Hi everyone. Join us for a bit of fun this week. We have had stacks happening and want to share it all with you!
To say that this week has been absolutely HUGE here in the showroom, would be a complete understatement. My apologies for the omission of the blog for last Friday....I got lost in the wine region of South Australia....honestly. I was called upon to extensively research the Shiraz variety of grape. Actually, I was in Adelaide to help out my brother after an operation...all went to plan and he is making a full recovery. But, I also did indulge in the occasional vino whilst there :-)
But enough about me...here's whats been happening at Charcoal!
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE AND GARDEN MEETS CHARCOAL INTERIORS
Firstly, our very own Colette Venardos was chosen to grace the pages of Australian House and Garden magazine as their 'Featured Designer'. Designers the likes of Jenny Kee have previously been chosen for this segment, so it was quite an honour, but also well deserved. With over 30 years experience in the design business, Colette has definitely earned her stripes in the industry. It was great to see her recognised, and the article will be shown early 2011. Will keep you posted!
This week we also hosted the Christmas photo shoot for Australian House and Garden Magazine. Christmas came early, with the delivery of a real live Christmas tree! We have it set up at the front of the showroom by the door, so that the smell of pine wafts through......
There are so many talented artists in Brisbane, and we were fortunate enough to meet ceramicist Kim Wallace who creates gorgeous Christmas decorations, amongst other beauties. Kim's work was featured for House and Garden. Styling and venue provided by Charcoal Interiors.
You can find Kim's work on the link below, and be sure to check out the December/Christmas issue of Australian House and Garden for all the pics!
FINALS FEVER FOOD
After last weeks Australian Rules Finals Draw, we are now faced with a double-whammy with Collingwood and the Saints in for a re-match along with the Rugby League Final....all on the same weekend! Its a sports fans idea of Utopia!
And so, the recipe for this week is designed to fit in with the Finals weekend, it involves the BBQ, finger food and matches up perfectly with a nice cold beer...
Its the Footy Finals Tandoori Chicken Burger....girlie enough for the chicks and manly enough to satisfy those burger loving blokes.
FOOTBALL LOVERS TANDOORI CHICKEN BURGER
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 500g chicken mince
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons tandoori paste
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat plain yoghurt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 medium Lebanese cucumber, chopped
- 1 baby cos lettuce, leaves separated, washed, shredded
- 4 wholemeal bread rolls, halved, toasted
Method
- Combine chicken, breadcrumbs and tandoori paste in a bowl. Shape mixture into four 2cm-thick patties.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 5 to 7 minutes each side or until golden and cooked through.
Combine yoghurt, mint and cucumber in a bowl. Place lettuce on roll bases. Top with patties, mint mixture and roll tops. Serve...........designed to be held in one hand leaving the other hand free for beer.
COCKTAIL FRIDAY.....POP YOUR FEET UP....AND RELAX...
Never has there been a week where we deserve a cocktail more than this one. Cathie has been flat out with the floor shift to make way for all the new stock that is arriving tomorrow. Colette has been busy with design projects and making herself fabulous for House and Garden photo shoots. And I have been ducking and weaving as per usual....trying my best to say the right thing and keep out of trouble. We really have just had the BEST week!
So, we are celebrating with a deliciously indulgent Lychee Martini!
Its Cocktail Friday Folks...let's get into the swing of it....
LYCHEE MARTINI RECIPE
Lychees are in season at the moment. They are fresh and ready for use.
The Lychee contains on average a total 72 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit. On average nine lychee fruits would meet an adult’s daily recommended Vitamin C requirement. We believe that this classifies the Lychee Martini as a health drink, in turn warding off colds and also the occasional dose of scurvy.....? So, that means you can have two or possibly three if you are looking for a real health boost!...well that's how we are going to justify it to ourselves anyway!
Ingredients
- 50ml vodka
- 25ml lychee liqueur, (Kwai Feh is a good-quality brand
- dash lychee juice, available in cartons
- 1 lychee , for decoration
Method
Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, lychee liqueur and lychee juice. Shake thoroughly and strain into a martini glass. Make a cut into the side of a lychee and sit it on the rim of the glass.
Pop your feet up. Light a few candles. Turn up the Nina Simone CD....sip...and reeelax....
Next week: New Arrivals...the lowdown on all of our new gorgeous arrivals instore. Meet Damien Bredberg Photographer to the stars...and he is going to be here in the showroom! And Much...Much more....xx
Happy Friday to everyone! Have a fabulous weekend.
