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Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Dominique Portet

 Anthony & Pat
 
 Here we are at Dominique Portet. The 2nd wine place for wine tasting
 
 The Portet family boasts ten consecutive generations of winemaking that began in Bordeaux in the 18th century. Today, the Portet name is most closely associated with the Yarra Valley.
       
 Introduction of wine - we enjoyed the session - staff were friendly and knowledgeable
 
 The wines we tasted
 Today Dominique Portet and his eponymous label, established in 2000, are firmly planted in the Yarra Valley where Dominique purchased a small vineyard and built a winery and cellar door.
 Enjoying the breeze

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Rochford Lunch

 Rochford Winery is located in the heart of Victoria's Yara Valley. The place where we are having our 2 course set lunch - the cafĂ© overlooks the vines from the alfresco courtyard.
 Chicken with peas and mash potato
 Pork Belly with vegetables
 Lunch time for Anthony & Pat
 With a glass of red wine to complement our food
 
 Chocolate and mango cakes
 
 
Wine Tasting Time

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Puffing Billy Steam Train

Here we are about to embark on our train adventure. We proceeded to Belgrave, home of the famous Puffing Billy Steam Train.
 
 
 Pat & Anthony
 All on board - train captain
 The various stops of the train route
 This century-old steam train is maintained in its original glory and runs the track from Belgrave to Menzies Greek
 Enjoying the greenery and step back in time for the thrill of the train adventures
 Through the heart of the rain forest
 
 
 
 We have arrived at our next destination
 
 What a great ride

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Morning Tea in Australia

We signed up for 3 day trips from AATKings. The first is Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wine Country in Style, inclusive of lunch.
 The day started with a journey through Melbourne's eastern suburbs and views of the Dandenong Ranges in the distance.
 Right in the heart of the Dandenongs is Grants on Sherbrooke - our first stop of the day. We wergreeted with Aussie billy tea. A cake and  tea. I was a little disappointed with the options given - thought there would crackers and wider spread of cakes.
 Where we were, we were entertained by the wonderful sounds of the bird that filled the valley. One could also hand feed some of the Australian birds such as the colourful Crimson Rosella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Pink-crested Galah.
 Enjoying the mountain hue and crisp clear air
 
 Bird Feeding Time
 Baby in Action - who is cuter - baby or birdie.....
 
 
Basking in the Sun

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Topolinos - Melbourne

It was lovely meeting Angie and her family in Melbourne. Andreas, her hubby met us at our service apartment and they drove us to Topolinos. It was nice to see Adan her son too. We really enjoyed our meal there and in great company.
 A pizza of 2 different combination
Fisherman Basket - crumbed prawns, scallops and fish fillet, and calamari fritti; served with chips and salad. ( Pat's love for seafood)
 
 
Veal Scaloppine - pan-fried veal in white wine, mushrooms, cream & herbs; served with seasonal vegetables.
 
 Pasta
Group Photo of happy people after a good meal