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Due to a childhood filled with forced visits to antique shops, I now have a solid fondness for Art Deco and Nouveau architecture, furniture, jewellery and design. What, at the time, was a begrudging exercise for me, has actually cultivated an appreciation that I now enjoy. I guess I should thank my parents at some point... Cinema foyer. Note the parquetry flooring, fanned ceiling lights, and door craftsmanship. So, naturally, whenever I come across a cinema with Deco stylings, I become inordinately excited. Although Palace Westgarth isn't as decadent or magic-filled as some Deco cinemas I've seen (looking at you, Hayden Orpheum Cremorne and Village Rivoli Camberwell ), it still has plenty of charm and enough features for me to want to take photos. Hence this blog post! What is now Palace Westgarth originally opened as the Westgarth Theatre in 1920. Increased immigration levels and proximity to the city led to burgeoning growth in the area, and a small strip of bohe...

Last week was Double-Christmas-Party-Day for me. First up, my immediate team and I went to Dandelion  (133 Ormond Road, Elwood) for a late lunch - one of Geoff Lindsay's AWSBALLZ venues that we'd all heard a lot about, but never tried. Put quite simply: it was amazing. There were seven of us (including one vegetarian and one non-seafood-eater), so we shared a bunch of entrees and then ordered one of every main we could see on the menu (from the Curries/Claypots and Coconut Grill sections). Entree standouts were the tiger prawns - HUGE and so fresh - and the soft shell crab and avocado with "Mrs T's magical sauce" - no idea what was in it, but it included shredded coconut and was fantastic. The mains I can remember were goat curry, fish curry, BBQ ribs (their signature dish - a must-try), pork belly, clams, and wagyu steak. Needless to say, the vego/non-seafood members of our party didn't fare overly well, but at least almost every dish came with a side salad...