Konted's Make My Day 2: Footscray

Footscray

It surely is inviting. Roasted ducks and chickens, hanging from a steel bar near the cooking area, can be seen outside the Golden Harvest restaurant through a clear glass panel. It whets the appetite and entices the passersby to walk in and savor the Cantonese food fast becoming popular in Greater Melbourne. Golden Harvest, with its red and beige interiors, is located at the commercial center of Footscray.

Footscray is only a few minutes away from Melbourne's Central Business District. Taking the Metlink Train from Flinders Station, you only have to pass Melbourne Central station, Parliament and Southern Cross to get to Footscray. Footscray is home to immigrants from countries such as Vietnam, China, Italy, India and United Kingdom and from African nations like Sudan and Ethiopia. As there is a culturally diverse setting, peace and order sometimes is a problem. But it is under control by Maribyrnong authorities who have jurisdiction over the area.

As an aftermath of the waves of migration by the so called Vietnamese boat people, many of these migrants settled in Footscray. The former boat people have made their mark by having one of their kind elected as first Lady Mayor of Footscray. Business-minded as they are, the Vietnamese have built a fruit and seafood market called Little Saigon. It is a commercial success.

It is now dusk. Almost all tables are taken at Golden Harvest. Hot Chinese tea is first served to us. Chopsticks are placed near the napkin holder. Soon, Chicken Rice is served, followed by Beef and Vegetables toppings. The noodles come next. With the rice steaming hot, I have my first taste of the Chicken Rice. Next I partake of the Canton noodles. And as I glance near the small counter, the cook chops a roasted Peking Duck, places it on a Chinese plate and shouts: Table #7. And table #7 is our table.

- Konted