GIFT IDEAS FOR THE DAD WHO WAS EVERYTHING!
After a chat with my brother this week about Fathers Day gifts for our Dad, we both came to conclusion that men are really hard to buy for...unless you're my brother who loves fishing and is happy with anything remotely associated with angling. There's always the easy way out...i.e bottle of red wine, carton of beer, socks, jocks etc....but if you really want to 'dazzle' Dad, why not get creative with your gift giving this year. We have some terrific suggestions for you this week, and you can find all of these in our Charcoal Interiors showroom at 59 Doggett St. Newstead. Qld.
Black Leather Storage Trunk that doubles as a Coffee Table.
Our stunning range of Moroccan Lanterns are now half price! Not only a piece of exotic history, but also these lanterns can be wired to make a perfect feature light over the BBQ for Dad....well...why not!?...
Connect Dad in with his inner primordial self with this huge black South American hide. We only source quality hides that do not shed (as the cheaper versions inevitably do).
AND THE 'PISTE DE RESISTANCE'.....OUR ANTIQUE FRENCH CHAMPAGNE RIDDLING RACKS!
Antique French Riddling Rack - the perfect gift for the Dad who has everything. Lovers of wine and champagne are always pleading for us to re-stock these very hard to come by pieces. In perfect timing for Fathers Day we have acquired 2 single panels and a rare A-Frame. Crafted from Oak, these racks were used in the process of Methode Champenoise fermentation.
The bottles were turned daily by hand to keep the sediment towards the neck of the bottle. Due to this labor intensive process, riddling has now been automated. These riddling racks are now used as a feature in homes, either mounted on the walls or to display wine or champagne in cellars etc... They are a very special piece of history that we are sure the lover of quality wine and Champagne will appreciate. These racks are quite rare in their natural state with authentic stamps. Available only while stocks last.
...LOOKS WE LOVE...
The Art Of Balance
The simplicity of neutrals with a splash of vibrant colour.
GREEK STYLE BARBECUED CHICKEN
This really easy recipe will satisfy the most picky of eaters. I buy my chicken already cut up to save time, or you can follow the recipe as is. Sitting at my desk today, there was somebody local (I could have sniffed them out if I had the time) who was cooking a BBQ and there were onions and possible sausages involved.....I almost had a Pepe Le Pew moment where I could have floated along following my nose to find the origin. And so, it got me inspired for this weeks recipe, because I do so love a good BBQ meal. This recipe is one that I have used many times and its a complete 'no-brainer'.....easy as 1..2..3...
Ingredients (serves 8)
- 2 x 1.3kg whole fresh chickens
- 2 small red onions, coarsely grated
- 2 bunches fresh oregano, leaves picked, chopped
- 2 tbs finely grated lemon rind
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 long fresh green chillies, seeded, finely chopped
- 80ml (1/3 cup) olive oil
- Olive oil, to grease
- Fresh oregano sprigs (optional), to serve
Method
- Rinse 1 chicken inside and out under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towel. Place, breast-side down, on a clean work surface. Use sharp kitchen scissors to cut along either side of the backbone. Discard backbone. Turn the chicken and open. Press to flatten. Place in a glass or ceramic dish. Repeat with the remaining chicken. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the onion, chopped oregano, lemon rind, garlic, chilli and oil in a bowl. Spread the mixture over the chickens. Set aside for 10 minutes to marinate.
- Preheat a barbecue flat plate on high. Brush with oil. Cook the chickens, skin-side down, on barbecue for 10 minutes or until browned. Turn and cook for a further 15 minutes or until cooked through.
- Cut into pieces and place on a serving platter. Top with oregano sprigs, if desired.
HOORAH!!...ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY...LET'S GET IN THE SPIRIT!
Needless to say, if you are going to have a Riddling Rack in your home, then logically you need to fill it with Champagne....or 'spaaaaaaarkling'...as we have to call it here in Aus. Anyway it will always be Champagne to me, especially if it has those magical words 'Methode Champenoise' on the bottle (which translates to made by the Champagne Method).
This weeks cocktail recipe is 'A Goodnight Kiss' and I can guarantee that if you have a few of these, you will be getting more than just a kiss...nod, nod...wink..wink. This cocktail recipe impresses with its looks, but is very easy to put together and you dont need a cupboard full of ingredients either.
A GOODNIGHT KISS
INGREDIENTS:
4 oz Champagne
1 splash of Campari
1 sugar cube
1 drop of Angostura bitters
METHOD:
Place a drop of the Angostura Bitters on a sugar cube and drop into the Champagne. Add Champagne and a splash of Campari....voila!
The only drinking participation requirement with this one is to wear pink....ideally a hat.
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"I shut my eyes in order to see".....Paul Gauguin
Wishing you all a great weekend. Its supposed to be drizzly here in Brisbane, but you would never know!!...sun is shining and its been a gorgeous day. Be sure to pop in and say hi on Saturday and snaffle up one of those Riddling Racks before they all go...Dad will just love it! We also have our Moroccan lanterns on sale at half price...which is crazy because they are simply exquisite and a piece of history too. In fact, all our accessories are from 30 to 50% off the marked price, so you can get something for Dad and something for yourself! Thank you to everyone who has crossed our path this week...'twas a pleasure.
Until next week....xxx
