Scoopon fined AUD one million and community service for misleading consumers -

How many of us have in one way or another been "cheated" by brokers pushing for sales to raise their commission. Some are either too kind or concerned of the trouble to complain of about false information passed off to consumers.

Prayers finally answered - there is some justice after all. Authorities have not overlooked wrongdoing. ACCC has caught up with Scoopon and the courts are supportive. Tough action to protect consumers is long overdue.
Scoopon hit with fine!

There are some genuinely great deals.

The most common is "Fine dining" at a song.

"Promotional  specials that will never happen again if you miss this once in a lifetime opportunity"

or similar headlines screaming and luring bargain seekers.

However, going by conventional wisdom, when something is too good to be true, it is often untrue or has a catch attached to it.

Hopefully, it will alert consumers to be more cautious and questioning and not be afraid to name and shame unscrupulous and shady businesses.

Hopefully this will be a landmark leading to more uncovering and punishment of similar practices.  It is high time and pertinent for ASIC to follow ACCC's lead.

Winter Flu Weight Loss Program, the need for medical help

The dreaded winter flu is back here again with vengeance. The record warmer winter in Southeast Australian coast is no deterrent to virulent diseases this season.

A friend has been ill for more than a month and lost a significant one kilogram. I lost several kg some years ago and do not advocate nor relish the idea of taking such a weight loss program. Nobody should be envious.

It is well known that a cold is much easier to fight, and if managed properly, one could recover quickly within a couple of days.

However, a cold that is allowed to fester could lower immunity, and makes the patient even more vulnerable to other types of flu and illnesses.

Nowadays, with age and wisdom, we are taking all the necessary precautions to defend against winter bugs. One could take better care when the first signs are evident and try to ward off worsening of the illness. Having failed in preventing the onset of the next step, one could only try to seek medication and have a good rest.

It is incomprehensible why many modern folks are resistant and averse to treating a cold conservatively. For a mild illness, there are low potency counter cold tablets to relieve suffering from running nose, sore throat and respiratory discomfort.

Influenza which is complex and varied, is more intractable and challenging. Because the flu is highly contagious and spread by air and contact, one could only avoid it by not being exposed to infected people who cough and sneeze.

Self medication, alternative medicines and various types of therapies have become popular craze among professionals and a higher educated population. That  it works sometimes works also means that it may not work most of the time.

A wise person would know when there is a need to see a doctor  Panadol, lemon juice and honey only work for mild illness, not a full blown flu. Only medical professionals could diagnose accurately and prescribe the right type of anti-viral or anti-bacterial drugs. Rejecting more potent medicine and antibiotics based on negative report of drug abuse if a folly, if that is the most effective treatment for a worn and battled patient. Humans have evolved to a stage where medicine is vital for survival and healthy living and there is no turning back of the clock to allow for natural selection.

Bronchitis and pneumonia which originate from flu, could become fatal if not treated in time. It is not surprising why flu has caused more deaths than some serious pandemics. Seriously, older people, young children, patients with chronic heart and lung ailments and pregnant women should seek medical attention and not to take things lightly.

http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/bronchitis/bronchitis.html

http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/pneumonia/understanding-pneumonia.html

http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=2325

Flu shots may stave off certain common viruses but it does not rule out getting others not covered. Don't be complacent. We are super humans and need to take extra care with having balanced nutrition by eating well, exercise in moderation and get sufficient rest.

I certainly do not encourage nor want myself in the shoes of weight losers as a result of serious illness. I do regret having lost weight drastically once, as well as many work hours and missed opportunities by procrastinating and not seeking medical help earlier. These are life lessons that will not be forgotten and too important not to be shared.

Drugged teenager dies tragically as drug pushers circumvent outlaw to continue selling

Popular and intelligent high school student Henry Kwan ended his young life with just a pop of a synthetic drug (LSD).

Whether the drug is legal, pure or tested are all immaterial. Narcotics should never be circulated and taken by kids or layman without doctors' prescription for recreational or self therapeutic reasons. LSD poses more risk than controlled medicine, not something that you could obtain at the school backyard or on the internet.

Different people respond and react differently to drugs especially those of unknown composition and sources. Ordinarily, the drug maker who is likely to be a high school student or amateur chemist hoped that the consumer would get high and the chemicals wear off and does little harm. However, there will a number, albeit a minority, who would react adversely to bogus drugs.  If not hallucination, psychosis, the effects could be respiratory difficulty or heart failure, as dangerous drugs are known for.

More will die and their distraught families will suffer for a long time if we hesitate to take strong action to stamp out the deadly malaise.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/nsw/distraught-father-tells-of-teenagers-tragic-last-moments-20130607-2nvjp.html

For those who are observant or are logged into the grapevine of suburban gossips, it is not uncommon to see children as young as 10 to 12 doing drugs at the cafes and shopping centres.

The poison has been allowed to spread for a long time.

Shocking but it is the reality we live with but prefer to ignore or do not know how to deal with. There is too much freedom, lack of supervision and availability of easy money from doting working parents or grandparents, and teenagers' salaries for weekend work.

We have been cavalier and negligent because we did not think it will happen to us or in our vicinity. It is already too late to undo a dependency that is destroying our students and young professionals.

Many can still remember that a neurosurgeon was sentenced for manslaughter for supplying excessive amount of cocaine to a prostitute. If a medically trained personnel can be callous and inaccurate in diagnosing the safe level of narcotics for human consumption, how do we expect drug users to know better?

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/court-reduces-jail-sentence-over-neurosurgeon-suresh-nairs-cocaine-fueled-sex-sessions/story-e6freuy9-1226623391995

When individuals and peer groups cannot think clearly, self discipline or protect themselves, families and the state should step in to impose stricter rules and enforce them.

I am appalled, deeply concerned and disappointed that some adult businesses want to protect their financial interest more than compassion for accidental loss of human life.

Eros, the national adult retail and entertainment association, will distribute hologram stickers to mark packets of drugs that have been scientifically tested, implement an industry-wide ''code of practice'' for selling synthetic drugs and mount a legal challenge to proposed legislative changes that make it harder to sell the drugs.

Synthetic drugs are products containing chemicals artificially developed to mimic the effects of cannabis, cocaine and methamphetamine. They exist in a grey legal area because manufacturers tweak their recipes to circumvent illegal drug classifications.

One new synthetic drug emerges on the European market every week and the two drugs believed to be involved in Henry Kwan's death, 25I-NBOMe and 25B-NBOMe, are among hundreds coming in to Australia.

Nearly one in 10 17-year-old boys and one in 20 17-year-old girls admitted to taking hallucinogens in the federal government's survey of secondary school students last year.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/legal-high-shops-mull-200m-campaign-20130607-2nvi9.html

While schools assured that students have been educated not to be experiment with unknown drugs, the message has not impressed upon those who need most. Contrary to common assumptions, drug dealing is not confined to the defiant and academically poorer students but everyone is vulnerable to the temptations.

The abuse has reached uncontrollable proportions with higher incidence of abuses, but more so because we don't know who would be the next innocent and unexpected victim. No compromise and excuses can delay measures to cut off supply of synthetic drugs. This is a worldwide problem which every government and citizen must take responsibility in eradicating.

http://health.syr.edu/education/synthetic-drugs.html

Family of Suicide Deaths - coping with difficulties, making sense, acceptance and moving on

Two suicide reports have caught my attention in the last few days.

The unfortunate, unexpected and sudden demise of inseparable adorable couple Marc and Cher Thomson has shocked Sydney - from their families, customers, other restaurant owners to all food lovers.  The restaurant is closed according to the website.

Most of us know that restaurants especially high end and fine dining are facing stiff competition, stringent regulatory boards and council scrutiny, high rental, staff shortage and costs, not to mention the long hours, hard work and high sunk in investments. Even a good turnover does not promise any profit after deducting all the expenses. Many local businesses are actually struggling despite healthy picture compared to the US and most ailing European economies.

Why should we be surprised? The trouble is we are too busy with our own lives that we do not seek or start asking until it is too late. Prevention is always better than cure. 

Unlike distress from bullying leading to deaths, there are few signals from those who are bent on ending it all.  These are likely to be highly driven and tenacious people who have tried everything and finally decided to give up. Pride and honour meant more than going through hell in life. It would not be an "attempt" as there is no turning back. 

Nevertheless, even the best kept secret will reveal some tell-tale signs. Even if you are not equipped with the knowledge and skills to deal with psychological issues, it helps to take notice and show care.  Better be safe than sorry - check if you sense that a depressed or anxious friend or relative is not their usual self and going downhill? This would be a good start to prevent an unhappy ending. 

The death of American researcher Shane Todd has gained more publicly in the ensuing court case. His parents are obviously in denial to have challenged the coroner's suicide verdict which even the FBI has concurred. The older Todds could not accept that their precious son, despite having bouts depression during his university days and showing signs of unhappiness with his work, could take his own life.

Instead, imaginations have run wild with hypotheses of Sino-Singapore conspiracy against America and murder made to look like suicide being thrown up. Death is no laughing matter but the exchanges in court are replete with themes found in spy movies. Like those who have passed on, the living are too proud and disappointed with the reality.

Compassion goes to all those who have lost their love ones under such tragic circumstances.  The living suffers as much if not more than the dead. Help may not be too far for bereaved families overcome their grief, gain support and comfort and better understanding.  

Ume Restaurant, Sydney

Plum Flower Fine Dining is not a place you would go to when you are very hungry.

Even though it has adopted the hip "sharing is caring" social style like most modern fine dining places in Surry Hills, customers would really need to order more than one dish per course per person. 

The environment may not be elitist posh, but since the owner/chef was a protege of Tetsuya, you could expect artistic presentation and soulful culinary skills. 

True to its Japanese roots, the restaurant offers a wide range of rice wines to match the food.

The scampi was highly recommended going by past reviews. However, I found this quite soft rather than firm, oily and slimy, which may not agree with some people. 

The yuzu jelly was a novelty as bubbles exudes juices with every bite of seafood. 

Many customers have given rave reviews of the seared scallops as a good choice from the entree menu. 

The mains are a little bit more substantial compared to entrees

Wagyu beef with vegetable and rice crisp. Carefully slow cooked, the meat is tender and the vegetable nicely roasted. Then again, the portion is small for the price they charge.

The crispy barrumundi was as described. Contrary to some reviews that the fish was marshy, I think it was superbly done. Stepped in seaweed stock, it is soothing to the palate.  

There are not many dessert options. 

The pineapple with green tea ice-cream and berries did not have any hint of Japaneseness but it was delicious nonetheless. 

Innovative and interesting sesame sponge

The menu changes from time to time, according to the availability of the freshest ingredients in season, an excuse to keep customers coming back. 

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/restaurants-and-bars/restaurant-review-ume-20120707-21ncn.html

The restaurant is well patronised during the weekend. With a small area, it is quickly filled up. This establishment probably has viably good business but we won't say that it's thriving. Unless you are loaded with cash, it is not a place which you would frequent. There are many Japanese modern fusion restaurants all over Sydney city and northern suburbs that offer degustation at less or almost the same price. 

Outsourcing at irrational scale to serve greedy or desperate employers and investors -- emptying local employment, middle class hardest hit

It has been a rough ride for middle class Australians in the last couple of years.  I'm not even talking about ever rising prices of electricity, food, housing, transport, medical, insurance and other basic necessities. It is more challenging to hold a job with decent income to support your family for those with more responsibilities than self sustenance.

No longer does a good education and specialized skill guarantee you job security till pass middle age.

Starting with manufacturing, we thought that higher value added jobs could be retained locally. Not any more. IT (information technology), accounting services, and now legal services can be outsourced on a massive scale. Employers have no qualms about taking the sledge hammer to export jobs, with little consideration to coordination, sensitivity of information and understanding of local environment.

Labour intensive  -- Low cost component -- Assembly / Semi-skilled processes -- Design -- Innovation

Every industry and sector has no qualms and almost ridiculously competing to outsource each other -  textile/garment, light industry, banks, construction, telco, airlines, financial services, etc.  Eventually, when labour of developing nations become more highly educated, skilled and creative, which they will catch up with us sooner than later, even designing and innovative jobs can be shipped overseas.  Only few food and personal services and care could not be outsourced.

Just because everyone is doing it does not make it alright.

Despite the political soundbites in favour of protecting local jobs, there is little the federal or state government could do to interfere with private business decisions.

http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/prime-minister-julia-gillard-stop-outsourcing-australian-jobs-2

Hypocritically, even local governments contemplate outsourcing jobs.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/it-pro/government-it/councils-job-outsourcing-plans-breach-eba-union-20130107-2ccy0.html

On the surface, it makes good economic sense, from the employers' point of view. Capitalist economic theories teach us to the benefits of division of labour and comparative advantage. It's good for business by lowering to cost, doing what we are best at, and maximisig profits. Welcome to the real world of globalisation and competition. It does not take into consideration social stability and compromise quality of services.

No matter how hard you have worked, giving up your health and best part of your life and time, and no matter how good you may be at your job, and contributed to your company's growth and profits, employers can be ruthless and have skilled efficient workers who do not fit into their short term purely cost (not even profit) driven gameplan to cut jobs. The air of distrust and low morale pervades many workplaces of today. It is no wonder more people are falling sick, especially work anxiety.

If jobs can be neatly compartmentalized, could be performed efficiently and cheaply by skilled workers in India, China, Indonesia and Vietnam. We have nothing against individual workers overseas as they too need to make a living and probably work under less enviable terms and conditions.

The real culprits who should be made to answer the questions are the heartless creatures who decide on making every opportunity to outsource, regardless of its suitability. Mindless restructuring and outsourcing has created a vacuum. A small percentage of former staff laid off by companies have been re-employed as contract staff at higher salaries to fill the gaps that foreign labour are unable to accomplish. There you have a dumb decision immediately exposed. There will come a time, and it should be sooner, that senior management could be outsourced too, for making silly mistakes.

Adjustments are invariably difficult and take a long time to achieve positive results, if they in fact do so.  Our education reforms have met with funding shortage and strong resistance from educationists, parents and politicians. We would be hard pressed to develop relevant skills to keep jobs locally.

Depreciation of the unrealistically high Aussie dollar is inevitable. Australian goods and services have become uncompetitive. Life has been good to us in the recent past thanks to the mining boom. Australian travellers have been able to stretch the value of their dollar and enjoy during good times.

However, with the slowdown in exports, rising unemployment, high living costs and mortgage (despite rate decrease) becomes more painful.

To be employed and have a gainful employment for a large part of our lives is a basic human right. It is useless to talk about esoteric theories and ideals when we can't even carry on with decency and dignity.

This is going to be a cold, harsh and long winter.

What you're consuming may not be safe - NSW restaurants named, fined and shamed

The publication of a new article highlighting and reminding us of filthy kitchens of NSW restaurants has been quite timely as it coincided with my personal experience this weekend. 

One in 10 restaurants and cafes across NSW have been fined for food safety breaches, from preparing meals in filthy kitchens to failing to control bug infestations.

Stomach upset probably caused by food poisoning has been kept at bay for a long time. Unlike less developed and tropical countries, Sydney has been thought to be a food paradise in addition to hygiene and high standard expected of kitchen staff. 

I am now suffering after at a suburban CBD area. The turnover was quite good. Who would have thought that things could go wrong. It probably got worse after hot drinks with milk the following day. Two mistake on my part not to take extra care. 

Perhaps the worst cause of food poisoning is the hand washing habits (or rather the lack of it) of kitchen staff. When the weather is warm and humid, food turns bad quickly if not kept at the right temperature.  

 A more fundamental problem is that some restaurant buildings are old, there are gaps where pests and rodents could hide and propagate. Food not properly covered or disposed are major attractions and sustenance. Some of these kitchens ought to be renovated and refitted. 

Despite the publicly available information on council websites, restaurants are usually slapped with moderate fines meant as warning but most are allowed to continue operating and might even continue to flout health safety rules if no further checks were conducted. 

Most people recover and survive from a bout of illness from eating disagreeable and unclean food. However, the very young and old may not have the immunity. 
  Sadly, the shame list apparently did not deter customers from continuing to patronise popular fast food joints and restaurants. 

From personal experience, most restaurants staff would either pretend to be deaf or do not understand you and brush your concerns aside when you complain that the food is not properly cooked or other health concerns deserve attention.

Management has many opportunities to improve services that carry heavy responsibilities but patience may be running out when health is at risk. 

Japan City - serving glorious food, more than just a gift shop

At Japan City where food is only half of its core business, most would not expect a huge crowd. Surprise that at times staff roster is under unexpected customer turnout, patience and sipping green tea are much appreciated.

                                    Scallops and seaweed are always a favourite with health nuts

Plain but well prepared noodles - wish they had added more seaweed and be consistent with portions

"Snow Crab" is actually surami or blended white fish made to look like crab meat.
Tempura sushi (on the left) is decorated with crispy batter, without any vegetable or prawn.
The cost of ingredients may not be high but the final product which looked like a work of art, certainly was.

Egg and Eel Sushi : children's  favourites 

Seized by scallops - two types of flavours:
(1) dry grill
(2) with sauce

Changes to 457 Visa do not address fundamental problems of costs and productivity

457 visa changes  has all the appearance of pro-Australian, and few remaining lifeline for a lame government struggling to survive and praying for a slim victory in the coming elections.

It may help to temporarily placate local workers under the current difficult employment market but nothing more to boost the employment of locals. Besides, outsourcing renders import of skilled labour irrelevant.

As in other countries that had pandered to political pressures to give priority to locals seeking employment, artificial imposition of regulations would inevitably raise costs, limit options and unpopular with employers. It would be costly to fill higher skilled and niche vacancies. That could only spell trouble for the future, making Australia less competitive and short of skills.

Moreover, restriction on migration does not remove the prospect of Australians being made redundant and laid off through outsourcing to India, China and Indonesia. This trend has been ongoing for years unabated.

From call centres, IT to finance, employers are opting for cheaper foreign workers based overseas. With modern communications, there is less dependency on foreigners.

In reality, migrants by and large fill the gaps and taking over jobs that Australians shun or are unable to perform well. On the contrary, local born and bred are already enjoying a headstart and advantages as employers and recruiters do place a lot on the familiar sounding names and elementary education of applicants. Changes in 457 would indeed add more economic disadvantages to longstanding racial discrimination encountered by migrants. But whether it would be beneficial to Australians is doubtful.
.
The anti-foreign image of Australia will be more pronounced, as seen in earlier restrictions on employment for overseas students and graduates from Australian universities.

On the other hand, the government's shift to focus on a AUD 5 million investment visa has only started to kickoff. What impact would wealthy individuals seeking PR by investing in bonds and companies remains to be seen. It may not necessarily translate directly into more jobs for Australians if investors are playing safe with bonds and equity.

I have also heard from inside sources that some of these investors plan to import semi-processed or outsource some of the jobs overseas. All businesses, whether Australian, foreign or global, are very concerned with bottomline. The only way out is that Australians improve productivity, raise skills level, value add and offer products and services in high demand by the international market.

Protectionism by legislation would not help to solve fundamental and structural economic problems, not even in the short term.

Thai Entrees - betel leaf, coconut, corn, prawn, peanut - the basics of sophistication

Unlike Thai menus served in the abundance of restaurants in Sydney over the last 20 years, new generation of managers see a niche to sell by emphasizing the point of difference to seize the customer dollar and stand out amongst keen competitors.

Two of the more exotic entrees are : betel leaf (miang khum) and golden cups (kratong thong).

Australians who frequently visit Thailand think that this is a rip off. One could get dozens of these delicacies which are considered commoners food at only a fraction of the prices in the Land of Smiles.

One could easily DIY miang khum at home for parties as it doesn't require great cooking skills unless they can't get supplies of betel leaf and really missing this street food.

To be fair, golden cups are a bit more difficult and time consuming to fry. They can be prepared in advance and stored in air tight box but it is best not to keep them more more than three days. The filling is easy enough as you could put almost anything you wish to attain a mixture of sweet, salty, sour flavours and crunchiness.

Unlike the original recipes, Australian Thai food can only be a shade close to authenticity but it has not reached there yet.

No matter how good the quality of dessicated coconut may be, it can never match freshly toasted grated coconut.

Laduree French Macarons in Westfield Sydney CBD

This fairly new kid of the block boasts of a recipe direct from France. Since opening last quarter of the year, Laduree has attracted a steady following even though the fad and craze of macarons have dissipated somewhat.

http://www.broadsheet.com.au/sydney/food-and-drink/article/laduree-brings-french-macarons-sydney

Though it does not have the aura of exotic gold dust promoted by Adriano, the King of Desserts,  in his version and interpretation of macarons, the traditional and original French macarons are equally popular.

http://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipe/11681/golden_macarons

Unlike the mass produced ones that are sold in some supermarkets and grocers, this French sweet has a much softer bite. Hence, Laduree comes with a higher price tag.

Thank God! Elastic, artificially flavoured and overly sweet macaron fillings are forgettable and unforgivable, this one is simple and pleasant.

Nevertheless, a macaron is a macaron. Except novice cooks, you can't go very wrong with it.

The tower or pyramid of macarons is a reminder of the Masterchef competition creations. Where did they draw inspiration from?

Like all exquisite branding, marketing a bundle of non-food items which are non-perishable can help to boost revenue and hopefully profits. Aromatic candles and body creams could lead you to imagine they are almost good enough to eat.

Australian Recruiters Risk Averse, Lose out on tapping humanities talents such as Gail Kelly

Peter Cai has courageously opened up a controversial topic which many in Australia have not dared to confront and address.

http://www.smh.com.au/business/business-can-benefit-from-students-of-humanities-20130127-2deuy.html

Indeed, compared to UK and US where everyone could almost certainly become anybody they wish, this luxury does not exist in Australia, the lucky country.

There is a strange contradiction in the Australian job market. Most potential job seekers find employment scarce while recruiters are facing difficulty filling positions that require specialised skills.

For the same MNCs and global consultancy firms, the Australian branches are not as generous and receptive to building a diversity of talents. I know some executives who started in non-business and non-core business areas of reputable international companies that are not based in Australia. Managers were very supportive and gave their staff many opportunities and time to upgrade their skills and move on to more challenging roles.

My Australian contacts in recruitment and HR have confirmed that there is a tendency to find an exact match even if this meant leaving positions vacant for months or years, if no such ideal candidate is to be found. The environment has become more rigid than say 20 years ago. That Gail Kelly made it to the top of Westpac despite her education in language and history, showed that employers were probably more open-minded than now.

The cautious approach mirrors the overall mentality of corporate Australia regardless of which department they represent. As long as you stick closely to rules it is quite safe, all is well and safe, and this would help to cover one's back if things do not go according to expectations or go wrong.

There are advantages in selecting human resources that are trained in a specific area and have the relevant experience. However, many other talents have been disregarded in the process.

Of course, successful business executives who had arts background must be competent in business management. They have to work hard to learn relevant skills and industry expertise quickly and do better than their peers with a business degree.  It may also help if one has a good network and get noticed early in life, such as being awarded prizes and scholarships and well connected with the rich and famous.

If certain employers in Australia rely on old boys' network and retired sportsmen to fill their top positions, and willing to overlook their lack of skills and experience in business management, why can't they offer the same treatment to high flying humanities graduates?

Because of market demand, herd instincts and parental influence tend to favour studies in business, finance, technology and law. This has perpetuated a vicious cycle of channelling academically excellent to do professional degrees. On the other hand, the humanities are the reserve of either those who can't make the grade, or clever students who are too innocent or not too worried about the rat race.

Many a times, some humanities undergraduates feel offended and lose hope when peers and seniors ask what they could do with their training? It is not so much an education we are after now, but vocational skills. It is surprising that some are unaware that universities offer post-graduate professional courses.

The least we could do is not to accept the status quo and liberate our minds.

Korean Cuisine in Summer : Hot and Cold

Having gained the experience and confidence of managing a restaurant, my favourite Korean haunt has released themselves from a franchise and decided to stirke out their own brand name.

Korean cold beef noodle soup - great to cool down in the summer heat or defuse after a BBQ dinner.

Some of the beef stock are still in solid ice form when served. 

                            Westernised Korean noodle dish with cheese and mayonnaise.
Still retains the Korean component - small servings of soup and vegetable pickles ...

Not suitable for summer but it's nutritious and yummy. Seems that Koreans don't really care about restricting salads to summer and soups for winter only.  Galbitang - rich short beef ribs stew with red dates, melon, leek and potato noodles. 

Greek Enigma - Great food at good value

Both Enigma in Brighton le Sands and Castle Tower Piazza have received rave reviews.  My several visits have confirmed that they indeed have something special to offer.

2 course lunch plus a drink for $30 is absolutely fantastic and a rare find.

Nicely presented and carefully cooked entree

                                                 Calamari - tender, juicy and crispy

                                                                Pan-fried chorizo with vegetable stack

2 dips (cucumber yoghurt & roe) with pita bread.

 A glass of wine or cool beer

Options for Mains : 

                                   Grilled Barramundi with crispy potato and vegetables - freshness!

                                Spaghetti marinara - gernerous serving of seafood and the sauce has the right balance

                                                           Slow cooked lamb is tender and yummy

        

Just between us, if you happen to be dining at the Piazza, just to let you know that this Greek restaurant is a much preferable place than the over priced and mediocre Italian restaurant two doors away.  

How does it compare with another Greek Restaurant in Sydney CBD --  Xanthi? http://ausletters.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/xanthi-bar-restaurant-greek-cuisine.html  


In short, Enigma's style is freshness and simplicity. However, it's not a fair comparison because there are more options for dinner and the pricing was different.

Eating Light Dinners - Tapas Bars thriving in Aussie Cities

There are three main reasons for the proliferation of bars and small corner eateries serving light meals. They are especially popular with professionals, yuppies and students in the city.

First off, post GFC, the economy  is taking a long time to get back on track is one reason. Diners don't splurge on expensive dinners especially on weekdays when they socialise or entertain. With unemployment figures creeping up, every dollar saved for rainy days count.

Secondly, many friends and co-workers I know are trying to eat less, eat healthy and look better. There you have it.

Thirdly, young people nowadays prefer a less formal setting to talk and catch up.

These are likely reasons why tapas are getting very popular.

At a RSL club, I had 3 tapas dishes, bread and drinks; felt adequately full and satisfied.

Single Mums Suffer from Welfare Tightening

Theoretically, it is a fine idea to spend within the budget by cutting wastage. 

One fell swoop, all single mums (bona fide and genuine or not) have suffered severely.  All are forced to give up on the slightly more generous single mother scheme to Newstart. 

Presumably to weed out the bulk of fraud and cheats who have allegedly milked the welfare system, though unstated, this is a blunt instrument. It is uncertain if it would be effective at all to force more Australians to be more productive economically. 

However, the timing could not have been worst as unemployment figures have shot up last month. 

Many can't make ends meet and may have to resort to drastic measures, ironically, cheating and prostitution if necessary! or so they say, as some have pleaded with the media. 

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/govt-defends-welfare-cuts-to-single-mums/story-fn3dxiwe-1226558474956

Most of us have heard stories of faked separation and divorces,  or incentive for women to leave the husband due to the ease of getting  parenting payments. 

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/motherblaming-is-an-outdated-simplistic-view-20130120-2d14g.html

While it may be true that some cheats exist among single mothers, not everyone is out to fleece the government.  Even if there is motivation to remove the culture of dependency and single parent families, changes take time and support from institutions and society.  

To add insult to injury, administrative errors have caused more anxiety and pain for single mothers who were told to destroy their concession cards. 

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/single-parent-pension-warning-an-error-20130113-2cnon.html

This link has been removed from various Australian newspapers. I wonder why?  The likelihood that this is exaggerated and difficult to prove is high on the scale!

Single mums figure big in $80m South Australian welfare fraud 

For the majority of single mothers living in hardship, little help is forthcoming. They must find employment to complement the reduced allowance and cut down on whatever little they have to live with. 

The dire straits faced by single mothers do not matter much to politicians. They do not constitute a large enough voter base for politicians to worry about.   

Think outside Cabramatta - modern upmarket Vietnamese food in the suburbs

Vietnamese cuisine which was the flavour of the 1980s-1990s has made a comeback.

This time, the management are not chefs who came in boats as refugees, but second generation well-educated youngsters who speak English better than their parents' lingo.

Besides Nguyen's Red Lantern, several small cosy eateries serving traditional Vietnamese fare with a modern twist in well decorated and modern premises is attracting a loyal following in several areas.

http://ausletters.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/red-lantern-vietnamese-modern-australian.html

Suburban folks who want a healthy, quick, hygienic meal can be assured of consistent delivery of good food, high quality ingredients and warm friendly service. While Cabramatta still win in terms of variety, options and price, the distance and perennial crowds thanks to the publicity may discourage some from taking that extra travelling time.

http://ausletters.blogspot.com.au/2009/09/moon-festival-in-sydney-southwest.html

Years ago, this business model might not have worked out, but discerning consumers now appreciate value and presentation.

In the northern districts, a handful of upmarket ethnic restaurants have emerged. The busyness speak volumes - let the customers tell the story. This one is at the Cherrybrook shopping village.

Pork Chop Rice (Top) : marinated but not overdone with lemongrass, evenly fried, not oily or fatty at all

The every popular spring roll with lettuce and mint leaves for the wrap

Spicy thick round rice noodles originated from but each Viet family has created their own interpretation of the spice and herb proportions. Chilli oil makes it a little spicy.

The pho is pretty good. The intensity of the soup depends on the length of time the beef bones have been stewed and the amount of dried spices used. Some like it mild and light.

The strong aroma of Vietnamese coffee is irresistible. On a hot summer day, pour over ice. It's heavenly!