Friday, July 27, 2012

THERE'S MORE TO US THAN MEETS THE EYE....QUALITY FINISHES FOR QUALITY PROJECTS...WINTER WARMING ROAST CHICKEN WITH A TWIST!...THE FORGOTTEN CHARDONNAY NOW MAKING A COMEBACK!...ENJOY!


DID YOU KNOW??

We are so much more than just an Interior Design and Unique Retail Furniture Business.
Here's just a small list of some of the services that we provide:



  • RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN

  • INVESTMENT PROPERTY FITOUTS AND STYLING

  • CUSTOM MADE FURNITURE AND SOFT FURNISHINGS

  • FULL UPHOLSTERY SERVICE

  • DRAPERY

  • ART CONSULTATION

  • PROJECT MANAGEMENT

  • PRE-SALE STYLING AND MAKEOVERS

  • RENOVATIONS

  • FURNITURE, ART, RUGS AND ACCESSORIES

  • GARDEN-SCAPING....AND MORE....



...And so from helping to bring the life back into that much loved sofa, or having a professional eye cast over your home and complete makeover, we do the lot.
Call us today on 07 38526002
or pop into the Showroom any day but Sunday at 59 Doggett St, Newstead. Qld
We look forward to welcoming you soon at Charcoal Interiors
Follow Me on Pinterest
__________________________________________________________________

FINISHES TO IMPRESS

What's the point in having a beautiful new home or finished renovation if the finishes aren't quality?
It's a bit like having your hair and make up done for a special event and then wearing your tracksuit to the ball....a half baked effort never feels or looks right does it?


Quality Bathroom finishes in our recent Farmhouse Weekender Project.



In our recent Farmhouse Weekender project, the kitchen was finished by quality craftsman using materials designed to last and last.






Here at Charcoal Interiors we pride ourselves on quality, quality, quality in all things we do, from our initial consultation right down to the end result.  We will always recommend quality finishes and we believe that it most definitely gives the job that extra 'finishing touch' that a lot of others will not push for.

Contact us today on 07 38526002 for more information, or you can peruse our projects page of the Charcoal Interiors Website

_____________________________________________________________________


We love this recipe because it screams Winter!...
More great seasonal produce abounds in this recipe, with Lemon and Thyme the heroes of this dish...and of course the chicken.

WINTER WARMING

LEMON AND THYME CHICKEN WITH ROAST GARLIC

SERVES 4


INGREDIENTS:

2 Lemons, rind finely grated
1 bunch of thyme, leaves removed
3 garlic heads
1.6kg free-range chicken
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup white wine
1 and 1/4 cups chicken stock

HOW TO.....

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.  Cut the lemons into wedges. Place lemon, 6 garlic cloves and thyme stalks into chicken cavity.
Tie legs together with kitchen string.  Place lemon rind, thyme leaves, 4 peeled garlic cloves, oil and salt in a food processor.  Process until combined.
Place remaining garlic in a roasting pan.  Place chicken on garlic.  Brush thyme oil mixture over chicken.  Pour wine around chicken and place in oven.
Roast chicken for 30 minutes or until wine is reduced by half.
Add stock to pan and roast for 1 hour or until chicken is cooked through.  Transfer chicken to a serving platter.  Cover with foil and stand for 10 minutes.  Serve with roasted garlic.


Great served with a nice Chardonnay....see below for our suggestion.

____________________________________________________________

IT'S FRIDAY....COCKTAIL FRIDAY....!!


BEST CHARDONNAY UNDER $20
THE GULF STATION CHARDONNAY

The Good Wine Guide which is brought out by the Sydney Morning Herald and Age Newspapers every year is a handy reference point for lovers of wine. It's updated yearly, and I have been a devotee ever since I was given a copy for my birthday a few years ago.  



I needed to do some research into a complimentary Chardonnay for the chicken as Red Wine is my 'thing', however, years ago you wouldnt have seen me without anything else but a crispy Chardonnay in my glass.
The popularity of Sauvignon Blanc seems to have pushed Chardonnay to the backbenches up until significant awards were won at recent notable wine shows which seems to have brought this sometimes forgotten variety back into the spotlight.
Photo via De Bortoli wines website

The Good Wine Guide showcases the 2010 Gulf Station Chardonnay as its pick under $20.  This wine is for drinking now and is a beautifully elegant drop for lovers of peach and nectarine fruits with a touch of pear and spice on the palate.  It's a very fresh wine that will go so well with the chicken recipe above because the meat flavours are delicate and the wine with its subtleties and freshness makes it the perfect match instead of a heavy robust red.

Gulf Station occupies a component of the extensive De Bortoli Wines portfolio.

Gulf Station is the original pastoral holding of the Bell family who settled the Yarra Valley in 1864. The site of the De Bortoli Winery was known as the 'Summer Paddock'. It had a large dam, held green pasture throughout the dry summer months and was a cool place to be seen drinking premium Yarra Valley wine.

_________________________________________________________________

UNTIL NEXT WEEK!

Light....Love and Laughter.....


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

Friday, July 20, 2012

TURNING THE TABLES IN STYLE...OUR CUSTOM MADE RANGE...PAMPERING WITH A VIEW IN SWITZERLAND....GLAM GOTH BY ARTE'....A SEASONAL WINTER SALAD TO DROOL OVER....JOHNNY Q..AND WE'RE NOT TALKING THE DENZEL WASHINGTON KIND...ITS THE SHIRAZ KIND :-) PLUS A STROLL THROUGH MANLY....ENJOY!


TURNING THE TABLES IN STYLE

Our new Charcoal Interiors website now launches our Custom Made section, showcasing the vast array of tables and cabinetry that are available to you, made to your specifications.  You get to choose the dimensions, timber styles and more....all to fit in with your specific vision.
It's our passion.
From Dubai to Darwin....we ship locally and Internationally, plus take the stress out of the process by posting you the exact timber style samples and finishes if you live out of Brisbane.
Contact us today to find out more, or you can visit the website (link above) where we have an extensive Custom Made section for your perusal.


Phone us today on 07 38526002 or drop us an email at charcoal@charcoalinteriors.com.au
Follow Me on Pinterest
____________________________________________________________


...WE ARE LOVING...

Every now and then you take time out to just dream...and today is one of those days where we all agreed that after a click of the ruby red sparkly shoes we would choose to be transported here....


Its the treatment room in the uber stylish Hotel Therme at Vals Switzerland.

They offer beautiful views of the snowy landscape whilst you're treated to state of the art spa treatments...

Yes...please....

____________________________________________________

GLAM GOTH

This months edition of Belle mag (or which we are huge followers of) showcases our much loved Wild range of wall coverings by Arte' (Complex)


Created by Andrea Possnicker, its a range inspired by the whimsy of nature with sweeping gestures, tactile materials and iridescent colours.

'Complex' in the Wild Range by Arte


Be assured that the impression you visualise can become a reality.  Call us today to book your design consultation with Cathie and Colette.  With over 40 years combined experience in design your confidence is secured.
Ph. 07 38526002
Follow Me on Pinterest
________________________________________________________________




SEASONAL
WALNUT, GOAT'S CHEESE AND BEETROOT SALAD


Struggling to come up with new and exciting side dishes in the colder months, and sick of the same broccoli, cauli and roasted potatoes (lets face it though...nobody gets sick of roasted potatoes...)?  Then this salad is one that I recommend you give a go.  Not only is it fresh and colourful but also mostly contains seasonal produce which makes it very healthy and affordable.  The salad also contains my new favourite foodie item....Goats Cheese....I have acquired quite the taste for it after being put off years ago by a bad batch of deep fried goats cheese years ago...which is a shame because its taken me years to have another crack..and I'm loving the flavours and diversity of its use in dishes from salads, to stuffings for olives, on pizzas, great for layering in casseroles and lasagna and my personal fave as a twist on the traditional bruschetta recipe...just add in some crumbled goats cheese.
In the meantime enjoy this divine recipe.

Serves 4

Ingredients...

2 bunches baby beetroot, trimmed
3 slices sourdough bread with crusts removed and cut into 2cm cubes
olive oil cooking spray
120g goat's cheese, crumbled
1 cup roasted walnuts
60g rocket
1/2 cup sorrel leaves
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/2 cup coriander leaves
1/3 cup extra virgin oilive oil
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove crushed

How to....

Preheat oven to 200 degrees celcius.  Place beetroot on a baking tray.  Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.  Place bread cbues on a baking tray and spray with olive oil.  Roast for 8 minutes or until goden.  When beetroot are cool enough to handle, peel and cut in half lengthways.  Arrange Rocket, Sorrel, Parsley and Coriander on serving plates.
Top with beetroot, goats cheese, walnuts and croutons.
Whisk oil, combined vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper in a jug.
Drizzle over salad just before serving.

Enjoy!

_______________________________________________________________

CHEERS....ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY!




We all know the thrill of a bargain...that favourite jacket, much admired and yet unattainable due to silly budget constraints (who needs food really???) suddenly comes on sale at a mere fraction of the original price...Oh joyous joy of days!



Well, the equivalent to me is finding a great bottle of  quality red at a price that allows its purchase AND that of food for the week...and the Johnny Q Shiraz by the Quarisa Winery was my holy grail for the week....and here's why.


Images of the Johnny Q via the Quarisa website

Firstly, its a Shiraz created from grapes grown in the Barossa and Coonawarra regions, which for those who know a bit about their wines is like a Sauv Blanc purchase with New Zealand heritage behind it...its a no-brainer...quality assured..blah, blah.
So, I pop into my local Wine Room where they all know me by name now and also I get a little European double cheek kiss from Alan the Frenchman who runs the place...he also knows my husband name, my kids names, our birthdates, gosh darn it he could almost be part of the family...reason being is that I am there almost every day.



So, anyway I pop into my local Wine Room and suss out the left hand side of the room displays which are the more 'budget friendly' and come across The Johnny Q for under $15.  I decide to purchase and if its not that great, well I can use it for cooking (which never happens, because unless its off...I will drink it)...so I grab one bottle of Johnny Q and head home to be quietly surprised at the quality of this very easy drinking wine.  
If you love berry and vanillan flavours with a nice smooth finish on the palate then you will love this guilt free, quality quaffer that for me ticks all the boxes.
The Quarisa winemaking team is a family affair made up of John and Josephine Quarisa whose motto is simply "Passion is Everything".  Australian born but with an Italian heritage its no surprise that they like to put passion into all the important things in their life, like family, wine, food, friends and most notably their 3 children who have the delight of living on a beautiful property.  If you would like to find out more about the Quarisa family and wines then its as easy as clicking on the link below:
Quarisa Wines

_________________________________________________________________________

OUT AND ABOUT

After a weekend of teenagers and their hanger-ons we decided to head to Manly harbour for a stroll while soaking up the warmth of the sunshine after weeks on end of rain, rain and more rain.



Here's a little happy snap from our stroll.  I love the Manly harbour and have always dreamed of owning one of those boats.......

And so until next week....Love...Light and Laughter....
The Charcoal Team
xxx



www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

Follow Me on Pinterest

Friday, July 13, 2012

WRAPPING YOUR WALLS IN CASHMERE....NEW ARRIVALS....OUR BRAND NEW WEBSITE IS LIVE!...CHECKING UP ON OUR FRENCH ANTIQUE RIDDLING RACKS...LOOKS WE LOVE TUSCAN STYLE....WINTER APPLE PIE AND THE ADULT HOT CHOCOLATE WORTHY OF 50 SHADES OF GREY!....OHHH....MY.....

...WRAPPING YOUR WALLS IN CASHMERE...

Over past weeks we have introduced to you the exquisite new range of wall coverings by Hooked On Walls, in particular the 'Rock Baroque' selections.

We look forward to bringing to you the photos of our latest installation in the 'Cashmere Lion' for one of our lovely clients in the coming weeks!


Follow Me on Pinterest
________________________________________________________________

NEW ARRIVAL

Charcoal Interiors specialise in custom made furniture, crafted to your specifics, including budget flexibility.  
This week we welcomed into the showroom another one of our beautiful Beach Tables.  We adore it and know it wont last long!


All enquiries into our custom made table range can be directed to Cathie, Colette or Jen on 
07 38526002
Or visit us at 59 Doggett St. Newstead.  Brisbane. Qld.
Follow Me on Pinterest

_____________________________________________________________________

WELCOME TO OUR BRAND NEW WEBSITE!



After what has seemed like years, our new website is finally up and running.  We would like to thank MyWork Australia for all their assistance and Jen has been madly adding content.  There are a few minor glitches to iron out, but our beautiful new clean line and fresh website is now ready for viewing!
We now have an extensive Projects section and our Custom Made Table Range section is overflowing with options.


____________________________________________________________________

CHECKING UP ON OUR RIDDLING RACKS

Of late we have had big sales on our Antique Riddling Racks, traditionally used by the French to store and easily turn champagne bottles to aid the fermentation process.  We tracked down two of our clients to see how the installation went and the end result at these Brisbane restaurants is pretty impressive.


The Brunswick Social....Mmmmm......wine....en masse......


The Foxy Bean - Woolloongabba

We are looking forward to popping in again soon for a drink and wish both these establishments a long and happy involvement in the Brisbane Restaurant Scene.
Thank you for choosing to shop with Charcoal Interiors and support a local family owned small business!

____________________________________________________________

...LOOKS WE LOVE...

Very Tuscan with a twist of provincial...we could definitely dine here.....
Follow Me on Pinterest

_____________________________________________________________________


CLASSIC WINTER APPLE PIE RECIPE


I have a confession to make....I have been baking so many pies lately that I'm starting to resemble one....round and full and just a little bit crusty at times :-)
When I was younger and lived on the family farm, Mum and I had an organic apple pie business.  We used to peel hundreds of kilos of apples a week by hand and the house always smelled like a combination of apple, cinnamon and wood fire in the winter.....absolutely smashing!..loved it.  Funny how smells can transport you to another time and place isnt it?
Anyway, after baking what seemed like a million pies over those years, I couldn't bear the sight of an apple pie for many moons, until giving it a go at one of our recent dinner parties, when stuck for time, I made for dessert what I do best....pie :-)  So, now its apple and rhubarb pie, apple and apricot pie, apple and pear pie and so on and so on......
Apples are still quite fresh instores at the moment too...and cheap!
Enjoy our winter apple pie recipe (to be eaten with ice cream or cream and preferably in front of the fire with a nanna rug on your lap!).

Ingredients (serves 6)

  • 30g unsalted butter
  • 1kg Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, thinly sliced
  • 1 vanilla bean, split
  • 100g caster sugar
  • 1 lemon, rind grated, juiced
  • 1 tbs cornflour
  • 1 egg, beaten, to brush
  • Pastry

  • 350g (31/4 cups) plain flour
  • 175g unsalted butter, chilled
  • 75g (1/2 cup) icing sugar
  • 1 egg, beaten

Method

  1. To make the pastry, place the flour, butter and sugar in a food processor with a pinch of salt. Process until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg and 2 tablespoons chilled water, then process until the mixture comes together to form a smooth ball. Divide into 2 portions, one slightly larger than the other, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, place butter in a large saucepan, add apples, scraped vanilla bean and seeds, sugar and lemon rind and juice. Cook over low heat for 6-8 minutes until just starting to soften. Mix the cornflour with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into apple mixture. Cook for 1 minute. Remove vanilla bean, strain apples over a colander and discard juices.
  3. Preheat oven to 200°C. Grease a 19 x 5cm fluted loose-bottomed tart pan. Roll larger piece of pastry on a lightly floured surface and use to line base and sides of pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Line the pastry shell with baking paper and fill with rice or pastry weights.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove paper and weights and return to oven for 5 minutes. Allow to cool. Pile apples into pastry. Roll out remaining pastry and press onto top of pie, using your fingers to crimp the edges, making sure edges are well sealed. Use any excess pastry to make decorative pattern for the lid. Brush top with egg, bake for 25 minutes or until cooked and golden. Rest for 10 minutes before removing from pan. Serve with vanilla custard.
 _______________________________________________________________


GET INTO THE FUN WITH COCKTAIL FRIDAY!



.......ADULT HOT CHOCOLATE......

Mention adult Hot Chocolate to some and they think 80's disco band, white suits and afro hair but not on my watch...this Friday, after what has felt like some kind of arctic snap over the past couple of weeks...and I know we are a bit soft up here in Brisbane..but truly...its been cold (and we had fog in our house the other morning too....we really did...)...anyway I felt that a nice hot, warming, fire-side magnetising kind of bevvy was called for.  And so...the Adult Hot Chocolate...not to be mixed up with the Childrens Hot Chocolate which has marshmallows....oh...and no alcohol.

Credit serious seats

This is the simplest and most common way to spike hot chocolate because all you need to do is add a little peppermint schnapps to the cocoa. Not only does it add a little alcoholic warmth, but the added peppermint brings some depth to the flavor, making it just a touch sweeter as well.  
And another little tip is that chocolate is an excellent 'masker' of cheap spirits....enjoy whilst reading 50 Shades of Grey....

______________________________________________________________

Another great week done and dusted.  We are still open during the renovations, so if you need to pop by and check out our tables, or chat with the girls about booking a design consultation by all means come and see us.
Browsers note that our showroom will be ready for you in a week or so and we look forward to making the big announcement soon.
Charcoal Interiors
59 Doggett St
Newstead.  Brisbane. Queensland
07 38526002

Until next week....Light, Love and Laughter....



Friday, July 6, 2012

INSIDE THE DIVINE NEW YORK LOFT APARTMENT OF GERARD BUTLER.....INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN BY ELVIS RESTAINO...CONVERTING ASIAN CABINETRY WITH STUNNING RESULTS...FUN TIMES AT TENERIFFE FESTIVAL...THE HUMBLE OMELETTE GETS A MAKEOVER PLUS NEW FAVE THE LARK AND DALRYMPLE PINOT NOIR! HAPPY...HAPPY FRIDAY!! AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY DALAI LAMA....XX

A NEW YORK LOFT WORTHY OF A MODERN DAY SPARTACUS

TAKING YOU INSIDE GERARD BUTLERS NYC APARTMENT

On a recent google browse Cath had a double-breath-taking moment, with not only an article on the stunning new apartment of Gerard Butler via inspirational online bible Architectural Digest but also the newfound works of  Elvis Restaino who made all of this happen.

The seed was planted on the Pirates of the Carribean ride at Disneyland years ago when Elvis was a child (and also incidentally...if you're going to name your child 'Elvis'...well there is a great destiny awaiting you right there!)...when Elvis asked his mother who had made the ride? (I have been on this ride myself and it is just magical).  To which his mother replied, that it had been made by Production Designers, and it was then that Elvis made the decision that indeed this is what he wanted to be when he grew up.
And so after 15 years in the set production industry, and suggestions from his celebrity clientele that he take on Interior Design projects, he had the fortune to meet Gerard Butler (lucky duck..) and so the rest is history.  With a liking towards Elvis's theatrical approach to design, Gerard enlisted him to tackle the project of completely transforming his Loft in Manhattan.

The results are simply stunning and very much reflect the philosophy of Charcoal Interiors and so we just had to share this with you.  There are some really inventive elements to this design and I will attempt to share some of them with you..time permitting..it was a big endeavour with unanimously stunning results.

All photography credits to Durston Saylor..photographer to the stars and also with an extensive and impressive portfolio.


The design brief was that Gerard wanted something "Elegant and gorgeous yet at the same time masculine and raw".
Reclaimed timbers were chosen not only for the sustainability aspect but also for its incomparable quality.  Timbers were sourced from old barns and warehouses and used throughout.



Due to strict modern day safety codes, to comply, Elvis needed to ensure that a fire rated door was fitted at the entrance to the apartment, but unfortunately standard solid core fire doors would have clashed with the design, and so he managed to source a pair of circa 1920's 8 foot mahogany doors which complied with all fire codes and ratings and enhancing the original design...amazing and from a design perspective too, we can relate to this kind of tenacity in sourcing just the right piece for a client...the attention to detail is inspiring.


Anyone for a movie and popcorn in the divine Home Theatre?
We love the use of the pillars...lovers of these please contact us as we also have wooden hand carved pillars in stock...only one pair available and POA.


The intricate archway detailing throughout was achieved by using chicken wire and plaster.  The painters then matched the paint colour to real limestone sculptured lions that were installed.


Coloured plaster gave much more of a dramatic effect than paint, giving texture and depth...or as Elvis would say...giving the walls 'life'


Sumptuous fabrics were used in drapery and soft furnishings.  Truly an apartment fit for the modern day Spartacus with impeccable taste :-)


The kitchens cabinetry and splash backs were fashioned from left over reclaimed timbers sourced from old barns and warehouses.  And everybody should have a chandelier in their kitchen at some stage in their lifetime.

Please be sure to click on all of the links provided, to be taken to the original Architectural Digest article, Elvis Restaino's website and also Durston Saylor photography as this is just a small snippet of inspiration offered here today.  We also highly recommend you day dream over Elvis's latest project 'Erieville Manor' bed and breakfast around 5 hours drive from Manhattan, where you will be pampered with meals derived from recipes of his mother and grandmother, plus there is a section on his blog where you can also drool over his fully restored 1955 Porsche 356...now who wouldnt feel like a moviestar driving that!  Once you see the photos of Elvis via his website and Erieville site, you will see he is most befitting of not only the car, but the lifestyle which so warmly encompasses him....a star in his own right.

....AND NOW TO DREAM ON.....
Follow Me on Pinterest
__________________________________________________________________

....WE ARE LOVING....

Its great when a client has an idea that is a bit left field and we are always happy to encourage a different perspective on how our product can be utilised.
This week we share with you an alternative use for one of our Asian side cabinets which in itself is a piece of beauty and functionality, yet by adding a contemporary style wash basin in crisp white with clean lines the transformation is pretty impressive.
We really love this look!
Thank you to Melanie for sharing this with us.


________________________________________________________________

TENERIFFE FESTIVAL

Every year, just down the road from the showroom here at 59 Doggett St, Newstead, the Teneriffe Festival kicks off two days of Art, Food, Entertainment, Stalls and Fashion Parades with the highlight being the Running of the Rams and guess what?...its free!!


So, after you've finished your Ram Running, Fine Food sampling and danced your feet off with all the free Live Music come into the showroom for a little bit of solace...we are in a little bit of a state with our renovations, but still open for business!...so if you want info on tables, rugs or just want to find out more about our exclusive custom made service, we will be here on Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm and happy to assist!

______________________________________________________________________

SALE!!

It might be cold outside, but now is the time to start sprucing up outdoor areas at home in time for Spring/Summer...as usual in Winter time there are some terrific bargains on outdoor furniture and we have jumped on the bandwagon this week with this great special that is sure to be snapped up! Worthington Outdoor Sofa. 3.7m in length (huge!) with synthetic rattan and outdoor hardy canvas covered cushioning...this is a sumptously comfortable sofa that looks as gorgeous in real life as the pics...Was $6530...NOW $5500! Call us today on 07 38526002 or message us.


______________________________________________________________





I used to think that Omelettes were hard to make...a bit like souffle.  After about 2 weeks of low carb cooking a while back I just got so tired of the same old scrambled and sunny side eggs that I decided to tackle Omelette making...and guess what?..its easy!  So easy in fact that we are now going through a real Omelette phase at home, with omelettes for breakfast and dinner.  There are so many fillings options and i will give you some inspiration at the end of this 'Eat' article, but for now, I wanted to share with you our Mediterranean Omelette.

MEDITERRANEAN OMELETTE




Ingredients
serves 4
  • 6 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • 20g baby spinach
  • 100g shaved leg ham
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped semi-dried tomatoes


1.Whisk eggs, milk and chives together in a jug. Season with salt and pepper

2.Spray a small, non-stick frying pan with oil. Heat over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup egg mixture.

 Swirl to thinly coat base. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until just set. Transfer to a board. Repeat with remaining mixture to make 4 omelettes.

3.Place a quarter of the spinach, ham and tomato along the centre of each omelette. Roll up to enclose filling. Serve.


Omelette tips:
I dont necessarily use milk every time I make omelette...just the egg is enough.
If you are finding your omelette is taking ages to set on top, just pop it under the grill for a few seconds.
We serve ours with sour cream....delicious! (low fat of course)

Alternative filling ideas:
Savoury Mince and cheese
Bacon and cheese - we use low fat cream cheese to bring the calorie count down and also gives a creamy texture.
Chilli Concarne
Asian style with shredded chicken, sprouts, thinly sliced capsicum, snow peas and carrot with oyster sauce.
Fill with left over Indian - ie Korma or Butter Chicken and serve with Yoghurt and Mango Chutney

Once you get into omelettes you will find the options endless!....you might even like to try a sweet version by adding a filling of jam and cream and a little caster sugar into the batter mix.....dust with icing sugar...!

Enjoy!

Follow Me on Pinterest

____________________________________________________________________

RELAX...IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY!


MESSING ABOUT WITH PINOT NOIR

Well, after Wednesday nights State of Origin match and our soiree with the rellies and friends you would have thought that we'd had enough red wine for the week, but due to our commitment to keeping the Australian Wine Industry thriving, I just had to share with you one of our latest 'finds'.

When you're a Shiraz drinker and you decide to have a Pinot Noir instead, well, you can feel like a bit of a traitor.  But, being committed to improving my palate, I have made a conscious decision lately to try new things in red.  There's Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (or Cab Sav as we like to call it)...then there's Malbec, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Barbera and Zinfandel, and I thought I was being rather adventurous the other day by order the Syrah...only to find that in fact Syrah is just another way of saying 'Shiraz'....when did all that start anyway?? 



It's been a rather arduous task all of this experimenting with Reds, but I have made sure that my Shiraz palate stays tip top along the way and doesnt feel too abandoned.  However, it was on a very rare one on one with my daughter last weekend at The Lark Food and Drink and perusing their quality wine and cocktail list that she decided on the Dalrymple Pinot Noir 2010 vintage.

The Lark - And Open Fireplace in the Couryard...very attractive during this cold winter we are having!

  I ordered the Shiraz and enjoyed as always comparing the differences between the Shiraz colouring against the lighter Pinot Noir.
  
In French, the grape "Pinot Noir" translates as black pine, named for the color of the dark purple fruit. It's is a wine that's been produced with a huge variety of complex notes and aromas in different regions around the world. Which makes it difficult to come up with a definition on which everyone agrees.  In general its a light to medium dry red wine with dark fruit notes i.e cherry and raspberry.


I found the nose of the Dalrymple very much in the cherry range...once I snatched it off my daughter...with plenty of softness and also a lovely cherry aftertaste.  Pinot Noir has been labelled the 'cross dresser' by some because it doesnt know if its a red, or because of the softness a white!  To say its versatile though is an understatement and there is a broad range of foods that the Pinot will compliment...with some being:

Leaner meats
Sausage style meats
Earthy foods such as Mushrooms, Truffles, Peppercorns, Coriander etc...
Game
Creamy cheeses
Sweet vegetables like Tomatoes, Beetroot, Carrots and Capsicum
Autumn fruits like figs, plums and all the berries

I will be trying the Dalrymple next time we go the Lark (which will probably be this weekend as its seems to be our new ritual) and forgoing my Shiraz.  I am hooked!...and I think it will match perfectly with their Veal Involtini (veal wrapped in pancetta, stuffed with sun-dried tomato) which is part of their new menu.

The Lark - 1/267 Given Terrace Paddington.

Lark Food and Drink on Urbanspoon

For more information on the Dalrymple Pinot Noir 2010 vintage or any of the Dalrymple Wines products 


Dalrymple is one of Tasmanias leading boutique wineries producing some of Australias most distinctive Cool Climate wines.  
Dalrymple’s celebrated vineyard consists of just 12.3 hectares.
Tea trees, eucalypts and ferns protect its terroir on all sides, whilst sea breezes from nearby Bass Strait moderate day and night temperatures, thereby encouraging the grapes to ripen evenly.  Most of the vines are over 20 years of age.  The team at Dalrymple are completely commited to fine wine making in particular that of the Pinot Noir....the pursuit of excellence.  We hope to pop into the winery on our next visit to Tassie and look forward to promoting more of this fabulous product.  Its also great to see The Lark with its very sophisticated wine list selection, promoting and selling quality product from Tasmania. 
______________________________________________________________________
Happy Birthday to his Excellence The Dalai Lama.
Thank you for inspiring us always to do the right thing...I know we mess up  from time to time, but you really do bring out the best in us.

And so....until next week....Light, Laughter and Love...
The Charcoal Team
xxx

Follow Me on Pinterest