Thought You Said Maple Leaves

I raced down to Melbourne in crazy traffic on Tuesday afternoon, to drive an essay into the submission box. I think I was technically 7 minutes late, for which I blame a road rage altercation going on in front of me in Royal Parade...but alas, our admin there stamped it for me nonetheless.

My reward was to meet up with Springer, at The Vegie Bar, for some wine, and to hear stories of her recent South America travels. Very dangerous exercise for me! Mary soon joined us, as we were given a table upstairs, and all enjoyed a different awesome vegie curry. Mmmm, so good.

Across the road to The Evelyn, we made our way to the left of the stage for position Pretty Strangers were playing at this stage, and soon followed by Francolin.

Finalising their month long Residency, The Good China filled the stage, and engaged the crowd with there collection of indie-pop tunes. Common People by Pulp was the cover of the night, which Springer instantly got into. Mit really shone for this one.

The encore was The Good China's verson of Jen Lekman's Maple Leaves, with Ryan and Mit taking leads here. The grab of Barry White in here, and the China's combined sound, make this cover so amazing!

This was such a good gig, with such a great feel to it. The band were working really well together, and sounding so great.

Recent Cullinary Finds

In my break between subjects at uni on Monday last week, Julie and I went into a little place I had spotted - a cafe set up inside a garage. From walking past the entrance I had seen an eatery set up, and was intrigued.

The Garage Cafe touts Indonesian fare, with the Balinese style furniture, and Asia feel to the set up. We grabbed a big table, made our choices off the long menu, and were delighted with the outcome. The meals were great!

And then on Thursday we received an email about the menu for lunch at BRACE, where the Certificate II in Hospitality test out their cooking and serving skills. Michelle, Matt and I put up the closed sign at the office, and took up our booked table for a two course meal at the BRACE Cafe. I'm not sure if anyone can just call and book, but we will certainly be back. A chance to support these students in gaining their skills for later employment.

Whale of a Time

During the week, I had to travel down to Warrnambool, and back, for work. Wow, that's a long drive in one day, for one appointment. Still, that's the job! Thanks god for the iPod!

 

To have lunch, and actually walk around a bit before driving back, I sought out Logan's Beach, which is where the whale watching happens. If this case gets off the ground, I may have to schedule a few reviews during the watching months!

The Good China Residency

Leaving work in the dark, after the clocks have changed out of daylight savings, and driving into wind, rain and fog, I was started the understand the test this winter is going to be on my resolve to see live bands in Melbourne on a school night! Driving down and back for the first week of The Good China residency was a little crazy...but has to be done!

I picked up Nicole, and we had dinner at Bimbo Deluxe, before finding a couch at The Evelyn. Mercury White got started, as I grabbed a beer. Fun, polished pop rock, Sticks and Stone was a standout.

The 8 Chinas soon assembled on stage, with a group entrance, and opened with No More Maps. Quite a few new tracks were included in the set list, along with Turn The Page. 39 Black and The Couch Song were in their, albeit some mic issues. Battling through rain coming through the roof, reportedly a collective cold, and a dwindling crowd on this dark night, the group put in their usual impressive energy.

During the month of Tuesdays in April at the Evelyn, the band will do a requested cover each week, with this week's being Arcade Fire and Rebellion (Lies) as an ode to their 2 year anniversary as a band. We Found 3 Whistles finished the set.

An encore of All Nothing, which is always such a treat experienced live! They'll be there all month!