The more we work the poorer we become

"The worker becomes all the poorer the more wealth he produces, the more his power increases in power and range. The worker becomes an even cheaper commodity the more commodities he creates. With the increasing value of the world of things proceeds in direct proportion to the devaluation of men. Labour produces not only commodities; it produces itself and the worker as the commodity -- and does so in the proportion in which it produces commodities generally."

-Marx, Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts (1844)

So true isnt it. We're all in one way or another buying each other's labour, each other's time. Our 9am-5pm goes to the highest bidder, and in this day and age, it is our life that goes to the highest bidder.

^8 Cee

Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie

Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie was quite empty when we were there during lunch - maybe because it was a weekday. The food and service was good and it is a quiet getaway and really a nice treat once in a while. We ordered a set menu each just to taste a bit of everything. I think the menu changes every month so be sure to check the website to see if it interests you.

Welcoming set dish

Nathalie's selection of three finger foods - not so good at remembering what each dish was called, but there was soup, pistachios, maguro, wasabi and cream.
Presentation was good but these finger foods did not match the 'oomph' of the presentation.

Appetizer 1

Foie Gras and Marinated Tuna in Layers
not overpowering, just yum :)
Mizuna sorbet
Herb Salad

Appetizer 2
Celeriac and Truffle Puree
Salmon Tataki
Salmon Roe
Tomato Oil
good combo!

Main 1
Tomato and Rosemary emulsion
Goat Cheese Ravioles
Roasted Lamb Loin
Eggplant Puree
love the powerful goat cheese combo with lamb loin
Main 2
Risotto like a paella
Paella Espuma
King prawn
One of the best paella's i've ever had!
Dessert 1
Caramel ice cream
Apple Tatin tart
Loved the crisp waffles
Dessert 2
Rum baba revised
Apricot Sorbet
Orange Espuma
Refreshing dessert
Finished with Nathalie's signature macaroons :)

Located in the city in Menara Taipan, off Jalan P Ramlee.
03-2072 4452

^8 Cee

Melbourne: Things to Do

1) Watch a footy game
The footy culture in Australia is amazing. Its Australia's family bonding time and you'll see herds of Australian families squeezing into the train headed towards the Etihad stadium dressed in their team's colour. Its so easy to get there, all you have to do is take a train to Southern Cross Station and the stadium is walkable from there (public transport in Melb is so organised and easy). For AUD25 per match, you'll get pretty decent seats - close enough to enjoy the game *cough*muscles*cough*. Its also a good excuse to pig out on fries and wedges :p2) Throw a BBQ party
We got thrown a BBQ party and it was so gooooood. Meat in Australia is just fat and juicy! My cousin, the head chef, topped it off by throwing the party on his huge ass balcony that has an AMAZING 270 degrees view of the city. What would be perfect is a little fire-camp with burnt marshmallows and blankies.3) Join a Winery tour
I never knew this, but Australia falls under the ideal Southern Hemisphere latitude for wines (similar to Chile). We paid $110 each and that includes pick up from the city centre, a super yummmmm lunch and winery tour in 4 wineries around the Yarra Valley - Yerring Station, Rochford, Yerring Farm and Chandon. Fresh air and greenery views were just added bonus. Super value :) You can also buy good bottles for cheap, ranging from $10-$25. Check it out!4) Immerse yourself in the coffee culture
Other countries might serve you good coffee but nowhere else is there such an awesome coffee culture like Melbourne. My favourite coffee joint is Babba Brother Budan for its Mocha, but really any alleyways would serve you good coffee. Thats the beauty, its the alleyways packed with chairs and people sipping coffee that gives the awesome melting pot for tourist and locals alike. If not, head over to the country where the produce are fresh and coffee even better. One place in mind is Daylesford for its coffee and scones (too bad i didnt have the time this time around)5) Victoria Market
Fresh nuts, fresh fruits and fresh seafood. Opened since 1878, I frequent here for their ridiculously cheap oysters. Buy a dozen for $10 and pack away the cholesterols for cheap. Prawns and fishes are so fresh that it makes me look like a ridiculously awesome masterchef. Lookout for the churros stand at the end of the market.
^8 Cee