Long Chim in Perth is situated in the heritage listed State Building, Cathedral Square. This 140 year old building once housed Public Offices, a Police Court and cellblock, Treasury, Survey Department, GPO, Immigration Offices, office of the Premier and Cabinet, Lands Department and Titles Building. Just recently this building has been renovated to include upmarket bars, cafes and retail spaces, including the luxury COMO The Treasury Hotel.
We recently went for a pre-Christmas dinner to Long Chim to sample the tantalising Thai delights.
The decoration is “unfinished” crumbling brick work with funky murals on the walls. The umbrellas hanging from the ceiling on entry reminded me of Thai street markets.
To start
CRUNCHY PRAWNS herbs shallots chilli
GRILLED PORK SKEWERS
FRIED CHICKEN WINGS shallots cumin dark soy
Hubby said I would never eat prawns like this if he cooked them 🤣, but it felt rude not to try them. Complete with eyes and tail, I ate quite a few.
PINEAPPLE CURRY OF PORK coconut cream betel leaves
RICE NOODLES WITH CHINESE BROCCOLI soy egg bean curd
A perfect way to start our Christmas celebrations
Long Chim is a great place to go for celebrations with large groups. It has a warm and friendly atmosphere and the waitstaff are friendly and quick. Our food was on the table soon after we had ordered it. The menu is perfect for large groups as the dishes are good for sharing. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
After finishing dinner we had a wander around the city to have a look at the beautiful Christmas decorations. I think Perth has done a fantastic job this year.
We drove through Kings Park on our way home to look at the Perth Skyline all lit up.
On December 21st 2020 Jupiter and Saturn aligned to show a once in a lifetime experience. This hasn’t happened for over 800 years and won’t again for another 400.
I managed to take a shot last night, but I think to experience this properly a telescope would have been needed!
As noted by Johannes Kepler in the 17th century, a similar conjunction occurred in 7 BCE and could be the astronomical origin of the Star of Bethlehem that guided the wise men. Source: The Conversation
Did anyone else get to see this wonderful phenomenon?
Another day, another lunch for the divas’ weekend in Dunsborough. This time it was at the picturesque Meelup Farmhouse. What a super place this is.
Before even getting to the entrance there is so much to see, so remember to arrive a bit early to have a look around.
First came the alpacas, such cute animals
Next the chickens and roosters. They were so friendly and children were allowed to pick them up for a cuddle
Lizzie the cow was hiding when we were there, but here’s one from the Meelup website I cheekily stole!
Lizzie
As soon as we sat down we were given the drinks list, but on looking around it seemed everyone was drinking the same thing. So we didn’t even have to look and ordered four “we’ll have what they’re having” – Ginger gin passionfruit mojitos”.
An airy and light dining room with a fabulously decorated ceiling.
House made sweet potato flat bread, roasted beets, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, avocado, beetroot hummus + kale
Salt + pepper squid, Farmhouse grown chilli, shallot
Above are some of the dishes we shared and we also had Chicken liver pate topped with cherries and chargrilled Yallingup wood fired sourdough, which was melt in your mouth delicious!
After this another cocktail was called for! We shared two between four – Getting Figgy – Gin, Fig, lemon, Fig jam and a classic Pina Colada. These two seemed to have much more alcohol than the mojito.
A few more snaps around Meelup
Meelup Farm also offers picnic hampers which you can eat in the extensive gardens under shady trees, away from the noise of the restaurant.
Everything about this place was superb, food, service with a smile and wonderful location. It’s definitely on my “go back to” list.
Last but not least a photo of Mila, the resident labrador. We were told when we sat down that we weren’t allowed to feed her, she was on a diet! I don’t think everyone got the message.
This is one of the places we visited during our weekend away in Dunsborough. Below is the mediterranean style entrance to the restaurant. Lucky for us the weather was wonderfully sunny and warm.
I had only booked 15 minutes before we arrived due to a mixup with another place we thought we were going to! We had a choice of tables inside as outside was fully booked. We could see outside anyway, we were just happy to be able to get in somewhere.
There was so much choice on the menu that we decided to share a few dishes, always the best way to eat if you ask me. In our little group we had one GF, one pescatarian and one who doesn’t eat shellfish! We ordered something for everyone and the one who wasn’t fussy got to taste everything!
We started with Parmesan Crumbed Eggplant w/ Buffalo Mozzarella, local Asparagus, Tomato and Basil Sugo Entrée
Just enough for a taster each but enough to settle down the hunger!
To drink we ordered a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc Semillion to share which went down far too easily and quickly as there was quite a wait for our mains. Anyway we were in no rush and had no set agenda.
Finally our mains arrived and I think I speak for all of us that it was well worth the wait.
Goldband snapper with preserved lemon & herb crushed potatoes, roasted red pepper & caper salsa, asparagus & citrus Beurre blanc Balinese roast duck, yellow curry, Pilaf Rice, Steamed Asian Greens & SambalGrilled Western Australian Banana Prawns cooked in a roasted Garlic & Parsley Butter
Added to this was also a Green Papaya & bean shoot salad w/ toasted cashews & peanut dressing which was deliciously blended.
I would say my favourite was the Balinese duck curry, but all the dishes were mouth-wateringly divine.
There were some stunning paintings displayed at Palmers, I took a few photos of the ones I liked best.
After lunch was over we had a wander over to the cellar door to have a quick tasting and for me to take a few photos of the beautiful surroundings.
The Courtyard
Relaxed Divas
Everything about this winery was close to perfection. Food was amazing, lovely service from the staff and the grounds outstanding. If you’re ever in this region don’t miss the opportunity to visit.
My friends and I had a fantastic three days away for a girls’ long weekend down in Dunsborough, in the South West of WA. The drive from Perth takes approximately 3 hours. It was something we had been meaning to do for a long time, finding the right time for the four of us wasn’t easy.
We rented a beautiful four bedroom house very close to the beach. The most essential thing on our list was a bedroom each! The house was two story with a balcony overlooking the ocean. It had a wonderful deck to sit and have our happy hour each evening.
The Divas
Our Bird Whisperer
Some friendly and not so friendly friends
Views off the balcony
We had a planned itinerary for every day visiting local restaurants and wineries, shopping of course and walking, basically eating and drinking for three days. Evenings were spent playing cards and board games. It was our first time away together and we all got along famously and intend to do it again sometime soon.
Morning Coffee
Evening Wine
Beach shots
Pelican and Seagulls
Evening fishing
One evening we drove over to Yallingup to catch the sunset which is not visible from Dunsborough.
Dunsborough is the perfect place for families with its sandy beaches and calm shallow water. All types of houses to rent and there are many resorts along the beach.
Reviews of the restaurants and wineries will follow soon
Today was Melbourne Cup Day, watched by millions all over the world. Victorians even have a public holiday to celebrate. This year was a little different due to Covid, but still went ahead to a fairly empty racecourse at Flemington.
The first race was held in 1861 and ran over two miles. It is one of the world’s richest turf races. The first Tuesday of November is the day the race is held. The prize money is approximately $8,000,000. It’s not all fun and games though as over the years seven horses have had to be euthanised after the race. The latest one, Anthony Van Dyck, was just today. Makbye Diva, featured, is the horse with the most wins and the photo shows her enjoying retirement.
This is the race that stops the nation. Almost every cafe, restaurant, pub and bar will be hosting an event. It is a day when everyone, especially the ladies dress up to the nines. Champagne starts flowing as early as 11 am and goes on well into the afternoon, all for a four minute race. My neighbour kindly hosted this event at her house today and invited the ladies from the neighbourhood. I caught up with old acquaintances and also met many more new ones. There were $5 and $2 sweepstakes for fun, of which I didn’t win anything.
Everyone brought something for the table and ice bucket! Plenty to go round
We had heard quite a bit about this restaurant and how wonderful it was so decided it was time to give it a try. Hubby, me and two friends went last Wednesday, and this date was booked ten days before and the earliest I could find. It’s an extremely popular restaurant in Perth at the moment.
Tonic and Ginger is situated in a converted Synagogue in Fremantle, known as The Old Synagogue! Along with three other places, Mr. Chappele, The Arbor and L’Chaim.
Originally built in 1902, it was the first synagogue in WA. Services continued here until 1908. By this time the majority of the Jewish people had moved to Perth.
The building was sold to the Federal Government in 1916 as an annexe to the general hospital where it was converted into a ward. In 1922 it was acquired by William Beer and by 1924 he was operating an auction mart from the site. After this it was sold to the Fremantle Council and used for different purposes such as shops and cafes. Source: Wikipedia
Photos of the The Old Synagogue from many years ago – Source: Fremantle Stuff
On entering the restaurant you are greeted and seated by friendly staff and offered the drinks list. I ordered an Oriental Amigo, a mix of tequila, lychees and strawberries. Excellent choice by me!
The wonderful coloured globes hanging from the ceiling.
During the evening a lady in the upstairs section knocked her drink of the railings which crashed to the floor! Luckily no-one was hurt, but I don’t think she helped by yelling over the side “sorry, I’m so sorry” but didn’t bother coming down!
Menu
The menu is divided into sections, Bites, Grazing and Feasting, with so many choices it’s hard to decide what to order. We were advised to order two bites, four grazings and three feasts.
I managed to remember to take a few photos of the wonderfully decorated and delicious plates!
beef tataki, shiso wasabi dressing, toasted sesame, spring onionhot and numbing pork, stir fried hor fun noodles, sesame chilli sambal
Some of the other dishes we tried were the duck and water chestnut san choi bao, lettuce cups and massaman curry, braised ox cheek, shallot, kipfler potato. All so tasty and very inventive.
We had a fantastic evening catching up with friends, eating delicious food and enjoying the great atmosphere in this restaurant. The staff do an impressive job and are extremely efficient. I am looking forward to trying the other venues here.
The back of The Old Synagogue
If you ever visit Western Australia be sure to eat at this restaurant!
We decided to get away again for a couple of days to go up North to see the wildflowers, or what was left of them! Our destination was Dalwallinu which is just over three hours from Perth. Anthony wanted to take a less than direct route so we travelled up the coast to Cervantes where we picked up the Indian Ocean Road. This road is dotted with huge white sand dunes along the way, and you can see glimpses of the miles and miles of the West Australian coast. Taking this route did put some extra miles on the clock but we were in no hurry.
We stopped for a bite to eat and stretch our legs at Nilgen Lookout.
looking out over the Indian Ocean
Banksia flower
Banksia flower
We stopped once more in Badgingarra for me to take photos of the endless green wheat and bright yellow rape fields.
Badgingarra Nature Reserve
Endless wheat fields everywhere you look, with grain bins edging the fields
Arriving at the Dalwallinu Wheat Motel around 5 pm, we checked in and then went for a walk into “town”. This takes around ten minutes from start to finish. It only consists of one main street for shops with houses around the back of the main street. There is a bakery, cafe and tavern. We had a quick drink in the tavern and headed back to the motel for dinner. The motel has a fairly large restaurant and the menu boasts Asian and Australian food. Not too bad for a small wheatbelt town.
There were many couples like us out for an evening stroll and then back to the motel for dinner.
Dalwallinu
Nearly every country town in WA has old and rusting farm machinery on display, at least it’s put to good use!
Having a pre-dinner drink at the local.
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The next morning we ate breakfast in our room and then had a walk to the bakery to pick up our lunch. The bakery was doing a roaring trade as everyone else had the same idea!
Our first stop of the day was Xantippe! I was super excited as I thought great, my X place for my A to Z travels. Disappointment soon set in, there’s nothing in Xantippe except a large concrete water tank which we missed anyway and by the time we had travelled so far down a dirt track we gave up. Not such a great start.
There are maps of the wildflower trails which take you around a loop, but I also wanted to get off the beaten track to look at some other “attractions” that were listed. From Xantippe we drove back over to Wubin and then up to Perenjori.
An old rusty Holden
The Old Covent, established in 1923. In 1933 it became a Catholic girls boarding school. It was never a covent!
Some of the many wonderful flowers along the way
Alpacas, goats and more wheat bins
Our next stop was Buntine Rocks. There is a large granite rock here that gives amazing views from the top. I surprised myself and managed to climb to the top!
Along the drive the railway line cuts back and forth between the road, we only saw one train. There are no level crossings, you just have to look both ways before you cross!
Just checking!
Okay, all clear
Some of the places on the map don’t have anything there at all except a few rusty farm machines, like Maya. It was once a thriving community with an estimated population of 140 in the late 1930s to 1940s. It had a post office, a store and a school plus a cricket and football team and tennis courts. But times change and people move on.
We finally reached Perenjori late afternoon and I asked my dear hubby if he was getting tired of all the driving, but he said no it was good to let the car stretch its legs.
We then headed up to a placed called Camel Soak. This was a man made watering hole for the men and their camels to have a drink in the 1900’s whilst building the rabbit proof fence
The road leading here is full of pot holes and ridges in the dry earth, then once you park the car it’s a bit of a walk and climb, but we both thought it was worth seeing.
Backtracking then to Perenjori to see the famous wreath flowers that are a national treasure of WA.
These flowers are also way off the beaten track and even when you park the car, you do have to hunt for them.
Our last stop of the day before heading back to Dalwallinu
Walking along Cottesloe Beach today my friend and I saw this little guy just casually exploring! A cute Bob Tail Lizard. I think he was a little lost as he was heading towards the road! As the weather is warming up maybe we’ll get to see more of these.
