NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE FAIR
Well, if it wasn't enough turning various shades of green hearing all about Caths recent trip to New York City, this week we got the full rundown on the Trade Show that she attended...The ICFF...or International Contemporary Furniture Fair.
The Fair is North Americas premier showcase for Contemporary Furniture and Design and Cath spent the day cruising the aisles of this incredible up to the moment exhibition. Here's some snaps and insights into her day at the Fair.
Cruising down the what seemed infinite rows of inspiring design....
Cath was especially inspired by the new concepts in lighting. The above range by At Labo, Japanese designed...Is it a Lamp...or a puzzle? Triangular pieces of light natural plywood are arranged just the way you like them to create your own light. If you get tired of your shape, easy, just rearrange it into a brand new style! Illuminate your room AND unleash your creative power....brilliant.
Elegant...divine...and so very NYC.
Not really befitting the Charcoal doctrine, but stunning in their own right...
....all a-flutter over this wallpaper...love, love, love!
Cath was particularly impressed with 'Amuneal' Manufacturing Corporation specialising in commercial installations and retail fitouts. Their use of recycled elements within new design utilising recycled timber and iron in conjunction with their manufacturing and the balance between the old and new to create stunning pieces enamoured Cath to the point where she sought out more of their work on Saks Fifth Avenue.
Heres the link below to their website and projects...some of which are an architectural miracle..check out the staircase!
....and above..this 'Blue Room' constructed from paper honeycomb structures by 'Molo'....100% recyclable and due to the design has surprisingly great strength.
'Must Have' rugs by 'Golran'
...and then there's this display which takes Contemporary to whole new lengths...hmmmm...wondering where the light switch is for that lamp....hehe...
And so the trend for the Fair seemed to be very much Japanese and Dutch inspired. Cath was also keen to check out the new design additions in dining tables. The word is lots of galvanised iron and timber that seems to be the trend. After a mental comparison between what we do with our gorgeous Custom Made table range and what's on offer in the world of design, Cath walked away from the showcase feeling quite chuffed with our designs and craftsmanship.
More from the New York Showcase in coming weeks.....
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OUT AND ABOUT.....AT BUCCI on JAMES STREET
Word on the streets here in the Valley precinct is that the new place to wine and dine is 'Buccis' Italian restaurant...and because I dont like missing out on anything decided to give the new digs a go.
Photo via Good Food Guide
Located on James Street directly opposite Valley stalwart Cru Bar, Buccis is super schmick with its Italo-contemporary decor and 'authentic' Italian staff....which does help bring bona-fide romance to the restaurant.
The wine list was quite substantial and very true to the theme with extensive Italian regionals and varietals plus a smattering of quality Aussie additions. My friends went for the Chianti but I like more punch in my reds so went for the Mr Riggs Shiraz (local) which is always a winner and never disappoints no matter the Vintage.
I had the Char-grilled octopus salad of avocado, pickled fennel, tomato and herbs and it was deliciously light and flavoursome...you know you enjoyed a meal when you keep thinking about when you are going to have it next!
We finished the meal (lunch) with the Frangelico Affogato.
All up, we enjoyed our experience at Bucci's. Although there were a few hiccups with our order, the wait staff were very attentive and helpful (and hey...everyone makes mistakes!...so no big deal). The only small criticism is that I felt there was a lack of atmosphere...couldn't quite by my finger on it, but there just seemed to be a lack of cosiness afforded unlike most Italian restaurants I have been to. Still, they are just new kids on the block and of course we will be back as soon as possible for more of that divine salad!
Like to check out Bucci? Here's the link to their website with menus etc...
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PERSIMMON....A LITTLE BALL OF SUNSHINE!
When I was a child (no...after the wheel was invented thank you very much!) my Mum used to love Persimmons...then we moved to the country and started up an Organic farm where we used to grow them ourselves. Mum was in heaven with the access to fresh Persimmons.
Persimmon originated in Japan and have a texture rather like a tomato. Persimmons are available at the grocers right now, but will be coming into the end of their season soon, so get in there and try a delicious Persimmon. For now, we have included a delicious and easy recipe using Persimmon and combining with watercress, walnuts and our all time fave cheese Gorgonzola. Delicious. Enjoy!
Did you know....?
- A sweet persimmon contains twice the dietary fibre of an apple and higher levels of many minerals and antioxidants
- Persimmons are a good source of vitamin C and beta carotene
- High in fibre and fat free
Persimmon and watercress salad with gorgonzola and toasted walnuts
Ingredients: (serves four)
·
2 sweet persimmons, cut in half and sliced
·
1 bunch of watercress
·
100g of gorgonzola or other mild blue cheese
·
50g walnuts
·
6 tbsp walnut oil
·
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
·
Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
·
Place walnuts onto a baking tray and toast
under the grill, turning occasionally.
·
Once walnuts are evenly toasted set aside to
cool.
·
Wash watercress, discard the bottoms of the
stokes and place in a colander to drain.
·
Wash and slice the persimmons, cut each half
into four to six slices.
·
Place watercress into a salad bowl, top with
persimmons, crumbled gorgonzola and toasted walnuts.
·
Drizzle with oil and vinegar, then season with
salt and pepper.
Would you like to know more about the Persimmon and also see some of their delicious recipes which are packed with flavour and also super healthy? Then click on the link below which will take you to Persimmons Australia! Support Australian Business and quality product.
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RELAX....UNWIND....ENJOY...ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY!
TRADITIONAL MAI TAI
(Tahitian translation...Out Of This World....)
Credit - Wikicommons c/- duluoz
Well, its always so nice when we get feedback from our readers and this week we want to thank Learn2serve bartending for their message about a story we ran months ago on Vodka Mai Tais. We had always made them with Vodka...probably because we were not much the fan of Rum...as my husband says...'Every time I drink Rum I get a blood nose'...and so we received a bit of feedback about the recipe we posted because traditionally Mai Tais are made with Rum and we wanted to share with you the cocktail recipe for this. We figured that since its the first day of Winter and soooo cold here that a spot of visualisation is in order...to another place...a warm, sunny place with palm trees, a hammock and an umbrella drink. The Mai Tai seems to fit the bill perfectly!
What you will need....
Ingredients:
- 1 oz light rum
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz orange curacao
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1 oz dark rum
- maraschino cherry for garnish
What to do.....?
Preparation:
- Pour all the ingredients except the dark rum into a shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake well.
- Strain into an old-fashioned glass half filled with ice.
- Top with the dark rum.
- Garnish with the cherry.
What next?.....drink it of course!....xx
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Something to ponder....because at times we just wonder 'why' we are not getting what we want...the answer of course is to give to others what we are lacking and then watch for the magic of receiving it all back tenfold....
Happy weekend everyone...laugh...love...live!
