WHILE ON THE SUBJECT OF ‘LIFTING ME HIGHER AND HIGHER…’

                 

Four Aspects of Airlie Beach, in the Whitsundays, North Queensland

 

 

Whenever you’re feeling blue…I don’t mean blue from the cold, but when you’re feeling down, a sure-fire remedy to lift your mood is to watch “Jimmy Buffett: Welcome to Fin City”. 

Via a streaming service, the other day I watched the 2011 concert by a barefooted Buffett clad in casual Bermuda shorts and T-shirt entertaining his adoring fans in Las Vegas. "Gypsies at the Palace", in particular, is so much fun!  A smile never left my face for the duration of the concert.  The resultant extra wrinkles worry me not. I’ve always been a Buffett fan (not so much buffets I prepared and served when I was cooking for a living. Witnessing the greed of some around the buffet tables annoyed me no end). 

I loved Margaritas, although it’s been quite a few years since I’ve enjoyed the pleasure of sipping on same. 

One tropical night in the early 90s a friend and I had fun at an Airlie Beach cocktail bar.  The barman was an expert Margarita-maker.  On the wall behind the bar was a large, coloured photo of one of Jimmy Buffet’s beautiful sloops, afloat, upon an azure sea.  My friend’s unit was not far from the bar.  Singing “Margaritaville” all the way she and I had only a short stroll back to her home after our fun-filled, Margarita-filled evening,.

From the moment I heard Elvis Presley’s first hit single, “Heartbreak Hotel” I fell under his spell.  When Elvis’ first movie, “Love Me Tender” arrived at Gympie’s Olympia Theatre, my brother and I, along with the rest of the townsfolk, raced off to the matinee.  We weren’t disappointed.  I doubt there is one Presley movie I’ve not seen, even though many of them were repetitious fairy floss frivolities.  All those light-hearted movies manipulative Colonel Tom Parker insisted Elvis make didn’t deter me.  Movies like “King Creole” which was based on Harold Robbins’ novel “A Stone for Danny Fisher” was proof positive Elvis could act…if, and when, allowed to do so.  It’s a pity he wasn’t allowed to do more along a similar vein.  Elvis wasn’t given free rein to show his dramatic talent. Devious Parker had other ideas, all of which were prompted by the sound of Parker’s personal cash registers.

Baz Luhrman is a brilliant, creative movie-maker.  I’m looking forward to viewing his latest colourful creation, “Elvis”.  However, I’m not sure to where Luhrman, the man, has disappeared. I fear Madame Tussauds is missing a wax model from its vast collection. Watching Baz’s immovable face during his current promotional interviews, I think he’d better watch out, or Tussauds will grab him and put him on display.  These days Luhrman’s face doesn’t move. It’s as stiff as a poker, and as pumped up as a car tyre. 

Why anyone would want to look like a moai, one of the stone statues created centuries ago by the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island, beats me. Why not allow one’s wrinkles tell the story of one’s life?  Each line has its own story...each worthy to be a chapter in its own biography. 

Let’s face it…all the lifting and filling draws attention to the face.  Why go to the trouble of trying to hide the truth when the end result does the exact opposite? It’s a new slant on “keeping a stiff upper lip”. Now it includes stiff bottom lip, chin, cheeks, nose, eyebrows and forehead!

When Elvis, with his dulcet tones and lively hips, hit the scene in the 50s the side-burned bodgies, and the widgies, in their starched rope petticoats leapt for joy.  Even if someone stepped on their blue suede shoes they just shrugged, and continued to shake, rattle and roll.  They weren’t all shook up about it.  When Elvis begged, “Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear” the hound dogs howled.  On the sidelines, the Hard-Headed Woman pleaded, “Don’t Be Cruel! Let the Jailhouse Rock!”  Even though there are many pretenders, and some may be great, there will only ever be one Elvis,   Lock the doors! Don’t let him leave the building!

 

Uplifting Ravioli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Chop 250g fresh asparagus into thirds.  In pan  melt 2tbs butter until frothy; add asparagus; stir; cover. Cook 4-5mins.  Add 230g ravioli to boiling water; cook about 4mins; drain; add to a bowl. Add 2tbs lemon juice and black pepper to asparagus; turn heat to high; cook, stirring, 30 secs. Remove from heat. Add asparagus, butter lemon sauce to ravioli.  Add 1/4c walnut pieces, 2tbs minced parsley and 2tbs grated parmesan.  Toss gently; serve sprinkled with extra parmesan.

Lemon Parmesan Chicken: Preheat oven 200C. Line baking sheet; set aside. Add 1/3^rd cup flour to a bowl. Combine 1c panko crumbs, 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 1tsp dried parsley, 1/2tsp garlic powder, about 1/2tsp each of salt and pepper; stir.  In another bowl, add 1-2tsp lemon zest, 4-5tbs lemon juice, 1tbs minced garlic and 5tbs melted butter. Remove 4tbs of mix; set aside.  Slice 680g boned, skinless chicken breasts into strips. Coat in flour; heavily dredge in garlic lemon mix; coat in parmesan-panko mix; place on pan. Sprinkle any remaining panko-parmesan over strips.  Sprinkle lemon pepper over chicken. Bake 10mins; remove.  Flip to other side.  Place 450g fresh asparagus next to chicken; drizzle with reserved lemon butter sauce.  Sprinkle remaining 1/2c parmesan over asparagus; toss with tongs. If desired, place lemon slices over chicken.  Return to oven; bake 10-12mins.  Whisk 3tbs melted butter, 2tbs lemon juice, 1-2tsp lemon zest, 3tbs olive oil and 3tbs honey in bowl; add some pepper and parsley, if desired. Remove chick-asparagus from oven; top with the honey lemon mixture and fresh parsley if desired.  Do not top chicken breasts with the honey lemon mixture unless eating immediately and aren't planning on having leftovers since it will make it soggy.