16-18 April, 2016 – Melbourne

JV had had an exotic previous zeroth birthday on the Great Wall of China and then being to a grand celebration dinner hosted by the Chinese Government. Her last fifth birthday was also exotic as she was feted at a Birthday celebration banquet hosted by the May of Bordeaux in Bordeaux. This zeroth was more low key in that it was held in the home town of Melbourne, but it was still exciting.

16 April – Sue & Ian’s Place

We were driven to (and from) their place by Gary Benbow – thanks a lot Gary. Sue really put on a spread:

The themes behind the menu were Black, because Julie always wears black, black and white for her Footy team and lots of other homilies relating, including Croatian words as we will be heading there shortly on our next overseas trip. We had first cocktails, a Manhattan, at the back patio and also the first course – blini with avocado and prawn. Being out of practice I did not get any photos of that part. It started to rain and so we came in for the rest of the magic.

After this course, there was a knock at the front door. It was delivery from QUE2YOU of the “smoked everything”.

A stunning effort by Sue and a great time. The night melted away.

18 April – Claypots St Kilda

The birthday itself was held with Julie’s family in a St Kilda restaurant called Claypots Seafood Bar. We had opted for the multi-course fixed menu. I did not get a lot of photos.

We were seated in the outdoor courtyard. The weather was good enough so that we did not get cold. Note: the base of the courtyard was gravel. Not sure I have seen that before. When I sat down the chair leg settled deeply in the gravel.

The Blue Swimmer Crab was the biggest I had ever seen and it was quite tasty.

Being a weekday, the night finished relatively early. Thanks to Ryan for driving us home.