The "Grand" days

The Grand session lasted about three years, interspersed with some short stints at Willie McBrides, Shenannigans, Edge Hill Bowls Club, and Cruising Yacht Squadron, in periods where the Grand prevaricated about whether Celtic music fitted their image.

The Grand, is at the end of Shields St., which is slightly away from the waterfront tourist beat of the Esplanade and the Pier - at the cheaper end of town. Shields St., known through some promotion or other as "Eat St." houses a range of ethnic restaurants. Our favourites were Mother India, Limmys Malaysian, Star of Siam, Tandoori Oven, Apres Beach Bar. Occasionally we would go to the Red Ochre although this was more expensive. Verdis and Fasta Pasta were out as they were not a patch on Donninis and Sushi and Mexican not our style. The famous Victory Cafe is in this stretch as well, although we did not frequent it in those years.

The Crown Hotel bottle shop opened up in a little heritage shed that we had years before held Bush /dances in when the Folk Club at the Crown was a happening thing (long before the Celtic Confusion session days). it cam in handy for the BYOs along the stretch.

During this time we were able to impress our friends and workmates with our extensive knowledge of Cairns restaurants.

When the Grand finally decided they preferred fist fights, bikies, pool playing and juke boxes .. the session ended ... we were at a loss. No more excuse to go to a different restaurant every Sat. night.