Tuesday, March 29, 2016

WHINING LOST DAYS OF WINE OF THE VINE AND THINE!




Aerial view of resort and jetty...and restaurant area circa 1986...and of my renegade staff manning the ute on the jetty.  The Toyota ute was the only land-based vehicle on the island, other than the drot, of course.
Some of my staff around the bar...and out on the deck (They used to do some work...truly, they did!)
Me (in the glitter) dining with some resort guests...the fellow on the right in the lower pic is Johnno, who was my barman.  The woman standing was an Aussie champion at game fishing. She'd won many awards.
Me, on the right, and Natalie, my niece who worked for me for a while at the resort


Free-loading wallabies have a look around hoping (and hopping) to swipe some fruit salad!
Unlike the wallabies, this guest was paying his way

(I've probably posted most of the above pics before...oh, well....)

Many a person of repute has become a stuttering newt after drinking the wine of fruit! From the careless pursuit of the juice from fruit one could end up in disrepute; there is no dispute!  What a hoot! The silly coot!  At such times one should be more astute and remain mute!

While on the subject of Hinchinbrook Island, which I was a few posts ago, I’m sure, during my tenure as manager of the resort on the island, a stylish, recently-widowed lady of grace and dignity visited the resort along with her daughter and son-in-law.

The younger couple decided Joyce, the lady in discussion, deserved a diversion from her grief and loss.  At the time, Joyce was a woman in her late fifties, perhaps early sixties. Joyce’s daughter and her husband felt she needed time away from the pressures she’d been experiencing.  They believed she needed time to regain herself; have the space to take stock of her emotions. Listening to no arguments against their cause, they helped pack her bags. Thoughtfully and generously, they brought her to the island to share their holiday.

The three flew north from Melbourne to enjoy a week in the embrace of the tropical sun.  Upon greeting them as they stepped from the seaplane into the punt, I took an immediate liking to Joyce and the young, married couple.  I took a punt on them in the punt!

One night during their visit the sturdy outdoor tables on the deck surrounding the resort’s pool were set for dinner. 

Often, very often, the guests dined beneath the stars and the moon.  The restaurant itself was open with no four walls to encase it; just the roof with wide eaves protecting the interior from the weather.  The kitchen area and my office, which was situated behind the cocktail bar, of course, were walled; but the restaurant dining area was open, with only bamboo railings to separate the inside from the outside.

The night in particular was illuminated by a fluorescent full moon accompanied by a chorus line of effervescent stars; the atmosphere was electric with the infectious vivacity of carefree holiday-makers. 

Islands emanate a special, indescribable magic. Islands have an intangible quality. They’ve a natural capacity to alter the hardest and most critical souls; or the saddest and loneliest. 

With a bottle of Henschke Hill of Grace in hand, I joined Joyce’s table as the evening progressed. 

I always kept a case or two of the spectacular wine – Shiraz - in the storeroom at the rear of my office to share with those I classed as “special” guests.  Joyce and her family were special guests.

In the Eighties I could purchase the exceptional Henschke Hill of Grace much more cheaply than what it costs these days – much, much more cheaply, believe me!  

(A bottle of Henschke Hill of Grace 2010 Vintage these days costs... $649.99 or thereabouts - give or take (more take)....a bottle!  A little out of reach of my pocket)! 

However, take my word - Hill of Grace is a prestigious wine, worthy of all the adjectives of praise used to describe it.

In the early Seventies - I weep as I write this - I used to purchase Henschke Hill of Grace direct from Carlton-United Breweries at Kangaroo Point, Brisbane - Henschke’s agents - for $5.00 a bottle! 

Nowadays I just dream about it! 

No champagne for me if I win the big one in the Lotto...it’ll be a bottle of Henschke Hill of Grace.  I love a good Shiraz...and, in my book, (I wish in my cellar) there are few, if any, better than Hill of Grace.  And, if such a miracle happened...the winning of a big Lotto pay-day...I'd offer no excuses for sipping on a bottle of Henschke Hill of Grace in celebration!  I'd be willing to share it with you, too...if you were so inclined to accept my invitation.... 

The night in 1986 Joyce dined under the stars a contagious, celebratory mood flowed from one table of guests to the other as the island night unfolded. 

Everyone was enjoying a wining and dining experience without whining!

Casting aside her inhibitions, Joyce joined me upon the tabletop. I confess – I put my hand up...I would’ve been the one who instigated table-top dancing.  It was a party trick I’d perfected.

In gay abandon, Joyce and I danced to the strains of “Zorba’s Dance”. We even sang along to the melody, laughingly reprimanding each other for forgetting the words! Not hindered, we invented our own lyrics as we tripped the light fantastic! We did Alexis Zorba proud! 

To our high amusement, in the warm, not cold, sober light of the following day we realised “Zorba’s Dance” has no lyrics!

How I love “Zorba’s Dance”! I love the book, the movie, the soundtrack! I have them all; the book, the DVD, the LP, cassette and CD.  I saw Mikis Theodorakis live in concert at Brisbane's Festival Hall in 1972...a memorable evening. One of the best concerts I've ever seen. What a night! What a man Theodorakis was to see! A tall, giant of a man, dressed in a dark chocolate brown suit with a “Nehru” collar, Theodorakis commanded the stage...he demanded one's attention through his mighty presence and his music. He was mesmerizing, as was Maria Farantouri (Farandouri), the Greek singer, political and cultural activist, whose rich contralto thrilled the audience and filled the auditorium.

Somewhere I’ve photographs of that fun island night; of Joyce and me dancing on the table; and I have the letter she wrote and sent after she returned home, thanking me for her special time in the sun. They’re hidden away amongst my memorabilia.  I must go in search of them.  I really do need to put things into some semblance of law and order!

I hope Joyce found happiness again, and continued to dance to the melody of life.

Duck Red Wine Casserole: Place 4 duck legs in bowl with 1-1/4c good red wine, 1 diced onion, 1 diced carrot, 2 garlic cloves, 2 sprigs thyme, bay leaf and orange zest; cover; marinate overnight. Preheat oven 160C. Pat duck dry; reserve marinade; season with salt and ground pepper. Heat a little oil in heavy pan; brown duck on all sides. Drain vegetables/herbs; add to pan; stir 3mins; add marinade; simmer; cover; bake 1-1/2hrs. Wash 500g baby carrots; steam 2mins. Remove duck from pan; strain sauce. Return duck to pan; add sauce and baby carrots; cover; return to the oven, 15 mins. Serve duck topped with baby carrots and sauce.

Fillet Steak with Balsamic-Red Wine Reduction: Sprinkle 2 thick fillet steaks with salt and freshly-ground black pepper. Heat heavy pan over med-high heat; cook steaks 1 to 1-1/2min each side. Reduce heat to med-low; add 3tbls each balsamic vinegar and dry red wine; cover; cook 4mins each side, basting steaks. Serve steaks topped with 1tbl sauce.

Marsala-Marinated Oranges: Peel and slice (or wedge) 4 oranges, remove all white pith. Add 1/2c raisins, 1/4c sugar and 1c Marsala wine. Chill 2 hours; top with toasted, sliced almonds.

Red Wine Cream: Bring 250ml Merlot to boil. Beat 2 egg yolks and 80g sugar until fluffy; slowly pour hot wine into egg mix; stir vigorously; stir until it nearly boils; add 4 melted (soaked) gelatine leaves; boil 1min; stir constantly. Remove from heat; let cool as it thickens; whip 250ml cream; gently fold into red wine cream. Fill glasses; chill 4hrs. 

28 comments:

  1. Aah the 80s huh .. Remember them well .. Lots of wining and dining. Great photos and memories Lee.

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    1. Yes, there was, Carol...not nearly as much these days, though! lol

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  2. Hill of Grace was lovely. No doubt still is, but like you it is now out of my reach.
    Mind you, I am also very partial to champagne...

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    1. Oh, yes! Hill of Grace, EC, is a superb wine. So very smooth...as smooth as silk; as soft as velvet.

      I doubt I'll ever be drinking it again, though...unless, of course, as I said, I win the Lotto! Fat chance of that happening...but one can dream! :)

      Don't get me wrong, I like a good, dry Champagne, too! I guess I'll have to win the big pay-out...then we will party in style...why the hell not, I say!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  3. I always worry when I see people dancing on tables, in case the table collapses.
    Nice to hear a bit more about Hinchinbrook. I'm imagining the moon and stars now.

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    1. There was no way the tables on deck were ever going to collapse, River....they were built solidly into the deck in hardwood. Nothing would move them! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  4. Well $5.00 a bottle and now nearly $700.00, my goodness.
    Sounds as if you had fun whilst you worked. Good on you.

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    1. HI Margaret...when Hill of Grace was priced at $5.00 per bottle (wholesale) it was classed as a quality wine even back then...and it's value has increased since; but its quality hasn't diminished.

      We did have a lot of fun on the island. We made our own fun. The majority of the guests who stayed at the resort were a great lot of people...and all were in holiday-relax mode...so it was easy to make sure they stayed that way.

      Don't be fooled, though...my staff and I worked hard and did our jobs well. My day started between 5.30 and 6 am each morning (I was in my office around that time)...and I very rarely made it back to my little house before midnight. Most of the time it was after midnight when I drew the curtains upon my day.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  5. I am sure Joyce always remembered that night, that wine, and you.

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    1. Hi Arleen...yes, I think she would have remembered her holiday at the Hinchinbrook Island Resort...it would've been a time she'd not forget. She was a lovely person.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  6. Hinchinbrook sounds a lovely place; I'm sure the memories you helped people create were magical. Your menu looks delicious, as always!

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    1. It was a magical place, Cranky; particularly when my staff and I were there. It was special and I'm so very glad and feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to experience such a unique time in my life.

      Sadly, the resort no longer exists, having fallen victim to the hands of Nature in the form of a destructive cyclone; and unfortunately at the senseless hands of vandals and arsonists.

      The island is a magnificent island...awesome in the true sense of the word.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  7. I am not a connoisseur of wine though my siblings are. My favorite treat before bedtime is a glass of merlot poured over frozen cherries. I kid you not. I love the picture of you in your hat.

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    1. Hi Annie...the merlot over cherries sounds very tempting, indeed!

      The hat was given to me by a visiting yachtie, from memory...and I wore it just for fun. I was also given a pith helmet by a guest, too. I'll post a pic of that another time. All in the name of good fun. :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  8. I would love to join you on the Henschke Hill of Grace but more than that I wish I had been fortunate enough to visit Hinchinbrook Island when you were its queen. "Dancing to the melody of life" is a wonderful notion and it sounds as if you gave Joyce an important lift when she was down.

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    1. You'd be more than welcome to join me in a Hill of Grace, Yorkie. You would've loved staying at the resort...it was a wonderful place. I would've made you and Shirley most welcome. :)

      I enjoyed very much seeing the change in people from when they set foot on the island and how they were on the day of their departure. The change was almost tangible.

      Thanks for dropping by. :)

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  9. glad that you had such a lovely time dear being with friends in such a lovely environment is really a fortunate moment

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    1. Hi baili...and I did make a lot of friends during my time managing the resort...both with guests and with staff members...and some of those friendships remain to this day.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  10. what days of wine and roses you had and again your recipes are making me hungry, I've been looking for a source here for duck and rabbit as I love to cook them, I am sure someone must raise them, my grandmother did; if only I wasn't so decrepit I'd raise them myself.

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    1. Hey Linda...they were halcyon, memorable times, that's for sure.

      I've not cooked duck for a while...(nor rabbit, and I've not eaten a chocolate rabbit for a long while, either)! Duck is great!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  11. What a wonderful post and what a magical place you worked at!

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    1. It certainly was a magical place, Sandra; and an equally magical time in my life.

      Thanks for popping in. :)

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  12. To wine and dine under the canopy of stars is romantic. Something different. Ah, beautiful memories.

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    1. Hey there, Lux. I've always enjoyed outside dining, so it wasn't really something different for me, but for most of resort's guests, I guess, now that I think about it, it was something new.

      If I visit an eatery, if it has an al fresco/outdoor area that is where I will choose to dine...weather permitting, of course.! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  13. Never heard of Henschman wine. What makes it so expensive? Do they know make it anymore?

    I played in a band once where women were dancing on tables (not while I was playing though). That's the only time I've seen that.

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    1. Henschke, Dave. It's a well-known and revered vineyard in South Australia.

      It's expensive because it is so good.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henschke

      I quite often, when in the mood, and when the right company was present, danced on tables. Unfortunately, I'm too bloody old to do that these days. I'd be flat out climbing up on the tables, let alone back off again! lol

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  14. I do love a little wine, too - that one sounds lovely!

    You have had the most fun times!

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  15. Hey there Lynn...my preference is a good, full-bodied red..but I don't drink much of anything these days other than water! That doesn't mean I've not a supply on hand if and when the desire strikes...just in case!

    I did have some fun times...and some very interesting times. My life is much quieter these days...by choice!

    Thanks for coming by. :)

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