| The highlight of a trip to Melbourne during the school holidays was lunch at "Coles Caf". I can still hear the lift attendant annoucing "Cafeteria" as the elevator came to an abrupt stop & the heavy lift doors jolted open. As the lift neared this floor you could to hear the loud chink of crockery, the delicious aroma of food & the loud hum of shoppers chatting. When the doors opened, the noise increased tenfold & you were transported into a hectic frenzy of fast moving food. The enormous dining hall was crammed full with laminated tables constantly being cleared of dishes & wiped down by Coles ladies in white coats. As soon as we arrived, Mum's eyes were scanniing the hall for an empty table. If she spotted one I was immediately parked in a seat with all our parcels, while Mum went & stood in the queue with our tray. More often than not, we had to share a table with strangers, getting a whole table to yourself was a rare event.
The food was good & the prices were cheap. Coles Fish & Chips were incredibly tasty with the crunchiest golden batter I'd ever eaten. The accompanying chips were hot & salty & served out with a large metal scoop. All meals were served up on thick white plates & cups with green patterned edging. My favourite part of the meal was "Frog in the Pond" - a clear plastic cup filled with jelly (red or green) with a chocolate frog inserted in the middle, surrounded by a few smarties & a dollop of cream. They also made the best "banana splits" with lots of chocolate topping & a generous sprinkling of chopped nuts & cream. No meal was complete without a creamy, fizzing "Lime Spider".
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