What a beautiful weekend it’s been. I hope you’ve had the chance to go out and enjoy the simple pleasure of being in the sun and the chance to interact with family and friends, or even strangers in the park like I often do when walking my dog.
I’ve been busy the past two weekends catching up with my friends and family – entertaining at my house last weekend and this weekend having my annual Kris Kringle brunch with my girlfriends (sans presents this year just good company as gifts) at My Other Brother cafe in Camberwell – ordering is done at the table via the Mr Yum app which makes things easy if not more impersonal. The Camberwell Sunday Market was on and my tip is to park in Inglesby Road just past the junction off Burke Road, which is free and makes for a nice 5 minute walk there and back.
Christmas is indeed coming and while I try to shop more sustainably (and apparently there is a Green Friday movement in response to Black Friday), I’ve tried to focus on experiences and also spending my time and attention on people in my circle after so long physically apart. I had dinner the other week at the more posh (and pricey) Mister Bianco in Kew while this week, I went to Eltham institution Indian restaurant Ginger Garlic right next to Run to the River (where I have previously bought gifts this year).
I’d also like to go to Lebanese restaurant Maroush at some stage and tapas bar Little Drop of Poison, which are both in Eltham. It was interesting to read about new restaurants opening in Melbourne’s outer suburbs (something I’ve wished for, for a long time) and it was great to see CBD restaurants like Mamasita doing pop up visits in Eltham and other local councils over lockdown. While I’ve not stopped to get petrol in Eltham I know bp and David Jones have also partnered with takeaway food offerings.
If you’re on a budget this year, some of the northside restaurants in the Top 30 under $30 might interest you – Adonai (Nigerian), Easey’s (beers and burgers in three vintage trains four storeys high) and Hi Chong Qing (with a 5 item only menu) all sound great!
I feel like I’m starting to wind down for Christmas despite still being busy at work with some of the more strategic thinking and programming for things I’ve not got to during the year (and planning for next year) now rising to the fore as well as the production of marketing assets we’ve outsourced including the shoot we started this year filming and photographing alumni as talent – I still have NSW to go and will be interviewing people right up until my last week of work – no rest for the wicked!
The December birthdays in my household kill me every year so I hope to put my Christmas tree up after those celebrations. I know I’m getting tired as I’ve started dropping things so it’s a good thing I’ve returned to in-person classes at Action Yoga in Macleod. While Thanksgiving is an American tradition, I’ve also given pause for thought with my team this week asking them what they’ve been most thankful for this year, and what they’re most looking forward to over summer. Bring it on!
Miss Rosanna 