burning koala

Angela’s co-worker Kurt, and his wife Jill, invited us out for dinner last week. Kurt had recommended a dumpling house in Chinatown that was famous for those in the know. We planned to meet in town at 6:00, but as plans are wont to fall apart, we had to adjust a bit. Kurt was having a meeting in the city until around 6:00, so we were going to meet Jill at the train station. Unfortunately Jill understood it to be the station up in Chatswood. After everyone got their stories straight we managed to all meet in front of the restaurant. Angela and I got there first, as it is just a short walk from the apartment and the station.

We were also joined by another consultant, Brad, who works with Angela and Kurt. Brad and Kurt sauntered off to get some beer and Jill, Angela and I got to know each other. Jill is a teacher for First Years, or the “Little One’s” as she called them. We had a bit of a wait, as the very small restaurant was extremely popular. Basically you give them your order when you arrive, wait outside, and when it is ready and there is room to sit, you go in and the food comes straight away. Kurt, having been familiar with the menu, ordered for us.

Angela, Jill, Brad and Kurt.

After we sat down, the food arrived and we dug in, as everyone was starving. We had a variety of dumplings and also these rolled pancakes that would best be described as a Chinese burrito. They were a lot like Moo Shu, but with a much thicker and hardier pancake. Very tasty and very filling. After we finished they presented the bill and saw us out. They turn the tables quick and there is absolutely no lolly-gagging. Brad had to retire for the evening, but the rest of us decided to try and find a cafe to have coffee and continue the great conversation. It took a bit to find a non-Starbucks to go to, but we finally found ourselves at a little cafe/bakery that mimicked something you would see in Paris. Very cute and provincial.

Completely sated with Chinese food, beer, coffee and croissants, we fought off the fatigue of a long day. Kurt and Jill graciously offered to drive us home and we got a very comfortable ride back to our flat in their swanky BMW. Now, it was no Audi, but it was a fine auto all the same. Of course, it just made me miss my old A4 more. Someday I’ll get another one, but by that time petrol will be $30 a liter.