Tea + Scones + Cucumber Sandwiches

Mothers Day is almost upon us and what better way to spoil your Mumma is there than a High Tea?

Whether you are a DIY kinda gal (we love you!) or you'd prefer to take her out, options are a plenty.

Here are my top 5 high tea venues in Perth:

1. Rochelle Adonis in Northbridge

If you have ever been lucky enough to enter the magic world of Rochelle Adonis, you will know why she is number one on my list. Situated in Northbridge is Rochelle's gorgeous studio, where you'll be seated at a wooden banquet table and handed the most delightfully crafted cakes, nougat, tarts and treats. 

2. Little Stove Cafe in Bicton

One of the only venues in Perth to combine jazz and afternoon tea is The Little Stove. For $45 per person, you will be served a traditional English Afternoon tea while you relax and listen to some classic jazzy beats.

3. Hyatt Regency Perth in Perth City

The Hyatt was the first place I ever went to for High Tea and I feel this is the main reason it's earned a spot in my list. When you're in lovely company and have unlimited bites of deliciousness, why wouldn't you want it on your list?

It's increased in price since my first visit and at $99 per person including drinks) it is at the higher end of the scale, but you won't be disappointed with the atmosphere or the scrumptious food that awaits.

4. The George in Perth City

This year The George will be serving High Tea with a Chocolate Fountain! Need I say more?

5. The Dutchess in Claremont Quarter

Although only very new, Elegant Tea at The Dutchess is in high demand. It is one of the prettiest venues you'll see but what impressed me the most were the Jean Pierre Macaroons that were on the menu. My word.

But if you're a traditional lass and would like to do things yourself, then let the following act as inspiration as you bake your way into Mothers Day. Good Luck!

Images courtesy of Pinterest

Do the hippy hippy shake

Although we bang on about our love of baked goods (and anything else that starts with 'F' and ends in 'ood'), you will be surprised to know that we can, at times be rather conscious of the food we put into our bodies. So when we discovered the 'Kombi Cafe' inside Dunsborough's Yoga Centre 'Samudra', we were delighted to end our weekend of over indulgence sipping on a green smoothie and chatting about hugging trees.

Samudra is located in the heart of Dunsborough, nestled amongst native trees and one truly inspiring veggie patch. It's one of those places where you instantly feel healthy just stepping inside.  Inside you will find a gorgeous Eco Store full of cookbooks, yoga equipment and clothing as well as two yoga studios. They also run health retreats both in Dunsborough and in Bali (good excuse for a holiday I feel!). I am yet to try out the classes, but will be back down in a few weeks so will keep you posted!

Their Philosophy:

"Samudra’s philosophy is one of integral nourishment. Our goal is to provide you with the finest seasonal organic ingredients nature has to offer. The star in our Living Cuisine is the produce itself - prepared with love, passion and attention to detail.is to deliver the best seasonal food nature has to offer, celebrating natural flavours, textures and colours."

Once we sat down at our tree trunk table, we made ourselves comfortable and got ready to order our coffees while we pondered over the breakfast menu. At first, I found the wait staff rather intimidating. It is clear they know what they're talking about, but at times can seem almost patronising; what ever you do, don't ask for skim milk!

On to the breakfast menu... It's all well and good for something to be good for you, but if it doesn't taste good are we really going to suffer through it? So my first choice was the Breakfast Burrito. It consisted of organic re-fried black beans, avocado, leaves, tomato salsa and came wrapped in mountain bread. I am thrilled to say it was AMAZING. So amazing, that I had to stop myself from ordering it again on my second visit.

Also delivered to our table were the Buckwheat Pancakes (with seasonal fruit, honey and lemon syrup) and the Live Muesli. I've been told the pancakes were yummy, but a bit too dry and the Live Muesli was utterly delicious! 

On my second visit to the Kombi Cafe at Samudra, I ordered the Scrambled Tofu. Scrambled with pumpkin and served with soy balsamic mushrooms on sourdough, it was to die for!

We also tried out some of their juices and smoothies. The Banana Dharma was so very yummy, The Green Smoothie is perfect if you're a little under the weather but steer clear of the ABC if you're an amateur juice drinker.

All in all, the Kombi Cafe is certainly somewhere I will visit each time I'm in Dunsborough. The food is great and the service is great (once you realise  that they don't do skim milk "darling"). The Kombi Cafe is open for lunch and dinner and they also do live music on Friday nights! However, my biggest piece of advice to you all is to drop the boys at the bakery before you go. Although we all know they wouldn't even realise the lack of meat in their dish, apparently a pie is a more 'manly' breakfast.

Address: 226 Naturaliste Tce, Dunsborough.

Small Town Love

P.E.R.T.H I am growing to love you more each week. I refuse to be a Perth hater like many others of my generation. Sure Melbourne has laneways and liquor laden hangouts on every corner, Sydney has restaurants and riches but Perth has beaches, regular temps above 25 degrees in winter, the south west wine region and an ever growing array of great local foodie hot spots. This brings me to the subject of my post a little local that popped up on a corner not too far from home: Piccolo's Corner in West Leederville. 

I drive past it on my daily commute to work and have been waiting for it to open, and whilst i have not yet popped in - I plan on doing so tomorrow for my morning caffeine hit!

Check it out.....groceries, breakfast, five senses coffee, mismatched china....CUUUUUUUTE! Don't mind if I do.

Corner of Woolwich and St Leonard's Ave, West Leederville

Tue-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm, closed Mon

Oh and there is a cozy little courtyard! 

Will let you know how my coffee goes tomorrow!!!

Cheeky Mid-Weeky

With it's unassuming exterior and hidden location (granted it is pretty hard to navigate after 6 sangrias), the Cheeky Sparrow is a great watering hole any night of the week, but particularly Friday nights.

The Cheeky Sparrow is a cafe by day, bar by night and serves great food and drinks. The biggest shock (perhaps 'surprise' is a better term) of all, is the service by both security and bar staff - which are great by any standard, but particuarly Perth.

As soon as you step into the Sparrow you feel like you have been transported into a loft-style bar in NYC. The atmosphere is great, there is usually a DJ who plays just loud enough tat you can still comfortably sit at one of the booths and hear your best friend drunkenly rant from across the table.

As far as food goes, I recommend the Charcuterie boards (below are a choice, but they are also accommodating enough to let you create your own) 

board 1
warmed olives, dandaragan olive oil, dukkah, crusty bread 18

board 2
choice of two antipasti, proscuitto di parma, toscano, wagyu
bresaola, crusty bread 30

board 3
choice of two antipasti, jamon serrano, grilled chorizo,
handmade spanish salami, crusty bread 30

Spread your wings and check it out!

The Seventies

I can see the twenty year old me cringing at what I am about to post...

So what did the seventies have to offer aside from soft rock music, boho fashion and an increase in the sales of Stone's green ginger wine? Well I won't go as far as saying that all design aspects from the seventies are admirable and worthy of reproduction (i.e. the pairing of brown with orange), but the following are but a few note worthy contributions from the seventies:

Wall paper:
Simple pendant lighting:

Gorgeous interiors mixing soft furnishings, clean lines and geometric designs:

Fabrics worthy of reclaiming for reupholstering and making vintage cushions:

And I cannot believe I find myself saying this...and believe me I would take a Victorian or Art Deco home over a seventies number *any day of the week (*Wednesdays being the exclusion), but having found myself wandering through the adjoining suburb of Coolbinia on a regular basis whilst walking my dogs; I have gained an appreciation for seventies architecture. And though hesitant at first, I have found the interest is ever growing:

On the 'To Do' List

Ddddddddddddelightfully delicious...well actually I wouldn't have a clue what the hell it tastes like, but does it really matter about taste when a place looks this good? Ok yeah, it kind of does matter...quite a bit. BUT, there is a pretty good chance you will check a place out when it has a get-up like this (am I wrong?):


The details:
Dough Pizza - Perth
434a William St, Northbridge

with a 91% 'like it' rating on urbanspoon, I am quietly confident that a positive review on the actual pizza will be posted in the not too distant future.

Coffee coffee coffee - what better way to start a Sunday?

I am aware a common theme of mine is coffee...but let's be honest, anyone who doesn't drink it cannot be trusted.

There is always a sense of disappointment when accompanying a new acquaintance on the all important FFD (first friend date) in the hope that those early indications of BFF material (i.e. 'shit I wish I had her shoes' and that shared snigger at the dry/sarcastic joke you shared which went over everyone else's head) would blossom into a lifelong friendship. As the waiter takes your order, the potential new sister from another mister exclaims "I'll have a tea thanks, I don't drink coffee". BAMM!!! No matter how many boxes she has ticked, you now know it won't last...she simply can't be trusted! Now don't get me wrong - tea is both magnificent and deserving of it's solid fan base - but it's consumption must be equally shared with it's more potent counterpart (coffee).

I digress... but with this digression comes wonderful news in the form of another Perth coffee review, namely Yelo in Trigg. With the amazing ocean views they could almost get away with serving shitty coffee, but alas they do not. Yelo use Fiori coffee, supporting the green forest alliance and serving all drinks in bio cups. This cafe is probably the closest you can get to feeling like you're down south without the four hour drive. For those non-coffee drinkers, whilst you cannot be trusted (I kid..sort of), Yelo does offer a variety of fresh juices, freshly baked gourmet goodies, books and even surf boards.

Fremantle Tweed Festival 2011

FREMANTLE!

ENTERTAINMENT!!!!

MARKETS!!!!!

TWEED!!!!!!!

BICYCLES!!!!!!!

The Freo Tweed Run started in 2010, with a dapper show of old fashioned-fashion, bikes and style. The all ages, free event is a layed back, yet a strikingly suave way to enjoy and celebrate the bicycle.

The deets

This is your chance to dress in tweed and ride your bike!

A few photos from last years Freo Tweed Run

I will send you all a reminder on Facebook before the day x

Rachel & Henry Climb a Hill

Dust off your picnic basket, fill it with your favourtie goodies and plenty of vino as something very special is happening this Saturday evening...

The quirk-folksters of Rachel & Henry Climb a Hill are launching their debut album, 'The Little Things' in a vintage fair themed extravaganza at Fremantle Arts Centre this Saturday - the 5th of November!!

Rachel & Henry Climb a Hill formed in 2009, frolicking onto the music scene with their debut EP 'First of a Few' which had indie folk across the state not only singing along, but singing their praises too!

Since those early days the band has developed their own distinctive sound, blending the sweet, delicate vocals of Rachel Gorman with the unique musical backgrounds of Brett Crabtree and Vim Leaf. With two new band members now on board, cellist Jenny May and Rhian Todhunter on bass guitar, this new album will take you on a beautiful journey ranging from acoustic folk to reggae-tinged indie-rock, while incorporating catchy composition and playful lyrics.

And let's face it, who could say no to beautiful music, a beautiful location, fairy floss and popcorn!?

x

LOL

Stuck for something to do this Saturday night? Why not head to the Comedy Lounge at the Loft Fremantle (next to Little Creatures) for a serious hoot. The line ups are always original and big name national or international acts often make an appearance.

Laughs are best served with the Loft's famous sausage rolls, a bottle of Nipple Hill Pinot Noir (yes, a very sexy wine) and a bunch of besties. After the show, get comfy in one of the many vintage lounges overlooking the iconic fishing harbour and enjoy another vino (or two) from the impressive wine list. Although you may feel like you've had an awesome ab workout post your comedy infusion, trust me... do NOT be tempted by a late night kebab from Nick's Place. You will definitely regret it in the morning. Remember, laughter really is life's cheapest medicine. Kebabs are not.

10 Things to do in Perth on a rainy day

1. Visit The Berndt Museum of Anthropology

2. Go to a Luna movie.....on your own.
3. Try out the cocktail menu at ‘Ezra Pound’ in Northbridge

4. Pop your 'sensible' back in his box and go and dance in the rain

5. Stay home and revel in your own laziness
6. Visit The Art Gallery of Western Australia
7. Go to work and whinge about not being able to follow this amazing list of things to do because you're at work.
8. Spend the morning sipping on tea at ‘il Cibo’ in Freo and do some shopping while you’re there, the homewares store upstairs is unreal.

9. Catch a play at the Black Swan Theatre
10. Read a great book like ‘Room’ by Emma Donoghue.