TAAAH DAAAHHHH...OUR NEW PREMISES LOCATION FINALLY UNVEILED...FAREWELL TO LIZ...SAVINGS TO KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF...OUR SALE CONTINUES....LONDON LOOKS WE LOVE!..CHICKEN, CHICKPEA AND AVOCADO SALAD AND MOSEYING ALONG WITH A MIDNIGHT COWBOY! HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL....xxx

IS MOVING!!

....AND WE ARE EXCITED TO SHARE THE DETAILS WITH YOU....

Well it took a few weeks to cross the 'T-s' and dot the 'I-s' so we do apologise for not being able to divulge this information a bit sooner....but finally we can reveal our new premises location and further details with you.

We are moving to a new and exciting building, where we can offer our valued customers the comfort and convenience of On Site Car Parking, and Air Conditioning.  It will be hard to leave the building that holds so many great memories for us, but after much feedback from our clients we felt it necessary to relocate to a building where car parking was easy and convenient.  

We look forward to welcoming our valued customers to:

59 Doggett Street NEWSTEAD......(just down the road!)  

This week, we couldn't wait to get our hands on the keys to the new building!

Here's Cathie and Colette opening the doors for the first time. 

We had a glass of Bollinger each and started getting stuck into plans for the new space.

Jen, Colette and Cathie celebrate with a glass of Bolly!  Cheers to exciting times to come.

 Be sure to Watch This Space, as we keep you updated weekly on our move to number 59 Doggett Street.

 

AND WE SAID GOODBYE TO ELIZABETH....

The end of an era this week with the passing of screen siren great Elizabeth Taylor.  In her hey-day Liz was a real style icon with her stunning eyes and natural beauty.  Her timeless beauty carried her through to the end, and although she was also famous for her many marriages, with two to Richard Burton, we would like to remember her as a woman of style and tireless campaigner for AIDS research when it was not so trendy to do so.

...LOOKS WE LOVE...

The girls found inspiration this week in this gorgeous home owned by Kerry Warn and Antoni Burakowski.  Originally from the Western Australia township of Mount Barker, Kerry's remarkable career has spanned more than 40 years and countless moves as Nicole Kidman's personal hair stylish including such movies as Eyes Wide Shut, The Hours and Cold Mountain.  Understandably so, before the heady lure of the film sets won out, Warn began his working life as a trainee in an downtown Perth salon.  He then moved to London in the early seventies.  Kerry now lives with Antoni in this stunning Georgian style terrace home in London and is a home of countless and carefully edited artefacts, antiques and classics from Georgian dressers to 1930's bureaux and salvaged theatre doors.  

Photograph via Australian Vogue Living Jan/Feb 2010

Such an eclectic mix of styles and textures that completely works in balance and harmony together.

Our Relocation Sale continues with huge reductions off of our showroom stock.  Charcoal Interiors has built their name and reputation around supplying only quality pieces, and we are thrilled to be able to present these sale items to you.  That much admired piece could be yours this weekend, so do not hesitate to either call into the showroom at 18 Doggett Street Fortitude Valley, or contact us via phone 07 38526002 or email via our website contact form at www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

Just a small example of the range of savings to be had on quality items, we present to you the European label Holili outdoor furniture range, with a special pricing for our Relocation Sale on the Quadro 2 Seater Sun Bed Plus!..the Padded Ottoman which is very versatile as you can either have the padding on top of the Ottoman or inside to create a hard surface for placing drinks etc...so it doubles as a coffee table.  Holili is of the utmost quality and style.  Think of the relaxing afternoons spent lounging on the Sun Bed.  And when the weather gets too hot...just pull over the canopy.

Pricing on this setting was already very reasonable for the calibre of product at $3625...now brought down to just $2600!  And that's for both pieces including the canopy, cushioning..etc....

Sophisticated, Stylish and crafted using Loose Covers for easy and convenient maintenance, the 'Boas' sofa in white is super comfortable and suitable to a range of different home interior applications.  Curl up with a book and sink into this gorgeous sofa.  Reduced from $3500 down to just $1500!

Since 1985, Le Forge has created original, beautifully crafted, hand forged furniture and decorator items from our own manufacturing studio.

An authentic Le Forge product gives you a truly unique individual piece, created with close attention to design detail, quality and finish.

We are fortunate to offer this gorgeous Bakers Stand by Le Forge originally at $3800 down to $1500!  Those who appreciate true quality and superior craftsmanship will acknowledge that this is a genuine bargain to be had.

We look forward to welcoming you through our showroom doors over the coming weeks as we prepare to relocate to number 59 Doggett Street.  Stock must go.  Do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance.  

LET'S EAT....SEASONAL PRODUCE

The great thing about eating fruit and vegetables that are in season is that they are fresh and high in their vitamin and mineral content, but also affordable (usually...f and v have been quite expensive here in Brisbane due to the flooding).  However, Avocados are in season, plentiful and affordable.  

Avocado has recently been described as the complete food.  Packed into that glossy green skin is a little gem of a food high in protein, great for the skin (in fact you can mash it up and put it on your skin for a great pick me up facial) assists in protecting the liver, acts as a powerful antioxidant, aids in lowering cholesterol and much more.

This week we bring to you a recipe that is jam packed full of goodness and tastes terrific too....wont cost the earth to make, or take too much time out of your busy day.

CHICKEN, CHICKPEA AND AVOCADO SALAD 

Cooking Time

15 minutes

Ingredients (serves 4)

• olive oil cooking spray
• 700g chicken breast fillets, trimmed
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 400g can chickpeas, rinsed, drained
• 1 medium avocado, halved, thinly sliced
• 80g baby rocket leaves
• 1 small red onion, halved, thinly sliced
• 12 basil leaves, shredded
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 garlic clove, crushed

Method

1. Preheat a barbecue plate or chargrill on medium-high heat. Place chicken in a glass dish. Spray both sides with oil. Sprinkle with cumin and turn to coat. Season with salt. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes each side or until browned and cooked through. Remove to a plate. Cover with foil and set aside for 5 minutes to rest. Slice across the grain into 1cm-thick pieces.
2. Place chickpeas, avocado, rocket, onion, basil and chicken in a bowl. Season with pepper.
3. Combine lime juice and garlic in a jug. Pour over salad. Toss to combine. Divide salad between plates. Serve.
   
   
   COCKTAIL FRIDAY
   
   
   
   
   Elizabeth Taylor had her own demons to contend with...and dont we all!  She used drinking to cocoon herself from the pressures of fame.  Her favourite cocktail was the Midnight Cowboy, a heady concoction not for the faint of heart...and how she kept her gorgeous shape after drinking these for an extended period of time we will never know!  Trust us....this is a heart starter and will curl yer cowboy boots for sure.
   
   
   
   
   Kick back with your Midnight Cowboy and pop on any old Black and White movie of your choice...some recommendations are: John Waynes - The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance....The Good The Bad and the Ugly....or Maureen O'Hara and John Waynes classic 'Rio Grande'.  What about the all time favourite and cocktails namesake...Midnight Cowboy?
   
   
   
   MIDNIGHT COWBOY RECIPE
   
   
   
   INGREDIENTS
   
   
   2 oz bourbon whiskey
   1 oz dark rum
   1/2 oz heavy cream 
   METHOD
   Combine ingredients in a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, shake well, and strain into a cocktail glass.
   Wishing you all a fabulous Friday afternoon and weekend!  To leave you with the words of the late great Elizabeth Taylor which struck a chord with us today:

   "It is very strange that the years teach us patience - that the shorter our time, the greater our capacity for waiting".
   Elizabeth Taylor

   

    
4. 
   

   
   

GLAMMING IT UP...EASY WAYS TO ADD INSTANT GLAMOUR...OUR ESCAPE WITH CHOCOLATE...TALKING TURKEY WITH THE ISKENDER KEBAB...MORE ON OUR HUGE SALE...UP TO 50% OFF! HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL FROM THE CHARCOAL TEAM...xxx

....GLAM IT UP....

Last week we promised to bring you some very stylish and glamorous homes.  There's something about that word glamour that conjures up mental images of gorgeous gowns, captivating design and elegant homes filled with sophisticated and classic furniture, sumptuous fabrics and of course the ever compulsory dazzling chandelier or two!

"When I think of of glamour, I think of the strength of Katharine Hepburn in a black turtleneck and black pants with a red scarf thrown around her neck, or the exquisite unpretentiousness of Audrey Hepburn in Capri pants, ballet flats and a white shirt."

"Glamour is at the intersection of timelessness, simplicity, originality and unqualified confidence in good taste."

Jan Showers...Author of 'Glamorous Rooms'

Easy Ways to Glam it Up

With a Chandelier

Add some sumptuously decadent cushions to a classic chair

Or with a mirror.

Or try some amazing wallpaper, like this one by Unique Fabrics from their Metal and Glass Collection

OUR SALE CONTINUES!

OUR MOVING SALE CONTINUES WITH DISCOUNTS OF UP TO 50%!

Moroccan Lanterns in various sizes up to 50% off!

Belgian Glassware and French Limoges Porcelain Dinnerware 50% off!

Hand Painted 19^th Century Shanxi Provincial Cabinet was $4,950 now $3,995!

Stunning Staghorn Chandelier was $2,600 now $1,900!

Rustic Recycled Blackbutt Timber Table 4.5 metres in length was $13,500 now $8,995!

Jardan Enzo Sofa including European Fabric Cushions Was $10,500 now $8,400!

St Christole Reclaimed French Oak Timber Table with Parquetry top and Forged Iron Base was $15,985 now $13,500!

TALKING TURKEY

This week, we had a surplus of lamb in the freezer, so I dug out this really tasty recipe for Iskender Kebab.  Its a traditional Turkish recipe that is really easy to prepare.  Dont be too worried about the prep time because this includes marinating.  You can prepare in the morning before work, and then cook it up when you get home.  I like being able to use ingredients that are pretty much staple at home to create something quite exotic.  Give this one a go over the weekend and let us know what you think.

ISKENDER KEBABS

Preparation Time

30 - 150 minutes

Cooking Time

40 minutes

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 2 brown onions, coarsely grated
• 60ml (1/4 cup) fresh lemon juice
• 60ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
• 800g lamb eye of loin (backstrap), cut into 3cm pieces
• 260g (1 cup) Greek-style natural yoghurt
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/4 tsp chilli powder
• 375ml (1 1/2 cups) passata (tomato pasta sauce)
• 125ml (1/2 cup) water
• 1 x 400g loaf Turkish bread
• 2 tomatoes, halved
• 4 long fresh green chillies
• Shredded iceberg lettuce, to serve
• Bought tabouli, to serve (available at the supermarket deli section)...or you could use couscous with some fresh herbs tossed through and a squeeze of lemon.

LIFE IS FOR LIVING...AND COCKTAILS!  HAPPY FRIDAY!

This is going on the Christmas/Birthday list....the Cyclone Cocktail Shaker...how cool!! 

The automated Cyclone Cocktail Shaker creates a mini tornado of ingredients as it blends your drink of choice in it’s clear mixing container. Mixing up to 16-ounces at a time this looks to be a great conversation piece for any geeks wet bar. I want one!

THE 'CHOCOLATE ESCAPE' COCKTAIL

Had a hard week?  Feel like you need to ease yourself into the weekend with a treat just for you?  Then try our Chocolate Escape Cocktail.  It really is just so easy to make and a treat to drink...you wont want to stop at the one!  Kick off your shoes, put the feet up....perhaps a bit of Nora Jones on the stereo...'Come Away With Me' would be the preferred song selection....take a deep breath and enjoy!  You deserve it.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp of chocolate spread (like Nutella)
• 1 espresso coffee
• 25ml rum
• 30ml coffee liquor
• 15ml caramel syrup
• 40ml fresh double cream.

METHOD

1. Gently lay the chocolate spread on the bottom of a martini glass. Pour a freshly made espresso on top.

2. Shake the rest of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill up the glass.

3. Sprinkle chocolate powder on top to garnish.

DELICIOUS!

Wishing you all a very happy weekend...enjoy...relax and most importantly...have fun!

Until next week....

THE AUTUMN LEAVES DRIFT BY MY WINDOW....VOGUE LIVING INSPIRATIONS...AUTUMN STYLE..MAXI SKIRTS & BOOTS...OUR YOUNGEST CHARCOAL VISITORS...APARTMENT DILEMMAS...MORE ON OUR RELOCATION SALE...THE BELLA IS BACK!!...CHICKPEA AND CHORIZO STEW TO WARM YOUR HEART...AND YEEEEOWWZA...ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY...HELLO HARVEY WALLBANGER!! HAPPY FRIDAY!

GOODBYE SUMMER....HELLO AUTUMN!  CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??

OK, OK...I know that time flies and all that, but seriously this year is zooming along waaaaay too quickly for our liking.  I cant believe we are into March already and the start of Autumn.  Although here in Brisbane you would never know it because 'muggy' and 'hot' have been the order of the day.  

 Vogue Livings take on Autumn...love french console doubling as wood storage space...

Still, its nice to have Autumn and the cooler months to look forward to.  Bring on the weekend trips up the mountain for wine by the fireplace, soups and casseroles....mental note: 'must dig out slow cooker from the depths of our kitchen cupboard'....coats, jeans and most importantly....BOOTS! 

AUTUMN/WINTER STYLE & FASHION 2011

As the weeks go on we will be highlighting style and fashion  that we LOVE for Autumn/Winter...there is a lot to get through, so here is a little bit of a teaser to start with.

We are LOVING the Maxi Skirt for Autumn/Winter.  Worn almost 'skirting' (pun intended) the floor, or just above the ankle, the maxi skirt is this seasons essential wardrobe item.  

How to wear the Maxi Skirt and not look like a schoolteacher? Follow a few simple rules and you will be maxi skirt empowered in no time!  This new hem length is a welcome alternative to the panic-inducing miniskirts of late — not only do they cover a multitude of sins; they are also an easy piece to throw on for work that will transition easily from summer to winter. However there are a few guidelines to help you pull it from frumpy to fabulous.  

Firstly, heels are a must.  Demure pumps will elongate your silhouette while also lending to a ladylike and polished look for work and evening, or try wedges for a modern, daytime feel.

Avoid wearing heavy layers on top. Instead, keep it simple and fresh with a T-shirt for the weekend, or a silk or chiffon blouse for easy glamour. Add a pop of colour or a statement print on the top if you are bottom heavy, and once the colder weather sets in, team it with a slouchy jumper, belted around the waist for a defined figure, or try a slim fit cardigan.  We also love the skirt style teamed with a structured jacket..  Oh...and dont forget the boot!  The ankle boot will be 'this' years must have....great with skirts, dresses and jeans.  Even Jen who is a tad 'heel-shy' will be investing in a pair!

Look for styles in the sheer with inlay to cover up and keep it from looking 'lingerie'.  A great night time 'maxi' look as well.

OUR VISITORS

This week, we had some great people through the showroom doors.  Lots of new customers too!  The Sale signs are drawing people in, and we have had so many people enquiring as to where we are relocating to.  Once we have all the 'T's' crossed we will be able to divulge the new locale.

Sometimes it can be hard to follow Mum and Dad around the shops.  Today we kept cute little Max entertained with our Block Set.  He was super chuffed at his 'Big Boat' Block Construction, and Mum was happy to be able to browse the showroom and make a few decisions on which piece was going to work in the home space.

Thanks Max for being such a well behaved and charming young man.

'Max' and his handiwork

APARTMENT DILEMMAS

We try to accommodate our clients home furniture needs as much as we possibly can, to the point where the Charcoal Creative Team will actually go the lengths of designing a piece of furniture to suit.  The latest project for the girls was a tough one.  How to fit a table to seat 12 into an inner city apartment lift?  The average apartment lift well dimensions just do not accommodate a large table such as this, but our client loved to entertain in a big way, so what to do??

After careful planning and consultancy with the client, the girls and our Charcoal Interiors Craftsman came up with a design that was both practical and stunning to the eye.  

The 'Camelot'

Crafted using reclaimed hardwood, this table splits in two and then disassembles into 5 separate pieces for easy transportation into the lift.  Our customers are finding that the Charcoal Design Team are not limited in their thinking....and that anything is possible if you have the right people behind you with the skills and foresight.  The table was so popular that we have had another one made.  It arrived in this week and is now on the floor ready for a new home.

RELOCATION SALE!

Everything Must Go...and we are serious!

Before heading to our beautiful new premises, we need to clear stock from the Showroom.  Come and see the huge discounts on our stunning custom made Dining Table range, Chairs, Occasional Tables, Mirrors, Lighting, Japanese and Asian Cabinetry, Altar Tables, Homewares and Accessories and so much more!

JUST ARRIVED!!...More of the Beautiful Bella Chandelier....Be Quick!  She will be going...going..gone!  Our biggest selling Chandelier, the Bella is a combination of class and romanticism to suit many interior applications.  Ask the girls for more information.  They will be happy to assist.

...............................................................

CHORIZO AND CHICKPEA STEW

Part of the anticipation of the cooler change of season is the eagerly awaited opportunity to break out the slow cooker for some comfort food sessions.  This week we tried the Chorizo and Chickpea stew which was really easy to make and tasted exceptionally good!  Stir in some baby spinach right at the end (it will wilt quickly) for a bit of greens and ever important vitamins.  Yum, yum!

Ingredients (serves 3)

• 1 tbs olive oil
• 250g piece pancetta, cut into 1cm cubes
• 2 chorizo sausages, sliced
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 red capsicum, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 large potato, peeled, cut into 1.5cm cubes, cooked for 2-3 minutes until almost tender
• 400g can chickpeas, rinsed, drained
• 1/2 cup (125ml) dry white wine
• 600ml tomato passata (found in pasta aisle)
• 1/2 cup (125ml) chicken stock
• 1 tbs chopped flat-leaf parsley
• Crusty bread, to serve

Method

1. Heat oil in a casserole or large, deep frypan over medium-high heat. Cook pancetta and chorizo, turning, for 2-3 minutes until starting to crisp. Remove and drain on paper towel. Drain excess oil and fat, leaving 2 tbs in pan.
2. Return the pan to medium heat. Add the onion and capsicum and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened. Return the pancetta and chorizo to the pan with the garlic and oregano. Stir for a further minute, then add the potatoes, chickpeas, wine, passata and stock. Season, bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low and cook for a further 10 minutes or until the sauce has reduced and thickened. Garnish with parsley and serve with crusty bread.
   
   
   Note: this recipe is also great in the slow cooker.  Let it bubble away quietly for up to 6 hours while you are at work or shopping etc...too easy

 THE HARVEY WALLBANGER

Are you ready for a little Retro Inspired Imbibing for today?  I know we were this week.  

The origin of the Harvey Wallbanger is a matter shrouded in mystery, but at least two prominent theories exist. The first is that it was created by a bartender by the name of Bill Doner at a bar called The Office in Newport Beach, California. While this explanation is simple and easy to believe, many prefer the popular legend which holds that it was named after a surfer from Manhattan Beach near Los Angeles. 

This version states that the surfer, named Harvey, enjoyed the cocktail known as a screwdriver, which is vodka and orange juice, spiked with Galliano liqueur. After a particularly difficult day in which he lost an important surfing competition, he is said to have consumed one too many of his favorite drink. When he finally did leave the bar, he was so inebriated that he tripped and stumbled into some furniture and a wall before making his way out the door. He was a regular at the bar, and when he came back the next time, he found he had already earned the nickname "Harvey Wallbanger," hence the name of the drink.
 

 And now to make one of your own.  To really get in the mood for this one, we suggest sitting down with re-runs of Californication whilst sipping this deliciously decadent brew.....enjoy!

Preparation Time

5 minutes

Makes

6

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 12 thin orange slices
• 1L (4 cups) fresh orange juice
• 180ml vodka
• 90ml Galliano liqueur

Method

1. Place a few ice cubes in six serving glasses.
2. Divide the orange slices, orange juice, vodka and Galliano among the glasses. Stir to combine. Serve immediately.

 ......................................................

After another huge week, its time to say Happy Weekend to all.  Until next weeks blog where we will be checking out more style faves, and we have some gorgeous Glamorous Rooms to share with you!

...until then...  

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

OUR OSCAR PARTY...SEARCHING FOR KATHARINE HEPBURN...MORE ON OUR SALE..SALE..SALE!...BOTTOMS UP TO THE SIDECAR AND DIVINE BLINI AND SALMON SNACKS JUST FOR YOU! HAPPY FRIDAY AND THE WINNER IS.......???

I miss the old fashioned glamour, intrigue and mystique of the Oscars.  I feel my age with the fact that I dont really know who this years Oscar hosts (being held this coming week in LA) are??  

When I think of the Oscars, I think of fashion and glamorous gowns flowing, handsome and stylish actors in Tuxedos, beautiful augmentation free actresses resplendant in their own beauty and not needing much more than a good 'up-do' to look completely stunning....oh how I wish life was just one long Mad Men series....

For me, the Oscars will always be Katharine Hepburn.  Hepburn holds the record for the most Best Actress Oscar wins with four out of 12 nominations. In 1999, she was ranked by the American Film Institute as the greatest female star in the history of American cinema.  I will never forget her final speech up on the Oscars stage.  

It was rumoured that she had succumbed to Parkinsons Disease in her later years because of the characteristic head shaking, but this was untrue and according to the lady herself "I inherited my shaking head from my grandfather Hepburn. I discovered that whisky helps stop the shaking. Problem is, if you're not careful, it stops the rest of you too. My head just shakes, but I promise you, it ain't gonna fall off!"

Hepburn started wearing long high-waisted pants before it was fashionable to do so.

  Playing strong independent women with minds of their own.

She was a woman of style with a lot of brassiness thrown in for balance.  We celebrate her for her strength and non-conformist character.  As in her own words....'If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun'. 

Enjoy our Oscars Party food and cocktail suggestions below in our weekly Cocktail Friday section....plus!  The best Blini with Salmon and Mascarpone to munch on with your friends whilst watching the Academy dramas unfold! Who will wear the most hideous dress this year?....and horror of horrors..who will wear the same dress!!??

OUR RELOCATION SALE CONTINUES 

Last weekend, we literally had items running out the door...and thats no exaggeration!  This weekend is set to be no different.  Please be sure to pop in and say hi...check out all the beautiful pieces that we have on offer at truly discounted prices.  That much admired piece could finally be yours!

 Castor Coffee Table

 The Beautiful 'Mona' Table

 The 'Enzo' Sofa...drastically reduced to sell

 Our stunning 'Lola' Sofa in sumptuous velvet fabric...must sell!

Louis Ghost Chair...selected items on sale now

The 'Boas' Loose Cover Sofa.  Drastic price reduction. Must Sell!

 Moroccan Lanterns....An eclectic mix of styles now on Sale!

 Reductions off all our Lighting range, including this beautiful example of new and old combined to craft a stunning chandelier.  Now on Sale!

Our 3 Piece Outdoor Setting Range now on Sale!

While not quite as high-pressure as a walk down the red carpet on Oscar night, a party in honor of the 82nd Academy Awards just won't be complete without the perfect hors d'oeuvres.

Get fancy with this super easy recipe.  The little pikelets can be whisked up in a flash and once done, the toppings only take about 10 minutes to put together.  Pop in the fridge and wait for the pseudo celebs to arrive!

Makes

24

Ingredients (serves 8)

• 1/3 cup buckwheat flour
• 1/4 cup plain flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 25g butter, melted
• olive oil cooking spray
• 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
• 100g smoked salmon, thickly sliced
• fresh dill sprigs and lemon zest, to serve

Method

1. Sift flours and baking powder into a bowl. Gradually whisk in egg and buttermilk until smooth. Stir in butter.
2. Spray a large frying pan with oil. Heat over medium-high heat. Using 2 teaspoons mixture per blini, cook 6 blini for 2 minutes each side or until browned. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Repeat to make 24 blini.
3. Combine mascarpone, lemon juice and chopped dill in a bowl. Place blini on a platter. Spread each with 1 teaspoon mascarpone mixture. Top with salmon and dill sprigs. Sprinkle with lemon zest. Serve.

COCKTAIL FRIDAY

Get your glam on this February 27th for the 83rd Annual Oscars night and imbibe in one this 1930's cocktail classic...the Side Car.  Pop your best vintage frock on...pinch your cheeks...relax and enjoy the festivities of the evening.  Grab a bunch of friends and create your own night of nights!

The Sidecar
1 measure Cointreau
1 measure brandy/cognac
1 measure lemon juice
Shake with ice and strain into sugar-rimmed cocktail (martini) glass and garnish with a strip of lemon rind.

Until next week.....enjoy your Oscars soiree...Here's fingers crossed that our super talented and ever young Jackie Weaver gets the statue for best actress for her role in Animal Kingdom.  If she wins...well you will hear me screaming with happiness!

And before we sign off the blog for the week, here's me being self indulgent again and another pic from the vineyard wedding of me and Pete the Greek...this one though just says...peace, tranquility and rest...love it!  Taken from the marquee looking over the vineyard in SA!

A VINEYARD WEDDING...WE ARE ON THE MOVE AND OUR BIG SALE IS ON!...ZUCCHINI AND RICOTTA PIZZA AND LOVING THE CAIPIRINHA! HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL!

A WEDDING IN THE VINEYARD...AND INTRODUCING THE NEWEST MRS VENARDOS

Last weekend for the first time ever, Charcoal Interiors closed its doors for the whole weekend.  And the reason?  The wedding of Jen to Pete the Greek down in South Australia.

A gorgeous day was had with a select group of friends and family celebrating love and friendship in the beautiful setting of Jens brothers and sister-in-laws vineyard.  The sun shone, champagne flowed and laughter filtered through the Fleurieu.

...CHARCOAL INTERIORS IS MOVING...

And so, its back into it this week with our BIGGEST Sale yet!  We are on the move and the new address will be revealed next week.

Until then we are run off our feet with our sale and marking down every single product in the showroom.  So that means all tables, chairs, pots, accessories, lighting, Asian cabinetry, altar tables and so much more are marked down to in some cases, ridiculous prices.  

Even our beloved 'Charlie' is up for sale!

We have quality Australian made sofas marked down to below cost price.  We have sold beautiful sofas from these ones on display, but we cant take them with us and they have to go. 

Empire Sofa. Australian Made. Was $9,975 Now $5,900 which is under cost price.

Our beautiful Enzo Sofa. Australian Made. Sumptuous Quality fabric. Was $10,500 Now $8,400

The Boas loose cover sofa.  A gorgeous sofa that would look amazing in a beach house or casual setting....classic elegance.  Was $3,500 now marked right down to $1,990.

Japanese chests have been reduced by up to 40%.  Our quality accessories are all marked down to sell.  So much stock needs to go, so please be sure to come in and grab a bargain.  That unique piece you have had your eye on for a while now, may just well be available and at a price that will surprise you.  But be quick!  We put the signs out this morning and already have been flat out keeping up with sales.  Next week, we will have all the details on our beautiful tables (or whats left of them...).  The discounts are substantial and the quality amazing.

CHARGRILLED ZUCCHINI AND RICOTTA PIZZA

Zucchini is packed with Vitamin C and just so good for you.  Its a great versatile vegetable, perfect in flans and quiches. You can even tempura the flowers.

Makes great fritters or just slice it up into fingers and bbq with a squeeze of lemon and tossing of salt and pepper.  Zucchini is in season at the moment, so its fresh and affordable.  The smaller the zucchini, the sweeter the flavour.  The big ones are perfect for stuffing.  Just cut the top off, hollow out the seeds and pulp and then pack with breadcrumbs, herbs, sundried tomatoes, chopped capsicum etc...also great with couscous. Wrap with foil and cook in a moderate oven, then slice. The possibilities are endless with zucchini.  Heres a really ease and tasty recipe for Chargrilled Zucchini and Ricotta Pizza.

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 1 large green zucchini, ends trimmed, sliced lengthways
• 1 large yellow zucchini, ends trimmed, sliced lengthways
• 1 tbs olive oil, plus extra for brushing
• 1/3 quantity pizza dough (see related recipe)
• 70g (1/4 cup) green olive tapenade
• 100g (1 cup) grated mozzarella
• 250g fresh ricotta, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh rosemary sprigs

Method

1. Preheat oven to 240°C. Preheat a chargrill pan on high. Brush the zucchini with half the oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook one-quarter of the zucchini for 1-2 minutes each side or until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate. Repeat in 3 more batches with remaining zucchini.
2. Brush a baking tray with oil. Roll out a dough portion on a lightly floured surface to a 25 x 35cm rectangle. Place on the prepared tray. Spread the tapenade evenly over the base. Sprinkle over the mozzarella. Arrange the zucchini slices, in a criss-cross pattern, over the base. Dot the ricotta randomly over the zucchini. Sprinkle with the rosemary and drizzle with the remaining oil. Season with pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into wedges to serve.
   
   
   
   

 COCKTAIL FRIDAY IS HERE....

Hello....Caipirinha!

The Caipirinha, designated the National Cocktail of Brazil, has simple ingredients: limes, Cachaca, superfine sugar and crushed ice. I've seen other fruits substituted, such as strawberries and cherries, but to me the real thing is a lime Caipirinha.  Aaaaahhhhh Lime...have we mentioned before how much we love lime??

This is actually one of the easiest cocktails to make, which can be a good thing and a bad thing at the same time...easy to make...easy to drink and away we go for another round!

INGREDIENTS

You will need:

• Cachaca
• Limes
• Superfine sugar
• Crushed ice
• A "lowball", "rocks" or "Old-Fashioned" glass
• A pestle (from a mortar and pestle -- or something similar) for the muddling

METHOD

1. Cut the ends off of the lime and discard.
2. Cut the lime in half lengthwise and cut out the white pith in the middle.
3. Cut the lime in half, and cut one half of the lime into four wedges and place in the glass. If your lime is small, you will need to add more lime to the glass.
4. Add one to three tablespoons of sugar. The amount of sugar depends on your personal taste as well as the size of the lime you are using.
5. Use the pestle to "muddle" the limes and sugar together. Basically, you want to crush the limes so that they mix in well with the sugar. Be careful not to break the skin of the lime. When you've gotten all of the juice out of the lime, you're done.
6. Pack crushed ice in the glass all the way to the top.
7. Add cachaca all the way to the top of the glass. (It's really only about 2 oz.)
8. Use a larger glass or bottom of a cocktail shaker and put it over the top of your drink. Pick up with two hands and shake very well for at least 15 seconds.
9. Garnish with a wedge or slice of lime.
10. Drink...and enjoy the best caipirinha!

HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL...enjoy your weekend.  Its going to be a hot one here in Brisbane, so keep cool with a Caipirinha and come in for some COOL bargains.  We have some truly unique and stunningly beautiful pieces for your home.  Once they are gone...that's it.  In some cases you can own a piece of history for a song.  Please stop by over the weekend.  We are open Saturday and Sunday. Until next week! xx

Cathie, Colette and Jen (Mrs Venardos...hehe...)