Interesting Observations

Anybody noticed those very tempting small red fruit in the supermarkets and greengrocers that look just like strawberries? They are even sold in little punnets at very inflated prices and labelled as "Strawberries", however when one bites into one of these delectable looking little fruits, one discovers a hard, crunchy and somewhat flavourless texture. Methinks these "strawberries" must have been GM'ed with apple genes and therefore really should only be marketed as "Strapples". Whatever happened to those delicate, fragrant fruit that a strawberry really is?

On a completely different tack and without segue, MB recently attended a book launch in Cairns, hosted by Cairns Library and tickets to the event were free. MB was running slightly late and on arrival thought that all of the seats at the event were taken, however on closer inspection noticed the front row of seats were all unoccupied so she perched herself there and was practically within touching distance of the author, Monica McInerney. Not that MB had any compulsion to touch the author mind you.

MB has noticed time and again that at an event or speech where the guests have not had to pay for a ticket to attend that the front row or rows are generally unoccupied. Conversely if these same folks had to pay for their attendance, then they would most likely be jostling for front row seats and probably paying a premium to do so!

Rick Stein, where are you?

Since returning from the UK MB has discovered that Rick Stein is presently in Australia. As MB didn't get a chance to go to Padstowe to genuflect at Rick's Shrine there may be a chance she could attend his cooking demonstration at Palm Cove, if only she could find out where it's being held!

A colleague of MB's told her he'd heard quite a bit of advertising for this event whilst she was in the UK, but he couldn't remember which restaurant was hosting this singular event. MB has been calling restaurants at Palm Cove and getting various responses such as "Who's he, never heard of him?" or "If you find out can you let us know where it is?".

MB has scoured the internet for information but so far unable to unearth any forward event information pertaining to Rick Stein. She even set up a Google news alert and is getting tantalising snippets, the last news item a couple of days ago was from a local paper in Ulladulla where Rick cooked a meal for a some sort of club. It appears he was in Adelaide prior to that for a food festival there. So MB can take heart that he does appear to be heading north.

Just caught Rick's new doco about cooking for the Japanese Ambassador in London, thoroughly enjoyed it. Rick really knows how to convey his reverence for fresh seasonal ingredients and simple, but sensational dishes. His enthusiasm and bonhomie is such a delight.

Upcoming Reading

The long awaited instalment in Colleen McCullough's "Masters of Rome" series, "Antony and Cleopatra" has just landed at Cairns' library. MB is fifth in line for this book and is eagerly anticipating a very engrossing and entertaining read. Colleen McCullough's research skills and ability to weave a great story are second to none. Her books are such a treat to read.

MB also noticed a new fiction offering from Paul Theroux, "The Elephanta Suite", set in India. Sounds promising, so MB has also reserved a copy of this.

Speaking of books, Michael Palin will be in Australia soon to launch his new book about Eastern Europe. When MB was in London she tried to attend Palin's book launch there, but missed the last ticket by 10 minutes! Of course he ain't coming to Cairns, just visiting the capital cities dammit.

However our little outpost of Cairns is on the itinerary for Monica McInerney, author of "Those Faraday Girls". MB gets the feeling this book is in the same genre as those of Maeve Binchy, not really MB's cup of tea, but being the loyal member she is, MB will show her support and attend the event as it is being hosted by Cairns' Library.

Hong Kong Foodie Encounter

During the short Hong Kong stopover the subject of Tony Bourdain came up whilst the trio were at dinner, as Bourdain's series "No Reservations" is a great favourite of both MB & MDR. PB mentioned the Hong Kong episode which unfortunately MB & MDR has missed. One of PB's restaurateur mates, Frank (not "Harry" as previously reported), happened to be Tony Bourdain's guide in this particular episode.

Later in the evening, after leaving the Bhatti Bar, the trio came across the pictured Hawker stand just down the street from the bar. PB mentioned this was Raddie's favourite nosh spot in HK, so the trio stopped and sampled some traditional Chinese desserts, Black Sesame gruel and Coconut Sago porridge. A few minutes later Frank happened to walk by and PB beckoned him over so MB could quiz Frank on Tony Bourdain. Frank was very diplomatic, revealing that Tony was a very nice guy and quite the perfectionist.

Three Continents in Three Days

MB & MDR arrived back home yesterday after a two day (1 night) stopover in Hong Kong. The flight from London to HK was approximately 12 hours and the pair arrived relatively rested after being able to sleep most of the overnight flight (even though the pair were travelling cattle class). Not long after checking into the Holiday Inn Express at Causeway Bay it was dinnertime, so it was off to PB's fave Chinese and true to his promise the food was excellent. Also visited Soho and checked out the Bhatti Bar, where they make a great Pina Colada.

The following day the trio visited the Panda bears at Ocean Park. There are now 4 Pandas resident here in upgraded and air-conditioned enclosures. Two of the Pandas were up and about and MB as always was completely beguiled. Ocean Park was spruiking Halloween bigtime with halloween merchandise everywhere as well as the usual props such as monsters, pumpkins etc. Unfortunately they'd also managed to find some "scary" synthesised halloween music which was blaring from multiple speakers, the maximum distance between each speaker could not have been more than 3m, ensuring blanket coverage throughout the park. Peace broke out in the cable car though, thank God no speakers in them. They're probably working on rectifying this omission though.

After building up an appetite at Ocean Park PB again proved himself to be the ultimate host and took the pair to his favourite Sushi joint, Sushi Sumi, for another super meal. MDR was ready for a nap by then so MB went off for some retail therapy. Loads of excellent shopping all around the Holiday Inn.

After an evening dim sum meal at the IFC Mall above the Hong Kong MTR station, the pair took the airport express back to HK airport for their overnight, direct, flight back to Cairns. This is a pretty short flight, around 7 hours, but neither MB nor MDR slept much so both arrived home absolutely wasted. It is however great to be home after 6 weeks away.

The Scoop

You saw it here first, the brand new Monsoon Clipper moored on the south side of the Thames. This is one of the 4 commuter catamarans built in Australia using MDR's design and shipped over to London on decks of 2 cargo ships. Two more catamarans will be delivered later this year.

Osterley Park

The approach to Osterley House from main entrance.

Feast of the Senses

Today's visit to Osterley Park (1 hour by tube from Tower Bridge) was all that it promised and more, sweeping vistas, idyllic scenery, stately buildings and good weather. The house is a true showpiece, retaining most of it's original furniture, interior decoration, soft furnishings, ancient coin collections, swords and silverware. For those who appreciate symmetry and minimalist interiors Osterley House is for you.

Whilst touring the house, a cross-eyed, slightly hyperactive National Trust volunteer latched onto MB and insisted on accompanying her through the grand hall, he loftily pointed out the mirror image arrangement of the furniture and offered his opinion that it was all very obsessive. MB responded by telling him how much she was relishing the symmetrical arrangements and even offered up her old chestnut of "symmetry is everything" which she used to great effect with her staff when running her own business.

The property also produces fresh produce which is sold at their very own farm shop. The produce is also used in the on-site cafe and MB enjoyed a very nice courgette, goat cheese and mint crumble for lunch.

If you're ever in London you won't be disappointed by a visit to this property, it really has something for everyone.

Last Day in London

After 5 wonderful weeks in the UK, MDR & MB commence the return journey to hot and steamy FNQ tomorrow (via Hong Kong).

MDR is presenting a paper today at a Fast Ferry conference, then attending a conference dinner sans MB, so MB will squeeze in one last British fix at Osterley Park. According to the National Trust website MB can expect a magnificent neo-classical house with fine Adam interiors, landscaped park and 357 acres of 18th-century gardens.

The gardens should be particularly splendid with the autumn colours just starting to appear. MB promises to take lots of photos.

The Tube

These Brits are very self-deprecating, even putting up signs criticising the underground railways. MB thinks the Tube is just spiffing, what-ho.

Arty Farty London

Spotted this queue near Trafalgar Square today, folks waiting to go on a "journey" through some shipping containers. Not sure what it was all about,
didn't venture any closer.

Shackleton

MB dropped into All Hallows Church this morning at Tower Hill, the oldest church in London. It has an interesting crypt musuem where parts of the original Roman temple that stood on the site have been excavated. There is also a small chapel in the crypt but probably the most surprising exhibit was the crows nest from the Sir Ernest Shackleton's last Antarctic expedition on the "Quest".

Mum's the Word

Big day for MB today, went to the matinee at St Martin's theatre to see The Mousetrap, as you can see from the photo it's a very long running play, 52 years to be precise.

MB was lucky to make the play as she'd taken a trip in the morning on a Routemaster Bus to Paddington. These are the old double decker London buses with the open doorway in the back, much more fun. Anyway the plan was to walk back via Oxford Street but the pull of all those department stores was too much and caused a last minute panic. MB took the Tube to Leicester Square but of course couldn't find the theatre when she emerged disoriented from the underground, started asking for directions, first person she asked turned out to be a fellow Aussie, next one was a shop assistant (Polish?), MB had to find the 7 Dials, luckily the shop assistant knew where that was as she had never heard of the theatre. MB finally made with a minute to spare, bothered and breathless as the ticket stated no late entry.

The play was very charming and the performances were stellar, very polished indeed. At the end of the play the audience was implored to keep the secret of whodunnit to ensure the longevity of the show.

Rugby World Cup, France 2007

MDR is pretty chuffed as he can watch the games live without having to get up in the wee morning hours.

MB has finally booked into a live show "The Mousetrap". This live stageshow has been running continuously for 54 years!

MORE GREEN

I wonder if the locals ever get sick of all the green? Catching my breath after hiking up this grade V hill - Sir Edmund would be proud! That's the town of Dunster in the background where we stopped for a home made Exmoor Pasty and hot coffee. En route to Conygar Tower and then back to Minehead with MB. Hiked about 5 miles this day. Apart from the amazing scenery, it was great to get some private time with MB for a chat.

POST HOLIDAY DEPRESSION SYNDROME

Only back in Hong Kong for two days now and still dreaming of rural England. Was going though my photos and found this one above - by far my favorite. It's in the Exmoor forest just a few miles inland from the port town of Lynmouth.

Must have been full of Brown trout but didn't get the chance to "wet a line".

The whole Minehead, West Somerset, Exmoor area was just beautiful. Weather also was perfect and I really enjoyed the trip. I would definitely go back again.

FishWorks

Bath 20 & 21 September 07: Arrived in Bath around 2pm on 20 September and promptly visited FishWorks for lunch and enjoyed beautful fresh seafood cooked simply and properly, unfortunately their fryer was broken down so unable to sample the whitebait. Rick Stein recommends this restaurant, and the trio were not disappointed.

In fact the next day, while Grace was cramming in some more shopping, PB & MB called FishWorks to inquire as to whether the fryer was repaired. Fortunately it was so they went back for a scrumptious taramasalata and whitebait & aioli lunch. PB also sampled some Fin De Claire Oysters from France, pronounced them surperb.

Funnily enough this restaurant was not listed in any of the eating out guides at the Hotel and it was even quite difficult obtaining their telephone number, turns out their number is only listed in the fishmongers' index in the telephone directory.

Bath Water

Would you believe MB & PB each paid 50p to drink a glass of lukewarm water from the hot spring? Tasted like rotten eggs. Still waiting for the health benefits to kick in.......

City of Hot Springs

Thurs 20 Sept: The team were up bright and early for a large English breakfast at the Villa Magdala in Bath. Only a short window for brekky - 8:00am to 9:30am, MB & PB amazingly were the first starters for breakfast, however Grace needed some more sleep to fortify herself for her last shopping foray.

After breaking their fast PB & MB strolled accross the Pulteney bridge (a bridge with shops along each side, very European) to the city centre to make the 9:00am opening of the Roman Baths, again the pair were first off the starting block.

The Baths are a must see for anyone even remotely interested in history. This is a huge complex with fascinating excavations. The hot springs are still feeding the main roman bath via the roman built pipes and drains, they sure built for the long term.

Bath is a very beautiful compact city filled with Georgian sandstone buildings, lovely avenues and traditional gardens. Traffic though was chaotic and very challenging, even with the satnav. Alas the trio had to leave at 1:30pm to make it to Gatwick in time for the Hong Kong flight.

Cleve Abbey & Sour Apples

The Flab Three also visited Cleve Abbey whilst in Minehead. A 13th century monastic site, complete with Cloister buildings, one of the few sites remaining in the UK where one can see these features.

Next to the Abbey were what looked to be some abandoned apple trees laden with fruit so the team collected some likely looking apples to make an apple crumble that evening.

MB cooked them up that night but were they sour or what! Not the culinary, fresh harvested wild food delight the team were hoping for.