Two steamboats

Was asked to join a last minute steamboat buffet dinner last Sunday on Peel St, when the weather was friggin' cold. Like all typical chinese buffets, you can have the spicy and normal chicken broth served together. At least it looks appetizing without even adding the ingredients inside.

The raw food looked fresh, but I guess my only gripe was the slow service. I reckon the management should hire more waiters :S

Fish balls and crab sticks. At least they do not have a funny chemical smell on it.

The seafood platter: some prawns, mussels and fish.

Vermicelli rolled into tight packages for suitable single-sized bites.

Adding the ingredients

The steamboat looks so good after you add all the raw ingredients inside and wait for it to boil.

Tasting the broth before eating.

The food is ready and we dig in.

Attended another steamboat with the BS group at Sharkfin House on Lonsdale St yesterday. Its cheaper, but I left with a lasting memory - a stomachache :S

Cracking eggs into the hotpot.

As you can see, buffets are a pretty messy affair.

We also celebrated Chris' birthday and had our first taste of dog.

Carving up the poor creature.

This is what was left of it. Yummy!

Perhaps we should be fined by RSPCA for animal cruelty ;)

The lesson? Sharkfin House is okay for its price, but for the inconveniences (maybe I just have a weak stomach), I'd rather avoid it for something else.

Laters.

Appreciating Australasian art

Today was the 2009 Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade in the city. Rather than showing you images of a parade that was ruined by cold and rainy weather, allow me to show you some Australasia art work from the National Gallery of Victoria in Federation Square.

Oh yes, before I forget, I had a massive bowl of chicken and beef noodles for lunch. Now on the the artwork...

I was astounded by the complexity and uniqueness of some of the sculptures displayed. I've never really involved myself in this art, even till today.

This abstract painting is titled "The Last Supper"

Valuable silverware engraved on emu eggs. Notice how intricate and detailed they are.

I didn't expect some paintings in the aboriginal gallery to be this large (since they originally painted on tree bark, animal hide and caves).

The echidna is an insect-eating critter that is native to Australia.

Aboriginality victorious. Perhaps that should appropriate this art work to describe Malaysian politics.

Australian Idol Top 10 @ Fed Square

Australian Idol had their top 10 contestants perform at Federation Square today.

The venue was packed to the brim with school kids (because of the school break, of course). This is as far as I could zoom in with the 35-100. I could've brought the 50-200 to boost my range, but this was sufficient for me.

The MC was Ricki Lee, a prominent singer in previous Australian Idol seasons. If you guys were expecting a s*x goddess, I'm sorry to report that she's far from one currently.

Kate Cook presented some contemporary country singles.

Nathan Brake had a powerful voice, which is quite reminiscent of Guy Sebastian in my opinion.

The teacher, Toby Moulton's performance didn't really strike any vibes.

Hayley Warner with her scruffy voice presented songs in typical rock star flair.

Tim Johnston. Can't really remember what he sang though.

Kim Cooper presented Lady Gaga's "Just Dance"

Stan Walker does sound like a soul singer, but how is he to stand out remains to be seen.

James Johnston whom is still trying to find his direction sang the cliche "Drops of Jupiter"

Ricki Lee was very interested in Sabrina Batshon. She is supposedly the shortest Australian Idol to date.

Good things come in small packages, and Sabrina was there to prove that with her powerful vocals.

Scott Newnham presented "Kiss from a Rose" by Seal.

The idols waving goodbye to the crowd.

The skies were mostly cloudy today, so this is a rare glimpse of sunlight upon Parliament House this afternoon.

Todays' WTD shows us how to deal professionally with customers who are a pain in the ass.

Laters.