Table for one?

On my wanderings around Tasmania I happened upon a Greek cafe called Kouklas, that has an enviable position facing the Tamar River about 25km north of Launceston.
It was no secret, either, going by the number of cars parked outside and the bustling dining room. But I decided to try my luck anyway, as I figured there must always be room for one more, small person.
"Is it possible to get a table for one?" I asked a friendly-looking waitress.
"No chance," she shot back.
I noted there were a few tables for two around the place, but assumed they were reserved. I wondered if the cafe did takeaway.
"Unless there's one outside?" She said, perhaps feeling sorry for me. But she checked, no such luck.
"Unless you want to share?!" She was happy at this idea.
"That depends..." I hesitated, thinking I would hate to impose upon a couple's romantic interlude.
"Oh," she misread my thoughts: "They're not good looking!"
We both laughed, and I did what she told me: followed and stood meekly by a table that seated an elderly couple while she asked them if they would have me. It was like waiting to see if you are going to be picked last in the school footy side.
They did agree and we made some idle chit chat, while they ate and I stared around at the walls... Two minutes later the same waitress appeared with another, even better, idea:
"There's a table outside in the sun if you want that?"
I did.
I was glad I got a table as it meant I was able to enjoy a delicious spanakopita (that was decidedly more pricey than the one I remember fondly eating in Greece for one Euro 90 cents) and an amazing Greek custard pie that I ordered to takeaway.
But as I sat there, soaking up an unseasonably warm Tasmanian afternoon, I could only conclude that it's not difficult to realise why people avoid dining alone like the plague.

Mini Me(al)

Apologies for the lack of blog updates, but I have a very good excuse: I've moved to Tassie.

Now, to turn to the art of the minature. Just as baby clothes have a way of prompting squeals of amazement and joy from middle-aged women, food on the itsy bitsy side make me go a little ga-ga.

Take this for example:

I'm no beer-drinker, but even I was tempted to get this 'tasting platter' from Zierholz in Canberra. I mean, too cute! And after trying these 60ml versions out you can choose a pint of your favourite to continue your merry way with.

Another minature serving that impressed, was the teeny tiny bottle of milk which comes with a cuppa at the Auction Rooms in North Melbourne. (Note: An awesome breaky venue). I like to think they have found a way to shrink normal-sized glassed bottles.... ah, let me dream.

Then, of course, there are those minature servings that come with any degustation menu.... though you know my feelings on those. So maybe it's just the drinks I like on the wee side. (No pun intended.)