Degustation at the Village Hotel

During my day shift chef Adam suggests that I should have dinner that evening in the restaurant to experience the food from that point of view. I immediately call Harry to come and join me later at the Village Hotel. It's a quiet evening and we share the room with just a couple other patrons. At first it feels a bit funny to sit in the restaurant room in stead of busying in the kitchen next door. But as soon as the delicious food starts coming to our table we are both enjoying every single bit of it.
In stead of letting us order from the menu Adam spoils us with a 7 course degustation with matching wines. After a welcoming Prosecco we start with an amuse bouche of ocean trout cured in treacle with apple/wasabi jelly presented on cos leaves, paired with a beautiful crisp Riesling. Followed by a brightly coloured beetroot ravioli filled with a flavourful munster cheese.
The pan seared scallop and crisp chicken wing sit on creamed corn and candied fennel and are combined with Sauvignon Blanc.
The playful in between dish of heavenly melting roasted bone marrow is much appreciated.
We continue with in vanilla seared Kingfish sided by cockles and caper relish. It's an experiment to maybe include in the new menu which I totally second.
Rabbit ballotine and kidney with broad beans in a tarragon dressing is paired with a New Zealand Pinot Noir. And it is still not finished!
Before the dessert of Peanut butter parfait with warm banana and popcorn candy we enjoy a cheese board of the Munster combined with late harvested Riesling.
A bit tipsy and much contented we thank the chef profusely for this wonderful culinary experience. What a treat!

Swimming in the harbour

On my days off I get my swim wear, sun protection, book and pareo and head down to Woolloomooloo Bay where the Andrew (Boy) Charlton pool shimmers invitingly in the Domain.
Selecting the lanes for recreation - don't want to get mixed up with the serious speed swimmers - I do my tranquil laps in the 50 meter pool inhaling the fresh air from the Botanical gardens next door and admiring the harbour views.
Some people come just to sun bath on the side lounge chairs, showing off their muscular bodies. Especially this week, just after Madri Gras, it was show time!

After my swim and nice read in the sun, I'm totally relaxed and walk home smiling.
In the open airy room up stairs of the pool are yoga classes I sometimes join and I still have to check on the kayak workout that OZpaddle offers here early Tuesday and Thursday morning.