Friday, April 29, 2011

WELCOME TO OUR NEW SHOWROOM! ART, NEW ARRIVALS AND MORE!...ESCAPISM AND INSPIRATION...ROYAL WEDDING FEAST AND THE ROYAL JAM...HAPPY FRIDAY!

WELCOME TO OUR NEW SHOWROOM

We feature in Style Magazine for the month of May, and look forward to welcoming you to our new premises at 59 Doggett Street, New Farm. 
The Charcoal Team....Cathie, Jen and Colette Venardos xxx


During the Easter break, the girls worked fiercely to get the showroom organised.  By the time the last truck rolled in and delivered the final pieces from the old showroom, the building here resembled my 'plastics' kitchen cupboard!....bursting at the seams and in no real semblance of order.  The girls worked their magic over the holiday and our pieces are now beautifully showcased in settings.
The 'Peter Club' chair in Tasmanian Leather...all Australian Made and Custom crafted, Chinese Cabinetry, Antique Vinegar urn, Qin Ying Chinese Wood Carved Bust and bird cage are just some of the gorgeous pieces in this setting.
Stunning Chinese Antique Altar Table with our beautiful 'Labelle' Lamps, Enzo Sofa, Ermenek Urn and artwork on the walls by Grayson Vario, Emma Sheldrake and Lisa Ferguson.
'Industrial' Iron and Glass Coffee Table with our luxurious Merry Widow sofa and impressive art by Artist Warren Haney as the backdrop...amongst others....there's always so much to see and be inspired by here at Charcoal Interiors.
We look forward to sharing more of our pieces with you over the coming weeks.
Escape.....this week we were inspired by...
Santorini Dreaming...bringing back fond memories and inspiring us with its tranquility and splashes of colour against the rustic exterior of the building.

The new Shinto Fabric range matched up with one of our latest floor lamps just arrived in stock!
Artist, Warren Haney standing in front of his work 'Illusion', of which we are proud to say can be viewed here at Charcoal Interiors. Available for sale....please contact us for more information.


'ROYAL' BEEF CASSEROLE WITH CHEESE AND DUMPLINGS


Celebrate the grand occasion of the Royal Wedding with this week's British food fight winner -- creamy beef casserole.Yes..it does taste as delicious as it looks.

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

120 minutes

Ingredients (serves 6)

  • 80ml (1/3 cup) olive oil
  • 1kg gravy or casserole beef, cut into 2cm cubes
  • 10 pearl onions, peeled, halved
  • 4 bacon rashers, rind and excess fat trimmed, coarsely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 300g small button mushrooms
  • 1 x 425g can diced tomatoes
  • 375ml (1 1/2 cups) beef stock
  • 55g (1/4 cup) tomato paste
  • 80ml (1/3 cup) red wine vinegar
  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper
  • Potato dumplings

  • 2 large (about 400g) desiree potatoes, peeled
  • 185ml (3/4 cup) milk
  • 60g butter
  • 225g (1 1/2 cups) self-raising flour
  • 65g (3/4 cup) coarsely grated cheddar
  • 40g (1/2 cup) finely grated parmesan
  • 2 tbs chopped fresh continental parsley
  • Pinch of salt


A RIGHT ROYAL COCKTAIL FRIDAY!


THE ROYAL JAM COCKTAIL

ROYAL JAM
A cocktail bar in London created Royal Jam, a drink that's actually served in a teacup (very British, of course). This drink includes apple gin, strawberry jam, lemon juice, lavender bitters, and a splash of champagne!  The perfect way to celebrate the Royal wedding televised tonight.
Recipe
Apple Gin 50ml
Strawberry Jam 1tsp
Lemon Juice - good squeeze
Lavender Bitters
Splash of Champagne or Sparkling

I know it looks tricky, but it simply couldnt be easier.  Shake up some gin and lemon juice with the jam, pour over some ice in the teacup and swirl with lavender bitters, then finish up with a splash of champagne or sparkling...depending on which country you are in :-)
Pop on your best hat and gloves, put your feet up and tune into the nuptials!

And so, we wish Catherine and William a long and happy life together without too much harassment from the media.  And we bid you adieu for another week, hoping your long weekend is relaxing and fun.