Because of the sudden 5 day Covid lockdown all our plans were put on hold. It wasn't till we were released from lockdown that we met up with family for a celebratory Chinese New Year lunch at Olinda Tea House in the Dandenong Ranges. It's described as an asian-fusion restaurant – Chinese dishes and western High Tea.
The purpose-built restaurant opened 2 years ago but no one in our party had been there. It has very tasteful Chinese inspired gardens around it and a couple of alpacas and a miniature pony for kids to pat. I was surprised by the number of Asians dining there.
Yes those statues were RED!
The food was good, but nothing to write home about. Helpings were small but nicely presented (not your usual run-of-the-mill Chinese restaurant). Other than the couple of spicy dishes we had, the other dishes were mild tasting (perhaps to cater for a western palate). There was a big selection of vegan dishes which suited our party. Service was slow but this was a sort of dining experience where one was not expected to rush through.
We saw western High Tea being brought to other tables and they looked scrumptious! Obviously a lot of thought has been put into the planning of this dining establishment and I wish them well.
An added bonus was a lion dance troupe which came to perform. What a thrill for the kids! It was an expensive meal but the presentation of dishes, decor and location made it altogether a good experience and an occasion to remember.
Sketched on-location except for the uncoloured secondary sketch on the second page spread which was done from a photo later. Colour and embellishments added at home. Some ideas from Liz Steel's online Sketchbook Design course.
#Sailorfude pen, watercolour, #Stillman&Birn Zeta Sketchbook, 7.5”x 7.5”
#olindateahouse #sketchingnowsketchbook
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