Happy Birthday Charmaine

It was one fine Saturday. the third day of the ever-auspicious celebration of Chinese New Year, that one group of wacky people decided to have a surprise Birthdday (belated actually) Dinner for a very beautiful and dear friend, and also a wonderful blogger who has made several appearances in this humble blog of mine, Charmaine, or more popularly known as the Cynical-Idealist. The dinner was at the Mussel Bar, Fremantle.

SUNSET @ FREMANTLE

The setting for the dinner could not have been any better, with window view over the Indian Ocean at Fremantle Harbour, overlooking the sunset was really awesome. Theres just something about waters and skies and the sunset that never fail to add the mood to any celebrations.

MUSSEL BAR

It has taken quite a bit of effort in planning for this surprise dinner to work, since most of us would have to zip our mouth about the whole thing, while at the same time Charmaine has always been around either for Dota sessions (yes, this gal pwns people on Dota) or random MSN conversations or even hanging out sessions. Nevertheless, we managed to pull it off, and really almost all the credits must go to Chris the superb-boyfriend.

The surprise, which must have been the most difficult element to pull off, was rather successful. Charmaine was indeed, well, surprised !!!

SURPRISEEEEEEEEE !!!!

The shocked look on her face, was definitely priceless.

Anyway, we settled down on our table, and here is everyone.

JON, CHARMAINE & CHRIS

WEI HAN & MAYE and ROBIN

This was my first time dining in Mussel Bar, and oh boy, the place was just incredible. The service was top notch, and i believe they are serving some of the best food around Perth. The highlight was of course the seafood. It has been some time since I have treated myself to any delicious seafood, well for the obvious reason: they do not come cheap here. That could be also the reason why I would attack the seafood once I return to Kuching, which will happen like ages from now.

Appetizer: TASTER PLATE

Another Appetizer: CHILLI MUSSELS

Since this place is called the Mussel Bar, of course we had to order the mussels. I am not exactly a big fan of mussels, heck I did not even had any mussels before I came to Perth. But having tried mussels in several different places, I would say the mussels here are rather good. The chilli sauce that goes with the mussels was rather special.

Here are some of the food we ordered as mains.

LAMB

SOFT SHELL CRAB and TEMPURA

SALMON GRILLED

I ordered the salmon. I still have cravings for anything Japanese, and oh gosh I never fail to have at least once a week my dose of Salmon Sushi rolls. Salmon tastes just good whether it is cooked, or raw, or even half done. I had mine medium rare, and it was served on top of come very funny tasting noodles, which was kind of oily. Oh man, how can anyone not like salmon?? Sheessshh Jon, you are a weirdo.

BIRTHDAY GIRL AND THE PRESENT

I have known Charmaine for many years now. It all started when we flew to Perth on the same plane without even knowing about it until I blogged about the flight and she commented on my blog. Then we met up at the Meet the Pak Lah session when the prime minister of Malaysia travelled to Perth. And following up more bloggers meets after that, we have become more than just connections through blogging. For some unexplainable reasons, she has become deeply immersed in DOTA, and become a regular team player.

It is really great knowing another Kuching person in Perth. It was also an honor knowing her since she had quite a reputation herself being a blogger. And most important of all, it has been really incredible having her as a friend.

BIRTHDAY GIRL AND THE CAKE

MAKING A WISH

A SLICE FOR YOU

Charmaine, I sincerely wish you a Happy (Belated) Birthday, and may the Lord grant you ever-flowing blessings with joy and laughters. Stay true to yourself, for you are truly a very outstanding character in many ways, and always keep your head up. When you become that someone significant someday, do not forget to look back and say hi to this humble and ordinary friend of yours !!!