#flowerdrum

"Fly me to the moon, let me sit among the stars.  Let me see what life is like in 'Melbourne' and Mars."

Melbourne what a city….on this visit it felt as if I had entered another world.

I was in town to speak at a dear friend and fellow Author, Juliet Sampson’s book launch at Belle Union on Lygon Street – a bohemian venue for writers plying their art and trade.

My adventure began well before the launch. I felt the world drop away as I soared into the sky.  When I came back to earth, I was sure I had flown far further than the southern capital.

Soaring through the air, over the Snowy Mountains on the way to the Moon.

Soaring into the sky

Greeted with a friendly ‘Bonjour Madame’ at the Sofitel, I was sure I had been transported magically to my favourite european city.  This illusion was encouraged with our next stop, lunch with a gorgeous girlfriend at ‘Bistro Vue’ Shannon Bennet’s eclectic slice of France in Little Collins Street.

Bistro Vue’s Lamb Heaven.

Leaving the drizzling rain outside, we entered the warmth of the beautiful textures, furnishings, staff and of course superb dishes.  I slowly lifted out of my body, suspended in air, floating above my gilded chair in a champagne bubble.   If you love Paris, especially the bistros tucked away in hidden lanes of Paris, then do yourself a favour and visit the amazing bar and restaurant – Bistro Vue.  Thank you Shannon, for taking my tongue and heart for a quick trip to heaven.

After a restorative languish on my big comfortable bed, hair, makeup and off to Darling Juliet Sampson’s book launch.

I love to connect with readers and fellow book lovers.  It so inspires me that ‘I am on the right path.’  It was wonderful to celebrate with such an amazing woman and friend and I love to tell my story, so it was fun to be up there on stage, engaging and connecting with fellow literature lovers.

Ruby Mclean – speaking at Juliet Sampson’s launch

Ruby speaking with Juliet

Supper followed at ‘Spaghettini’s’ on Lygon street.  I tottered along in towering heels through the misty rain.  With dear writer friends linked by hands and elbows and hearts, we hurried past the late night diners, oblivious to the weather as they feasted and toasted to life.  Again, I felt as if I had arrived in yet another of my favourite cities.  

‘Bonasera’ a lovely dark haired and eyed man welcomed.  Red Wine, meatballs and spaghetti, bruschetta, all finished with a delicious Casata.  Bellisimo.

I know what your thinking – what more could I ask for?  Well perhaps a visit to the ancient isles?

Breakfast the next morning was at ‘Om Nom’ at Adelphi Hotel – Flinders Lane.

The moment you step into the foyer of Adelphi, you feel as though you are in a modern art museum, more than a hotel.  We were led past a life size wire sculptured stallion and plush hanging swing seats in the lounge to ‘Om Nom’.  And Om, nom, nom, it definately was.  A great breakfast, I look forward to staying at this creative, chic, hotel for something uniquely different in the very near future.  The staff and service was excellent.

Just over twenty four hours and three favourite cities in one, but wait there is one more to come.

Nightscape of Melbourne from my Hotel room window

As the moon rose like a celestial being.  I flew under the colourful painted gates of Chinatown, skipped down a little lane and was carried through the heavy red doors of ‘The Flowerdrum’.

A Cantonese carnival of colour, characters, culture and cuisine.  Our host, Barry, was just that, our host.  As if we had arrived at his house for dinner, he suggested what he would serve.  It was one surprising delight after the next as the Flowerdrum beat softly, seductively and deliciously.  It was an amazing experience to end a glorious few days.

I will be returning to my ‘New’ favourite city in the world.  

Where a fourteen hour flight becomes forty minutes. Where I can find world class cuisine and restaurants able to transport me to the moon and back in a meal.

Thank you Sofitel for the comfy bed and pillows and exquisite service…

Melbourne, I’ll see you again, really soon.

And thank you to my darling travelling companion and to Juliet Sampson congratulations on your launch…