MR MUSCLES AND HIS SPECIAL DELIVERY...LOVING LIZZO! OUT AND ABOUT AT BELLA VENEZIA!...STRAWBERRY TART THATS PURE CHILDS PLAY...OUR NEW FAVE...REKORDERLIG COCKTAILS ALL-ROUND!..HAPPY FRIDAY!

WHAT DOES 'STYLE IN THE CITY' HAVE TO OFFER THIS WEEK?

It's Autumn and here at Style In The City we aim to keep you up to date with all things beautiful in design, plus sumptuous seasonal recipes, our latest cocktail finds and more.

We love classic and timeless design to luxuriate in.  Like your favourite little black dress...some things just never go out of fashion and you find yourself reaching for the classic again and again...as we do in design.

Enjoy our blog and be sure to subscribe...also we are on Facebook...we love it when you 'like' us!

...SPECIAL DELIVERY...

Welcome to our latest arrival....this massive stone, hand carved Buddha on a separate base.

We watched while holding our breath as our delivery man 'aka' Mr Muscles, actually moved this statue (which we reckon is around 300 - 400 kilos...give or take a hundred kilos....) by himself!

Afterwards...we joked about it not looking right in the that spot....hmmmm...not impressed!

_______________________________________________________________

OUT AND ABOUT

'BELLA VENEZIA RESTAURANT'

Our 'Out and About' blog section is purely for the purpose of promoting quality Australian businesses that we have had the fortune to stumble upon.  Our motto is that "If you cant say anything nice, then you shouldnt say anything at all."  So, its with great pleasure this week, that I take you on a little mental journey to beautiful seaside Mooloolaba and our experience at 'Bella Venezia' Italian Restaurant.

It's hard to quantify perfection, and so to do this story justice you really do have to make it a priority to dine there next time you're in that neck of the woods.  But, suffice to say, the whole experience on the night we dined there was magic and I will do my best to tell the story without waffling on.....

Firstly, myself, Pete the Greek and 2 good mates Jac and Richie (it was Richies birthday...so twas our treat) couldnt decide on where to eat...always a  quandry, expecially for the birthday boy who has an issue with Pepper.  It's an allergy actually.  Any intake of pepper ends up with a very unhappy ending.  So, we decided a 'safe' meal would be Italian.  Thinking we would sit down to the usual pasta, pizza, garlic bread blah blah....but not at the Bella Venezia.

 Firstly, our very attentive waiter went out of his way to cater to our friends pepper allergy....trust me, we have been asked to leave by other establishments because it can be just 'too hard' for some chefs to be bothered creating something from scratch.  But, after a bit of to-ing and fro-ing with the chef, our waiter came up with some delicious options for Richard....so...happy birthday boy.  

Anyway, I really could go on and on about our meals and exactly what we had...but the highlights were the Ravioli topped with Moreton Bay bug, Steam Mussels (huuuuge plate full of mussels...a flavour explosion with perfect balance of herbs, tomato chili and white wine) and the Pizza Dolci (dessert)....OH....MY....GOODNESS.....The 'Pizza Dolci' is by far the best dessert I have ever had...ever...in my life....ever......mentally envision slices of banana on top of baked patisserie, finished with a rich butterscotch sauce and vanilla icecream. 

 This was simply divine.  I ate it all and would not share with Pete the Greek...and we share everything...because sharing is caring.

Also a quick mention of the wine list which was quite extensive with lots of imported and Aus options ( we had an imported Chianti) and a thank you to our waiter, who brought us complimentary Limoncellos because of a teensie wait on the Pizza Dolci (it takes a bit to bake...who cares!..we are on holidays!!...)...and we finished the night with the best Espresso Martinis I have ever had also....a night of firsts...best of bests and we will most definitely be back to Bella Venezia.  In fact I would make a trip to just dine there.  This is no average Italian Restaurant.

Footnote: Jac and Richard stayed on an extra night and dined there again....and had the Pizza Dolci this time!

For more info on 'Bella Venezia' click on the link below.

BELLA VENEZIA

___________________________________________________________________

WE LOVE....

Faithful to its philosophy, Lizzo takes its inspiration from the diversity of cultures created by different civilisations and periods in history to launch its new collections. Through these, the company creates an exquisite and personal review of some of the most important decorating concepts of recent times. The result is a comprehensive catalogue of imaginative motifs, colours and textures, which enrich the latest trends in interior décor and share new ways of interpreting the world of design through a combination of elements of the past with utterly contemporary pieces. 

We adore working with Lizzo fabrics.  Heres a sample of the luxurious looks achievable...and the exciting part is that we help to make this happen for you!

_______________________________________

_____________________________________________________

OUR AUTUMN INSPIRED RECIPE....THE SUPER SIMPLE STRAWBERRY TART

I discovered this recipe last year, but only just remembered about it whilst leafing through a magazine today.  

I love strawberries and this is such a simple recipe and looks flashy...great to cook up and take to a BBQ.  Its fresh and tarty sweet, so instead of serving with cream I like to just use a scoop of quality vanilla bean icecream.

Takes 26 minutes to prepare and just 6 minutes to cook.

Dust afterwards with icing sugar once it cools just before serving.  Otherwise the icing sugar just gets absorbed into the juices if you leave it on for too long.  The other thing I forgot to mention is that the other reason I love this recipe so much is that you get to use a pre-bought tart base!...I'm such a corner-cutter....

Ingredients

Serves: 8

• 150g (2/3 cup) caster sugar
• 250ml (1 cup) water
• 100g (3 tablespoons) strawberry jam
• 30g (3 tablespoons) cornflour
• 1kg sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 x 23cm pre-made or bought sweet tart shell

Preparation method

PREPARATION TIME: 26 MINUTES

COOKING TIME: 6 MINUTES

1. Mix together sugar, water, jam and cornflour in medium to large saucepan.

Stir until boiling and then cook for 1 minute...watch carefully.

Remove from the heat.

2. Stir in sliced strawberries until well coated and glossy.

Pour into prepared pie shell.

3. Chill until set and serve topped with quality vanilla bean ice cream or cream.  Dust with icing sugar when cooled just before serving.

_______________________________________________________

COCKTAIL FRIDAY!

Well, its Friday and that means Cocktails and I am ready and waiting for the clock to strike 5.30pm before busting out of here for a sweet, sweet umbrella drink.

If Pete the Greek and I had a dollar for every time we have recommended our new favourite after hours drink 'Rekorderlig' we would be substantially better off financially.

We have suggested this to so many friends and they love it.

Rekorderlig is a premium Swedish cider you can enjoy all year round.

There are quite a few flavours but so far we have only been able to source Pear, Wildberries, Strawberry and Lime and traditional Apple...but there is a Blackcurrant and a Winter Cider that you can have hot for winter (will be waiting with bated breath for that one....its a combo of Apple, Cinnamon and Vanilla)

And so, my little tip this week for cocktail Friday is this....a tried and tested new favourite of mine and the girls.

RECIPE

Rekorderlig Strawberry and Lime - Fill to half of your glass.

Top with sparkling mineral water.

Add a dash of vodka

Finish off with a nice thick slice of lime and ice

Swizzle around with a swizzle stick

Sip....and enjoy!

This is such a delicious drink....let me know what you think!..perhaps we should get shares in Rekorderlig!

________________________________________________________________

I just wanted to finish this weeks blog with a lovely photo I took this week of 3 generations of the Charcoal Team.

From left to right....Colette...Cathie and Colette (junior)...with Brian.  3 generations of the Venardos family working together.

Until next week....Love...Light and Laughter always!

The Charcoal Team

xxx

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

ONE NEW HOME WITH NEW FURNITURE COMING RIGHT UP!...PALM COVE DREAMING...SARAYI BOUTIQUE STAY....PARMESAN ENCRUSTED ASPARAGUS TO DIE FOR!!....BLUE DAY COCKTAIL AND MUCH MORE!!!

HOME FROM SCRATCH....
STEP INSIDE OUR LATEST PROJECT, THE WEEKEND FARM RETREAT

Have you ever dreamt of building your own home to your exact specifications and then having it fitted out with brand new furniture throughout?

What can be a dream for some, is now a reality for our latest client.

Torn between the city and the country, our client decided to retain her residence in town and build a home on acreage for weekend retreats and holidays to sate the yearning for the country lifestyle that she also enjoys.

The client brief was Timeless, Quality, Easy Maintenance with a mix of Modern and Long-Lived.  She also loves the Asian influences but didnt want them to overpower. 

 Handcrafted Middle Eastern Rug with Custom Made Sofa and Ottoman in Luxurious European Velvet

The design team entered into this project with gusto and organised all the interior finishes and furniture, accessories, drapery etc...  The kitchen and bathrooms were given clean lines with elegant neutral tonings and quality fittings throughout.

Clean line bathroom and kitchen with quality fittings.

The very large expanse of window area in the home was treated to an open weave, linen/cotton mix for the drapes.  The views from all windows are so beautiful that the weave allows access to the outside beauty but also maintains the privacy within when required.

Custom Made Console Table by Charcoal Interiors. Quality Drapery which still lets the outside in, yet maintains privacy. Black Cane Tango Chair available now also through Charcoal Interiors.
www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

Charcoal Interiors Custom Made Dining Table.

Custom Made Leather Feature Chair by Charcoal Interiors

The additions of quality rugs with simple upholsteries.  Custom Made dining table, tub chair, sofas and ottoman in luxurious European velvet, give this retreat warmth and character reflecting the tastes of our client.

We were thrilled to be involved in this project.  

Colette and client.

Colette says "For us, standing in the home when everything is installed and ready for the client to move in and seeing the look of happiness on their face is the biggest buzz of all".  "We look back to when we had the architectural plans out on the table, discussing furniture placements and aspects etc....to now...standing in the finished product".  "It's extremely satisfying and rewarding to Cathie and I".

All Products, Services, Furniture etc...Available via Charcoal Interiors Brisbane

______________________________________________________________________

OUT AND ABOUT 

Hands up if you love Cocktails, Sunshine, Holidays, Beaches, Tropical Settings, Dining Out and being Pampered!!.....Aha!...Lots of hands... :-)

Palm Cove with the Queen Mary in the foreground.

Well, if you love all these things then you are going to love Palm Cove in tropical North Queensland.  

A month or so ago, Pete the Greek and I were bogged down with the kids and work and an out of control little puppy (who has now eaten through a door....but thats another story...), when I was doing the usual multi-tasking thing of eating breakfast, paying the bills online and directing the family traffic before school/work, when the God of the Internet (who I think may be named Dave...) sent me via email a list of holiday specials in North Queensland for some ridiculous discount that we just couldn't refuse.  So...drab morning went to fab morning when Pete just said book it!...before we even had the chance to look at where we were staying.

Needless to say, our choice The Sarayi in beautiful Palm Cove was an outstanding one. 

Thats Me Surveying the Lay of the Land from our balcony :-)

 Collected from the airport by the bubbly  Karen there was lively chatter for the 20 minute commute to the hotel.  Greeted by Vanessa the manager and her little dog Lily, we just felt very welcome and surprisingly at home....which is pretty hard when you have just met strangers and in unaccustomed surroundings, but this boutique hotel right on the beach front is one special gem of a place.

Our rooms were super spick and span clean and had everything we needed.  Rooftop pool at our disposal and great restaurant The Rising Sun downstairs where they make THE BEST lime margueritas, and run by Award winning chef Nick Holloway (also head chef at the well respected NuNu restaurant).  Nick recently appeared with chef Poh on her show Pohs Kitchen.....so needless to say we had top class food, wine and umbrella drinks at our fingertips.

The Rising Sun Bar and Restaurant

There is nothing better than booking accommodation online and then being happy with absolutely everything from the beginning to the end.  This was our experience at Sarayi.  Palm Cove is our latest favourite place to visit and we are looking forward to coming back again and again.

Thank you to all the staff at Sarayi and Rising Sun.  We also dined at a few other great restaurants during the weekend...pretty much everywhere has something delicious on offer.  

Ahhhh....until next time.....

Like to know more about Sarayi?

Click Here To Find Out More About Sarayi Boutique Hotel Palm Cove

____________________________________________

PARMESAN ASPARAGUS SPEARS

Asparagus is such a decadent treat.  I love it!  And its still in season.  So get in while its still fresh, and try this super easy recipe for Parmesan Asparagus Spears.

These are a great side dish and pack a statement visually and the flavour is divine.  A combo of two of my fave foods...asparagus and cheese....mmmmmmmm....

Via Healthy Food Ideas

Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks

1 bunch of asparagus

2 egg whites

1/4 cup plain flour

1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lay a wire rack on a baking sheet and coat with non-stick spray.

Snap off the tough ends of each asparagus spear. On two separate plates, add the eggs whites (lightly beaten) and the panko + flour + cheese. Season the panko mixture with salt and pepper if desires. Coat each asparagus spear in egg whites, then lay in the panko mixture and thoroughly cover. If the panko won’t stick, dip back in the egg whites and roll in panko once again. Lay each spear on the wire rack.

Bake at 425 for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

__________________________________________________________________________

CHEERS!  ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY!

BLUE DAY COCKTAIL

Everybody loves a cocktail/mocktail.  Those little umbrella garnishes really get me going.  Even dipping the toes in the blow up kids pool on a hot day can feel like the Palazzo Versace if you have cocktail in hand.

Since Summer just wont go away yet here in Brisbane, we can officially keep the spirit going with the Blue Day Cocktail.  A mixture of White Rum, Curacao and Grapefruit juice...break out the Harry Belafonte CD, paddle away and enjoy your weekend!

INGREDIENTS

1 x measure White Rum

.5 measure Blue Curacao

1.5 measure Grapefruit Juice

Top up...with Soda

Just stir...and serve in a nice tall glass....

____________________________________________________________________________

Be sure to visit us this weekend for our BIG...HUGE...GIGANTIC..Sale!

Plenty of Luxe products for you to purchase and we are here to answer all your questions.

Sale finishes tomorrow (Saturday 10th March).

59 Doggett Street. Newstead.  PH. 07 38526002

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

__________________________________________________________

AUTUMN SASS FOR YOUR HOME...MARRAKECH BY ARTE...FEATURE WALLPAPER TO STUN!....ANOTHER JERICHO BOUND DELIVERY....DELICIOUS GOATS CHEESE SPIRAL PASTA....MINT JULEPS AND R.I.P DAVY JONES....xx

THIS WEEK WE BADE SUMMER 'AU REVOIR' AND WELCOMED IN AUTUMN 2012

Via Blakkos - flickr

And so now in the age of flat screen televisions luring home owners to linger longer at home in the cooler months, its important to surround yourself with a living space that you are happy with and also that reflects your style and the things you love.

A great way to add warmth and express yourself, and an alternative to the very one dimensional look of paint, is to add a splash of colour, warmth or texture with wallpaper.  

Adding wallpaper to a stark room adds warmth, personality and expression of your personal style nowadays with the massive array of options available.

If in doubt, remember that Charcoal Interiors offers the complete service package when it comes to choosing your wallpaper.

With over 38 years combined experience in the Interior Design industry, we offer quality, no nonsense consultation, access to endless quality options in wall coverings,  and we even offer a full hanging service if required.

In a nutshell:

1. Experienced consultation and advice.

2. Product

3. Complete hanging service

All thats required after that is you.....to relax and enjoy your beautiful new space...transformed easily and effortlessly.

AND A LITTLE INSPIRATION FOR YOU.....

BY 

Inspired by the sights, colours and textures of Northern Africa; Marrakech combines exotic patterns with gorgeous painterly effects.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

Marakech by Arte - Cashmere (left) and Berber (right) Available in an array of colour ways to suit every situation. Example Berber is available in 14 different colourways....

Marakech by Arte in the Kelim style both left and right...yes, these are the same pattern but in different colourways, of which there is a variety of choice...example...Metallics and Sponged effects to name a few...stunning!

Marakech by Arte in the Kelim (left) and Berber (right)...all as fore-mentioned available in a variety of stunning colourways.

Phone us for your early bird In-House Interior Design appointment with the team and receive 10% off our consultation fee.

Phone us on 07 38526002 and ask to speak with a designer, or you can pop into the showroom anytime for a chat and organise a booking with the girls.

59 Doggett Street. Newstead.  Brisbane.

email: jenny@charcoalinteriors.com.au

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

______________________________________________________________________________

JERICHO BOUND

Yesterday we had a mass exodus of some of our larger pots and urns, all bound for Jericho Town which is about 12 hours north of Brisbane.  

Our ever-reliable drivers Phil and Michael from P.E Transport took around an hour and a half to load up...then off home for a quick nanna nap before heading off at 4am.

   

Mike contemplates the best way to get this 150+ kilogram pot onto the truck......

....And decides that they will try lifiting it.....needless to say with a little bit of ingenuity and a lot of care, they had it safely stored on the truck before you could say 'Truckies Rule'!

The boys are delivering to a property with a 57 kilometre driveway, which gives you an idea of the expanse of land that this homestead is on.  Last time they were treated to fresh barramundi from the dam, a spot of roo shooting and beers by the firepit...our lovely clients and their hosts really are just the nicest people and look after the boys on every trip.....Phil and Mike were busting to head up there, so we look forward to hearing the latest installment from Jericho.

___________________________________________________________________

Pete the Greek and I are on this stupid low carb diet due to the fact that we have overindulged waayyyyy too many times lately.  Why is it that we just cant have cocktails and salty thick cut fries with gorgonzola sauce on top without putting on weight?  Instead its been protein, protein....and did I mention...protein?

BUT...the saving grace is that every week, on one day...we can have whatever it is that want to eat....its our 'cheat' day.  So, I saw this recipe on Cooking with Corey which is now my new favourite recipe website, and its the perfect dish to quell our carb cravings.

The creaminess of the goats cheese, punch of flavour from the tomatoes, teamed up with the herb flavours really make this such a moorish meal.

Quick and Super Easy!  Enjoy!

Recipe and photo via cyberpenguin on Flickr.

More of her great recipes can be found on Cooking With Corey http://www.cookingwithcorey.info/

TOMATO AND GOATS CHEESE PASTA SALAD

WITH FRESH DILL AND TARRAGON

Salad Ingredients:
2 cups. (i.e., 4 servings) dried spiral pasta (or other fun pasta shape)
5-6 c. lightly salted water, seasoned with a drop of extra virgin olive oil (to keep pasta from sticking together)
1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (we used Bon Haye Olive Oil from our Provisions section)
1/4 tsp. Dijon mustard1/7 tsp.salt
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
2 c. (i.e., 1 dry pint) fresh grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 c. (4 oz.) chèvre (goat cheese) 
4 Spring Onions
1 Tbsp. fresh tarragon leaves, roughly chopped and densely packed
2 Tbsp. fresh dill, finely minced and densely packed

Directions: Bring medium-sized pot of lightly salted water (seasoned with a drop of olive oil) to a rolling boil, about 8 minutes. While you're waiting for the water to boil, mix together lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, whisking together until emulsified. Add goat cheese and mix until well combined. Set aside.

Cook pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. (Boil with the lid on to speed up the process.) Remove from heat and drain. Transfer to colander, shock with cold water, and drain once more. Transfer to the bowl with the goat cheese mixture. Immediately coat pasta with the goat cheese mixture, so that the cheese melts ever-so-slightly, and toss thoroughly under well-combined. Then add tomatoes, scallions, and fresh herbs. Toss once more to combine, divide pasta into 4 equal portions, transfer to bowls, and serve immediately.

COCKTAIL FRIDAY WITH AN OLDIE....BUT A GOOOOODIE!

THE MINT JULEP

Via David Kenny...Flickr.  Check out his other pics..amaaazing!

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 1 tablespoon caster sugar
• 1/2 cup dry ginger ale, chilled
• 16 fresh mint leaves
• 60ml bourbon
• 3 cups crushed ice (see note) mint sprigs and straws, to serve

Method

1. Place 2 teaspoons sugar and 1/4 cup dry ginger ale in two 1 1/2 cup-capacity highball glasses. Stir to dissolve sugar.
2. Divide mint between glasses. Using a muddler or wooden spoon, press leaves until lightly bruised. Divide bourbon and ice between glasses. Stir to combine, leaving mint at base. Serve with mint sprigs and straws.

Notes

• To crush ice, place in a plastic bag. Seal. Wrap in a tea towel. Place on a chopping board. Pound with a rolling pin until ice is crushed.
  __________________________________________________________________
  
  
  R.I.P DAVY JONES
  Davy Jones, member of The Monkees band back in the 60's and a heart throb to millions, died of a heart attack this week.  On the facebook feed, it stated "not sure if you will remember him, but Davy Jones died this morning...etc..."  Well it certainly seems that many people remembered and loved Davy Jones, reflecting the outpouring of condolences on all social media forums.  
  
  
  
  One little known fact is that if it wasnt for Davy Jones, then David Bowie would be David Jones...he had to change his name because Davy Jones got in first!
  Davy Jones was my first real 'crush'....I just thought he was so cute and handsome and funny in the show The Monkees.  Its sad that he died so young (66 is not old)...but he made a lot of people smile and I reckon he would have had an amazing life.
  R.I.P Davy Jones
  xxxx
  
  
  Farewell to everyone for another week.  Wishing you a terrific weekend full of love, fun and laughter!
  
  www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

  
  

  Me on Pinterest" />