20201127 San Giorgio la Molara community centre TURN: Richard

It was Richard's turn to choose and he decided to celebrate Albert's birthday (which was on Wednesday). We went to San Giorgio La Molara Community Centre for the pizza fix.

Stephen and I were ready and willing at 4.30 and decided to head to the Maylands Hotel in the suburb of Maylands. I've learnt something new today - that there is a suburb called Maylands - who'd have thought?!

Con joined us at 5.30 and Chad was not far behind. We sat in what used to be the beer garden but which is now a fully enclosed part of the lounge in the pub. Stephen bought chilli crisps and the beers slid down easily. We were sitting in comfortable 'slouch' chairs and I even had a stool for my bag (brings back memories of the Penfolds' experience).

We were meant to meet Richard, Patrick and Albert in the community centre at 6pm but we didn't leave the pub until 6.15. We got to the community centre around 6.25.

We were in the room where the pool tables were. They were covered and apparently could only be played on a Wednesday. There were a couple of arcade/children's games in the room too. We saw one of the manager's from Buorngiorno at a table with friends. Italians stick together! The table next to us was playing cards after their pizzas.

We ordered more drinks and chatted away. I decided I would sit next to Albert to stop Stephen sitting there (the two of them together makes for a fine argument after beers). I had a coke, Stephen had a pale ale (ended up having 2, taking his score up to 5 beers!), Con had a Cascade (shock/horror - something different to pale ale) and Chad had a Peroni. Later Con had a glass of red wine.

It's a pizza joint, so it's no surprise that the majority of us ordered pizzas

Supreme shared pizzas for Con/Stephen and Richard/Albert

Scores: Con - 7, Stephen - 7, Richard - 8, Albert 8.5

Chad had the vegetarian pizza with potato (and the rest of the ingredients in the centre of the pizza) - score 7

Patrick had a supreme pizza and scored it 6

I had the crumbed fish and chips. It was re-fried and very greasy. The salad was very oily. Overall a gluggy meal - I'll give my meal a 4. I should have chosen the pizza as it looked much better. Oh well, I know for next time. Stephen gave me his crusts which were nice after the greasy food.

Richard was set on having dessert. He looked up what an Italian 'cornetto' was and showed us a picture of a canaloni style dessert. Interested, Stephen and I decided to share one too. Patrick went for the canaloni (wise move) and Albert decided on a Cornetto too. Chad didn't have a coffee or dessert. Unusual for him.

When the coffees came, we were presented with Cornetto ice-creams (vanilla flavour). It was such a surprise that we couldn't help but laugh. Richard was going to upgrade his score to an 11 if he could have Stephen's share. I would like to find out the ingredients of the ice-cream because it tasted like pig-fat.

On looking up the ingredients it looks like the Cornetto ice-cream is indeed dairy based!

20201113 The Hampstead Hotel TURN: Albert

It's Albert's turn! Great choice of pub just around the corner from his house - the Hampstead Hotel! Stephen and I were caught in the traffic on the way there and didn't end up getting there until 6pm. The lights at Portrush Road and Magill Road was particularly challenging doing a right hand turn.

Chad was already there, hiding away in the poker tables the other side of the bar. Con arrived and had his own problems in getting to the venue. A trip into town then a bus out to the pub. Richard was surprisingly not far behind whilst Albert (being the closest to the venue) was last to show up.

We had table 34 in the corner of the dining room. Nice enough. We looked at the menu and was offered the Senior's menu. That says something about our ages and how we look!

The Furphy beers were $10 a pop in the jugs which were good to have.

The meals were served with complimentary bread-rolls.

What did we have?

It was definitely a steak night with Richard, Chad and Albert all having the steak options. Stephen had the Roast Dinner with pepper sauce and Con had the bangers and mash. I had the spaghetti seafood. All nice enough. I would give my meal a 7. Stephen gave his meal a 6. I forgot to ask the others what they thought. Ooops!

We stayed for dessert too. Richard had the brownie, Albert had the cheesecake and Stephen and I shared a Sticky Date Pudding. Yumm!! I accidentally cut into it BEFORE Chad took the photo. I couldn't wait, is my defense your honour :-)

20201106 Spices and Steven Ter Horst TURN: Con

 Another gathering at the Elephant to kick-start the evening. Con and Chad were already there and had scored the table next to the telephone booth. The jugs were free-flowing and we were all merry. Richard and Albert joined us after 6pm.

Con's original plan was to go to Dumplings R Us. We walked down the road and found that it was bursting at the seams. No table for 6 unfortunately. Con made a quick-stepped decision to back-track and go to Spices instead where we easily got a table albeit a bit squishy with the table next to us.

So, who had what?

Stephen - Singapore noodles,  glass of house red 6

Chad - Spring rolls, Steamed dumplings in green curry, 7.5

Elizabeth - Barramundi curry and rice, 7.5

Richard - Chicken tom gai soup, Thai fried rice 5  (soup flavour low in intensity)

Albert - beef stir fry with cashews, 6

Con - hokkein noodles, 6.5

A couple of us were disappointed that the food didn't all come out together. Stephen had nearly finished his meal by the time I had mine. But I didn't mind much.

It's Movember time and Chad has a beauty of a moustache for it. It goes towards a good cause - men's mental health. Chad has even hinted that he'll shave his head if we donate $500. Both Richard and I have donated. Come on guys do your bit too!

https://movember.com/m/chadlofts?mc=1

Good omens - Chad is encouraging me to watch the Good Omens show. I didn't like it when I watched about half of the first episode, but I'll give it another try.

 

Con and I talked about The Secret Life of Writing - a documentary which he gave me last week. I've watched 2 of the 3 episodes. Very well put together. I said that I would give Con some Alain de Botton videos next week.

We went to Steven Ter Horst for hot chocolates - Richard has a cheesecake (huge!) and Chad had a 'papple' - mousse.