Vietnam - Vignettes

Fresh coconut juice and filtered coffee at an outlet of Trang Nguyen in Ho Chi Minh City.

A relaxing day at an almost empty beach an hour outside Nha Trang, south-eastern Vietnam.

Halloween Night dinner, Sheraton Nha Trang beach front.

                         Poster seen from inside passing van on a rainy morning in Da Nang, central Vietnam.

Street scene in Hoi An, central Vietnam

                 Military bunker located at hill top overlooking the South China Sea bay around Da Nang.

Night cycling In the old quarter of Hoi An - Photo credit to N Mansfield

                                                                 Poster in shop, Ha Noi.

             Motifs at the Heaven's Kitchen Temple, part of the Perfumed Pagodas south-east of Ha Noi.

Max Brenner Chocolate Cafe - Shellharbour NSW

Although Max Brenner has been around since 1995 in Australia, I had mostly in the past stuck to its chocolate, mocha or coffee drinks - and not much else.  I recall the long queues - of mostly under 25s - waiting patiently to make their orders.  Staff working at Brenner's are always busy. I usually drop by in the late evenings when I do get there.  The decor has to be dark and brown, and when the cafe is full, there may seem to be a kind of disorder, with yet a semblance of order.

The new outlet at the revamped Shellharbour Stockland Shopping Centre looks attractive.  This cafe is sited near a high traffic area for those entering the shopping precinct, within a stone's throw of a small playground facility, a gig space and with Aldi Supermarket and a KFC joint in sight.  This time around, the Campbells were with me, and I had opportunity to try two interesting choices. First up was the choc pizza, laden with breakfast cereal, marshmallows and nutty bites (photo above).   It looked heavy, but on first bite it was just right - light crusted dough with dripping wet chocolate and a crunch on the top!

Second up was the aptly named Apple Berry Fondue.  Green apple slices accompanied by seasonal strawberries. Small bites of banana cake sat with the popular marshmallows. (Photo above)

Max Brenner does proclaim that "chocolate is not just about taste".  So they came up with Hug Mugs, souffles, a love story and the Bald Man.  Max tries to view chocolate differently - to quote him, "chocolate can be savored like fine wine, and yet, it can also be licked hungrily straight from your fingers."  He further links emotion with eating or drinking the stuff, leading this to an experience of embracing this delight instead of just viewing it only in packed boxes or behind glass displays.

The next time you find yourself in a Brenner, check out if chocolate is in the air, and not just in front of you.  It can be in the piped in music and definitely on the wall designs.  If you prefer the online world, they do have offerings from blocks and suckao cups to pralines, nuts, sets and tin boxes.  And one can always rely on the traditional milkshakes, sundaes, waffles, crepes and brownies.

e and yet, it can also be licked hungrily straight from your fingers.

The Anchorage Restaurant - Wollongong Harbour, NSW

I was literally in a room with a view.  And what a view, with the full sun turned on, with blue skies and everything nice. The occasion was made even more special being able to sit down for a meal with six  long time mates. And what a meal too, with a quick turnaround in delivery after making up our mind on the choices.  For me , it was even easier to make the mains selection - duck, with all its texture, richness and accompanying sauce and fresh greens. (photo below)  The decor and room setting may be retro but to me , that adds to the variety and specialness of the place.  The Anchorage epitomises what Wollongong can be all about - a unique lifestyle, a throwback to the Australia many may miss in these times of quick change and an oasis of serenity and reliability.

The carrot and pumpkin soup (above) was delicate, full of flavour and uplifting.  It was appropriate for the onset of the warm season for the south coast of NSW.  The light garnishing and the crispy bread got the appetite going. I was glad that I chose this instead of the usual dessert for lunch.

The Anchorage Restaurant is located at 7 -9 Wilson Street, along a hidden away side road that is best approached by Campbell Street off Corrimal Street towards the ocean side of Wollongong.  Barbara is always a delight to greet guests and make them feel at home in this cosy restaurant, which is part of the Boat Harbour Motel.  One can also park the vehicle at the motel's parking precinct or along Cliff Road and walk on a paved trail to the motel.  Licensed, it offers a practical and easy choice of wines and beer.

Balgownie Hot Bake Bakery, NSW

Just a five minute walk from my home lies a hitherto undiscovered and under appreciated delight.  Marianne and Greg recommended me to try the apple pie at this bakery, Hot Bake.  At my next opportunity, I woke up one lazy Saturday morning and headed up to Balgownie Village with expectations.  Hot Bake has a simple and unassuming retail front, typical of such retail outlets in any corner of Australia and New Zealand, where you can see baked stuff on warehouse-styled shelves, the ubiquitous refrigerated drinks machine and the all important lit up glass display of freshly baked items at the counter.  A middle aged lady of Vietnamese origin was attending to customers whilst her efficient side kick was busy, service-prompt and hard working behind the scenes.

Obviously my eyes and heart were aiming for the apple pies lying as pretty as spring blooms outside. I also spotted a rather attractive set of coconut flavoured snacks popular in Asia and croissants that would be at home in any Parisian cafe.

The apple pie was exquisite, more like apple crumble inside, with a rather crusty bite first before I felt the melting moments next with small apple squares, with an overall effect that was not too sweet nor too creamy. There was no trace of fluffy butter, chunky caster sugar or over whelming egg.  Granny Smith apples are relevant here. I understand that cinnamon and ground cloves are used but they just flowed on in bite and did not intrude.

The use of pate brisee is necessary for sweet and savoury pies.  This all butter crust utilises unsalted butter, ice water, a teaspoon each of salt and sugar, plus all purpose flour.  I also found the croissants from Hot Bake a pretty good choice - not too dry, with yummy flavour and just the right texture for breakky or a snack.

Hot Bake is located along Balgownie Road in Balgownie Village, nestled on the foothills of the escarpment below Mount Pleasant and Mount Ousley and above the plains of Fairy Meadow, ten minutes drive north from Wollongong CBD.  It lies between the cross roads of Napier and Church Streets and is across the road from the Balgownie Pub.  It is also only a few doors from the Balgownie Fish Shop.

Wollongong NSW - Vignettes

"There are places I remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain"  (1)

"I'm already there 
Take a look around 
I'm the sunshine in your hair 
I'm the shadow on the ground 
I'm the whisper in the wind 
I'm your imaginary friend 
And I know I'm in your prayers 
Oh I'm already there " (2)

"Keys that jingle in your pocket
Words that jangle in your head
Why did summer go so quickly?
Was it something that I said?
Lovers walk along a shore
And leave their footprints in the sand
Was the sound of distant drumming
Just the fingers of your hand?
Pictures hanging in a hallway
Or the fragment of a song
Half-remembered names and faces
But to whom do they belong?
When you knew that it was over
Were you suddenly aware
That the autumn leaves were turning
To the color of her hair?"  (3)

"And storefronts rarely changed
At least I'm on my own again
Instead of anywhere with you
But, to me, it's all the same
And I lost my page. Again
I know this is surreal 
But, I'll try my luck with you
This life is on my side
Well, I am your one?
"Believe me, this is a chance," oh oh"  (4)

"The sun is on my side

Take me for a ride

I smile up to the sky

I know I'll be alright"  (5)

Footnotes:

(1) Places I Remember - Beatles

(2) I'M Already There - Lonestar

(3)  Windmills of Your Mind ( "Les Moulins de Mon Cœur" ) - Michel LeGrand and Eddy Marnay

(4)  Trying Your Luck - The Strokes

(5) Pocketful of Sunshine  - Natasha Bedingfield