't bring my camera with me.

What a great night.

"Ohhhh we're halfway there
Woahhh
Livin' on a prayer!"

Tuesday 7th December 2010

Lunch
Four 'n Twenty Chicken & Vegetable Pie

Dinner
Sambal Kang Kong & Spam

Spam? Yes, I love spam. I really wanted some meat to go with my kang kong and the easiest thing was a can of spam in the pantry. Simba must have loved the smell of it because he sat especially close to me while I ate dinner tonight.

Monday 6th December 2010

Dinner
Roasted Chicken with Portuguese spices
Baby Corn spears, steamed Asparagus & Salad

The baby corn spears were fresh so I didn't want to cook them. When the chicken was cooked, I simply threw the baby corn into the pan juices, coated them in the delicious juices and they were delicious.