all the way from Australia

My long awaited holiday finally came to reality...backpacking to Melbourne-Gold Coast. It was a tiring but marvelous 8 days 7 nights trip. Could have had a longer trip but had limited off days due to my profession. *sigh*...time to change profession?

We first got to Gold Coast and then took a domestic flight to Melbourne. The weather in Gold Coast is almost like that of Penang in the afternoon while the weather in Melbourne is a little colder than Genting Highlands.

Food in Australia are way so expensive than ours! And, not to mention, the taste is not comparable at all to that of Malaysian's! Choices are limited to only 'fish and chips' and burgers unless you visit the bigger restaurants serving Koreans/ Chinese. 

nuggets and chips, extra 30 cents for the ketchup (i did not know until it was shown in the bill)

We were dreading those times when we could find the dry 'fish and chips' or burger or what they are famous for 'wraps'. Those are totally not my kind of food as i always prefer hot dishes.

chicken ham and vegetable wraps

In Gold Coast, we went to both the theme parks; Movie World and Sea World. The was a 'summer pass' promotion, a ticket to any 2 theme parks at only AUD 99.99. Nevertheless, i would not suggest Movie World for those who are not into rides as it focuses more on rides. There are more shows to see Sea World though. If you have more time to spend, you can also rent a car and drive to Brisbane. Also, get an accommodation along the Main Beach as everything is within walking distance there.

Also, if you managed to walk to Chevron Renaissance, there are lots of cafe serving cheap breakfast such as the one we got to named "Flames". A breakfast set plus juice at only AUD6

 

After so many days of the so-called dry Western food, we finally arrived at Melbourne and found a Chinese cafe, located at the Chinatown just near the place where we stayed.

unfortunately, all the food above looks nice but taste horrible! we ended up in thirst as there were lots of msg perhaps

Also, don't forget to visit the famous "Max Brenner" for their chocolate delicacies. If you are a first timer, you must try the "sukao".

sukao

I went to Sydney a few years back and comparing it to Melbourne, i personally love Melbourne much better. The city is preserved with historical building, yet at the same time, there is a contemporary feeling.

city tram (get a ride within the city for free!!) where else can you see this besides Melbourne! ;)

city of Melbourne

And, the greatest finding of our trip, the 12 Apostles. However, when we arrived, there were only 8 left...or maybe 6? Hmmm, still counting~~

my travel mates and i

our best "friend", Tarago

Backpacking has always been my choice of travel as we get to plan everything on our own. Nevertheless, you must choose the right people to travel with, preferably those with similar interests. And i must say, i am lucky to have found a group of tolerable and understanding travel mates. Looking forward to my next trip. Til then, i wish you a happy 7th July (Penang Heritage Day) holiday!! :)

Invited Cooking Demo @ G Hotel

It was a pleasure to be one of the few who got to secure a place to enjoy an exclusive cooking demo by the chef of G Hotel. Thanks to the executive in charge, Ving Leong.
The presenter is Chef HK Lim with his assistant, Henry. There were 2 dishes on demo; "mixed garden lettuce with poached prawns, orange segments orange olive oil dressing" and "pan seared cod fillet with spiced radish, lemongrass and ginger broth".
A few guests were invited to try on the first dish. 

ingredients used for the garden lettuce

 guests putting their hands on

f

final product-the one done by Chef Lim-but too much orange flavour

t

the final finish of cod fillet

t

the ones they let us savor

q

quiche lorraine

braised chicken-chicken meat is too hard (fried too long i guess)

 mini vegetarian pizza

 cream puff-sweetness just nice!

 group photo-wasn't in as i rather be the photographer :)

 It was indeed a memorable event. Hope to be attending more of these events in future especially now that i have gotten my dslr. :)

Til then, stay tune for a special post on Gold Coast and Melbourne...Happy Eating, folks!!

Station One Cafe @ Komtar

Celebrated a colleague's birthday at the latest place we found out about, Station 1. You can notice the shop even when driving along the main road to Prangin Mall. Kind of funky with very loud music, too loud that we actually asked the waiter to tune it down in order for us to chit chat.

a live band corner

left: apple pear juice-RM6.90

right: sunkist orange juice-RM3 (doesn't taste sunkist)

left: iced plum lemon-RM3 "my friend complained it to be too sour"

right: honey green juice-RM6.90

tomyam soup (pay extra to add beehun)-RM7.40 "taste more like curry mee"

nasi lemak special-RM10.90 "recommended"

baba rendang chicken rice-RM10.80 "not bad but suspected the rice used is glutinous rice"

 lamb shank-RM22.90

chicken ham aglio-olio spaghetti-RM7.50

sweet and sour sliced chicken with rice-RM7.80

There are lots of other varieties in the menu. And because none of the above dishes tasted so bad, we are definitely going back there to try the other meals. Stay tune for more and again, happy eating!!

Where at?
Lot 17&18, Komtar Walk

04-2612362

Spring Cafe

Were deciding on where to have lunch one day and my friend suggest Spring Cafe. They have a fusion of food, from Western to Oriental.

                                  

mushroom soup-RM5

mushroom chicken-RM11.50

sichuan fried rice-RM8.50

fish and sausage-RM14.50

orange juice-RM6

Although the ambience of the place is nice, the food is really expensive. Imagine, you pay RM6 for a glass of orange juice in a place not located in a shopping complex. I would seriously consider if i want to go back for the second visit.

Where at?
98-G-45 Prima Tanjung

04-8981633

SA Kenari Malay food @ Prangin Mall

First recommended by a colleague of mine for its delicious Malay food, i fell in love with the "nasi ayam paprik" instantly. Located on the second floor of Prangin Mall, right behind "S&J gifts". They also have set which comes with a bowl of tomyam soup.

nasi ayam pedas (comes with tomyam soup below)-RM7.90

my favorite, nasi ayam paprik-RM4.50

left: ais sirap-RM1.20
right: ais limau-RM1.20

teh tarik-RM1.20

You can go there any other time but try avoiding Friday. Don't know why but it has always been super packed on Fridays. So, to avoid disappointment, don't visit them on Fridays.

There are also set of 4-5 dishes for 2-4 persons at rather reasonable prices.