Steve

MAY GOALS #3 OUT OF 10 VENUES

Mayday! Mayday! We have an issue! Code red in all areas! Begin evacuation procedures now!........Just kidding guys. I'm fine and all is well. I'm just slowly ticking off my goals is all! Hope you don't mind ;) 

We went to Mayday for breakfast with a few of David's work friends at 8:30am. As to why we had to go that early, I don't know. But it was so worthwhile. Before you get up me, yes. This cafe is on Bridge Rd once again! But in saying that, Mayday has given me reassurance that David and I live near the best street to enjoy good hospitality experiences. 

Mayday is an open venue with a seating of capacity well upwards of 80. I would assume that weekends are the busiest days for them, but on a weekday having a venue that big makes the small number of people look even smaller. It would be great to come back on a weekend and watch this place operate jam whilst jam packed with guests. But for the time being, quiet will have to do. The look of Mayday is very crisp, clean, and geometrically exact. I'd use the word clinical but I don't know whether that's the right word that I should be using. Hmmm. Don't get me wrong! I really like this look. It's urban, modern, and keeps my OCD at rest for the length of my visit. Plus they have one of those circular wall lights that I love oh so much! 

We sat at a table by the window and made the regular coffee order. I've noticed that a lot of cafes use greenery as a main form of decoration and I can understand why. The colour green gives off natural vibes and signifies the renewal and restoration of depleted energy. So maybe coffee really isn't the thing that revitalises me, maybe it's the greenery! #shockhorror. 

Coffee came and was presented really well. Made on a La Marzocco with Axil Coffee, it's another venue that has the tools to bring out the best in coffee. Well extracted, solid finish presented with lovely latte art! 

Breakfast orders involved chocolate waffle with caramel sauce, chocolate ganache and lightly charred marshmallows. Basically this dish was dessert for breakfast! It was really sweet, which I liked, but unfortunately the waffles were overcooked (burnt, even). David had the chia bowl. Well presented, just a tad healthier than mine, and according to him it was yum! 

Overall the experience at Mayday warm and welcoming! David, his friends, and I were able to stick around for a decent 2 hours whilsts laughing our heads off having a good old time! 

RATINGS

COFFEE: 6/10

FOOD: 6/10

SERVICE: 7/10

ATMOSPHERE: 8/10

Find their Website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Steve xx

MAY GOALS #3 OUT OF 10 VENUES

Mayday! Mayday! We have an issue! Code red in all areas! Begin evacuation procedures now!........Just kidding guys. I'm fine and all is well. I'm just slowly ticking off my goals is all! Hope you don't mind ;) 

We went to Mayday for breakfast with a few of David's work friends at 8:30am. As to why we had to go that early, I don't know. But it was so worthwhile. Before you get up me, yes. This cafe is on Bridge Rd once again! But in saying that, Mayday has given me reassurance that David and I live near the best street to enjoy good hospitality experiences. 

Mayday is an open venue with a seating of capacity well upwards of 80. I would assume that weekends are the busiest days for them, but on a weekday having a venue that big makes the small number of people look even smaller. It would be great to come back on a weekend and watch this place operate jam whilst jam packed with guests. But for the time being, quiet will have to do. The look of Mayday is very crisp, clean, and geometrically exact. I'd use the word clinical but I don't know whether that's the right word that I should be using. Hmmm. Don't get me wrong! I really like this look. It's urban, modern, and keeps my OCD at rest for the length of my visit. Plus they have one of those circular wall lights that I love oh so much! 

We sat at a table by the window and made the regular coffee order. I've noticed that a lot of cafes use greenery as a main form of decoration and I can understand why. The colour green gives off natural vibes and signifies the renewal and restoration of depleted energy. So maybe coffee really isn't the thing that revitalises me, maybe it's the greenery! #shockhorror. 

Coffee came and was presented really well. Made on a La Marzocco with Axil Coffee, it's another venue that has the tools to bring out the best in coffee. Well extracted, solid finish presented with lovely latte art! 

Breakfast orders involved chocolate waffle with caramel sauce, chocolate ganache and lightly charred marshmallows. Basically this dish was dessert for breakfast! It was really sweet, which I liked, but unfortunately the waffles were overcooked (burnt, even). David had the chia bowl. Well presented, just a tad healthier than mine, and according to him it was yum! 

Overall the experience at Mayday warm and welcoming! David, his friends, and I were able to stick around for a decent 2 hours whilsts laughing our heads off having a good old time! 

RATINGS

COFFEE: 6/10

FOOD: 6/10

SERVICE: 7/10

ATMOSPHERE: 8/10

Find their Website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Steve xx

MAY GOALS #3 OUT OF 10 VENUES

Mayday! Mayday! We have an issue! Code red in all areas! Begin evacuation procedures now!........Just kidding guys. I'm fine and all is well. I'm just slowly ticking off my goals is all! Hope you don't mind ;) 

We went to Mayday for breakfast with a few of David's work friends at 8:30am. As to why we had to go that early, I don't know. But it was so worthwhile. Before you get up me, yes. This cafe is on Bridge Rd once again! But in saying that, Mayday has given me reassurance that David and I live near the best street to enjoy good hospitality experiences. 

Mayday is an open venue with a seating of capacity well upwards of 80. I would assume that weekends are the busiest days for them, but on a weekday having a venue that big makes the small number of people look even smaller. It would be great to come back on a weekend and watch this place operate jam whilst jam packed with guests. But for the time being, quiet will have to do. The look of Mayday is very crisp, clean, and geometrically exact. I'd use the word clinical but I don't know whether that's the right word that I should be using. Hmmm. Don't get me wrong! I really like this look. It's urban, modern, and keeps my OCD at rest for the length of my visit. Plus they have one of those circular wall lights that I love oh so much! 

We sat at a table by the window and made the regular coffee order. I've noticed that a lot of cafes use greenery as a main form of decoration and I can understand why. The colour green gives off natural vibes and signifies the renewal and restoration of depleted energy. So maybe coffee really isn't the thing that revitalises me, maybe it's the greenery! #shockhorror. 

Coffee came and was presented really well. Made on a La Marzocco with Axil Coffee, it's another venue that has the tools to bring out the best in coffee. Well extracted, solid finish presented with lovely latte art! 

Breakfast orders involved chocolate waffle with caramel sauce, chocolate ganache and lightly charred marshmallows. Basically this dish was dessert for breakfast! It was really sweet, which I liked, but unfortunately the waffles were overcooked (burnt, even). David had the chia bowl. Well presented, just a tad healthier than mine, and according to him it was yum! 

Overall the experience at Mayday warm and welcoming! David, his friends, and I were able to stick around for a decent 2 hours whilsts laughing our heads off having a good old time! 

RATINGS

COFFEE: 6/10

FOOD: 6/10

SERVICE: 7/10

ATMOSPHERE: 8/10

Find their Website, Facebook, and Instagram.

MAY GOALS #3 OUT OF 10 VENUES

Mayday! Mayday! We have an issue! Code red in all areas! Begin evacuation procedures now!........Just kidding guys. I'm fine and all is well. I'm just slowly ticking off my goals is all! Hope you don't mind ;) 

We went to Mayday for breakfast with a few of David's work friends at 8:30am. As to why we had to go that early, I don't know. But it was so worthwhile. Before you get up me, yes. This cafe is on Bridge Rd once again! But in saying that, Mayday has given me reassurance that David and I live near the best street to enjoy good hospitality experiences. 

Mayday is an open venue with a seating of capacity well upwards of 80. I would assume that weekends are the busiest days for them, but on a weekday having a venue that big makes the small number of people look even smaller. It would be great to come back on a weekend and watch this place operate jam whilst jam packed with guests. But for the time being, quiet will have to do. The look of Mayday is very crisp, clean, and geometrically exact. I'd use the word clinical but I don't know whether that's the right word that I should be using. Hmmm. Don't get me wrong! I really like this look. It's urban, modern, and keeps my OCD at rest for the length of my visit. Plus they have one of those circular wall lights that I love oh so much! 

We sat at a table by the window and made the regular coffee order. I've noticed that a lot of cafes use greenery as a main form of decoration and I can understand why. The colour green gives off natural vibes and signifies the renewal and restoration of depleted energy. So maybe coffee really isn't the thing that revitalises me, maybe it's the greenery! #shockhorror. 

Coffee came and was presented really well. Made on a La Marzocco with Axil Coffee, it's another venue that has the tools to bring out the best in coffee. Well extracted, solid finish presented with lovely latte art! 

Breakfast orders involved chocolate waffle with caramel sauce, chocolate ganache and lightly charred marshmallows. Basically this dish was dessert for breakfast! It was really sweet, which I liked, but unfortunately the waffles were overcooked (burnt, even). David had the chia bowl. Well presented, just a tad healthier than mine, and according to him it was yum! 

Overall the experience at Mayday warm and welcoming! David, his friends, and I were able to stick around for a decent 2 hours whilsts laughing our heads off having a good old time! 

RATINGS

COFFEE: 6/10

FOOD: 6/10

SERVICE: 7/10

ATMOSPHERE: 8/10

Find their Website, Facebook, and Instagram.

MAY GOALS #2 OUT OF 10 VENUES

Since moving to Richmond, David and I have been eager to try out many different venues on Bridge Rd. So sorry not sorry for another well-deserved review of a cafe on Bridge Rd once again!

Minimal in style, Touchwood presents modern day urban living with the staples plus a little more. Situated around three doors down from the corner of Burnley St and Bridge Rd, this venue really doesn't offer much but in a good way. It's basic, clean, and simple. A place that I will definitely go to read, write, or study at one stage or another. It offers no distracting triggers to stray away from what needs to be done, a hub of productivity in all aspects of social and professional life. When we arrived, everyone seemed to be occupied with their task at hand and fully engaged, one of the key things I liked about the atmosphere of this place. With little distraction and a homely feel, getting shit done is made a whole lot easier. 

We met with two other for a quick breakfast before going about our busy days (or in my case, a day off :P). The usual coffees arrive (a soy and a double) made with their 5 Senses blend on a Black Three Group Synesso (I don't know about you, but a Black Synesso with wooden handles makes me weak at the knees....just give me a moment....okay, moving on). I thoroughly enjoyed the texture of the milk and the taste and strength of the extraction. Well executed, smooth, creamy, and well presented! 

Breakfast ordered, I continued to gander around and really get a feel for the vibe of the place. I don't know whether I've told you before, but I find that the atmosphere of a venue really affects how I feel. The people, the location, the layout, the music, and the decor are the most important aspects in my opinion. Keeping with the minimal theme throughout, the venue extends down like an old victorian house to a covered courtyard area. Although not "pretty", the vibe really reaches out to me. Kudos to you!

Now to the food. Smashed Avocado #1, Porridge, Waffles, and some grain dish (forgot the name, sorry bout it ;)). The smash was different to what most offer. Two slices of toast, smash avo, beetroot relish, pickled onions and a  grilled lime. Although a nice twist, I found it all a bit too acidic and would have liked something to balance with the heavy acidity that this dish offered. One piece of toast would have been fine also, but otherwise a satisfying dish. The porridge and some grain dish were both slightly large in size but really enjoyed by both! I wish I had ordered the waffle though. A thick and delicate waffle with a generous dollop of peanut butter mascarpone and drizzled with maple. I wouldn't ask for anything less. Well done Touchwood!

RATINGS

COFFEE: 8/10

FOOD: 6/10

SERVICE: 5/10

ATMOSPHERE: 8/10

A really nice place to remain undistracted. I love to go there on a busy weekend. But because I work in that industry I don't see that happening any time soon. Find their Website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Steve xx

MAY GOALS #2 OUT OF 10 VENUES

Since moving to Richmond, David and I have been eager to try out many different venues on Bridge Rd. So sorry not sorry for another well-deserved review of a cafe on Bridge Rd once again!

Minimal in style, Touchwood presents modern day urban living with the staples plus a little more. Situated around three doors down from the corner of Burnley St and Bridge Rd, this venue really doesn't offer much but in a good way. It's basic, clean, and simple. A place that I will definitely go to read, write, or study at one stage or another. It offers no distracting triggers to stray away from what needs to be done, a hub of productivity in all aspects of social and professional life. When we arrived, everyone seemed to be occupied with their task at hand and fully engaged, one of the key things I liked about the atmosphere of this place. With little distraction and a homely feel, getting shit done is made a whole lot easier. 

We met with two other for a quick breakfast before going about our busy days (or in my case, a day off :P). The usual coffees arrive (a soy and a double) made with their 5 Senses blend on a Black Three Group Synesso (I don't know about you, but a Black Synesso with wooden handles makes me weak at the knees....just give me a moment....okay, moving on). I thoroughly enjoyed the texture of the milk and the taste and strength of the extraction. Well executed, smooth, creamy, and well presented! 

Breakfast ordered, I continued to gander around and really get a feel for the vibe of the place. I don't know whether I've told you before, but I find that the atmosphere of a venue really affects how I feel. The people, the location, the layout, the music, and the decor are the most important aspects in my opinion. Keeping with the minimal theme throughout, the venue extends down like an old victorian house to a covered courtyard area. Although not "pretty", the vibe really reaches out to me. Kudos to you!

Now to the food. Smashed Avocado #1, Porridge, Waffles, and some grain dish (forgot the name, sorry bout it ;)). The smash was different to what most offer. Two slices of toast, smash avo, beetroot relish, pickled onions and a  grilled lime. Although a nice twist, I found it all a bit too acidic and would have liked something to balance with the heavy acidity that this dish offered. One piece of toast would have been fine also, but otherwise a satisfying dish. The porridge and some grain dish were both slightly large in size but really enjoyed by both! I wish I had ordered the waffle though. Diabetes on a plate, perfect for breakfast. A thick and delicate waffle with a generous dollop of peanut butter mascarpone and drizzled with maple. I wouldn't ask for anything less. Well done Touchwood!

RATINGS

COFFEE: 8/10

FOOD: 6/10

SERVICE: 5/10

ATMOSPHERE: 8/10

A really nice place to remain undistracted. I love to go there on a busy weekend. But because I work in that industry I don't see that happening any time soon. Find their Website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Steve xx

Do you know the saying "It's like taking candy from a baby"? It implies getting someone's hopes up to a point of expectation. As the baby, you can almost taste it on your lips and, just as you're about to devour it whole, it gets taken from your reach. You feel destroyed, heartbroken, as if the world basically cannot go on! These "baby loses candy" experiences happen every so often, sometimes more frequently than I'd like. I'd like to share one that happened tonight.

Here's how it goes, I was told at the start of the day that dinner would be ready for me by the time I got home. Plates down, wine filled, ready. So I got a bit excited thinking "Cute! David's gonna cook me dinner :3. It was all going well, work cruised by, dance tapped on (pun intended) and tee minus 20 minutes till home time, I was feeling rather peckish and I knew that as soon as I walked in the door there would be a hug, a kiss, and the sweet, sweet smell of what I assumed would be pasta. 

Garage doors up, car rolls in, key out of ignition. I'm on the home straight and I can feel my stomach gearing up for it's next meal. A full day at work plus an hour of tap can make a boy hungry. Lift arrives and floor one opens up, the last four doors are in sight! Handle down, door open, I open my eyes and expect the cries of "BAAAABBBBYYYY". I look inside.....nothing. Not a soul to be seen. I double and triple check, making sure there's no surprise that awaits me. I call "David!". The response? A drunk with fatigue boyfriend being all sad and sorry for himself because he fell asleep when he really wanted to have dinner ready for my return. 

I understand that this is meant to be cute and that I should be able to roll my eyes and just get over it....but no. 

I came home with the expectation of dinner ready or at least cooking. But instead I came home to a boyfriend who had accidentally fallen asleep for a whole fucking hour! So "real shitty" stage one commences. 

We catch up a little and debrief about our days, like always, and he points out a Telstra Gateway sitting on the coffee table, with red lights. Red NEVER means good. Turns out that our commencement date for Internet had stupidly been set to December 2028! Sure Telstra, lets just wait 12 more years for Internet! "Real shitty" stage 2 commences. 

The next and final stage. Now, I've just exercised. I'm thirsty for coconut water. It's hiding in the fridge so I pay a visit to find a half bottle of bubbly covering the bottom shelf of the fridge. Stage three commences and consists of tantrums, cleaning, and much slamming. 

It took me less than 10 minutes after getting home to reach stage three of "real shitty". This calls for a drink! Or a bit of lovin (if you know what I mean ;) David does :O) .

But now, I'm relatively calm, fed and relax on my couch with some Pinot Grigio so life continues and nothing collapses. The situation moves from Code Red to Stable and both David and I continue to be in love. There was, however, a brief moment where love did not exist. Only tantrums and hanger. 

What I learnt from this experience? Learn how to control your hanger. Life will become a lot happier and will be a lot simpler. 

  WEEKLY GOAL UPDATE

To post weekly

If this isn't a post then I don't know what is!

To have eaten out at 10 new places

So far the tally is two with one review to come! Eight more to go! In the meantime, check out this week's review of: Reunion & Co in Richmond.

To have read 4 new books

I'm halfway through the first with plans to finish it before next Tuesday so keep your eyes peeled.

Meet and network with 5 new people

I have plans to write about a new person tomorrow or Thursday. Eyes peeled like a banana please!

Do something arts/culture based each week

Review of Jungle Book movie to come :3

Cover one song and publish it to YouTube

I should probably get cracking on that one! I have thoughts of "Seven Years"! Thoughts?

Best: Tap dance at The Space Dance and Arts Centre! Omg! Can't wait to keep learning more and more :D.

Worst: Not coming home to cooked dinner :(.

Richmond, Australia

Hey guys!

It's Tuesday! The start of your week but near the end of mine! Ahh, the joys of hospitality. I get days off when you have to work! Mwahhahahahaha!! Though, I suppose you get "weekends" whilst I don't. Hmmm. But I get tips so it all balances out! Hooray!

Before I get into any form of nitty gritty, I have an announcement to make. I have not kept my promise of beginning my April goals as of last week's post. To that I apologise. But to make it better, I raise you an April's worth of goals to a May's worth of goals! Plus an adjustment. 

So that I stick to my goals and get somewhere close to achieving them, I need accountability. I've been reading a book recently, "Better than Before" by Gretchen Rubin, which talks about the formation of habits and gives a deep, insightful look into how different types of people form new habits and stick to current ones. Upon reading I find that I need to be made accountable for what I do if I want to achieve something. So, my readers, you are going to be accountability guinea pigs in this journey of goal setting. 

So that you know my progress, I'm going to keep track of my goals by creating a measure for each. 

Here you go!

To post weekly, every Monday/Tuesday

If it's a late Tuesday night and you're wondering "Gee, where is Steve's weekly update post?" I want you to jump onto my Facebook, message me and keep on pestering me until you see it in the black and white. Got it? Good.

To have eaten out at 10 new places

So that we can both keep track, I plan to give a brief review of each new place I got out to eat. Look out for fancy adjectives and birdseye food photos!

To have read 4 new books

Same goes for books as for places gone out xx

Meet and network with 5 new people

I will give you a brief description of each new person without mentioning their name for privacy reasons.

Do something arts/culture based each week

Same as books and food xx

Cover 1 song and publish it to YouTube

Keep watch here for a new video cover. If you see nothing by the end of May please kick my ass into gear. Thanks. 

Accountability. That's all I ask. Please and thanks!

What do you need to do to form new habits in your life?

Short but simple post (mainly because all the juicy stuff I DID qA DELETED because my stupid computer didn't SAVE IT! So fucking mad right now). 

Best: Talked myself into going to a Broadway Jazz class last night and had so much fun!

Worst: Didn't get to spend as much time with my boyfriend as I would have liked. I'm sorry baby xx

Till next time!