Monday 12 September 2011

See films for free

I used to be such an avid reader that about 95% of my free time used to be consumed by books, magazines and newspapers of all sizes and shapes. Therefore, it never occurred to me that films could be a powerful hobby, ones that could keep you entertained for hours and hours together.

Once I entered into a media course at college, the focus just shifted. My main lecturer was a film student himself and so, we got to see gems (and crap) from around the world. That really got me interested in films (but not too much in film-making though). I would say that I now spend about 50% of my leisure time watching movies, predominantly English and Hindi but jump at the opportunity to see any film from another language. As long as it’s entertaining and catches my attention, which I’m sure is the primary motivation for all of us to sit glued in front of the telly/cinema. But more than, what excites me is the chance to see free movies or at least see them on the ‘buy one, get one’ offer.

So I registered myself on the website-Show Film First. Once you register yourself on this website, they send you emails inviting you to come and watch movies for free, even before they are released. Simply click on the link within their email, choose your preferred session and venue, print out your confirmation and that’s it. Tada!! Just get your bf or gf or bff to accompany you to a night at the movies. Your only expense is popcorn and drinks (and that too can be free!! I shall cover that in another post).

As for me, I’m off to Chaddy on Monday evening to see Footloose –ABSOLUTELY FREE. 

Do you have any suggestions or ideas on how to see movies for free? Feel free to share them below in the comments section.

Love
Sue

Monday 11 July 2011

Om Vegetarian: A pleasant dining experience at Elizabeth St, Melbourne CBD

My husband and I were in the city the other day and he took me to Om Vegetarian, an inconspicuous eatery tucked away on the first floor above Gurkhas Institute on Elizabeth St. It was recommended by one of his friends as being value-for-money and big on taste. And after having a meal there, I am a convert. It was a simple, home-cooked style Indian meal and the naan bread was to-die-for.

The place is not a tiny hole-in-the-wall type eatery but it’s not huge either. Just enough space to sit comfortably. And there are some nice views of the beautiful Melbourne architecture if you sit next to the windows.

We ordered two thali meals and a drink each. The cost was a measly $17, including drinks with unlimited servings of food. (It is $6.50 for a thali meal+drinks). Crossways on Swanston is similar in concept and their prices include drinks but I have to admit that Om’s meal was far better in taste than Crossways and more closer in appearance and taste to traditional home-cooked Indian meal although still not perfect. Trust me, having an Indian ethnic background, I am extremely familiar with the cuisine and cook it on a regular basis at home and so can vouch for it. However, Crossways serves dessert as well whereas I didn’t see any dessert here. 

The menu changes everyday based on what’s in season. So we had naan, rice, aloo saag (potato and spinach) and sambhar (yellow lentils cooked with veggies-although couldn’t really see any veggies in there). Hubby had mango lassi and I had a Diet Coke. I just couldn’t get enough of the fluffy, soft, beautiful naan. Although had to queue at the bain-marie for additional serves of subzi and sambhar, the friendly waitress came with the naans to serve us. All in all, a pleasant experience and I would definitely return to this place just to sample what other new vegetarian meal combos they have and would definitely click some photos as well.

Note: Payment is cash only.
Rating: 3.5/5 




Om Vegetarian on Urbanspoon