Thursday, November 15, 2012

WHATS NEW AT CHARCOAL INTERIORS....ART DECO MEETS THE HAMPTONS...SNOOZE YOU LOSE WITH OUR MEGA POD CHAIR SALE....OUT AND ABOUT AT OSCARS MCLAREN VALE...OUR WEEK IN QUICK SNAPS...JENS MEGA MARINADE FOR THE BEST BARBECUE CHICKEN EVER!!...JALOPENO MARGARITAS WITH A KICK!...


WHAT'S NEW AT CHARCOAL?

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The Newport Round Table in Weathered Oak


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French Farmhouse Style Table...Great dimensions for smaller spaces and in beautiful reclaimed timbers.

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The Aztec Drum Stool...perfect to perch yourself on, or a book, glass of wine or both!

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The Jolon seat in marvellous Natural Hemp

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The Atlas Pendant Light in large.

Want to see more?  Pop into the showroom - Charcoal Interiors. 59 Doggett St. Newstead.


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SNOOZE YOU LOSE....

If I had a $1 for every customer who rang or emailed us about a product they had seen a week or a month prior...loved it...left it....and then wanted to buy it and it had sold!!...........

And so, here's a real bargain for those who love casual living...LAST ONE!
..ps...these make excellent yoga chairs too for those who have trouble sitting cross-legged (like myself)...very comfortable.

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Pod Chair in the Natural with Brian our Chief Salesperson.

Exclusively to our Charcoal Interiors Blog and Facebook readers, we now have our Natural Rattan Pod Chair ex floor stock reduced down by 40%....the price is too ridiculous to publish here on the blog, so contact us 
07 38526002 or you can send us a message via the blog.  Alternatively, pop by the showroom as we have just so much gorgeous stock available.

Charcoal Interiors
59 Doggett Street
Newstead.  Qld   4006

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....NEW AND LUXE....

Our latest 'must have' and 'must sit in'....this Cross Arm Chair is Art Deco meets Hamptons in luxurious French Crushed Black Velvet...and fully customised by the design team at Charcoal Interiors...of course...

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....aaahh Brian..I had to show this pic because he once again insisted on being in the shot!

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Art Deco meets Hamptons...and hows the plush French Velvet?...wait until you sit on it.

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Available now and exclusively for sale....p.s dont forget that 'Snooze You Lose' rule! :-)


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OUT AND ABOUT



Last weekend I attended the wedding of the year down in South Australia (my darling cuz Kristen married her prince charming Al)...and of course a visit to SA just wouldnt be complete without a trip to the McLaren Vale region.  Time was of the essence and with only an hour or so to kill, Pete the Greek and I were left in a quandry because we wanted to relax, have a glass of red and eat!...what to do..what to do?...and then we remembered a gem of a place we had discovered a while back that would tick all of our boxes...Oscars of McLaren Vale.



Oscars is in the main street of McLaren Vale and caters to groups big and small or your romantic lunch/dinner etc....we always sit under the vine canopy outside (weather permitting).  Mediterranean fare is the mainstay of Oscars and they do it will.  Our pizzas were full to the brim with fresh ingredients and being in the heart of superb wineland country, the wine list is well stocked and covers all bases.  We went for a local Shiraz that complimented the Greeks Spicy Meat Pizza and my Marguerita pizza.

Oscars on Urbanspoon

Service was prompt and friendly.  On arrival we were the first in the courtyard but it quickly filled with groups and everyone seemed to be enjoying their experience there too.  We have dined here now 3 times and will be back due to the convenience, quality food and you know that you can always get a decent glass of wine.  Recommended for larger groups and for those who need to be fed and watered in a hurry.  Relax in the courtyard during the warmer months, or retreat to the fireplace inside in Winter....nice....

Like to visit Oscars and the McLaren Vale region?

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...OUR WEEK QUICK SNAPS...

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Breakfast at The Gun Shop....Our Large Leaf Basil is plentiful...Jacarandas are in bloom in Brisbane....Sweet Coffee in and old home in Clarendon....

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JENS' MEGA MARINADE


I have recently discovered the beauty of marinating chicken for barbecuing...and a secret ingredient which is Pineapple Juice.  The juice gives it a real 'zing' but also helps with tenderising the chicken as pineapple has enzymes that assist with the process (and thats about as technical as I get...).  But, do try this recipe as its been lauded as one of the best ever by barbecuers around the world!

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Photo credit to josh bousel via flickr with thanks

Marinating chicken not only gives additional interesting flavours but also helps the chicken keep moist while its on the grill.  We like to add a pot of natural yoghurt to the table and some freshly cut lemon wedges to squeeze over the cooked chicken too.....yum!

What you need.....
1 medium onion finely chopped
1/2 cup spring onion flinely chopped
1 hot pepper finely chopped
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oil - we like to use Bon Haye quality Olive Oil
1 tablespoon cider or white vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leeaves
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon allspice ground
1 teaspoon black pepper, ground
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
a dash of hot sauce.....Yowza!



What to do....
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  This marinade can be stored in the fridge for up to a month!
Add a few tablespoons of Pineapple Juice to the mix (optional)

We like to use this marinade for drumsticks, satays and also chicken breast pieces.  Can also be used on a whole chicken (we get ours butterflied) and I like to baste regularly during the barbecuing process.

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highrocketphoto via flickr credit with thanks


...JALAPENO MARGARITAS...

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Photo credit to TheDeliciousLife via flickr with thanks

What better way to compliment a deliciously spicy barbecue feast than with a cocktail with a kick...but also refreshing!?
We bring to you this week...The Jalapeno Margarita.
A combo of delicious fresh ingredients...including the hero of the concoction which is our dear friend the Lime...
This recipe is cocktail making on a grand scale!
Muchas Gracias!


Interior decorator designer Brisbane Fortitude Valley CBD luxury design homes queenslands best homes


How to....
Make a BIG batch of margaritas with a twist!
Blend 1 thin slice of jalapeno, a handful of celery leaves, 6 ounces of fresh lime juice and a spoonful of sugar in a blender.  Mix with 16 ounces of Tequila and 8 ounces of orange liqueur.  Pop it in a large jug.
Serve up on the rocks in a salt-rimmed glass.
To be sipped with chicken drumstick in one hand and cocktail in the other....under the shade of your Sombrero...Areeeeebahhh....Reeebahhhh!!

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AAAAAMEN TO THAT!

Until next week....we hope that the week ahead brings you love, light and most of all laughter!

The Charcoal Team
xxx

Pete Venardos Jenny Venardos




Wednesday, November 7, 2012

WE ANSWER "WHAT WILL THEY THINK OF NEXT?" EXQUISITELY LAVISH TRIMMINGS...CUSTOMISING FOR OUR CLIENTS...ART DECO INSPIRATION....MOVEMBER FUNDRAISING....PERFECTLY PLEASANT WITH PETE AT POPOLO.....OUR MELBOURNE CUP DAY.....EASY GOATS CHEESE AND SPINACH QUICE....PLUS THE MONKEY GLAND COCKTAIL..SOUNDS WEIRD...TASTES AMAZING!

AND NOW THE ANSWER TO...."WHAT WILL THEY THINK OF NEXT?"

And just when you think that you have seen it all, some very clever person comes up with a new Tie Back design for curtains and drapery.

These gorgeous Tie Backs are not only beautiful to look at, but also take the fuss out of installation, with magnetic catches that just lock together.  No more messy tie back hooks on walls!

Here, we have the marvelous Colette Venardos, Head Designer here at Charcoal Interiors doing a demo for your viewing pleasure....




Love it?...Want it?....just contact us for more details.

And for more Trimming inspiration...sleek, contemporary and sophisticated...


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or...

Ornate, inspired by archival designs, these very lavish trimmings feature exquisite detailing.



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Be sure to contact us for more information on this extensive range.

charcoalinteriors.com.au

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...CUSTOMISING FOR CLIENTS...


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This fabulously stylish chair reminiscent of the Art Deco style was customized for our client, including the standard lamp and shade in a textured velvet in a Chinchilla.

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Beautiful embroidered silk cushion.

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Brian taking full credit for all the girls hard work....ahhhh get outta the shot boy :-)

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The feature chair will be taking pride of place in the lounge/living area.
Chair is in stunning European Velvet with Silk Embroidered Cushions.
We have most definitely delivered the 'Wow' factor to our client and she is thrilled!

Catering to your design want is what we do best....see it...love it and you can have it!

Contact us today for all the details.
www.charcoalinteriors.com.au
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MOBROS OF '85

Last Saturday, 4 of the 6 Mobros team members got together for a catch up, spot of fund raising strategising and oh, what the heck a beer or two!


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Your author has a very personal reason for promoting Prostate Cancer because as fate would have it, all my Uncles, Father and Brother have been diagnosed...so its probably safe to say we have a genetic disposition to this cancer in our family.  It can strike later in life, or as with my brother early on.  So, its very important for you fellas to get tested.  One in 9 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.  

MoBros of 85 Movember Fundraising Link

Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible and its very simple to navigate the website, just follow the prompts with secure payment via paypal or credit card. 

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....OUT AND ABOUT....

At Popolo Southbank



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I had dined with a group of girlfriends at Popolo before and was taken by the little 'couples' seating areas.  I made a mental note to be sure to bring Pete the Greek there for a romantic dinner as a matter of urgency!

And so, last Friday night myself, my new frock and Pete the Greek took ourselves off to Popolo for the much awaited couples night.  


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Our view...

Let me paint a clear picture here so as not to bore you too much with paragraphs and paragraphs of description...but the view is divine for starters.  The open air style Italian restaurant is situated at the Ship Inn end of the river at Southbank so you look straight down the 'guts' of the river.  The lights, the boats, people watching....its beautiful.
And so we sat there happily at our little couples table.  

The lovely German pocket rocket waitress with the short blonde hair (if you've been there you will know her...) was attentive, pleasant and prompt with our drinks and food orders.
The drinks list is extensively Italian inspired with a few local ring-ins of them also...all well priced.



  
Most of the dishes at Popolo are share plates, so you get to try a few things over the course of the evening.  We had the Arancini and the Italian Meatballs which were delicious.
Then we shared a Marguerita pizza that was fresh and with a lovely crispy base and finished off with the Chocolate Donuts rolled in orange sugar on a bed of crushed pistachios...
All our meals went down a treat and were served up at appropriate intervals.  I hate feeling rushed when I dine, and with such a salubrious and distracting view to contend with, it was nice to just feel like we were going with the flow of the evening.  
Pete the Greek finished off with 2 espresso Martinis (you can guess who was driving!)...after having one and loving it so much he ordered another....then coffees and a stroll back to the car along the river.

We both enjoyed our evening from the service, view and the food.  I would recommend Popolo to our friends and know for certain we will be back there again one day soon....I just want to soak in that view...and next time it will be me having the extra Martini or two!

http://www.popolodining.com/  
Bookings recommended
Best parking without the stress is in the Southbank carpark...costs money to park there but its easy and close.

Popolo Italian Kitchen and Bar on Urbanspoon

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...BACKING A WINNER...


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Our 'tip' for the day....

After displaying our Melbourne Cup 'tip' on the Buddha Chalkboard this week (and possibly leading some other poor uneducated tipsters along the wrong path also...).....being absolutely 100% assured that this horse was a dead set, dinky di winner...we were faced with the disappointment, just like all the other years prior of picking a slow nag!
Fortunately we just placed the bet in our heads and chose to put our money where the mo's are and donate to Movember instead.

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Our Melbourne Cup 'spread'

But, needless to say we never turn down the opportunity for a lovely lunch and glass of Champagne!
Good food, company and the hindsight luxury of knowing we hadn't lost a motza on a slow horse!
Until next year......and congratulations to Green Moon.

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GOATS CHEESE AND SPINACH QUICHE

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credit to caroline on crack via flickr with thanks

We had the yummiest Goats Cheese Quiches amongst other tasty treats for Melbourne Cup lunch on Tuesday, which got me back into a hankering for quiche...the food of real men, perfect for picnics, lunches, eaten hot or cold, with salad or vegies...its close to perfect convenient healthy food dependent on what you put into it....and its very hard to get wrong!  So...lets get cooking!

Note: Quiche is very simple and quick to make when you used prepared shortcrust pastry.

What you need....
1 kg frozen chopped spinach
1 sheet ready rolled shortcrust pastry
1 tsp vegetable oil for greasing
150g goats cheese
2 eggs
200ml light thickened cream
4 - 6 rashers think sliced bacon
75 g grated Gruyere Cheese (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste

What to do....
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius
Grease a quiche dish, then line with shortcrust pastry.  Prich the pastry all over with a fork
Arrange the bacon in the pastry case in the shape of a star.  Set aside.
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat.  add the spinach and heat for about 15 minutes or until the spinach has thawed and the water has evaporated.  Drain and cool slightly.
Meanwhile, beat together the eggs in a large bowl.  Stir in the cream, salt, pepper and spinach.
Pour egg mixture over the bacon and top with slices of goats cheese (form a circle and then place one in the centre). Sprinkle Gruyere cheese on top, if using.

Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until cooked and golden.

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highrocketphoto via flickr with thanks

THE MONKEY GLAND COCKTAIL

Weird name....top drop!
It is suggested that you use the subtle method of coating a chilled cocktail glass with absinthe and then tossing the excess, rather than the usual 'splash' of absinthe...this creates a nice, fruity cocktail with a slight taste of anise.


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photo credit caroline on crack via flickr

What you need...
2 oz gin
1 oz orange juice
 1/4 oz grenadine
1 dash absinthe
Orange slice for garnish

What to do...
Swirl a dash of absinthe in a chilled cocktail glass to coat it, and then discard any excess.
Pour the other ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes
Shake, Shake, Shake....
Strain into the cocktail glass
Garnish with orange slice

Sip...enjoy and try not to think about the name or the origin.....!!

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And so...until next week!
Enjoy your weekend and do something nice just for you....
Jen is off to SA for her cousin Kristens wedding and I am sure she will have lots of pics and stories from her visit next week!

The Charcoal Team....Colette, Cathie and Jen xxx



www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

Friday, November 2, 2012

SHOE STORAGE CABINET FIT FOR CARRIE....MORE OF OUR NEW ARRIVALS...RIDDLING RACKS ARE BACK (BUT NOT FOR LONG...)....A CHAIR FIT FOR OBAMA....MORE OF OUR SEASIDE APARTMENT STORY....EUROPEAN FABRIC RELEASE IN OUR HOT LITTLE HANDS!....PLUS NEW RELEASE ANDREW MARTIN VELVETS....JOJO RETRO SOFA....QUEENSLAND TIMBER FLOORING....THAI SPRING ROLLS FOR THE START OF THE PARTY SEASON....GIN AND TONIC FIT FOR A QUEEN..OR A PRESIDENT NO LESS! AND MORE....HOORAY ITS FRIDAY!

NEW ARRIVALS!
...INCLUDING THE SHOE STORAGE CABINET WORTHY OF CARRIE BRADSHAW.....

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Manolo Blahnik photo credit to elgatomagenta via flickr with thanks

What girl doesnt love shoes?...or guy for that matter!  Well, we have the shoe cabinet to end all shoe cabinets for you...the Mecca of Shoe Cabinets in fact.  A shoe cabinet that would have Carrie Bradshaw spinning in her Manolo Blahniks no less...I mean this cabinet will put the 'Choo' in your 'Jimmys'....OK, I think I have sufficiently talked up this particular item.  But, when something this special comes into the showroom we like to make a big deal about it, so you know about it!...just sharing the love is all.....

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Named the 'Pret-a-Porter' this Industrial cabinet is a whopping 1240 in Width, 340 in Depth and 1930 in Height!...with 30 drawers for all your shoes, or pretty much storage for whatever you would like.  The beauty of this cabinet is that its a feature in itself.  We love it and today, its available for sale (P.O.A) to the first lucky person to contact us.  We will transport anywhere, so just ask and we are always happy to give you a quote.

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Our Riddling Racks are back!...but already one has sold, so this leaves only one remaining in the A-Frame.
Riddling Racks were used in traditional Champagne fermentation.  Each bottle was stored neck first and turned or 'riddled' by hand to move the sediment and prevent it from settling in the one spot.  These racks are very hard to come by and make great gifts for the lover of wine and champagne (most wine bottle styles also will fit into the racks).  We also have clients who have separated the two panels and wall mounted them to showcase their treasured vintages.
Once again if you are interested in purchasing the Riddling Rack we are happy to give you the info (P.O.A) and can also arrange transport at an extra cost.

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How about this for a coffee table!?
The combination of hand crafted parquetry top and Industrial Iron base, makes the Trojan Coffee Table a stylish addition to your home.  It can always be so hard to find the right coffee table, and we are finding this style to be highly sought after.  It's diameter of 890 makes it not too large and not too small....just right.
This is a 'must see' as the photos do not do justice to the table top.

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And here we have our 'Vasili' office chair in aged look leather and studded detailing, although one of our Italian friends has renamed it the 'Obama'...a chair worthy of The White House oval office.
Reminiscent of The Great Gatsby, this chair is sure to take pride of place in your home office or study...perhaps it would also make a special Christmas gift for your boss, husband or father etc...?
Contact us for all the details on this, and our other new arrivals.  We are always happy to assist.


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...CONTINUING OUR SEASIDE PENTHOUSE APARTMENT PROJECT STORY...

This was such a big job that we have split the project photos and details to showcase to you room by room each week.

Our client wanted a smart, clean space with well designed pieces and an uncluttered well proportioned ambience.  Being an ocean front apartment doesn't necessarily mean old boat oars on the walls, or fishing nets hanging from the ceiling.  The girls chose a sophisticated, classic look interspersed with our custom made and stunning old Asian pieces.

And with every good story there is a happy ending with our client leasing to executive clientele promptly on market release.


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Loose cover belgian linen sofa.

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She wanted a small side table in the Living Room...so we made one for her!

Loving our custom made television cabinet...functional and with loads of storage and style.

These comfortable striped custom chairs made in Australia (yay!) and with a hardy indoor/outdoor fabric were just the ticket for this nook.  We love the cute little side table of glass top with metal base.  Its just the perfect size for a couple of G & T's, a book and a snack by the sea.



....and to just give you a refresher....here is the space (below) before....


For more information on this, and a selection of our other design projects, please visit the Charcoal Interiors website.  We offer a full Interior Design service where-by you will experience service of excellence and a home space that you will not want to leave.


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WE ARE LOVING......


Cathie was truly like a kid in a lolly shop this week when a much anticipated fabric order was finally delivered.
This stunning velvet fabric is one of the latest European releases and destined for an upholstery job...but first we need to make sure Cath is out of the showroom because its going to be pretty hard to part her from it!!
As soon as we have finished product pics, you will be the first to see them.  Join our blog page for all the updates, or you can 'like' us on facebook.  Just search Charcoal Interiors, or click on the link below.
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...NEW RELEASE ANDREW MARTIN...

Belgrave
credit to Andrew Martin for this image with thanks

The Andrew Martin new range releases are always much anticipated and never fail to disappoint.  
The Berkeley range is built around timeless designs that have been given a contemporary twist.
Drawing on the ever strong popularity of velvets, the 'Berkeley' range by Andrew Martin is sure to enchant the discerning client.
Contact us for more info on this, and other Andrew Martin releases.


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...MAG SPOTTING...

Photo credit to casamance

Spotted this week in one of our Euro mags delivered...

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Looking to update your original flooring with timber, or perhaps you're in the process of building and the idea of beautiful natural timber throughout the new digs is rather appealing?  Well, as you may or may not know, we have a huge display of over 20 species of timber styles laid throughout the showroom for your viewing...we're so accommodating you can even walk on it!


And the bonus is that this Saturday (3rd November) we have consultant extraordinaire 'Andy' in the showroom all day to help with any questions you may have in regards to timber flooring.  There is pretty much nothing that Andy doesn't know about flooring, so be sure to pop in during the course of the day for a chat and some quality advice.  

Andy will be visiting the showroom on a regular 1st Saturday of the month basis.  Queensland Timber Flooring consultants are also available in the Brisbane area by appointment.
You can contact Queensland Timber Flooring by following the link below, or call us on 07 38526002 for more info.

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THE PARTY SEASON HAS STARTED!
....LET'S GET INTO SOME FINGER FOOD....

Photo credit to cheapeats via flickr with thanks

THAI SPRING ROLLS



Hands up everyone who loves Rice Paper Spring Rolls?...ok..those with your hands down..well...we just can never be friends....but seriously, if you love good, clean healthy food with heaps of flavour and not so much of the calories, then you will just love these.  Give it a go!
My daughter is all grown up now and we rarely get the chance to spend quality time together.  Sometimes we go shopping when we can both get our schedules right, but one thing we can usually muster up the time for is a bit of a joint cooking session.  She towers over me, so I am little chef and she is big chef!
We love making these rolls together...its a bit like being in a food processing line...she puts the ingredients in and I do the folding.  These are great for next day lunches too.  So easy and very flavoursome.
Do yourself a favour and grown some herbs from home...the easy ones that go well with this recipe are Mint, Chives, Thai Basil and Dill (which I put in almost everything except coffee..).  So far I have not had any luck ever growing Coriander, so if you have any suggestions please send them my way, but of course Coriander is one of the key ingredients in this recipe and if you can grow it to use fresh, all the better.

Enjoy!

Photo credit to sooz via flickr with thanks


Photo credit to sooz via flickr with thanks



WHAT YOU NEED....

60G rice vermicelle or rice noodles
8 rice paper wraps
8 large cooked prawns, peeled, de-veined, cut in half or cooked chicken breast sliced into strips
1 and a third tbs of fresh thai basil
3 tbs fresh mint and same of coriander
2 lettuce leaves sliced finely
1 carrot sliced finely
1 spring onion sliced finely
1 small cucumber de-seeded and slice finely

Sweet Chilli Sauce for Dipping....or soy sauce if you prefer.

WHAT TO DO....

Bring a medium saucepan of water to the boil.  Boil rice noodles for 3 to 5 minutes or until al dente and drain.  Rinse thoroughly with cold water so they don't stick together.

Fill a large shallow bowl with warm water.  Dip one wrapper into the water for 1 second to soften.  Lay wrapper on bench and place 2 prawn halves or 2 slices of chicken, a handful of noodles, basil, mint, coriander, lettuce, carrot, spring onion and cucumber in a row across the centre, leaving about 5 cms of the wrapper uncovered on each side.

Fold in the uncovered sides of the wrapper, then tightly roll to enclose the filling.  Repeat with the remaining rolls.

Serve the rolls with the Sweet Chilli Dipping Sauce to the side and some Soy Sauce also if preferred.
เพลิดเพลินใจไปกับอาหารของท่าน ("Enjoy your meal' in Thai)

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Image credit highrocketphoto via flickr with thanks

ANYONE FOR A G & T??
I mentioned G & T's in our projects section and it got me up for a hankering for one!  Pete the Greek and I are off to dinner tonight for a well earned couples catch up and I am going to be throwing down one or two of these nice icy cold glasses of deliciousness.  So easy to throw together and very satisfying when its a nice balmy evening like tonight is going to be.

Did you know that the old trusty Gin and Tonic is the Queen of Englands preferred tipple and Gerald Ford was also rather partial to the odd G & T?


image credit to ReeceCLloyd via flickr with thanks

What you need....

2 oz Hendricks Gin
3-4oz Tonic Water
2 slices cucumber (thinly sliced)
Lots of ice...

What to do....

Muddle cucumber
Fill the glass with ice (use a nice tall glass preferably)
Add the Gin and Tonic
Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a slice of lime....mmmmm.....lime.....

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Well, thats it for another week.  I look forward to telling you all about Popolo Restaurant next week (we are heading there tonight for dinner...its right on the Brisbane river at Southbank and looks fantastic, so lets see what the food's like...).
We have had a fun, busy week, with lots of new faces to get to know and we truly look forward to hearing from you via the blog, website, email, phone or if you live in Brisbane...in person!
Charcoal Interiors
59 Doggett Street.  Newstead.  Brisbane. Queensland.  4006


Until next week.....Love, Light and Laughter...The Charcoal Team xxx