With all the cooler weather we have had lately...I do so love Winter!...the girls have been busy fulfilling the visions of our clients looking to give their home that feel of 'sumptuousness'...and yes..its a word I checked...

With the weather being conducive to extra time at home curled up in front of the fire or heater, more and more we are finding our clients looking for direction and advice on defining their space...

The design team have been working with Lizzo fabrics of late and the below images will give you an idea of why.

To say that the range is completely delectable is an understatement.

All of the looks below can be achieved with guidance from our Design Team.

Call us today on 07 38526002 for all the details, or pop into the showroom, look through our project book and make an appointment....but in the meantime you can drool away on the following and draw inspiration....

Aberdeen collection above - Classic, Rich, Elegant and with a Folk Touch

The Java (above) Showcasing the ethnic mix and cultural melting pot that is Indonesia.

Aberdeen - Besarabia

We used Lizzo fabric for all cushioning on our Enzo sofa (above)

...and below...swooooon....Venus by Lizzo.."goodness, gracious me" as my Grandmother used to say....

Images c/- our friends at Unique

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WONDER WALL

In this months Belle Mag, you can find this newly renovated bayside Melbourne Apartment project with various trimmings by Andrew Martin, in particular this plush wall covering in 'Avalanche' fabric panels finishing of perfectly a room with both masculine and feminine elements.

We just love it and its available through Charcoal Interiors.  Call us to find out more:

07 38526002

Credit to Unique for Belle Mag exerpt.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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This week we have two divine recipes for you from our friends at 

'Gourmet Organic Herbs"

Gourmet Organic Herbs is committed to sourcing the highest quality herbs and spices from across the glove, all blended with care, to create an interesting range of certified organic culinary delights!

We have a terrific offer available to our facebook and blog readers.  Until the 1st of August 2012 if you order anything from the Gourmet Organic Herbs Online Store and enter the code of Charcoal1 you receive a huge 20% off your order.  There's herbs, rubs, dressings, vinegars and more..divine salt rubs for you Sunday roast too!

Just click on the link below:

Gourmet Organics Online Store

In the meantime we wanted to share this recipe for Cumin Dusted King George Whiting with Celeriac Remoulade....with celeriac being in season and widely available at the moment.

Cumin Dusted King George Whiting with Celeriac Remoulade 

This succulent recipe features our Cumin Seeds which you roast either in the oven or a dry fry pan to enhance their wonderful flavour.

Ingredients

8 king george 

whiting fillets

50g GOH Cumin Seeds

Roast Cumin seeds in a hot oven or dry frying

pan for two minutes.

Grind the seeds in a mortar and pestle, and

then sieve to achieve a fine powder. Sprinkle

this over your fillets of fish and then season with

salt and pepper.

Shallow-fry the fish for 30 seconds on each side

and then serve on a bed of celeriac remoulade

with wedges of lemon.

Celeriac Remoulade

1 large celeriac

1 egg yolk

1 tsp dijon mustard

Method

Whisk egg yolk, mustard, lemon juice and salt

and freshly cracked pepper together.

Slowly add the olive oil in a light drizzle action,

while continuing to whisk the mixture until you

get the consistency of a light mayonnaise.

Cut celeriac into very thin slices and then cut

into very thin strips again.

Combine the celeriac with the mayonnaise

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SPICE UP YOUR WINTER EVENING WITH THIS WARMING  MOCKTAIL

What better way to enjoy your winter evening with friends than over a Moroccan Mary Mocktail...too cold for cocktails you say??....Never!...and the Moroccan Mary with the addition of Cayenne Pepper makes for a warming and spicy drink....and...its healthy too....!  All boxes ticked with this one!

Moroccan Mary 

A spicy drink over ice containing our Ground Black Pepper, Ground Cumin, Turmeric, Cayenne Pepper and Ground Fennel Seeds.

Ingredients:

50 ml vodka

120ml tomato juice

15 ml lemon juice

1 tbsp. worcestershire sauce

Pinch each of: 

-celery salt, GOH Ground Black Pepper, 

GOH Ground Cumin, GOH Turmeric, 

GOH Cayenne Pepper, ground GOH

fennel seeds

The fun part....

Shake all ingredients very gently with ice

Strain over fresh ice into a highball glass

rimmed with celery salt.

Garnish with a stick of cucumber.

For more delicious recipes including further cocktails we invite you to click on the link below.  Dont forget to place your order using the special 20% discount code of Charcoal1 - offer available until 1st August 2012.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GOURMET ORGANIC HERBS

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Until next week....Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend!  We are closed on Monday due to the public holiday...Happy Birthday Lizzie!

Colette, Cathie and Jen...The Charcoal Team

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

CATH AND HER TRIP TO THE FAIR...IN NEW YORK CITY THANK YOU VERY MUCH! ALL THE LATEST IN DESIGN....OUT AND ABOUT AT BUCCI RESTAURANT ON JAMES ST....PERSIMMON - THE LITTLE BALL OF SUNSHINE...RUM MAI TAIS AND MORE!! ITS FRIDAY!

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!

Click here to find out more about Amuneal Manufacturing Corp.

....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.....

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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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...

Click here to find out more about Bucci Restaurant

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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.

Click Here To Be Taken To Persimmons Australia

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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:

1. Pour all the ingredients except the dark rum into a shaker with ice cubes.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into an old-fashioned glass half filled with ice.
4. Top with the dark rum.
5. 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!

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

....NEW YORK STATE OF MIND....

Well, its been a very busy and eventful few weeks...hence the lack of blogging.

Cath has been away in New York for play and also business.  She had a few weeks to really immerse herself in the town, and we are all super jealous of her Saks on Fifth Avenue tales...Tiffanys shopping excursions....Soho sojourning and just so much more.

Here's a few snippets from her trip, but there are loads more pics which we will be featuring in upcoming blogs.

Well hellllooooo New York!  Here's Cath outside the iconic Stock Exchange Building on Broad Street in the Financial District.

One thing which really surprised Cath was how the balance of old and new side by side in this huge cityscape complimented eachother so well.  

The Stock Exchange building was finished in April 1903 at a cost of $4 million dollars....can you even imagine how much this piece of real estate would be worth on todays market?

Shopping in Soho, Cath was blown away by the beautiful shop displays and attention to detail.

This chandelier caught her eye in particular.

A perfect day on the Hudson and a viewing of the Statue of Liberty.

The Bergdorf Goodman Dining Room...a very swank place to sit, dine with views of Central Park and also named as one of the top 50 places to 'celebrity spot' with the likes of  Kate Moss, Salma Hayek, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira amongst the many well-knowns to frequent the restaurant and popular upmarket and sophisticated store.

Strolling the streets of Soho with the locals.  Cath spotted Woody Harrelson, Kevin Bacon and wife Kyra Sedgwick.

More of Caths New York and LA travels in upcoming weeks.  She has certainly come back completely energised (which is scary really considering her usual high octane energy levels!)...and inspired for bigger...better...best!  We are excited about her ideas and cant wait to share them in the coming months.

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....FIREPLACE INSPIRATION....

I dont think there is anywhere in Australia today that isn't experiencing a cold snap.  

Cold days always have us daydreaming of the perfect fireplace.

Here's one that we just love and had to share....

Close your eyes and imagine you're here....with a hot glass of mulled wine (see recipe below in Cocktail Friday section)....

mmmmmmm.....

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RUSTIC CHICKEN AND ROAST TOMATO PASTA

Todays chilly weather inspires us this week with a hearty and rustic pasta recipe.  Roasting your tomatoes really puts the 'kick' into the flavours and each little bud just bursts with goodness and zingy taste.  To also spice this recipe up a bit you can season your chicken.  We like to use Greek seasoning available from the supermarkets or stir in a bit of pesto sauce if you need extra flavour.  This is such an easy recipe for two.  Just double the ingredients for when unexpected visitors pop by.  Serve with a nice Pinot Noir, or hearty Shiraz.

Ingredients (serves 2)

1 x Chicken Breast with skin off.

• 250g punnet cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 200g spaghetti pasta
• 100g baby spinach leaves, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon basil pesto
• 60g feta cheese, crumbled
• shaved parmesan cheese, to serve

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Place tomatoes in a roasting pan. Combine vinegar and sugar in a small jug, stirring until sugar has almost dissolved. Pour over tomatoes. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes or until tomatoes are tender.  Pan fry chicken breast until cooked through...slice into strips and put aside.
2. Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling salted water, following packet directions, until tender. Drain and return to pan. Add spinach, pesto, chicken and feta and toss gently over low heat until just combined. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Divide pasta between bowls. Spoon over roast tomatoes and any juice. Top with parmesan. Serve with a crusty loaf of bread and lashings of butter!

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GO ON....SMILE...ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY!

SOMETHING TO MULL OVER......

Don't knock it til you've tried it....Mulled Wine is absolutely divine...

Traditionally a Christmas style drink, we don't like to type-cast here, and because we miss out on all the 'traditional cold' drinks and foods due to our sweltering Christmas Days today's chilliness has us hankering for a mulled wine.  Frequenting the Adelaide Hills lately we have found that its not unusual to find Mulled Wine on the menu of any good country restaurant or bar...and they sure do have a great selection of those!  I haven't found anywhere here in Brisbane yet who does a Mulled Wine...mind you I haven't been looking too hard because I know I can easily make my own...but that's for another day and another bar....ah...someones got to do it....  ps..if you can recommend anywhere local that does an exceptional Mulled Wine we want to know...

For now, here's our Mulled Wine recipe...enjoy by your fireplace (if you have one...lucky, lucky you...) or outdoor brazier...at the very least halogen heater with your slippers and nanna rug...either way...just enjoy!

 MULLED WINE

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 3 cups (750ml) red wine
• 1 cup (250ml) cognac or brandy
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted whole black peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice
• 1/2 vanilla bean
• 40g sultanas
• 1 star anise
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced

Method

1. Combine ingredients and 1 cup water in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve, reserving orange slices. Pour wine into serving glasses. Top with orange slices. Serve.

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UNTIL NEXT WEEK....

LIGHT AND LOVE....

THE CHARCOAL TEAM XXX

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au