Bits and Pieces

Bits and Pieces wraps up 2009

2009-12-18T13:43:00.000+11:00

With less than two weeks away from 2009 ending, it's hard not to get a little emotional.
But I promise not to make you (or me) cry with this blog post.
It's hard to write a blog post when your eyes and glasses are getting steamy!

But just a short post to say a big Thank You to everyone who has followed/read my blog this year.
I'm so humbled by the fact that people are enjoying reading what I write and love Melbourne enough to go and try some of the things I suggest in Mariella's Melbourne.
I truly believe that there's a bit of everything in Melbourne for everyone, Go Melbourne, pat yourself on the back!

I have made some amazing connections through Twitter and I'm so grateful for all the comments/feedback and encouragement I've received. From the 'RT's' to suggestions on where to dine - Thanks a million tweeple!

Also a big thanks to my close relatives and friends, because I don't give them a choice and make them read this blog every single time I post something. And I drag them around all over Melbourne with me, experimenting and trying a million different things. Your encouragement is so appreciated, in particular my brother David who was the one to suggest I start using social websites for networking. What an amazing world it has opened!

Bits and Pieces (ie. Me) is going on a small break to enjoy the simple things in life.
Like reading the newspaper, eating trifle in my pyjamas, not showering, cleaning my apartment, washing my cat and hanging out with my soon departing Mum.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas a prosperous New Year and please be safe while you're out enjoying the festivities.

Stay tuned for next year's Bits and Pieces - I have a whopper of a year for you!
To list a few:
Hundreds of Mariella's Melbourne Weekend (There's quite a few in the year)
Tips on how to be an outstanding exhibitor
How to create a memorable experience at your events
A new venue game (a bit like 7 days of Silly Season) that throws the power over to you
A run down on hiring from suppliers
Giveaways! Giveaways! I'll say it again - Giveaways!

And so much more... So stay tuned.

See you all in late January, buy your Mum something good for Christmas! And Thank You!
(Ok, so it's not a small break...)

Mariella's Melbourne Weekend 18-20 December 2009

2009-12-18T12:01:00.001+11:00

If the blackboard outside my office is correct there are only 7 days left until Christmas.
That's a scary thought for someone like me who has only purchased half of one Christmas present.

But it's a beautiful Christmas present that was designed and created by some amazing Melbourne talents and if you're running behind on Christmas gifts and want some amazing stocking fillers that are one of a kind - may I suggest to you: Paper & Ribbons and Val Vania's Art.
What's more, they have the most amazing service. You know how I feel about service...

Friday - Mostly sunny, with a minimum of 12 degrees C. Pack a jumper!

Carols at Como Park
Williams Rd
South Yarra
Cost: Free
Stonnington Council Events on the Web

It would be Grinch-like of me not to include something Christmas related in my blogs.
So how about taking your loved one and kids to the park for some carols?
Hosted by Rachael Beck, one of the leading ladies of musical theatre and celebrity vocalist. With special guest appearances by Opera Vivente and Blinky Bill and a fireworks finale.

Parking is available on Como Park North Oval (enter from Alexandra Avenue North)

Bendigo Hotel
125 Johnston St
Collingwood 3066
Cost: $12+ parmas on a Friday!
Bendigo Hotel on the Web

Not into the Carols? Want to pretend Christmas isn't around the corner?
No drama, the Bendigo Hotel has something for you... $12 Friday Steak, Parma & Fish night coupled with a free pot. Absolute brilliance.
The hot tip according to my bud Kara - the Mexican Parma is the way to go.

But don't be fooled that you're only going to be going for the $12 food. The Bendigo Hotel has been recently renovated and under new management, giving it a new breath of fresh air. If you need to sit down and relax after a tough week you can do so in their 3 different spaces. The Lounge bar, Lounge Room and my personal favourite anywhere the Beer Garden. They also have a clean and cosy dining room for you to enjoy a meal.
Perfect for a Friday night.

Saturday - Clearing showers a top of 22 degrees C. Light jumper weather.

Book Market
Federation Square
Cost: Free to browse, about $10+ to buy
Book Market at Federation Square on the Web

My bestie took me out for lunch at MoVida Next Door for my birthday.
I sat inside looking over at the Book Market at Fed Square the entire time while enjoying my tapas and as soon as our boozy lunch was finished, I raced over and bought a year's worth of books for half the retail value! Bargain!

If you love books, you can't miss the Federation Square Book Market.
With trestles full of amazing literature at affordable prices, this is a book lover's heaven. The sellers are absolutely phenomenal and they are more than happy to help you with your selections. I found a particular seller who was so fantastic, recommended a stack of books for me and I had to rip myself off her trestle table (the bestie helped).

If you don't want to be alone in your love of books, there's also a book club that meets at Cafe Beer DeLuxe in the Atrium the first Saturday of every month. It's free to join and if you're keen, I'll go with you!

Moonlight Cinema
Royal Botanic Gardens
Melbourne
Cost: $15+
Moonlight Cinema on the Web

This one is for the families with kids who are now on school holidays!
The Moonlight Cinema is a popular outdoor cinema that runs through the summer period from December through to March.
It screens new releases, classic and cult films on the beautiful grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Take a picnic basket and rug with you and sit on the lawns watching the sun go down.
Be warned, you are nothing but a feast to the mozzies in the gardens - so either wear long-sleeves and pants or take a kilo of aeroguard to make yourself invisible to the mozzies.
Also, I would highly recommend a blanket and some warm clothing because you know what Melbourne is like!
Saturday night movie is Fantastic Mr. Fox the animated adaptation of one of my favourite authors Roald Dahl. One that's perfect for the kids.

Enjoy!

Sunday - Mostly sunny. 24 degrees C. Still light jumper weather.

High Tech Burrito
838 Glenferrie Road
Hawthorn, 3122
Cost: $9+
High Tech Burrito on the Web

For years I have wanted to find authentic Mexican food in Victoria. 20 years have gone past and it wasn't until High Tech Burrito opened that I knew we were getting very close!

High Tech Burrito specialises in fresh grilled gourmet burritos that won't have you hitting the gym the next day. They pride their food on being: healthier, tastier, fresher and better.
They should add something in there about their phenomenal service.

The best thing at High Tech is that you have a choice of what wrap to have, the fillings, the type of meat and even the type of beans & rice you're after. They don't cook with lard, no Trans-fat, no MSG - just fresh grilled cooking. Healthy and tasty, what more can you ask for?!
Alright, just one more thing - you can't leave their premises without trying their nacho chips, they're made onsite and are absolutely to die for with the salsa dipping.

I love the place and I hope you do too - check them out, for the most authentic Mexican I've had in Victoria.
And while you're at it - why not take your Mum for a burrito?

Happy Weekend Folks!

7 days of Silly Season: Things I've Learnt

2009-12-16T11:20:00.000+11:00

At first this started off as a funny crazy challenge to give myself.
But quickly it went from something a little irrational to an amazing experience with a set of different friends.

As an event coordinator, it's always important for me to create experiences for people no matter the size of the event they are attending. I hope that I have successfully managed to do that for the 7 victims that came with me on this crazy quest.

I learnt that it's so important to have a network of friends around you. All different types of friends.
And that there's no such thing as 'not having enough time' to catch up with people you love and hopefully love you right back.

I have been so humbled by the love and dedication that these 7 different people had to something that was a little bit 'out there'. From attending on weeknights, to very late nights and even when someone was sick - I was so humbled by the dedication and good humour you've all provided. So, to Thea, Anna, Bel, Kat, Ydes, Kara and Bron - a big massive thank you for participating and being a part of my 7 day social experiment.

There's still 9 days until Christmas, if there's people on your list to catch up with - may I suggest, that you pick 9 and start now! Try some of the pubs/bars/restaurants I've suggested and let me know how you go.

And by the way.... Do you like Baked Beans? How about Spam? And what do you want for Christmas?

Day 7 of 7 days of Silly Season: Mrs Parma's

2009-12-16T11:11:00.000+11:00

And so it is... Day 7 of the 7 days of Silly Season!

Friend: Bron
Venue: Mrs Parmas

I know everyone says that you should save the best to last, but for me every day was a 'best' in my 7 day challenge.
But what better way to end a 7 day challenge than a typical Victorian tradition of a pub with parmas and beer!

As the name suggests Mrs. Parmas does just that, parmas!

Now, if you think that a parma is nothing but a questionable oversized flattened chicken breast with a slice of virgina ham and some tomato sauce on top - then are you in for a parma surprise.
Mrs Parma has 10 types of parmas and you have a choice of chicken, eggplant or veal. They train their staff on 'parmology' which is the art of parma making, they believe in making good parmas.
They care so much about their parma's in fact, that they serve your chips (with a dash of chicken salt, yum!) and salad separately. This is so that you don't have soggy chips and salad underneath your parma. Something I would have never thought of. Great eye for detail.

But don't be fooled that Mrs Parma's is just a bistro for parma crazy people; it's also a place where you can try beers from Victorian microbreweries. They have several taps and quite a few bottled beers offering some of the best from around Victoria. Heaven for beer aficionados!
They have 2 rotating beer taps to showcase limited or seasonal beers. In this instance they had a Christmas beer that was served in a goblet and was absolutely to die for... and a little bit deadly... with 8% alcohol.

Mrs. Parma's has an interesting decor. It's part bar part bistro and it's a little uncomfortable at the beginning to figure out where to sit.
Rule of thumb: if you need a table and chair and want something more than sitting at a bar - head for the bistro. If you want to be closer to the beer taps, stay in the front area.

For those interested in beer, there are blackboards with beer quotes and a pole that gives you a detailed explanation of how beer is made. The toilets are functional, clean but apart from the beer quotes on the back of the doors, nothing special.

Mrs. Parma's is great fun, for a beer and a parma (duh!).
It's one of those little pubs that is passionate about what they do - parmas and beers.
I loved it and can't wait to go back and check out what's on their rotating taps!

The inside scoop on Bron:

- We met on the Spirit of Tasmania when we both worked there a few years ago. Even after attempting to throw me overboard, she hasn't been able to shake me since!
- Has a dog named Leeroy and despite my persistence she didn't let me name him Paco or Butch.
- Loves baked beans.
- Doesn't like spam. We then got into a group discussion about how spam would be better if it came without the jiggly bits.
- Wants homemade trifle and a bottle of gin (preferably Hendricks, or Tanqueray 10) for Christmas.

Mrs Parma's
25 Little Bourke St
Melbourne, 3000
www.mrsparmas.com.au

Day 6 of 7 days of Silly Season: KK Showdown & Maeve Fox

2009-12-14T15:49:00.001+11:00

Day 6 proved difficult because all my friends were attending the KK showdown from midday with buckets of punch.
Fortunately I had a friend drop in at home and while she couldn't come to the pub (too many Christmas drinks the night before) she did participate in the Silly Season questions! Good-taste-Kat (remember her?) put her hand up to attend a venue to review, I didn't even have to bully her!

Venue: Maeve Fox
Friend: Kara and Good-taste-Kat

Maeve Fox is a newcomer to pub crazy Richmond. A different type of establishment than what you would normally find in Richmond, it's a sister bar to Katuk in South Yarra.

Maeve Fox has a long and high bar that is a bit difficult to access for the vertically challenged, like myself. It's an interesting point of the venue, long, white and lush. So long and high that it could be overwhelming and a little unwelcoming. What's not unwelcoming, however, is their extensive range of drinks from your usual local beers to the upmarket Belvedere Vodka and my personal favourite Hendricks Gin.

Maeve Fox occupies the spot that used to be Platform 3 and overlooks East Richmond Station. You know that station that trains hardly stop at!
Maeve Fox has a back area that has a great view of the city skyline and I actually realised that one of the windows was open. Nothing like a bit of fresh air in a venue!

Maeve Fox is a good looking venue with a chandelier made of sticks, a large wall full of fire wood logs, floor boards and lush large ottoman type lounges with a small table in the middle. There's also a deer head on one wall, which is a little bit creepy and I'm hoping it's made out of cotton wool and fluffy stuff rather than a real dead deer. Another quirky detail about Maeve Fox is that their bar staff all wear uniforms. The ladies wear a frilly singlet with Maeve Fox written on the back in gold writing. I'm not a big fan of bartenders in uniforms, unless they're collared shirts and ties - yes, yes, a bit old school.

The uniformed service is good, the bartenders are friendly and welcoming even from behind the mammoth sized bar. On this particular occasion, I saw a bit of an odd practice. Bartender accidentally dropped money inside a patrons drink, patron wasn't there, but bartender still didn't remove the money or pour a new drink.
Had that patron been me, I would have mixed emotions between livid and excited about finding money in my drink.

One of the best things about Maeve Fox is that they care about their locals. If you live around the area, or work around the area you can become a local, get a spiffy card and get 25% off your purchases. A great idea to look after your locals.

Despite it being peak season it was quite empty on a Saturday night. There were only a few tight-shirted men who kept ordering scotch with a dash of water (and a $2 coin), very manly!
I was a little surprised because it's a nice and different bar than the usual in Richmond.
Could it be that it may be in the wrong area? Swish bar in pub mad Richmond?

I guess only time will tell.

The inside scoop on Kara:

- A social worker, she does her bit for our community and people in need every day. Very admirable.
- Moved to Melbourne from Sydney.
- Likes baked beans but wouldn't buy them. She takes them from her housemates instead.
- Isn't a big fan of spam, but went to her aunt's place and had chilli spam. Will not eat it raw and likes it when it's been cooked and has a crunch to it. I was just impressed that there's another time of spam!
- Wanted nothing but a BBQ (where she can cook her spam) for Christmas and her loving parents bought her one. Oh and an Iphone...

Maeve Fox
472 Church St
Richmond, 3121

Day 5 of 7 days of Silly Season : Ocha 2 Go

2009-12-12T13:45:00.002+11:00

I have to be perfectly honest that I was surprised nothing had gone wrong yet with my little social experiment. No drop outs, no kerfuffles and no major catastrophes. Oh my, did I speak too soon!

The situation is not important, but the original plan had to be altered instantly and back up called.
So unfortunately while I couldn't bring you the original plan, I bring you the next best thing!

Friend: Ydes. Also known as my mother, she's a cool cat. And I'm always reminding you to take your Mum out... so now I'm taking my own advice. Anyway the Spice Girls said their mums were their best friends... so it fits, kind of!
Venue: Ocha 2 Go

So the venue is not entirely a pub/bar/club but I could hardly take my small respectable Hispanic mother to a grungy bar, could I?
I know she would have come, but I couldn't put her through sticky carpets and beer mat smells while trying to regain my dignity, now could i?
On to a respectable venue - a licensed Japanese Cafe.

Ocha 2 Go is my local Japanese take away/eat in/cafe.
Sibling to the popular Kew restaurant Ocha. It's cheap, cheerful and has no reservations or waiting lists. Fortunate for us with our kerfuffle we found ourselves entering through their doors without a reservation.

Ocha is a no fuss cafe. You get your own cutlery from a cutlery trolley, pour your own water from their bar/dispatch area and order at the counter. A sometimes bustling environment, it still manages to keep a sense of calm as you casually dine. Don't let the 'casual' tag make you think that the service and food are not up to standard, it really isn't the case.

The service is casual but genuinely friendly and the food is fresh, delicious and affordable.

Mum has an unnatural ability to look at a menu and not really see it, so I took the liberty of ordering for her to speed up the ordering process. Guess who was hungry?!
Our meals:
- Gyoza. It came straight from the pan, still sizzling away in a light soy/mirin combination. I don't think Mum has had Japanese food before so she was quite impressed. I think she ate 4 of the 6!
- Spicy Fish Karage. This was also straight from the pan. Lightly friend pieces of fish in a light tempura batter with salad and lots of hot spicy mean chillies. Delicious!
- Mirin Chicken. A grilled chicken fillet with mirin dressing and salad. Absolutely to die for and my mum was extremely impressed.
- 2 Kirins for the ladies.

The food is priced between $9-18 for each dish and the total of the night turned out to be about $50. Quite an affordable evening of dining, in my humble opinion.

If you're looking for a place that's cheap, friendly, casual with some great food - you really can't go past Ocha 2 Go. The food is delicious and light and won't leave you needing to lie on the floor feeling sorry for yourself.

The inside scoop on Ydes:

- Back in the days Ydes used to be a sales woman. She used to sell plots in cemeteries. She was like a real estate agent for a cemetery. She saw nothing wrong with her kids coming to work with her every so often, either.
- Has 3 children. 2 boys and 1 girl (that's me). She told me one day via a text message that I was her favourite, I kept it as collateral. When I showed my older brother, he had the exact same text message.
- Is moving to live with her new hubby Carlos (who shares the same name of my brother's cat) in Houston in late January 2010.

- When I asked her if she liked baked beans, she said yes, without hesitation.
- When I asked her if she liked spam she also said yes without hesitation. It went something like this:
Me: Do you like spam?
Ydes: Yes.
Me: Do you know what spam is?
Ydes: Yes.
Me: What is it?
Ydes: Jamon in a can.
Me: And you still like it?
Ydes:Yes.
Me: Mum, I love you. You're so funny.
Ydes: What's so funny?

- Would like nothing for Christmas apart from spending the day with the people she loves. Typical mother answer!

She's such a good sport, she let me take a photo of her for my blog.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Merry Christmas from my Mum.

Ocha 2 Go

64 Burwood Road

Hawthorn, 3122

Day 4 of 7 days of Silly Season: Spleen Central

2009-12-11T16:18:00.001+11:00

Friend: Bel who had a nasty cold and kept blowing her nose on her napkin. Kudos to you for coming anyway!
Venue: Spleen Central

How is this for dedication?
Bel comes to Spleen Central with me in the middle of Melbourne's torrential rain, has a cocktail and continues to smile despite looking at me with her glassy sick eyes wanting to be in bed.

Luckily for us Spleen Central is a grungry small bar in the top end of Bourke St. I say lucky because we had been caught in the rain and had frizzy curly hair, smelt like damp goats and were hankering for a warm blanket. Basically, we fit right in!
Coincidentally Bel is also a nurse - actually not just a nurse but a clinical nurse specialist, she's the type of person you want to be around if you're planning on having a stroke, heart attack or severely damaging your spleen.

Spleen Central is a narrow bar that you would easily overlook if you were walking past. What might grab your attention is the noise coming out from the place. It hosts several forms of entertainment every night of the week, from comedy on Mondays to acoustic nights as we experienced last night. A great little stage sits at the end of the narrow bar and viewable from all areas - which is a plus! (Is viewable a word?)

While the bar is certainly grungy and we got away with smelling like damp goats, it has an extensive and impressive list of alcohols to make quirky and cheap cocktails with.
Their cocktail specials start at $10 and range up to $14. My dear sick friend Bel had a 'Sex on the beach' (wishful thinking perhaps!) and I had a mojito of some sort that had chilli vodka in it.

Bel's cocktail was really delicious and fruity and mine had a chilli bite to it that reminded me of the dressings I make for oysters. Ok so mine was a little odd, but it wasn't horrific. Their cocktail making skills are quite terrific and I applaud that because I judged on appearances (I know, I know) and thought otherwise.
If cocktails are not your thing there's still beer on tap with Fat Yak and Carlton Cold being your choices. I'm sure they have wines and lots of other beverages to punish your spleen with.

Downsides of Spleen Central have to be the toilets. My inner child shuddered and wanted to run to mummy when I encountered their toilets. They are grungy galore with a tiny dim red light above the cubicle and extremely dark. I would suggest taking a friend with you to the loo, if you need to go and leaving them with a stern note saying "if I don't come back in 20 minutes, call the police". Or better yet, don't go to the loo!
As you probably know by now, toilets are my thing. In my mind they really showcase how much a venue cares about you. I'm sure Spleen care, they may have just forgotten...

Bel the little sick thing thought that Spleen was 'good' and I would have to agree, it is a good place if you're after something unpretentious.
But for the most part, you could probably live without your Spleen.

The inside scoop on Bel:

- Clinical Nurse Specialist for an important hospital in Vic (just so you don't stalk her). She works in Theatre and is definitely not squeamish.
- She's my housemate and makes me watch RPA and other shows with blood while I eat my dinner.
- Unhealthy love for musicals.
- Only started liking baked beans this year, thanks to my humble influence. It wasn't until tonight that I discovered that the missing cans were her fault and not the cat's fault.
- Hasn't tried spam... but hopes to, at some stage... that's my wishful thinking.
- She gave me a list of things she wanted for Christmas (she's definitely not shy) here goes:
*A blender
*Interchangeable weights
*Glee on DVD
*Riedel wine glasses (at least the girl has some taste)
*Wine for her wine glasses

Spleen Central
41 Bourke St
Melbourne, VIC

Day 3 of 7 days of Silly Season: Grumpy's Green

2009-12-10T13:08:00.000+11:00

Friend: Kat - who planned on surprising me with a venue.
Venue: Grumpy's Green.

I was extremely excited when Kat mentioned that tonight would be her pick and she would take me somewhere she liked. As the driver, my destination was only given as Smith St.

To my surprise Kat, who forever shall now be known as good-taste-Kat took me to Grumpy's Green.
And I have to be honest - from the moment I walked in, I liked it. As soon as I spoke to the bartender/bar manager and he made me try his favourite beer, I knew that I was instantly in love with Grumpy's Green.

Grumpy's Green is an eco friendly lounge bar.
It has a plethora of mismatched couches where you can sink in with your favourite drink. In fact, they had the same couches that my family had when I was growing up, you can imagine I made a point of sitting on them.

This is what I loved about Grumpy's:

- They're eco friendly and when I mean eco-friendly, they're not the type to judge you about your own carbon footprint and follow you around measuring your carbon emissions every time you breathe out. But rather they want to lower theirs by having local Victorian products, all their beer and food is locally sourced. As well as two large 2,000 litre water tanks that they use flush their toilets and water their plants - as well as recycling and so much more.

- They're friendly. The bartender was so welcoming and gave me some tastings of several beers to see which one I wanted to taste. He then used the same testing glass (saving water, you see) and told me which glass I had used so that Kat wouldn't be sharing my germs. It's something so small and probably insignificant, but it just showed that he actually cared... about Kat getting germs.

- Did I mention they have amazing loungey comfortable couches?

- Not only do they have a wonderful lounge area full of mismatched comfortable couches, they have a charming and romantic beer garden. Grumpy's candles are made out of soy and they give the perfect light for a date. Have someone to impress? Head to side garden. Go further and find another plethora of mismatched furniture in the beer garden.

I really could go on forever about Grumpy's. But will say just one thing, to be objective and as an event coordinator.
I love their function room. It's upstairs and can comfortably fit 50, with vegetarian catering available. However, it has no bar. So your guests have to come downstairs to the bar and move upstairs again. Which means your guests are more likely to stray away from the function area to the bar, the only downside to Grumpy's that I could find.

Check out Grumpy's - it really is a great place.

Inside Scoop on Kat:

- Loves teaching, especially loves the honesty and enthusiasm of primary school kids she teaches. I'd let her teach my kids, that's for sure.
- Loves spending Sunday afternoons at Ceres
- Loves baked beans
- As a vegan she doesn't particularly want to talk about Spam.
- For Christmas she wants the people she loves to be happy.

Grumpy's Green
125 Smith Street
Fitzroy, VIC
http://www.grumpysgreen.com/

7 days of silly season - Day 2: The Royston

2009-12-09T14:57:00.000+11:00

Tonight's assignment: The Royston Hotel in Richmond.
The awesome friend: Anna.

Day 2 of the silly season and it's a 7pm dinner at an old Richmond favourite, The Royston Hotel.
Anna is a newbie to Richmond becoming a proud property owner in the suburb only recently. I felt it was only my duty as a Richmond lover to take her somewhere that was a favourite local.

Richmond as a suburb is known for its pubs. If you go back a few decades you'll find Richmond mainly catered for the working class and mostly industrial. How things have changed!
The Royston has gotten with the times and changed the interior of their pub to a more modern homely decor, even having a pool table. Its exterior still makes it look like a Richmond workers pub, which I absolutely love. I can imagine it looking like that several decades ago.

The Royston is a modern pub with microbrewery beers on tap, a dining area, an impressive pub menu and a relaxed atmosphere.

The Royston has 3 different rooms, the front bar, the pool room and the dining room and restaurant. They're all connected via a series of doorways which connect on one side to the mens washroom - careful where you turn!

Even on a Tuesday night the dining room was booked out but fortunately for us you can get the same menu everywhere in the establishment.
We chose to dine in the front bar where the large bar sits in the middle of the room, great for easy access wherever you may be.
All around the room there are booths and tables to facilitate dining, a big tick in my books.

We plonked for our dinner and drinks at a table for 3 ready for a beverage and feed. To our dismay the surface of the table was so sticky that we had a hard time removing our drinks from the table and placing our hands on the table was a no-go.
Sadly, no help from the staff despite them also having trouble picking up our glasses. The service was lack lustre to say the least, I doubt anybody smiled at us once.

On a positive note I was quite impressed with the Royston's locals night special - from Sunday to Tuesday $15 can get you a really decent meal. Who would have thought?!

I had the 250g Porterhouse Steak with chips, rocket salad and red wine sauce - expecting a minute flimsy cut of meat, my surprise when I received a large juicy delicious steak with chips. Anna, my plus one, had the veggie burger (very unlike my meat eating Greek friend) with chilli hummus.

While our food certainly looked impressive, my red wine sauce failed to 'wow' me needing a good kick (which I tried to give it by adding salt until Anna told me to stop) and I did catch my plus one scraping her hummus to one side and ignoring her rocket salad. The salad was too much rocket, not enough of anything else.

The Royston certainly has some impressive food thanks to its chef Rob Clarke. A long history and microbrewery beers, but it really shouldn't rest on its laurels and improve the way it does its service and food. While I was certainly impressed with the quality of the food, I would have liked to see some amazing tastes to match the way it looked. It wasn't bad, it was just ok...

However, it's still a great pub to check out if you happen to be like me and love a Richmond local.
Welcome to the neighbourhood Anna!

The inside scoop on Anna:

- Loves a good joke and good service.
- A fellow event coordinator, we met while we were both studying. She hasn't been able to shake me since
- Loves baked beans
- Thinks spam looks like dog food
- Proud owner of her first property in Richmond, I'm sure there will be more!
- Can eat and cry at the same time without choking. (Me too!)
- She lost her Chanel sunglasses recently and I quote "I know what it must feel like losing a child in shopping centre"
- All she wants for Christmas are her sunglasses back!

The Royston Hotel
12 River Street
Richmond, VIC
http://www.roystonhotel.com.au/

7 days of Silly Season - Day 1: Bertha Brown

2009-12-08T14:36:00.002+11:00

And so it begins!
After having a jam packed birthday weekend, I can tell you how much I wasn't looking forward to parting ways with my couch... but persevere I must.

First awesome friend for the silly season is one of my favourite people in this world.
Thea and lovingly nicknamed T-Rex.
Our stop: Bertha Brown.

In the back of my mind, I associate Bertha Brown with my living room couch - long, chunky and brown.
Bertha Brown is long, somewhat chunky and has a lot of brown hues around.
See how my subconscious knew what to expect, thanks to my comfy couch?

Upon entering you are encountered with what is a small cosy living room, if you were to stop there you would think that Bertha Brown is in between cosy and average sized. It really throws you when you walk further and you see that Bertha Brown is quite deep and large place snaking around to the right to another large dining area.

A long white bar runs along the entirety of the right wall with some booths on the left side for dining or holding large amounts of cocktails, of which they have an exciting list for a reasonable $12.00.

If you prefer for your booth to juggle several plates, there's is dining available - Bertha Brown have a pizza special for $5 from Mondays to Thursdays and several other typical food items on their bar menu think chips, burger and fish chips. But don't think that Bertha Brown is just your ordinary place for pub grub; they have some delicious Mediterranean inspired items such as the whole baby chicken stuffed with garlic confit, preserved lemon and rosemary with chat potatoes and silverbeet. What's more, their food items are reasonably priced with no item priced higher than $23.00.

If I had one word to describe Bertha Brown it would be vast. It's a vast space with bare floors, high ceilings and eclectic music (while we were there: Jeff Buckley followed by MGMT). It reminded me a bit of a backpacker’s area, but this could be because of the location. Bertha Brown is located a few doors up from the intersection of Spencer St and Flinders St with quite a few backpacker establishments around the corner. But don't be fooled, this place is not just for the backpacker, but caters for everyone.

I would recommend Bertha Brown for anyone thinking of having a large-ish function with public transport nearby. It can hold a large amount of people, the food looks delicious, and the drinks are reasonably priced. However, its downfall may be the amount of noise it would generate. A vast place with large amounts of people can be on the noisy side.

As you can imagine, there weren't many patrons on a Monday night but a random impromptu (it probably wasn't impromptu) gathering of people on one side (a function perhaps) were sitting nearby, with only about 15 people - it was hard for me to speak to T-Rex who was sitting opposite me on a comfy couch.

Bertha Brown is a cool casual bar and if you ever go, I think you should sit where T-Rex and I did. On the comfy couches up the back with an old suitcase as a coffee table. A great area to people watch, close to the bar and en-route to the toilets - T-Rex and I know how to pick the perfect spot.

T-Rex was mighty impressed with the bean bag seats they had in the toilets and I was impressed that there were more than 2 cubicles!
Thank you to T-Rex who trekked with me to Bertha Brown on a Monday night for a drink.
We talked about all sorts of wonderful crazy things from travel, weight loss and the fact we should have had the $5 pizza instead of having those lean chicken sausages with salad!

And the inside scoop on bean-bag-seat loving T-Rex:

- Nicknamed T-Rex, T, T-bone, T-Rexicle and probably any other word that may start with T.
- She loves baked beans.
- Has never tried spam.
- Loves Australian independent artists.
- Her next door neighbour hired a horse for her kid’s birthday party. Thea is still baffled as to why...
- Is leaving to go on a one year travelling adventure in February 4th - 59 days from today (we counted it!)
- Would love a goat and long johns for Christmas.
- I think she was serious about the goat...

Bertha Brown
562 Flinders St
Melbourne 3000
http://www.berthabrown.com.au/

Mariella's Melbourne Weekend 4-6 December 2009

2009-12-04T13:27:00.004+11:00

Put your hands up who will be running around this weekend like a headless chook trying to find Christmas presents for the family?
That would be everyone except my brother David, who has decided this year everyone will be getting home made gifts... I'm looking forward to my cup and a stick that he'll be giving me (it's the thought people, the thought!).

Let me take some of the hard work out of it for you.

Friday- Mostly sunny, 21 degrees C. Be sensible, take a warm jumper.

Gibsons Wine Bar
73 Burwood Road
Hawthorn, 3122
Cost: $7+

Gibsons are not on the web, you're just going to have to trust me that it's there.

Gibsons is one of my locals and I absolutely love it. In fact, there's hundreds of other people who love it too and that's the reason I can never find a chair on a Friday night. I'm usually the creepy one in the corner trying to give you the eye, so that you freak out and leave and I can take your seat. See what I mean by creepy?
But it's all for the greater good, because Gibsons wine bar is more than good, it's great.

Gibsons is one of those unassuming places where you can sit amongst their large stock of wines and have a few tipples with your friends. Gibsons is so great that you can bring your own food into eat and when it comes to opening a tab, you don't have to hand over your credit card. No joke, I was surprised too.

They run based on honesty, integrity and making you feel at home. It has a decor like a wood cabin and I like to pretend that I'm in the woods somewhere sipping wine, eating Japanese food from across the road. That is, until the tram thunders past and I remember that I'm in Hawthorn.

Give it a go, there's nothing better than feeling like you're at home (or cabin in the woods) with flowing wine. But be warned, there's a creepy stranger lurking in the shadows, who wants your seat.

Berlin Bar
16 Corrs Lane
Melbourne, 3000
Cost: $9+ (it's not a cheap night)
Berlin Bar on the Web

Who here, has been to Berlin?
One of my all time favourite memories of travelling was in Berlin and I loved the division that was still evident even in 2004. From the buildings, to the bars decors and restaurants.

Berlin Bar is inspired by a city once divided and now reunited (they said that, not me). And it's blatantly obvious. On one side you have East Berlin which is reminiscent of a military bunker and it's very army green. There's even a bed in East Berlin, but whatever you do - don't jump on the bed thinking it's a warm cushy thing - it's East Berlin people, it's hard and uncomfortable. Trust me, I know this from experience... I nearly took my hip out.

On the other side you have West Berlin where it's all hip and happening. In fact, it's all happening at your table because there is table service (hurrah!) of cocktails and lush ottomans.

I organised a function there once, probably not the best for a small function and more targeted to the bigger functions. But I would definitely recommend it for a drink or a date night. It's up a set of steep dark stairs and where you arrive at a door with a door bell and a slide-peep-hole-thingy, very bunker-esque! Smile nicely, they'll let you in.

Saturday- Possible shower, top of 21 degrees. It's still jumper weather to me!

I know, I know - I heard you asking, Where's the shopping you promised?!
So here it is!

Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar
21 St Georges Road
Toorak
Cost: It's free to enter. Feel free to spend as much money as you like!
Scandinavian Christmass Bazaar on the Web

Did you know that Scandinavians are famous for design, textiles, handicrafts and glassware?
Well if you didn't know, you can go and find out for yourself.
Held on the beautiful grounds of the Swedish Church on St George's Road, go have a good squiz for Christmas presents for the family. If you are like my brother and will be making cups and sticks for everyone's Christmas - go for the food! Delicious glorious stalls of food!

There's also face painting, animal farm (my personal favourite despite not being 7 anymore) and heaps of other goodies that the entire family can enjoy.
You can even win a trip to Scandinavia for two!

Aaah multiculturalism in Melbourne fills my little heart with joy, let me know if you go!

Blackbird Market
Workers Club
51 Brunswick St
Fitzroy
Cost: Free to enter, I believe.
Blackbird Market on the Web

Beer, shopping, bands, DJ's, shopping, shopping and there's even going to be a tarot reader.
Need I really say more?

The Blackbird Market is held at the Workers Club this coming Saturday and you should pop your head (and body) down to there on Saturday to see the great creative talents that we have in Australia. Forget Tiffany's - that's an American company - go and check our our local designers who put so much love and effort into their pieces.

Shop while you listen to some great DJ and band sets. Shop with a beer in your hand.
Take a little jeep to carry your belongings. I know they're not the most fashionable of items, but don't let people fool you that it's only for older people - they're super handy!

Oh and ummm... you can get other people's Christmas presents too here.. if you like.
But make sure you buy yourself something nice!

If you're having a stall at the Blackbird market, let me know and I'll pop a link on here so viewers can see the talent I speak of!

*Sneak Peek of some fabulous designers at the Blackbird Market this Sat*

* Michvanetta

* Hopelessly Devoted

* Polka Dot Rabbit

Sunday- Mostly sunny, 26 degrees. A day for a cardi that you can leave in your bag.

I love a good market, so why not spend the entire weekend there?
It's silly season! Perfect excuse.
One more for you guys.

Fed Square Design Market
Undercover Car Park at Fed Square (duh!)
Cost: Free entry! But spend money, you're just helping kick start the economy (or was that only applicable to last year?)
Federation Square on the Web

I love Federation Square's catch phrase (is that what you call them?) 'Melbourne's meeting place'... because it is. You can't get any more Melbourne than 'Meet you at Fed Square'.
So make sure you use that on Sunday with your friends when you attend the design market!

If you're still in need of goodies for the loved ones, go to the Design Market at Fed Square. Full of independent and local designers, you're bound to find something amazing.
They're aiming for 17,000 people this year ... so maybe don't take the pram or the jeep!

And hey... meet you at fed square!

So there you go, another wonderful weekend in Melbourne.
This Sunday is my birthday (I'm so shameless!), so if markets aren't your thing - bring your Mum and we'll take her to my Mum's house and we'll all eat and be merry!

Have a great weekend everyone, be safe.

Mariella

7 pubs, 7 friends, over 7 days starting on December 7th

2009-12-02T16:47:00.001+11:00

Sometimes my ideas scare me...

Like the time I had the brilliant idea of tasting my local pubs entire tap beer range and getting swine flu the next day (true story) or the time where my brother and I thought it would be funny to get up on the roof only to have it break underneath my foot.... Our dad was not particularly pleased with that one.

In our defence, there was a weak spot on the roof from a leak - it's the roof's fault.
But anyway - this idea is another one of those...
But it's ok! Because it's the silly season and that calls for silly things!

On the 7th of December, I will be taking out one different friend every single night to a different pub/bar for a small experience. Why? I hear you ask.

Well... for a million reasons... but the main ones:

- I love venues and the way there is a pub/bar/club for everyone all over Melbourne.
- I love what I do and love ensuring that people have 'experiences' rather than just a few pints
- And it's a great fun way to catch up before it's Christmas!

I will be doing a small review each day about the place we attended, our experience and about my poor friend (I'll be spilling the secret of what they want for Christmas too! Partners, stay tuned!).

Now, to find 7 friends... Does my mum count?
The Spice Girls said their mum's were their best friends...?

If you have any suggestions of pubs/bar I should take my victims.. I mean, friends... please don't hesitate to email: mariella[dot]mejia[at]gmail[dot]com

Please note that this is not a binge drinking exercise, but rather a creative way of catching up with everyone before Christmas. Also a way for us to check out new places we may have been too scared (it's true, it happens!) to try.
I'm a big believe that you shouldn't turn a night into a nightmare (see, advertising does work!)

Mariella's Melbourne Weekend - 27-29 November 2009

2009-11-27T12:08:00.002+11:00

And the crazy weather continues in Melbourne, but don't let that stop you from going out and enjoying the weekend!

Friday- 27 degrees C with a possible thunderstorm. What I like to call, frizzy hair weather.

Prudence
368 Victoria St
North Melbourne
Cost: $7+
Prudence on the Web

Anyone that lives in North Melbourne have a spare room/corner in their house that I could occupy?
I'm thinking about moving to North Melbourne just to make Prudence my local. It's just that type of place.

It's a comfortable bar with eclectic and mismatched furniture, a cosy beer garden and an upstairs area that is private and close to the toilets!
The music is not loud and painful (I'm getting old, screaming across the table is not my thing anymore!) and they make a great gin and tonic with fresh lime.
Word of warning: toilets are up a set of steep stairs.

Sloaney Pony
1 Crockford Street
Port Melbourne
Cost: $6.50+
Sloaney Pony on the Web

Any bar that has Erdinger (German beer) on tap has my vote for awesome. That's not all, Sloaney Pony has an impressive list of European (mostly German) beers on tap and a large selection of cocktails. Word on the street (aka as Amanda) is that you should try the Lemon Tree cocktail or the Strawberry Mojito.

Sloaney Pony also do summer tapas (just like everyone else in Melbourne) and while it doesn't look too impressive don't let that deter you from checking out their bar and impressive drinks menu.
They have an a la carte restaurant if the tapas menu doesn't tickle your pickle.

Word of warning: they have Fosters on tap - go on and buy one, just to have a chuckle!

Saturday- Showers and 21 degrees. Some more frizzy hair weather.

Portello Rosso
15 Warburton Lane
Melbourne CBD
Cost: $10 (I would allow about $40 per person for a filling meal)
Portello Rosso on the Web

My besty and I rarely get the chance to hang out, just the two of us. Most of our catch up dates consist of local takeaway, dirty trackies and DVD's on the couch - I then proceed to fall asleep on the couch, with a full belly or get distracted by shiny new things. All to the dismay of my besty.

So, being the smart and hungry people that we are, we decided to go out for a civilised dinner.

Thanks to a recommendation to a bud on Twitter (would this make him a tweebud?) we went to Portello Rosso. And what a fabulous recommendation it was!

Portello Rosso is a tapas and jamon bar - I've also seen it called a Pizza bar somewhere, but didn't see any pizza on the menu last night?

Anyway the place has a great ambience with an open kitchen and fabulous wine rack on the wall. We had great service by the lovely Pip, who rocked our night by being awesome and recommending her favourite beer. It was Mahou (in case you're wondering) which was way too easy to drink... particularly on a school night!

The food was absolutely to die for - I would have loved to see the food be a bit hotter, but it really was to die for.
I would highly recommend the pork belly, croquettes and patatas bravas.
Top it off with a Cream Catalana and smack it with the back of your spoon for a great sounding crunch.

Finally, Pip made my flat white without any frothy milk (aerated milk, ewugh!) , which just made my week!
If only I could package Pip and sell her enthusiasm and charm to other restaurants, I'd be making a fortune and leaving behind a legacy of service being everything!

I do believe that a venue shows how much they care about you by their state of their toilets. Their toilets were amazingly clean, nice smelling and very modern. I wish my own bathroom looked like theirs! Just don't lean against the low sink, like i did... fortunately it was dim lighting!

Word of warning: a popular place, make a booking particularly for a Sat night (Tel: 9602 2273)

Murmur
Level 1/17 Warburton Lane
Melbourne CBD
Cost: $20+
Murmur on the Web

After your dinner at Portello Rosso why not pop next door to a well hidden boutique cocktail bar?
Murmur is Cuban styled cocktail bar that has a very old school charm - just like you'd expect to see in Cuba.

If you didn't know any better you wouldn't know that Murmur was there. But it is and it's serving some of the finest cocktails with an extensive list of beer. Pop in for a drink and be served by the friendly experienced staff.

Murmur know what they're doing in terms of cocktails, winning the Australian Bartender Award for Cocktail Bar of the year 2007. DJ's spin some tunes on Saturday starting at 10pm.
Get down there and don't spread the secret.

Sunday - 19 degrees and showers. Summer, where did you go?

The Age Harvest Picnic at Werribee Park
Werribee Park
K Road, Werribee
9am - 5pm
Cost: $20+
The Age Harvest Picnic at Werribee Park on the Web

The Age Harvest Picnic is on again in Werribee this coming Sunday - it's held every year on the last Sunday of November.

With Christmas just around the corner, this event is the best place to purchase some goodies for your foodie friends. Attended by a large list of exhibitors showcasing their produce from yabbie burgers to fine wines.

It also features cooking demonstrations by well known celebrity chefs and great live music.
A really nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The event will go ahead, rain hail or shine (likelihood of all those happening in Melbourne is quite high).
Take a picnic rug, some seating and your Mum!

Have a great albeit rainy weekend folks!

Christmas Cheer

2009-11-23T22:31:00.002+11:00

It's Christmas time soon and if you're feeling a little worried about your pocket and who to purchase gifts for then have I got a fun solution for you!
Forget KK, this is better!

Treat it as a Christmas party/event for your friends - it's a great way of doing something a little different. I highly recommend it, my fun group of friends have now turned it into a tradition.

To start off...

- Gather a group of your friends and have them all purchase one gift each.

- No couple gifts, there has to be 1 gift per person participating. If you're a lucky duck and have 20 friends, you will then have 20 gifts.

- Set a price limit, make it decent, go for $20+

- It has to be a unisex present, so all can participate.

- And it has to be wrapped. An unwrapped present only looks like you stole it from somewhere...

Now to start the game!

- Make a circle of everyone participating.

- Have every person who is playing and has brought a gift, put their gift in the middle of the circle.

- Write numbers of people participating on pieces of paper and pop them into a hat. (If you have 20 friends, write numbers up to 20)

- Now, everyone participating should have 1 number each. This number lets them know when their 'turn' is.

Now for the rules:

Pay attention, this is where it gets tricky.

- Person who has #1 chooses a present from the unopened present pile, opens it and shows it to everyone.

- Person who has #2 now has two options. They can choose from the pile of unopened presents or they can choose to steal the present from person #1

- If person #2 chooses to take present from person #1, this person has to pick a new present from the unopened pile.

- Person number 3,4, 5 etc. each have the same choices. Steal a present from any of the people before them holding an open present or pick from the unopened pile.

- If your present gets stolen, you also have the same options.

- However, you cannot and I repeat cannot have the same present twice.

So for example, if I stole the mushroom lamp from Bob and then Richard stole lamp from me, I cannot steal the mushroom lamp back. Despite being empty handed and in need of a present.

- The game ends when the last wrapped present is chosen.

I know it sounds a bit difficult! But once you get the hang of it, it's a lot of fun!
I'll be doing the same thing on December 12, with my own buds.
Enjoy!

Mariella's Melbourne Weekend 20-22 Nov 2009

2009-11-20T12:49:00.002+11:00

That time of the week again!

Friday- Chance of a thunderstorm, but it's still warm!

Cabinet Bar and Balcony
11 Rainbow Alley
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Cost: $7+
Cabinet Bar and Balcony on the Web

One of my work colleagues told me about this bar, it's one of her favourites. Thanks Chloe!

You could call Cabinet 'retro chic' but that's just common now isn't it?
Cabinet is not common at all. They name their cocktails after their regular customers a fabulous little personal touch. With a range of shared plates and a scrumptious menu (if you don't want to share).

Unlike my original thought, this place is not just for suits but a place where suits, students and everyone in between come together to have a drink. Perfect!

And the clincher!
Cabinet serve fondue, chocolate or cheese.

If that's not enough to get you there, they do have a happy hour (it actually only lasts 1 hour!) from 5.30pm-6.30pm Wed - Sat.

Uptown Jazz Cafe
Upstairs 177 Brunswick St
Fitzroy, 3065
Cost: $10+
Uptown Jazz Cafe on the Web

I found Uptown Jazz Cafe by chance.
Walking past Brunswick St one night to fulfill my hankering for Churros, I walked past a hole in the wall where the most amazing music was coming from.
I can't beging to describe the energy that the live music was carrying through Brunswick St.

You should go to Uptown Jazz Cafe tonight. Don't wait!
It's an amazing little venue, like a jazz venue should be. With dim lighting, candlelit tables and a very cool vibe.

Tonight the ABC 'Cool Cool's' quartet plays at Uptown and is being recorded live by ABC FM's Jazztrack.
Go show your support!

Saturday- 23 degrees but some rain developing (but they said the same thing about Thursday and nada - zilch!)

Hispanic Fiesta
Johnston St
Fitzroy, 3065
Cost: Free to hang around, $5+ for the great food.
Hispanic Fiesta on the Web

One of my favourite festivals of the year. I'm biased because I'm Hispanic and I love dancing in the street.
If tasting different food and dancing in the street is your kind of thing, I strongly suggest you check it out.

Taste a variety of food from all over the Hispanic countries - Central America, South America, Carribean and Spain. Top it off with some Argentinian beer, Sangria or a freshly squeezed lemonade!
Try my favourite food that I grew up with from my home country El Salvador - Pupusas.

Word of warning: parking is a nightmare, public transport is the way to go.

Lambsgo Bar
135 Greeves St
Fitzroy 3065
Cost: $9+
Lambsgo Bar on the Web

If after the festival you still have a hankering for beers from different corners of the world, why not go to Lambsgo Bar?
With over 100 beers from every single different little corner, this funky little venue is really a great place to be.
It has several rooms different rooms, funky seating, a bowling pin-ball machine thingy, great service, a beer wheel. a fridge full of beer and lots of other trinkets. Not to mention a great name!

Say it out loud and see if you get it - it took me 2 years to figure out what it meant!
Definitely worth checking out.

Sunday - Rain and 21 degrees. Time for the cool change!

Kanteen
150 Alexandra Avenue
South Yarra
Cost: $11+

If I told you that I was going to take you out for breakfast in a converted toilet block, would you come?
Sure you would!
Kanteen is a converted toilet block located on a S-bend of the Yarra River in South Yarra.
The charm is really in what the block used to be and in the great atmosphere of dining beside the Yarra.

It's a good little cafe and perfect for breakfast, but it's not secret and is always full.
Get in early and if you over indulged in Sangria keep the theme going and enjoy their Spanish eggs, they're to die for.

So there you have it, another weekend ready to go!
Take your Mum out for breakfast, won't you?

Service is Everything

2009-11-19T17:08:00.001+11:00

This week I was in Brisbane setting up and attending one of the many medical conferences that my company attends.

I think people don't realise that business travel is not all about glitz, glamour, swish hotels and expensive dinners. Take note of the key words: not always

As an Event Coordinator that primarily works within exhibitions, my work is particularly involved when the exhibition is still in the building stages - think high visibility vests, sweaty frantic organisers and forklifts).
This means I carry a lot of equipment and lots of tidbits that will help me with our set up prior to the conference going live.

On this particular occasion it was a last minute trip due to some unforseen reasons, which meant I had to rush to get accommodation. With over 1,000 delegates attending this conference, accommodation was scarce.
Fortunately for me, there had been a cancellation and thus some free accommodation at a block of serviced apartments with a two minute walk to the venue for a reasonable price. Bargain!

I should state that there was absolutely nothing wrong with the one bedroom apartment itself – apart from the horrible flickering light in the bathroom and the fan sounding like it was trying to take off to another world. But I can live with that, particularly when travelling alone, a bit of noise is comforting!

But my problem really with this establishment was the service or the lack thereof.

Upon my arrival there was no greeting, it was nothing but a mere grunt and a look of “What do you want?”
Understandably this gentleman was most likely having a bad day, we all have bad days, I get that.

But it only got worse…

During check-in he didn't even glance or speak to me once, apart from grunting asking for my credit card (why, of course) for upfront payment. Not once did he bother telling me what their apartments were all about, what facilities were available and maybe places of interest that I might find worthwhile.

After a swipe of my credit card he grunted my room number pointed in the general direction of my apartment and told me it was up two flights of stairs.

Now go back a few paragraphs where I said I carry heavy equipment?

Despite him being available and I being the only soul around, there was no offer of a helping hand.
Just for the record, I am not a maiden in distress and probably didn’t really need the assistance, but I would have appreciated the offer and politely declined (maybe).

For any business travellers or leisure travellers take note, check the portfolio of their apartments
Flicking through the portfolio in the apartment, more out of boredom than necessity; I did see they offered a ‘breakfast service’. Perfect!
As a business traveller, I don’t particularly want to leave my room to have breakfast. I like having breakfast prior to leaving my room and in my pyjamas!

Looking forward to not having to worry about breakfast, I called reception just to be told that it would be too much effort to get breakfast for me each day because they had to go out and purchase it. Ahhh… hmmm… ok.

Maybe I'm overly pedantic about customer service, in particular maybe a little harsh when it comes to serviced apartments. This is partly because I used to work in some where we took pride in our level of service. But I really believe service is everything.
I have a theory that people will forget what you do, what you say and what your business is like. But they will never forget how you made them feel.

And in this instance, I felt like nothing more than a number. A real shame for this small business as an Event Coordinator with over 20 conferences in Brisbane each year, I spend most of my time recommending establishments to colleagues. A lot of business for anyone who is willing to provide a service and a smile, they’re free!

Next time, I’ll stay at the Mantra they were nothing but helpful, friendly, approachable and even allowed me to use their trolley for an entire day!

But never fear business travellers to Melbourne there are many businesses that are service focused.

My two picks:

Albert Heights Serviced Apartments
83 Albert Street
East Melbourne, VIC 3002
Albert Heights on the Web

Albert Heights is located in East Melbourne, predominantly in the hospital hub of the area.
But it's only a short walk to Smith St, Brunswick St and the MCG.
Bill, the general manager at Albert Heights, taught me everything I know about service and administration and he provides the most amazing customer service. A small knit group in this establishment, even the housekeeping staff are phenomenal.

Caroline Serviced Apartments (in Brighton and South Yarra)

47-49 Caroline Street
South Yarra, VIC 3141
And
3 Male St
Brighton, VIC 3186
Caroline Serviced Apartments on the Web

Nothing excites me more than a business who cares about their clientele and Caroline Serviced Apartments certainly do just that.
They're a small team of professionals and their main aim is to make sure that their clients have the most enjoyable time while in their establishment.

They have an entire list of places around them that may be of interest and a plethora of photos and information on their Facebook and Twitter accounts.
By embracing social marketing and the web, Caroline Serviced Apartments have created an avenue that allows their client to contact them directly from any source.

I'm looking forward to recommending my own clients stay at their apartments and if you need to travel to Melbourne, I suggest you give them a call!

Mariella's Melbourne Weekend 13-15 November 2009

2009-11-13T12:16:00.002+11:00

I know there's a collective sigh of relief about the fact that tomorrow is a Saturday.
Particularly for the people that have no air conditioning and have suffered through horrible hot and uncomfortable nights.
While I have to travel to Brisbane for a work trip, I do recommend you go and enjoy the beauty of what Melbourne has to offer. Enjoy!

Friday - Mostly sunny with some light winds in the afternoon. It's Melbourne, don't trust it and take a light jacket.

De Lacy by Bright Young Things
29 Niagara Lane
Melbourne, Vic 3000
Cost: $10+
Bright Young Things on the Web

This is my second mention of the BYT team, but considering I believe their services and ideas are amazing, it's no surprise really!

In the city this afternoon? Thinking about going into the city this afternoon?
Why not try Bright Young Things De Lacy Fridays!
These culinary geniuses open their doors on Friday nights and allow you to enter into their world of fine food and wine.

I wouldn't be able to give you an idea of menu because it's an ever evolving menu based on the three BYT's creative ideas and seasonal produce. What I can tell you is that their food is always fantastic, their drinks ever flowing and their service absolutely phenomenal.

Go at 5pm, enjoy yourself and say hello to the three Bright Young Things - Kate, Fiona and Jason.

The Workshop Bar
Level 1, 413 Elizabeth Street
Melbourne 3000
Cost: $7+
The Workshop on the Web

I used to work in a backpackers around the corner from The Workshop. When I wanted to go and hide from these crazy fun backpackers, I'd go to Workshop because it's a dark little entrance not well known.
Quickly giving it away are the two bouncers and the sometimes line that curves around the corner of A'Beckett St and Elizabeth St.

When I think Workshop, I think Missy Elliot "Pass That Dutch" and white Adidas sneakers. I have no idea why, because Workshop is housed in a converted motorcycle workshop and serves both as a day time coffee establishment and a night time watering hole. The decor of Workshop is fantastic and highly recommend you get down there at some stage.

I still don't see the connection - but maybe it comes from their monthyl hip-hop night Extravaganza.
Never mind, check them out!

Saturday - Sunny a very warm day.

Brown Brothers Wine and Food Festival.
Milawa, approximately 260kms from Melbourne
Instructions on how to get there, here
Cost: $10 for tastings and glass, all proceeds will be going to support the local wine tourism.
Brown Brothers on the Web.

It's Saturday and it's sunny, what better time for a road trip?
Grab the partner, the designated driver and head up to Brown Brother's Cellar Door, where they will be celebrating the 23rd Annual Brown Brothers Wine and Food Festival.

Apart from tasting their magnificient wines, why not be a little bit adventurous and go to their free 'discovery' themed seminars. If you're not a wine drinker, go along anyway. There will be local Farmers Market stalls and an interesting insight into how BB make their wines with their winery tours.

What do you with the kids? You bring them of course!
Trixie the Clown will be entertaining the kids with some face painting, baloon art and a magic show.

The Royal Saxon
545 Church St
Richmond, VIC
Cost: $7+
The Royal Saxon on the Web.

You may have seen my review about Royal Saxon.
It's a great place, with a great beer garden, great selection of drinks and tomorrow is going to be 34degrees.
What more convincing do you need? Oh ok, the food is delicious!

Sunday - Cloud increasing, still a very warm day. But cool change coming in. You know what else is cool?

Polish Festival
Federation Square
Melbourne, VIC
Cost: It depends on how many Pierogi you plan on having.
Polish Festival on the Web

I won't lie to you, I love Pierogi.
If it were up to me, I'd dine on Pierogi probably twice a day. But because I can't make them and they're not readily available, I wait around for a full year waiting for the Polish Festival.
And it's that time again! Unfortunately I'm in Brisbane for work this weekend, so it's up to you to eat the Polish Festival out of Pierogi!

It's the Polish Festival's 5th Birthday. Pop down and learn about the history, culture and most importantly food of Poland. At Fed Square from 10am - 5pm.

Another fabulous weekend in Melbourne, please be safe, healthy and eat some Pierogi!
Don't forget to call your Mum and tell her that Mariella (and Rove) say 'hello'!

The Royal Saxon

2009-11-12T23:48:00.047+11:00

Nothing excites me more than a new pub/bar!
But my excitement flew off the radar when a little bird told me that there would be a new pub in my stomping ground, Richmond.

The Royal Saxon is another project by Paul Olynyk and Julian Gerner.
The owners/creators of The Public House, Albert Park Hotel and the newly opened Middle Park Hotel.
If you've attended any of these bars recently, you will know that their idea of pubs and decor is sensational.
In fact, these two gentlemen have been so successful that The Public House was voted as Melbourne's Bar of the Year 2005. They sold Public House to Cornerstone Hotels Group in 2007.
Unfortunately this March, Cornerstone Hotels Group went into receivership - GFC perhaps? What a gloomy time the GFC has created!

But no signs of the GFC are evident within the walls of The Royal Saxon.
The Royal Saxon is a large white building with a rustic red sign that you can't miss. Gerner and Olynyk kept the original facade but completely gutted and renovated the interior. And what an interior it is!

A design by none other than the people who created Public House - Six Degree Architects.
You would expect nothing less than brilliance from the Six Degree team and that's exactly what you get at The Royal Saxon.

In the middle of the room you have a lavish and large bar that stocks a vast amount of alcohol from all over the world along with a dumb waiter located in a quiet corner. My description really does it no justice, so here are a few pictures to show you what I mean:

There's a lot of good about the Royal Saxon, let me list my standouts for you:

- I believe an establishment shows how they really feel about their customers by the way they design/decorate their lavatory. And the Royal Saxon has clean, plentiful and attractive lavatories that are a little hard to find, but are attractive nonetheless.
- Plenty of seating and standing areas both indoors and outdoors.
- Friendly staff, the maitre d' was an honest and personable guy.
- Great selection of beverages. If you like beers try the half litre of the Austrian beer Trumer Pils. Half the fun is getting a huge glass, but great beer nonetheless.

My very happy plus one (aka brother) with his Trumer Pils.

- The interior is amazing, when you look up (by choice, not because I had a few and fell on my behind) there's a ceiling feature of tapestry on the ceiling in red and green, very beautiful.

- Their beer garden snakes all the way around the building from the side to the back.

- In their back beer garden there's a tree in the middle of the area, nothing like getting back to nature and not sitting in a complete concreted beer garden (it's not really a garden then, is it?).

- They have their house white and red (King Valley, Vic) on tap and sell them in a glass, half litre or litre.

- Their napkins, they have a white and red tea towel. I love getting a napkin that is not your standard white starched napkin.

Being a new bar, it's no surprise that it will be busy... very busy.

And this was so on their first Friday of being open, which happened to be my first experience at the Royal Saxon. Despite this my plus one and I decided to give the pub a go.

Upon our arrival, there were people spilling out of the venue and large groups being turned back due to the lack of seating for lunch. Thankfully with only a party of two, I was hopeful that we could get a little cosy corner to dine in and the Maitre D' was very honest and friendly about his seating availability and offered for us to have a seat and try their drinks, which we gladly did. No table became available, but we were happy to dine on the bar table available.

Taking full advantage of the lunch special of pizza and drink for $18, we had a drink waiting for our food. Our food took over 40 minutes and when it arrived it was delicious, but did not really satisfy us.

The staff were quick to admit that their lunch service was a shambles with dining taking approximately 2+ hours. There were quite a few flustered and very hungry patrons that afternoon, but the staff really held their own and tried their best with the little control they had. Kudos to the staff.

Despite all this, I didn't give up on the Royal Saxon and returned that night to take full advantage of their beer garden and dinner menu. To my surprise my food was waiting for me at the table once I arrived from placing my order. For dinner I thought I would indulge in something a little bigger and ordered the gnocchi with lamb shoulder which was absolutely to die for, but again disappointingly not reflective of the price. But it was delicious!

Another surprise was the lack of chips on the menu. I understand why this may be so, but a pub should have chips on their menu! Chips (I am biased here) are a pub staple! Adding chips to their menu (or another substantial snack) may help to extinguish the feeling of hunger creeping around after having a meal.

For a new pub, the Royal Saxon is doing spectacularly well. Which is no surprise considering the expertise of the entrepreneurs behind the establishment. I would love for them to increase their serving sizes for their food just because it's a bit hard to have more than a few drinks when your meal didn't satisfy you, especially for the hungry men I dined with on this occasion. A bit of value for money is important, especially nowadays (I'm going to milk this GFC thing for a while!).

The Royal Saxon is worth checking out, especially on a sunny day.
Give it a go!
I give it a 6.5 out of 10 and only because I was still hungry!

Royal Saxon
545 Church St
Richmond, VIC 3121

Mariella's Melbourne Weekend 6 - 8 November 2009

2009-11-06T15:33:00.000+11:00

I wish the week was made up of 3 working days instead of 5.
So that the weekend would get here quicker... and what a weekend it promises to be.

Friday 6 November - Some light winds but mostly a clear night. As your mum would say, take a jacket with you.

Wizard of Oz
Federation Square
You know where it is!
Cost: Free
Federation Square on the Web

The team at Federation Square have organised a set of screenings for some classic films.
Tonight features the Wizard of Oz. Grab your ruby slippers, a deck chair and the kids and head down to the main square where they will be screening this classic film.
Starts at 7.30pm.
It's true what they say... there's no place like home (especially if home is Melbourne, no bias of course)

Beer DeLuxe
Federation Square
I'm sensing a Fed Square theme here!
Cost: $7+
Beer DeLuxe on the Web

As you all know I'm a bit of a beer fiend but Beer DeLuxe is a great little place for an after work bevy - beer or no beer.
I discovered Beer DeLuxe after an afternoon screening at ACMI and spent most of the afternoon there drinking away and eating chips in the sun.
It doesn't just stop at chips, you could tuck into a hamburger or go for Greek without having to walk very far. My idea of a good time!
Pop into Beer DeLuxe before the Wizard of Oz - double whammy!

Saturday 7 November 2009 - Sunny. Need I say more?

Riverland Bar & Cafe
Banks of the Yarra at Federation Wharf
Cost: $9+
Riverland Bar & Cafe on the Web

If you wanted to find the fine line between have a beer in the streets of Amsterdam overlooking the canals and Melbourne - this is it.
Sit alongside the Yarra in the sun, having a few drinks and chatting to your friends. While you may think it can't get better than that - well it does.
It wouldn't be an Australian bar if it didn't do a sausage sizzle. But this is not just any ordinary sausage sizzle, but a gourmet one.
You can tuck into an organic selection of sausasges in a fresh bread roll accompanied by sauerkraut or onions and topped off with your favourite spreads. My personal favourite, the duck and pistachio sausage.
Bottoms up!

Home Made Wine & Beer Festival 2009
City Hall, Darebin City Council
284 Gower Street, Preston
Cost: Free
Home Made Wine & Beer Festival 2009 on the Web

There's nothing quite like owning something that has been home made. But there's also nothing like eating and drinking something that has been home made.

Come and see/sample local amateur wine and beer brewers skills. Some of the skills have been handed down through several generations and their products have become labours of love.

Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE is helping run this event and as an ex-student (who also ran this very event) let me tell you - it's a lot of fun! Our festival guest that year is also this year's participant.Vasili Kanidiadis from Channel 31's Vasili's Garden will be filming and hosting his show from the event on Saturday. Watch Vasili attempt a Zorba after a few indulgent tastes.
Great local fun.

The event is free and runs from 2pm - 5pm.

Sunday - more glorious sunshine.

No weekend is complete without a great breakfast, my pick is:

Provenance Restaurant + Bar
288 Smith St
Collingwood, Vic 3066
Cost: $6+
Provenance on the web

I've been to Provenance for breakfast twice in a row now, it's exactly what I need when I want breakfast.
An unpretentious place that is clean, classy and friendly.
They also have a Bloody Mary on the menu which has an immediate vote from me for being considerate!

The food is great with simple, fresh and sustainable produce. I highly recommend the orange juice - comes a little bit warm, but freshly squeezed and a good dose of Vitamin C.
But don't sit here listening to me talk about it - just go do it and we can compare notes!

Don't forget to call your Mum!

Happy Weeekend!

M

Industry Insight - Great Britain Hotel

2009-11-05T19:34:00.003+11:00

Welcome to Industry Insight!
This is my nosey initiative into the back end of the hospitality industry.
In industry insight, I will feature interviews, brainstorming or just random chats with people in the hospitality industry- I'm talking venue owners, bar managers, front of house staff and the hundreds of other positions that make venues, bars, restaurants, events and functions run efficiently.

For my first industry insight, I'm excited to chat to one of the many bar managers in Melbourne and in particular the bar manager at my favourite local.
Anna C. manages the Great Britain Hotel on Church St. Richmond and in my interview with her, we talk about the changes that she has made to GB over the last couple of years.

How long have you worked at GB? And where did you used to work prior?

I started work at the GB many moons ago. I worked only weekends for a while, then quit, then came back after a year, lured by the Sunday shift, which I did for to a long time. For many years I worked with my dad to run his pharmacy. When he retired in 2005, I came on full time to run the GB.

What made you want to work at GB?

Initially my cousin recruited me to the GB team. She taught me everything I know! It was fun work. I had worked only really in retail previously, and here I was behind a bar being a facilitator of fun times! I liked it! And the crew I first worked with were AWESOME! We became a real unit behind the bar. We often had more fun than the punters!

Since you've been at GB there's been a few changes - such as a spanking new outside deck, bands back on stage a revamp of the dungeon, to name a few... what other things have you done and would like to do for GB in the future?

The thing with the GB is that a lick of paint, or some fresh gaffa to hold some wires together is all it really wants or needs. The beauty of the place is that it’s been “this way” for 13 years, and it still holds its own. I met an old regular last night on shift. He moved away from Richmond 5 years ago because it got too expensive. He’s doing tango lessons around the corner now and popped in for a beer. I was able to say to him, “the usual, Sly?” and put a pot of Piss in front of him. I think people appreciate that things can change a little here (have you noticed the painted ceiling?), but not enough that you never feel welcome.
So no. Not big changes afoot here. We like it the way it is, as do the locals (or ex-locals).

What type of punters do you like to have at GB?

Any punter that can enjoy a drink responsibly. And that respects the venue and it’s staff.

Have you had any major problems at GB? Say for example, infestation of cockroaches/rats or just really drunk people?

Well, there is the ghost.
Seen by many a staff member. A floating torso, a moving shadow, a creepy feeling. We had a cleaner flip out whilst cleaning the Dungeon once. He thought he saw rats pouring out of the walls. Probably he was just a little unstable. But the Dungeon does do funny things to people. Whether that be punters drinking and bouncing off the walls, or a lone staff member cleaning up, then coming upstairs with a worried look on their face. I’m a skeptic, but I’ve felt and seen things to respect the fact that there is probably some sort of spiritual element to the building.

In your time at GB are you seeing different trends in punters... are they getting uglier? hairier? yuppier?

Unfortunately I have to say that I think punters are getting ruder and angrier. The thing is, you can teach people manners. It’s the anger that’s the problem, especially when mixed with alcohol. People say that Melbourne has an alcohol fuelled problem at the moment. But I think it starts with the angriness that is permeating peoples lives these days. Why they are angry? Who can say? But tensions are high and are climbing and unfortunately people are drinking to deal with it.

How do you recruit your staff? Do you take them through a difficult interview? Hazing perhaps?

They have to be good looking, rock’n’roll cool and have good taste in music. Beer pouring skills helps.

What's your favourite bar (apart from GB) and your favourite place to eat?

My fave bar is Kelvin, in Westgarth. I can walk in there and say to Dave, “Dave, I’m feeling kinda …(insert mood or state in here)… Whaddya recommend?” And he’ll mix me up the perfect drink. God Bless Kelvin.
And I’ll eat anywhere where I don’t have to cook!
I ate at Anada in Gertrude St the other week which was fantastic, The European on Spring St which was divine, Rumi in Lygon St North was pretty good too.

If money and pesky laws* were not a problem, what's one thing you would love to change about GB?

The wiring.

How do you feel about Spam (the ham)?

I really like the tin.

Thanks for allowing us to delve further into the GB, Anna.

For me the main reason I keep returning to GB are the wonderful staff members, who make me feel like I've just walked into my home, when they greet you. So a big shout out and well done to Anna and GB crew!

If you haven't checked it out yet, go and visit the GB crew and treat them nicely.
Oh! And watch out for that ghost!

Great Britain Hotel
447 Church St
Richmond, VIC
On the web

* Not all laws are pesky!

Mariella's Melbourne this Weekend 30 Oct - 2 Nov

2009-10-30T15:43:00.000+11:00

Does time fly or what?!
Long weekend for the lucky ones, so here goes:

Friday 30 Oct - If you have a window wherever you're reading this from, you know it's warm... but wet. Weird weather.

Miss Libertine
34 Franklin Street
Melbourne, 3000
Cost: $12+
Miss Libertine on the Web

Somebody told me they were having a happy hour! $5 jugs, which was enough to convince me.
However, there's more!
They're having an event called Glitch Hop. Glitch Hop is a new genre of music that has made its mark in the International market and only recently started to make itself known in Melbourne.
If you like Hip-hop, Electro and futuristic music then you gotta pop down to Miss Libertine tonight.

SlowBeer Tasting
63 Burwood Rd
Hawthorn 3122
Cost: $7+ Tastings are free, but buying slabs of beer are not.
Slowbeer on the web

I talk up the guys from Slowbeer all the time and it's not because I have a not-so-secret hankering for beer. But because they're passionate about their produce, educating people, they're friendly and most importantly will let you try sip on different beers for free!
Tonight they have the Bridge Rd Brewers Collection:
- Aussie Ale
- Beechworth Pale Ale
- Celtic Red Ale
- Bling IPA
- Chevalier Saison
- Anniversary Oak Aged Imperial Porter (Limited Release)

They're informal tastings and great fun, so pop down if you want to try some great beers.

Saturday- Isolated thunderstorms in the arvo and some wind.

Halloween! Now, I know this is not a 'holiday' that is celebrated by Australians. But if you feel like getting into the Halloween spirit and accepting candy from strangers (it's ok, as long as you don't get into their car) then may I suggest:

Melbourne Cemetery Halloween Tours
College Crs.
Parkville 3052
Cost: $24 Adults, $22 Concession and $15 Children (maybe don't take the children)
Cemetery Halloween Tours on the web

Kind of creepy, kind of cool.
Hear the stories about many of the famous identities in the Melbourne General Cemetery.
Starts at 7.20pm - 9.50pm.
Take a torch!

Not into Halloween? Into art/drinks/culture?
Check out:

Fad Gallery
14 Corrs Lane
Chinatown 3000
Cost: $7+
Fad Gallery on the web

One of my all time favourite bars in Melbourne.
Fad Gallery is part art gallery, part live music venue and largely awesome.
It has been around for over a decade and is still going strong. I don't usually like to share my favourite bars, because the less people there - the better.
But Fad Gallery is worth checking out. I even recommend it for a date venue after some hearty Asian tucker in Chinatown.
Be good to Fad Gallery!

Sunday - showers in the afternoon and evening. Top of 24.

Docklands Sunday Market
Piazza located just off Docklands Rd, near corner of Doepel Way.
Cost: Could be anything, really!
Docklands Sunday Market on the web

Get there quickly before the rains arrive!
Who doesn't love a Sunday market?
You'll find all sorts of trinkets from books, jewelry, art, doggy treats, trinkets and treasures.
A market with soul, give it a whirl!

Red Monkey Tea House
470 Victoria Street
North Melbourne 3051
Cost: $6.00+
Red Monkey Tea House on the web

Red Monkey Tea House (RMTH for short) has a Mediterranean/Asian inspired menu. It features some light meals and sharing plates, with a kitchen that is open until late.
It has a large range of cocktails, beers, spirits and other alcoholic beverages.
On Sundays they have jazz, bop and blue beats playing and you can listen to those beats from their indoor or outdoor sections (they have a leafy green beer garden)
What's more, their website is quirky... bordering on a little weird.

So there you have it, Mariella's Melbourne this weekend. For those lucky enough to be attending the races, please enjoy responsibly!
As someone who has worked at the races several times and has gone home sober on the train with all the revellers... trust me when I say, you don't want to be on that train when you've over indulged!

Have a great weekend and call your Mum won't ya?

MM

Spring Racing 2009

2009-10-28T15:06:00.000+11:00

It's that time of the year - Spring Racing and of course, the race that stops the Nation.
Words that come to mind when you mention Spring Racing: Dresses, head pieces, high heels, suits, betting on horses, champagne, champagne and more champagne.
But for those not in catered suites, have you thought about your .... food?

Here are some tips for some exquisite food. Because what the fashionistas don't tell you is that your food should be just as classy as your outfit.

Egg Unlimited
21 St. Edmonds Road
Prahran, Vic 3181
Cost: $23 per lunch box minimum of 4 box orders.
Egg Unlimited on the Web

If you like things mini, then Egg Unlimited is perfect for you.
Egg Unlimited was created and is owned by Julie Parks in 1997 with her unique product of fine breads and pastries, suitable for canape size servings. You can hold Egg Unlimited morsels in one hand while holding your drink in another - perfect for Spring Racing!

Their lunch boxes include some of the following:
- Gourmet chicken sandwiches
- Smoked salmon and pastrami bagels
- Caramelised onion tart
- And two sweet treats.

The lunch boxes can be picked up from their Prahran location.

Ed Dixon Food Design
102 Nicholson Street
Abbotsford, Vic 3067
Cost: $18.50 per person to $165 for a box that feeds 15.

Ed Dixon Food Design on the Web

The thing that excites me the most about Ed Dixon Food Design (EDFD) is that they do delicious and fresh packaged frozen meals, not just for events but for the busy individual. They can be delivered to your home or to your office, pure brilliance!
It's this brilliance that also sees them being avid participants in the plethora of catering for Spring Racing.
Their range is extensive and depending on your event has a large range of options.

Check out their website (listed above) for the options.

Bright Young Things
29 Niagara Lane
Melbourne 3000
Cost: $90.00 minimum of 4 boxes. 24 pieces in each box.
Bright Young Things on the Web

Spring is the best time for fresh produce and the BYT team definitely knows so. In fact, they thrive on it!
I've dined at a BYT event and I can assure you that their food is phenomenal and their service even more so.
Some of the items in the BYT picnic baskets include:
- Roasted teardrop tomato tarts with speck and purple basil,
- Lacquered duck. Green onion crepes with lacquered duck, hot mint, cucumber and coriander salsa
- Picnic tarts. Broad bean, roasted artichoke and ricotta picnic tarts
- Sweeties. Dark chocolate and gianduja tarts with hazelnut sugar glass
- Cheese Platter .... and so much more!

Picnic baskets are available for pickup directly from their premises from 8.30am on race days.

So there you have it, from thousands of catering companies to three of the very best.
Not only is this product amazing, but also may save you from the pain of champagne indulgence!

Make sure to enjoy responsibly (you really don't want to be that guy/girl) and throw your tips for horses my way!
Giddyup!

Mariella's Melbourne Weekend - Oct 23-25, 2009

2009-10-23T15:01:00.000+11:00

Take two - my first take for this weekend was so rudely deleted by a wayward mouse, humph!
Here we go again!

Mariella's Melbourne this weekend says a sad goodbye to the Melbourne International Arts Festival.
Two picks for you to check out:

Friday - mostly sunny, chill wind, pack a jacket.

Joni - Friday 23 Oct - 8pm
A tribute to legendary Joni Mitchell
Arts Centre, HH - Hamer Hall
100 St Kilda Road
Melbourne, 3004
Cost: $79.90 - 99.90
More details on the web

A large cast of Australian musicians come together to pay tribute to one of the most influential and respected female singers of all time.

Watch Katie Noonan, Wendy Matthews, Kristin Berardi, Tania Bowra, Louise Perryman, Virna Sanzone and Rachel Gaudry together with a 12 piece band bring their own individual talents to some of Joni's best and most loved tunes.

I can assure you; this one is not just for Joni fans.

Beck's Rumpus Room - Friday 23 Oct - 9pm
Beans, Ramallah Underground, Ro Sham Bo
154 Flinders St
Melbourne, 3000
Cost: $15 - a true bargain!
More details on the web

If live music is your thing, you shouldn't have missed any of the gigs at the Beck's Rumpus Room - if you have there's one last chance for you yet - tickets are selling fast!
Tonight, Beans, Ramallah Underground and Ro Sham Bo drop some amazing hip hop, funk, crunk and trip hop beats. The Age has called Beans 'the master of rapid word flow'

Seeing great talent for only $15?! Pure bargain and only in Melbourne!

Saturday - isolated showers and windy. Best place to spend a windy rainy day? Why, on the couch of course!

Gertrude's Brown Couch - 3pm - 1am
30 Gertrude St
Fitzroy, 3065
Cost: $4 and upwards
Gertrude's on the web

Gertrude's has a lot to offer; most importantly they have an impressive list of drinks. Lots of them.
With tap beers starting at $4, I'd recommend you try Taxi Pilsener, a Moorabin beer by two brothers. Crisp and delicious!
If beer is not your thing Gertrude's have a decent list of cocktails for the special price of $12, bargain!

If you're looking more something more lethal, how about you try their current special Liquid Cocaine. Served in a jug it consists of Vodka, Ouzo, a full can of Red Bull, topped up with Coldstream Cider for $15 it sounds deliciously lethal!

A great atmosphere, they have a band room upstairs, gigs going for $5.

Great Britain Hotel - 4pm - 1am
447 Church St
Richmond, 3121
Cost: $3.50 and upwards
GB on the web

GB has a plethora of mismatched couches that hug you while you sit on them. GB is a bit like being in a share house living room with 100 other people and flowing beer.
Speaking of beer, GB has over 13 beers on tap all from local and microbreweries around Australia.

If beer is not your thing there's plenty of spirits on the shelf, with the bar staff more than happy to pour you whatever you want your poison to be.

What's more, you can get some local fare delivered directly to the venue. Your choices consist of Fish & Chips, Thai and Pizza. All while you drink your beer - how awesome is that?

The bar staff are the friendliest around and they even make great coffee for any designated drivers out there.
Word of caution: be careful of the cranky female security guard. You'll know which one I’m talking about once you get there.

Sunday - windy, showers, nasty.

If the Liquid Cocaine and GB's 13 tap beers have you feeling under the weather (a bit like Melbourne - dad joke alert!) then why not take yourself out for a hangover feast? I've heard a Bloody Mary is the cure...

Richmond Hill Cafe & Larder
8 - 50 Bridge Road
Richmond, 3121
Cost: $25+ per person
RHCL on the web

Any cafe that has a Bloody Mary and Breakfast Martini on their breakfast menu has my vote!

Richmond Hill Cafe & Larder has some of the most amazing produce, serving breakfast, lunch, and the dinner event once a month and an impressive temperature controlled cheese room. You read that right, a cheese room, where they sell some amazing cheeses by 250g. These are also available online.

But really, RHCL is the best place to have breakfast. They have some amazing and experienced staff and most importantly they have the most delicious food.
My two picks:

1. Baghdad Eggs - 2 eggs friend with lemon and garlic, sprinkled with cumin and mint on grilled flatbread for $17.50
2. Buttermilk Pancakes - blueberries, pecan brittle, blood orange curd and pure Canadian maple syrup for $18.50

The problem with RHCL is that it's always packed which means your coffee may be lukewarm.
Most of the time you will be waiting for a table, but believe me - it's very worth the wait.

Before I leave you for another weekend to go and explore the wonders of Melbourne, one question remains:
Have you visited/called your Mum this week? What are you waiting for?!

Have a safe and great weekend!

MM

It's the little things...

2009-10-19T19:28:00.001+11:00

I received my MICE magazine this morning.
I love reading industry magazines, a great way of getting ideas and seeing some of the most exciting and large events in Australia.

But it was this little side article that caught my attention:

Morris is right.

We spend so much time focusing on the big picture and ensuring that major events and functions work overall, but we usually forget the small details. I can assure you that this couple will be speaking wonders to their friends about the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth and their efforts.

My little thing?

Well, when one of our marketing team members goes to an exhibition I've organised, I give them my personal mobile number. It's really not much, as I can't actually do anything for them when they're out onsite, but what i can do is listen. You'd be surprised what a calm voice on the other side of the phone can mean in times of panic.

What are the little things that you try to do for your clients?

Mariella's Melbourne This Weekend

2009-10-16T16:47:00.000+11:00

Hi Folks - ideas for this weekend!

1000 £ Bend (1000 Pound Bend) - No time like the present!
361 Little Lonsdale Street

Melbourne VIC 3000
Cost: Just your time and maybe $12 for a meal. Bargain!
A venue that has it all! Cafe, gallery and cinema space.
The Cafe serves home made meals and snacks from 8am-8pm and it has Free Wi-Fi.
I'll be there on Sunday doing my Uni work. Who said studying had to be boring?!
http://www.thousandpoundbend.com.au/

Girls of Burlesque - Sat 17 October 2009
Spensers Live
419 Spencer St
Melbourne
Cost: $20 at the door

Girls of Burlesque perform this Saturday night at Spensers Live
Melbourne girls, singing, dancing and parading around in their knickers.
http://www.facebook.com/GirlsOfBurlesque

Maya Festival - Sat 17th October
Ceres Community Environment Park
8 Lee St, Brunswick East VIC 3057‎
http://mayafestival.com/
Cost: $40 - $60 at the gate.

A colourful, vibrant inner-city alternative (so many adjectives!) outdoor festival.
Roving entertainment, chill space, well-being and kids area.
You're told to expect 'something special in 2009'!

Go check out Ceres, great organisation within Melbourne.

Boroondara Farmers Market - Sat 17 October
Patterson Reserve, Auburn Road, Hawthorn East
Cost: $2.00 (less than a cup of coffee nowadays!)

Held once a month, this market is amazing!
Farm fresh supplies and delicious treats. I'll say it again, farm fresh supplies and delicious treats.

Shirt and Skirt Markets - Sunday 18 October
Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
Cost: Free! $4 for parking

Spring Racing is coming!
Go down there and get ready for Spring Racing.

Visit your family - Sun 18 October
Like Telstra says - when was the last time you called your mum?
I'll ask - when was the last time you visited your mum. (Ask her to bake you a roast)

Don't forget the Melbourne International Arts Festival is still alive and kicking in Melbourne!
Have a great and safe weekend everyone.

See you Monday!

If you have any tips/feedback/suggestions - drop me a line at mariella.mejia AT gmail.com

Melbourne International Arts Festival Opening Night

2009-10-08T14:59:00.000+11:00

The fringe festival winds up and the Melbourne International Arts Festival begins!

The festival runs from 9 – 24 October 2009, in several of Melbourne’s great venues.

If you’re anything like me and want to watch a million things but can’t pick one, let me make some suggestions for you.

So lets start at the beginning – OPENING NIGHT!
At 7pm on opening night, assemble for a three part celebration of the opening of the festival.
The pealing of the bells begins with all bells in the city cathedral’s, churches and schools ringing simultaneously to welcome this amazing festival. Be there and listen to the surreal ringing that will happen at 7pm.

Then run down to Birraung Marr for:

Strange Fruit – Ringing The Changes
Federation Bells, Birrarung Marr
Fri 9 – Mon 12 Oct @ 7.30pm
Free

Go on Friday for the official opening, Strange Fruit are an amazing Melbourne based performing arts company.

They work in theatre, dance and circus in very unique mediums.

The performers will be perched on 4 metre flexible poles to ring the bells officially opening the festival.

I highly recommend Strange Fruit. Apart from their talent, George Filev (one of the performers) has been a favourite of mine for the longest time.
Don’t miss it!

Then run a little bit more to the Alexandra Gardens for:
Transe Express – Mischievous Bells
Engineers Lawn at Alexandra Gardens
Access via St Kilda Rd
Fri 9 – Mon 12 @9pm
Free

Transe Express are a French circus and theatre company.
They see themselves as ‘creators of imagination’ and they will blow your mind away with their spectacular performance.

And then, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Festival is officially open!

Stay tuned, there will be a lot more coming your way regarding the festival.

Spitiko

2009-10-07T22:31:00.009+11:00

Have you ever found yourself on a Friday night wanting some great food, but having no reservation anywhere? That was my exact dilemma on the day I was introduced to Spitiko. ‘Spiti’ meaning ‘home and ‘Spitiko’ meaning home made.

Spitiko is warm welcoming and doesn’t always require a reservation. This is as you would want your home to be. It has three enlarged and amazing photos of a grandma in different poses, reminding me of my own home where large painting of my grandma adorns the wall.

Upon arrival we were quickly greeted by Harry who is a friendly and energetic guy who oozes confidence and passion for the industry. Harry also co-owns this enterprise and it was obvious he cared about the experience of his customers, as any small business owner would.

After much banter, chatter and lots of Greek words that I didn’t understand, Harry was off to collect our menus. Our menus backed with old pictures. You know the ones? That your nanna and mum pull out when they want to reminisce about the “good old times”.

I spent such a long time staring at these beautiful family pictures that I had no time to look at the menu. Thankfully my plus one took charge and ordered Harry to bring out ‘whatever was good’ – his exact words!

A train of food proceeded to arrive:

- Mixed Dips with pita bread

- Saganaki

- Bouyourdi which was a small clay pot of fetta, kasseri (yellow goats milk cheese), mushrooms, olives & peppers

- Htapodi Skara - Char grilled octopus. One of my favourite dishes.

- Kolokithakia which where sliced pieces of fried zucchini

- Krassomezze - spicy sausage, capsicum, tomato, olives & fetta

- Horiatiki- Greek village salad

- Extra Pita Serving squeezed in here somewhere

- Patates Tiganites - Chips with oregano

- Mixed meat grill

- Greek coffees

- Greek donuts which were absolutely to die for!

The food quality was good but on this occasion not excellent; but you really could feel that in some dishes it was like being in a Greek relative’s home. The only downfall sadly (because I do love meat!) was the mixed meat grill, which came soaking in pool of olive oil and didn’t feel freshly cooked or grilled. But rather it had been precooked and placed under the grill just prior to us dining. Of course, this was quickly forgotten when the Greek coffee and donuts turned up for dessert. They were crunchy and smothered in honey, but so soft and gooey on the inside. I really could dedicate this entire blog to speaking about the donuts... but i won’t, just trust me on this one. They were devine!

So much food had arrived on our table that my plus one, worried about my health (I refuse to leave anything on my plate!) asked Harry to stop the flow with urgency. Our request caused a giant of a man called John, in a chef’s uniform to storm out of the kitchen to our table where he bellowed “Who’s asking me to stop/start/stop/start!? I’m not a traffic light!” Which threw me in a fit of laughter, yet did not stop me from eating while laughing. I’m the only girl I know, that can laugh and eat at the same time!

Describing my dining experience in detail at Spitiko would take hours and many pages of this blog. Despite only dining for a couple of hours, I felt like I had really come into somebody’s home for dinner with friends. John entertained us for hours, joining Foodie Friend in drinking from small bottles of ouzo that kept them merry and laughing loudly. At one stage, John even demanded that there be fire and Harry was more than happy to comply – so of course, Harry merrily proceeded to set the bar on fire (as you do!):

My dining experience at Spitiko was just that – homely.

It was an experience of laughter, craziness and loud jokes with my Greek friends.
If this sounds like something you wish to experience, then head down there and let these two guys make you feel at home.

Highlights:

- One of my personal highlights was the small homely personal touches. Instead of having white linen napkins or paper napkins, our side plates came with small napkins that resembled my tea towels at home. A small touch to create a homely experience.

- The char grilled octopus was deliciously seasoned, tender but still chewy and with a squeeze of lemon, it was to die for!

- The Greek donuts, don’t you dare miss these!

- The front of house service, such amazing friendly service.

Downfalls:

- The mixed grill was a little disappointing, but don’t let this deter you from trying it

- The pricing wasn’t very clear and I think we could have dined at a more affordable option by choosing a banquet, also plus one’s love for ouzo sky-rocketed our bill more than anticipated.

Things you need to know.

Where:
270 Park St. South Melbourne Victoria 3205 Call on: (03) 9690 2600

Reservation:
Not entirely required, but if you’re in need of confirmation for dining they do take bookings. I would recommend booking if you have more than 6 people dining.

Opening Hours:
Dinner from 6pm onwards - Tuesday to Saturday

Lunch from 12pm - Friday and Saturday

Functions:
They do cater for functions and they reserve Sunday for functions only.
Great place for a banquet function if you love Greek cuisine.

Drinks:
Fully licensed, BYO for wine only. Corkage charge at a whopping $7 per bottle.

Price:
You’re looking at about $50 per person for a full dining experience.

Web:
http://spitiko.com.au/

Barbara Lounge

2009-09-29T16:48:00.000+10:00

Barbara Lounge is a new bar/lounge addition to the pub-mad side of Richmond.

Located across from several Greek restaurants on Swan St, you would be forgiven for not knowing it was there. A dead giveaway though is the bouncers by the door in dark jackets with timers in their hands.

Barbara is located above a flight of stairs, with a New York loft feel. Something that is further reflected in the decor with one of the walls decorated with what looked like a skyline (forgive me if that's wrong, it was very dark!).

I've attended Barbara twice, the first for the hype of attending a new bar and the second as a function for a friend’s 30th birthday. Sorry Barbara, but both instances, weren’t the most positive.

My first impression of Barbara was of the bouncers who have to be the friendliest bouncers in Melbourne. They are personable, friendly and welcoming and in my opinion one of Barbara's best assets. I think this is an important point for venue owners to keep in mind; bouncers are the first point of contact for your venue. The friendlier and more approachable the better!

My first venture at Barbara started out well, the flight up the stairs was still within my small scope of fitness and the bar looked warm and welcoming. After perusing Barbara's interesting choice of drinks - Asahi and Pure Blonde on tap and West Coast coolers and some cocktails – it was obvious they all seemed to be targeting the 'carb conscious' or a female crowd perhaps?

As a female, it was a tough choice between a west coast cooler and an Asahi, but paying $6.00+ was too steep for a cooler that has less alcohol than a deodorant stick.

Winner?
Asahi of course!

The bar staff looked... bored. Busy looking at plasma perched high up in the corner of Barbara watching silent Saturday night TV.

While doing a 360 of the room waiting for my drink, Barbara surely is beautiful... but something is definitely missing.
Luckily for me, their small booth on the right hand side of the venue was free. A great spot for a quiet chat and even perfect for a first date, with low lighting and candles, I said date here not pash ok people?!

It would have been absolutely divine had it not been sabotaged by a pack of bullies, like it did on my visit. A pack of personal trainers (they told me they were) took over the space, not respecting our small area and being loud, obnoxious and not letting us go past them to get to the exit or even go to the bathroom. Pathetic really, but irritating enough to make us leave the bar.

Sorry Barbara, but your booth was full of ... not nice people. It made us go to another bar where we spent enough money to get the Australian economy out of the financial crisis.

Round 2.

Hoping that our friends from last time had found a nightclub to keep them busy, we headed off to Barbara again for a friend’s 30th birthday function.

Friendly security guards? Check.
Stairs that didn't kill my lungs? Check.
Overpriced West Coast Coolers? Check.
Bored bar staff watching silent plasma? Check.
Something still missing? Check. Check. Check.

Barbara had promised the small booth to '30th birthday friend' as her small function space - but disappointingly the small area only holds a total of 10 people. With about 40 guests, the area didn't work and birthday girl found herself locked in the small booth with 30 of her guests milling about on the side chatting amongst themselves.

Even worse, the football was playing on the plasma and several footy buffs standing in the middle craning their necks yelping at the TV. In Barbara's defence, they allowed birthday girl to cater for her own party, as they don't have catering services, yet... maybe?

Barbara has a lot of work to do still, as a young bar it can be forgiven for not knowing its clientele and trying to cater for all. It has potential, the space is great, the decor is nice and the toilets are clean and comfortable (hard to find in some bars believe me!). But it's still missing something...

My advice - don’t host a function at Barbara unless you plan on hiring out the entire venue and even then, be mindful they have no catering services. A function without food is like a Melbourne without a Grand Final. But do check it out; a new bar keeps improving with age and who knows it might be just the venue for you.

Tips for Barbara:
Get rid of the plasma, Barbara.
Instil some life in your bartenders (or get the bouncers to pull beers!)
Re-price the coolers
Get a DJ in there to place some funky tunes to cater for the crowd.
And finally Barbara get some grit, you are in Richmond after all.

Highlights:

- West Coast Coolers, which remind me of my younger days.
- Great decor, the walls are beautifully decorated.
- Small booth area to the right, great for VIP or better yet (it's not often you see VIP's in Richmond) great for a first date.
- Happy hour is great for the after work crowd, respectable.
- Clean and comfortable toilets - with a seat nearby in case of a line. Brilliance!
- Second hand couches. Who doesn't like a bit of a second hand couch?

Downfalls:

- Identity crisis - what is Barbara really all about?
- The plasma on the wall, it's out of line of sight and we don't need to be watching the Saturday Movie Special or the footy (unless it's the Grand Final), there are many many bars in Richmond that are footy bars.
- No catering despite having some wonderful restaurants around the venue.
- Over priced coolers, c'mon! I know it's a novelty, but let’s be reasonable.
- Not suitable for a function, unless it's a large function where you intend to book the entire venue...

Things you need to know:

Where:
Level 1, 203 Swan St Richmond Vic 3121

Opening Hours:
Wed – Sun 5pm – until late

Functions:
You can contact them for functions on their website.

Price:
Reasonable, if you’re not into West Coast Coolers.

Happy hour:
5@5
From 5pm – 8pm Wed to Sun $5 for:
- House spirits
- House wines
- Pure Blonde
- Melbourne Bitter Stubbies
- West Coast Coolers

Web: http://barbara203.com/index2.htm

Shameless Self Promotion

2009-09-21T14:30:00.001+10:00

I talked briefly in my last post about my work and why I enjoy events. In my short career, I have been exposed to many functions and events.

I'm currently in the process of updating my resume.
I found that a simple word document with large amounts of information written on it, does no justice for the creative and innovative side of events.

So, I have created a very simple webpage to showcase my professional curriculum vitae.
If you're interested, you can see my CV here:
Mariella Mejia's CV

Welcome to...

2009-09-20T19:37:00.000+10:00

Hi there, thanks for stopping by!

Whether you've stumbled upon this by mistake, been referred to by a friend or you're one of my friend/relatives that I've bullied into visiting - a big welcome to you!

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Mariella Mejia and my family migrated to Melbourne back in the 1980's from Central America. Since then, we've travelled all over the world and I've never found such a diverse, wonderful and multicultural place such as Melbourne, Australia.

Once upon a time, fresh from high school, I thought I wanted to study Computer Science and Aviation. That lasted about 2 weeks before I realised that I would rather spend hours talking and organising than actually studying Physics (no offence Physics).
Thanks to the help of a passionate high school career advisor, I was pointed in the direction of Events and Event Management. Something beyond my scope of understanding, a topic that I never realised, I would be so passionate about.

Several years have passed since then and currently I work full time with a publishing company John Wiley & Sons (Wiley-Blackwell) within their Central Marketing department, as their inhouse Events/Exhibitions and Conference Coordinator. My role involves organising 60+ conferences and events that Wiley-Blackwell attends all over Australia and New Zealand.
The best part of my job is creating custom pieces and promotional material that I think will set Wiley-Blackwell apart from the other exhibitors and attendees at these conferences. Nothing like a bit of creativity to get your blood flowing!
I'm passionate about my work and creating an experience for both our internal and external clients. Afterall, events aren't tangible and the only thing your clients will take away is the experience you have provided.

But let me not bore you with details about my job and why I love events the way I do.
Instead, let me share it with you...
Let me share with you the great things that Melbourne has to offer. Here you will find reviews, comments and tips about events, venues and food. And C'mon, who doesn't like food?

I hope you enjoy!
Please feel free to leave your comments and suggestions and check us out on http://twitter.com/mariellam