The Hoa Tran

After a wonderful day yesterday, the weather is turning into a stinking hot Melbourne Day today with quite a strong northerly wind blowing.  It is expected to get to 40 later on.  Kate has "Evaporative Cooling" installed so that will give some relief from the heat when at home.

Last night we ate at our favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Springvale, the Hoa Tran.

Our daughter Kim joined us along with good friends Eddie and Patsy.  The 5 of us ate for less than $90 all up.  One dish we had was a salt and pepper fresh flounder.  This was close to their most expensive dish on the menu.  It was sensational!  We also had a favorite Beef on Crispy Noodles which was great also.

What a great meal it was and so inexpensive.  Click on the photo (not the best quality I am afraid) for a larger view of our fish!

If you didn't know the restaurant was there you would never find it.  There used to be a large open car park in front of the restaurant, but that has now become a small shopping centre with pay car parking above it.  You can't see the restaurant from the main street anymore as it is now on a small back lane-way.  Despite its poor position it was line up and wait for a table to get in so good is the food.

Trish has a little grocery shopping to do this morning and then after a quick lunch we are off to catch up with friends Pat and Graeme.  I am guessing mobile phones will be on the discussion agenda.  Graeme bought a phone I recommended and has joined the great phone plan that both Trish and I are on. He is relatively new to the field of smart phones and is anxious to learn more.

This evening is our 'big' Christmas 'do' at a nearby Thai place followed by drinks, sweets and gifts at the Damon's home.  Both will be great fun, though the second gathering a little more 'alcoholic'.

Tomorrow morning just before lunch we will head off to Ocean Grove and our family Christmas get together!  We will be away for several days.  Again alcohol will be involved!