best valentines day so far

so valentines day rolls around every year with the same trepidation as the last. i'm not super into it, but i'm also not a 'hater'. i think that the premise is lovely. but i think that we tend to limit ourselves. being a single gal is fun and last night was no exception. i went to somerville to see romantics anonymous, which by the way is super gorgeous. so fresh and french. had a great picnic, with the most delicious quiche, made by my friend lucy, bravo. i dont even like eggs and this was so good. i think that i'm going to have to steal the recipe.

but back to the point, i spent the evening with my amazing friends and drank too much rose at the picnic. then went home and chatted with my mum. what a lark. thanks everyone for a great night and happy valentines...one more time!!

a weekend with friends & family

this weekend was so lovely, i spent it with family and friends. on saturday morning my sisters, mum and i went shopping and grabbed a shake at san churro's. i then had the pleasure of having a curry night with my dear friends carissa and allan, we had too many ciders (our new fave is henny's) and watched far too many videos on you tube. sunday i work, but in the evening i was thrilled to be my friend 'dave's' handbag to frisky and mannish and josh earl in the spiegeltent. both shows were hilarious. if you would like to read dave's review, check it out here.

sunday lunch

On sunday we took a trip down to Mandurah to have lunch with a family friend. Ivan is the Executive Chef at M on the Point, the outpost for the Subiaco Hotel in Mandurah. We were so lucky to be treated to one of Ivan's lunches, it was incredible.

We started with sardines on toast, and chatter. Followed by a truly decadent crab mousse with lobster bisque for the entree.

We then had duck a l' orange with creamy  dauphinoise   potatoes and a gorgeous fresh rocket salad. 

What was so nice, was that we sat around for hours chatting about Ivan's amazing european adventures and food  that we love. There was no reason to hurry. I think that we spend so much  time being 'busy' and 'hurried' that we forget to enjoy the simple pleasures  of life, like food and good friends.

Then before we could even think about what we wanted next, Ivan brought out dessert, the most decadent lemon posset with a crisp shortbread and strawberries on the side. Finished off with coffee it was the most perfect end to a beautiful lunch. 

It was a lovely afternoon and a perfect way to spend a Sunday.  Thank you Ivan for your hospitality and all the time and effort that you put into creating such a gastronomic delight. Cant wait for the next time!

a weekend away from the city

Over the weekend, some friends and I packed up sticks and escaped down south. 

We didn't really have any major plans. We just wanted to check out a few wineries and enjoy the beaches.  

Saturday started with a quick trip to the general store in our pyjamas, to get some sour cream. I was making banana and sour cream pancakes from Ina Garten's everyday cooking. They were the most unusual pancakes I have ever had. I think they needed maple syrup, but alas we had none. 

We then started out on our first adventure for the weekend. First stop Laurence Winery, second stop Cullen, on to Pierro and then to Vasse Felix, where we had the best time in the cellar and I left with far too much wine. 

We had a lunch booking at Voyager Estate, where we sat outside under the grapevines, next to the stunning rose gardens. 

Saturday night was a scream, I cooked a mexican feast and we then decided to indulge in some parlour games. 

Parlour games were great and we all retired very full, very merry and woke up very under the weather. 

We headed down to the beach in and attempt to wash away our troubles and catch some sun, the morning was beautiful, over cast like most of the weekend but there was a gentle warmth peeking through the clouds. 

As the morning wore on, things got a little brighter, literally and metaphorically. We headed back up the beach to the house and prepared to return to Perth, back to reality. 

On the way back, we decided to stop off at one last winery, Watershed. Considered one of the best winery/restaurants in Margaret River we were eager to indulge. 

After Watershed, we hit the road and headed back to Perth. We plugged in the iTrip and partied our way back to town.

Thank you all for a wonderful weekend. Thank you Daisy for organising it and Michael for letting us invade your beach house.