Zilli Fish

I’ve been meaning to go to Zilli Fish for a long time but never quite seemed to make it there so when Jenny suggested it for our dinner tonight I was very happy. We decided to try their set menu deal – which was actually pretty good value since it actually took things from the a la carte menu rather than having separate special dishes. Of course it was limited by choice but had enough options to make both of us happy.

For starters I decided on the Deep Fried Paprika Whitebait with Lemon & Tartar Sauce and Jenny opted for the Pork & Prawn Dim Sum Pan Fried and served with Asian Dressing

For mains neither of us could go past the grilled sea bass on a bed of mash.

Food was lovely and fresh, atmosphere was vibrant, and service wasn’t overboard or underwhelming. I’d be happy to visit Zilli Fish again.

Scupltures from Rome follow me to home

Jenny and I were on the way to dinner and walked through Victoria Tower Gardens and I was surprised to find that the sculptures I’d seen in Rome a few months ago had followed me back to London! Ha ha!

The sculptures are by Mexican artist Rivelino and entitled Nuestros Silencios (Our Silences)

This detail on this particular sculpture threw me for a bit of a loop – make of it what you will!

Gold Coast Part III

My visit home was drawn to an end with my third installment on the Gold Coast. I was very sad thinking about the fact I would be saying farewell once more 🙁 I tried to make the most of it and this is some of the mischief I got up to:

Movie: “How Do You Know”

At Jupiters Casino they have these Movie Night events for those member who, to put it politely, spend significant “time” in the Casino. Not mentioning who in my family fell into this category, heh heh, I got to participate in such a night – this was also the first time the movie was being screened in the Casino’s theatre itself, as opposed to one of the local cinemas. The event consist of a pre-screening of an imminent release, free popcorn, free drink and free ice cream. Its amazing how people value “free” things – my brother tells me stories of people who, not finishing their popcorn, actually bring a bag to take it away with them! You’ve got to imagine that surely these people lose more in the casino than the popcorn is actually worth. So funny.

As for the movie, well, considering the pedigree in the four leads Reese Witherspoon, Jack Nicholson, Paul Rudd, and Owen Wilson, we were thinking that it couldn’t be too horrible. Reese plays a softball player, loved by all, but cut from the team. For a woman who’s life has been all about sport this means she starts to derail. At the same time she is dating a big time baseball star, Wilson, but also comes across Rudd’s straight-laced businessman. Basically a love triangle comedy. Whilst it wasn’t horrible you couldn’t actually say it is going to set the world on fire – kind of a bit neither her nor there it had some jokes, it had some touching moments. Couldn’t complain really – it was free 😉

Catching up with Mikey

Mikey is another friend that I’ve known since high school. He took us for a fish and chips dinner in the park, which was quite nice to enjoy the fresh air. Before we finished with dessert at Max Brenners.

Celebrating Chinese New Year

I made sure when I was planning my visit back home that I would be there for Chinese New Year. We celebrated by meeting one of my brother’s clients/friends for lunch at one of their favourite restaurants in Surfers Paradise, Jasmine. Not a fancy place but the food sure was delicious. We then stopped by a local Japanese tea house for some ice tea before hitting Timezone for some arcade fun! Yes – I’m reliving some of my childhood, and happy to be taking Dad and Mum back with me!

Some shootin’

I swear I was an assassin or something in a former life. For example, I hate having my back to the room and I’m pretty awesome with a gun. Heh heh. Dad arranged for us to go to one of these gun clubs which allows casual shooting at not an unreasonable price. The Southport Indoor Pistol Club offers various types of packages – and I went for a package that allowed me shoot a variety of guns. I don’t think I did too bad – even the guy at the range was like, gee, you’re better than the guy in the next bay who has been coming here for months. Heh heh.

More Food

Of course I couldn’t leave home without having some more gorgeous food which included meat pies, fresh coconut juice, mini spring rolls, Dad’s amazing chilli / tomato fried king prawn, Stephen’s Char Kway Teow …

Dad’s beautiful ginger and spring onion mud crab (finger licking good)

And Yum Cha as my final meal in Oz!

Thanks so much to my parents and Stephen for spending time with me and organising everything. Thanks too to my friends for their time.

Oh Australia you will be missed.