a few weekends ago and somehow i still remember…

perhaps too much beer?

Never I say! The weekend started nice and easy with dinner at Nostro Baretto and their ever changing menu – which is part of the parcel. I have always enjoyed dining here and fondly remember when Mishie and I ordered the carbonara inspired dish. They had it again last week, but I went and ordered a sausage dish which was pure bliss – even though a little bit on the fatty side. So plenty of wine and amazing food – this could be heaven.

Will (Gary) came back to Melbourne, for albeit two weeks, and has now headed off to Japan to teach English within the Government. Clearly he is in the right town, with one of the highest rates of consumption of beer and alcohol in Japan. He will surely feel at home. And it was good to be back at the Portland / James Squire Brewhouse.

So Friday night was a nice lovely affair and seeing a friend off. The day was also fantastic as the office provided a gourmet lunch, with plenty of wine and beer to go around. AND the rare occasion of a casual day, the second time this year.

disgruntled fans

It was cold, raining and windy. Simon and I are season ticket holders of Melbourne Victory Football Club. Yes, we are Football (soccer) fans. Last season we went to most of the home games. It was disappointing season with Melbourne clearly dominating possession but never able to find the back of the net. Well except for the Victory goalkeeper who kept getting the ball out from his own net. In the off season, Victory offloaded half-a-dozen or so players and went on a recruiting frenzy. We now have three Brazilian imports, some local signings and pinching players from other clubs in the A-League.

Thus it seems that Victory is on the right road to success. Alas it was not to be. In the pre-season game against Central Coast Mariners it was the same story. With Victory going all out to attack and score goals and only managing to score a single goal and conceding three. Although I good point to make is that one of the Brazilian imports, Alessandro, was divine to watch on the pitch. Clearly he will be the one to watch. But being a left-back and not defending is another matter.

I recall reading an article where a season ticket holder for Middlesbrough ripped his ticket in front of Steve McClaren after a match in the English Premier League. I would love to do that in front of Ernie Merrick. Victory is in for a tough season.

After the game Simon took me to Wild Oscars. A nice little pub/bar we were dissected every aspect of the game and convinced ourselves that we should ask for a refund for our tickets. One too many beers after we headed to Darren’s 21st (art, management).

Yes you might wonder why a 25 year old individual attending a 21st birthday dinner. But, think about one of the poor soul who is 28 attending this dinner. It was a lovely affair and catching up with many people. Headed to Bar None afterwards.

Bar None. I am really impressed of this hidden venue in Camberwell. A silver service bar. A CHUUUCH!!! Clientele, and the array of drinks is mind-boggling. I will return.

Lammo and I decided to drop by to Makka's place. There people were playing Mafia, which was dissapointing to see as we had hyped ourselves up for a few drinking games and the like. Ah well, next time.

BBQ fever

Simon and Mishie are world class BBQ hosts. I felt charitable and offered Pei-San a lift who lives in the wannabe Toorak of Melbourne. Lots of meat, great company, shisha and plenty of wine is the best combination for a fantastic BBQ. It was soooo good to see and catch up with faces I havent seen for sometime. The likes of Flo, Luke B, Andrew Connolly, Nick S and the usual gang of Alfy and my skinny pal Luke R.

Being the charitable person that I am drove Pei-San to wannabe Toorak, then took the liberty to drop by to Darren's place for a game of poker. I didnt want to win, but I do remember having nice little chip towers and taking quite a few people out. And lost in the final hand where Amy wiped me clean.