Culinary experiences

After a disappointing dinner at the Italian on Thursday - (I usually only go on a Friday as the Friday waiter is so much nicer). He is American so has probably service built into his genes.

Saturday was Derek & Helen's house-cooling party. They are moving from a large 3-bed apartment with an astonishing view of the Pacific Ocean and large terrace, to a much smaller 2-bed unit in need of refurbishment. But they are buying the new one and have finally managed to get into the Australian housing market. Due to Australia laws on foreign nationals buying property and also how the tax deduction is calculated for temporary residents I cannot buy a property at this point, but have to wait until if/when I become Permanent resident. But nothing stops me looking ;-).

Anyway it was a very nice party and Helen cooked Salt & pepper squid among other things. This prompted me into having it at the usual Sunday visit to the Manly Fish Cafe for lunch (see picture).

I also managed to extend the weekend's culinary experience with a bottle of Magner's Irish Cider. Due to extreme import duties they are around 15 dollars each (7 pounds / 75 kr) - so it is nothing I would do everyday. However it was such a nice day sitting at the Steyne Hotel rooftop bar that I could not resist the temptation.