Houses of the Holy

Royal Exhibition Building

It was time to resume taking in the sights of Melbourne.  I made my over to Carlton, which is adjacent to Fitzroy.  I wandered through Carlton Gardens on my way over to Royal Exhibition Hall, a wonderful manor with a stunning Victorian edifice.  This area was also home to the Melbourne Museum, which is a contrast in style with its contemporary design.  

Royal Exhibition Building

Over a couple of blocks laid Melbourne University.  The setting was quite similar to UofT including the ethnic makeup of the student body.  The grounds were a mix of various designs, amid smaller university schools and requisite basilicas.  

After my walk about, I transited thru the city on my bike to procure goods to make dinner for Pete & Mardi.  I had a hankering for seafood, so salmon was to be the entrée of choice.  I marinated the salmon in a maple syrup/pineapple juice/teriyaki blend with hints of ginger and garlic to be served over basmati rice topped with roasted peppers and asparagus. I also fashioned a pineapple salsa to top the salmon made up of pineapple, jalapenos, red pepper and red onion.  

I began with an assortment of trimmings for an antipasto platter. Then I whipped together a nice summer salad of mixed greens with the likes of roasted red pepper, goat cheese, pear, walnuts and avocado along with the usual salad vegetables before serving the main course. Dessert was a simple berry assortment stirred with sugar and Chambord served in colourful parfait glasses from Mardi’s grandmother with blended whip cream.

The meal turned out rather delicious if I can toot my own horn.  I believe Pete & Mardi were pleasantly surprised and appreciated the gesture. I think.  It was the least I could do for the hospitality they have extended me during the last week in the city. 

During our dinner conversation that was accompanied by a couple of bottles of Charles Melton Rose wine possessing a good body and berry flavour, which made for a wonderful summer beverage.  I had soon realized that I now also a member of the fan club for this Barossa Valley blend.  I digress.

Pete and Mardi mentioned that I must make my over to the local converted Convent and Farm site in the morning that was down the Yarra, a mere couple of blocks from their house.  It was apparently a fantastic place to unwind over a fine cup of java and enjoy glorious home grown cuisine.  

Buster

I awoke at a decent hour and decided to have the company of Pete & Mardi’s other household member.  What a cutie Buster is!  She is a wonderfully playful little lass who has a foot licking fetish, which I certainly don’t mind since it’s something I usually need to drop a chunk of change for.

She tugged me down the river until we reached the farm where I stopped by for a relaxing cup(s) of flat white coffee.  How peaceful.  The café was amid the farm grounds that possessed sheep, goats, peacocks and donkey!  

I headed over to the expansive Convent grounds where a number of al fresco cafes resided.  Including this fine joint:  

Sections of the convent were dedicated artist communes, while other areas contained small creative arts business as well as several homeopathic services.  What an incredible use of space offering a dynamic variety of services so close to the city.  Pete & Mardi were right as this will now be my morning ritual.