Mareblu

Andrew obviously skipped the classes

Probably, but this recipe sounds exquisite

And I hope you finished it all😂

Completely agree. Novotel is somewhat similar, but further away, so you need to add in the cost of a taxi, in case the shuttle is full, which happened to a couple we were chatting to last time we stayed there. On a previous stay, they almost missed their flight because the next shuttle zipped past full, and they managed to scramble on the next one, only just making the departure gate with a whisker to spare. Like us, they had booked a taxi for that stay. Novotel suits us because we have an Accor Card, and get one night's free accommodation per year, plus one free meal each time we use the restaurant, which is very nice there. For convenience though, we'll be staying at Rydge's Airport next time. We arrived in Sydney about 9pm from London via Hong Kong last October, so it was sublime to clear customs and immigration and walk literally across the road to a comfortable room with a blissful hot shower and a cup of tea.

Because we have an Accor Card, we usually stay at Sofitel Wentworth in Phillip Street. A very brief cab ride to Circular Quay, and with comfortable rooms; a little on the small side for standard so we usually upgrade to a Club King, which includes access to Club Lounge. That means we don't always need the restaurant, but when we choose to dine there, we always find the French offerings superb. There's also a pleasant, relaxing piano bar downstairs. We have stayed at Four Seasons, which is a very short walk to OPT, and found it very comfortable, with a very nice restaurant.

I think I may have mentioned it quite a while ago, but can’t remember where. The lingering cough was simply a tiring annoyance, and my doctor wasn’t concerned after ordering every possible test. I still recall the immediate relief when the antiviral meds kicked in. Just bad luck I had rebound, but all was well eventually. So glad your rebound experience was brief.

Julie has a good point, Leigh. My symptoms abated within 2-3 days, and I tested negative within the same time frame. However, within a week I was positive again, and the terrible cough returned, and lasted for almost 3 months. Research is indicating that although Paxlovid deals the virus a severe blow, a small pocket may remain and cause a resurgence. Medical researchers are suggesting lowering the dosage, and prescribing for longer than the current 5 days. My case is probably compromised by the fact that I caught pertussis (whooping cough) a few years ago, resulting in damaged laryngeal nerves. Any irritation to the throat results in an enduring cough, so there may be no definitive connection to the antivirals. Anyway, the main thing is that you’re both feeling well again, and that’s good to hear, but as Julie says, be aware.

That’s wonderful to hear, Leigh. I had the same result, thanks to the antivirals

Hoping you and Rob are well again. The virus affects us all so differently

A delightful gesture on Mother’s Day, Lisle. Hope hour m-in-l is soon home and well. I’m sure she truly appreciated and enjoyed her special “tea”.

What a lovely experience for Mother’s Day, although the taxi sounds wise. We are so fortunate to have a nesting family of satin bower birds in our garden. Their bower nest is cleverly constructed on the ground, and the male, who resembles the female in colouring until sporting his blue-black glossy feathers at maturity, collects blue coloured “trinkets” in his bower to attract and impress the female. Nit sure if this is a young male ir female looking in my window near the pond. They are mesmerising to watch, as they hop everywhere when not in flight.

Sauce(?) of our dough, Les?

Our remedy was the radical surgery. Early diagnosis, so we were lucky. Also had the St Vincent’s maestro who pioneered nerve-sparing surgery. All treatments are onerous, but we know you have such a strong spirit. Keep breathing Les. We’re all on this journey with you💜

They are indeed necessities, Les. I read a few days ago that WA had massively over-ordered rats, and that the use-by date made donating them a wise idea. Hope you’re coping ok💜

Pleased to know you were out and about, Les. Bunnings? It must have been a dire necessity😄

Definitely calls for a g&t tipple and toast😜

PS: I probably should've opened a Coronation thread, but it's something different, most certainly.

Well, whether we're monarchists or republicans, we all need to acknowledge that no nation on earth does pomp and ceremony like the Brits. Really enjoying watching the spectacle right now. Chicken roasting in the oven, which I'll serve with a champagne reduction. I've named it "Chicken Windsor" 🙂

Thanks, Les, sounds like you really enjoyed your birthday gathering, and your review shows promise for Zero. As Lyle writes above, opening in the shadow of a loved and well-patronised restaurant us a huge task. For Donegans’ loyal regulars, of course, it’s almost an impossibility to measure up, but maybe in time…

PS: ‘48 was a great year😜

All sounds wonderful, Marion. I adore sashimi. Seems like we have similar tastes in seafood.

Just the sight….my mouth waters as I type😆. So glad you took these memory snaps🙏🏻

Seafood platter at Corrigan Cove’s restaurant, Batemans Bay last week. They had run out of oysters, so piled on extra mussels and prawns to compensate. All fresh, fragrant, delicious, and impossible to finish.

Happy, Happy Birthday, Les. We’re all thinking if you, and wishing you the happiest of days, particularly this evening’s family dinner gathering 🎉🎈🎂🍷

Warmest birthday wishes for Tuesday, Les, and enjoy your family celebration at Zero. Please post a report🙏🏻. Really miss Donegans and the touch of Irish magic. Wish they’d consider a “Dame Nellie Melba”.