Unexpected Green Beauty

These were a gift for a special friend last night.  I originally wanted a stem of the Purple Cabbage Flower but settled for these instead.  The florist in Mosman is called Matt Bisaro.  He has an amazing collection of unusual flowers in stock, and an old adorable dog who slowly walked the store floor whilst I was waiting.

Matt Bisaro

Shop 5, 773 Military Road

Mosman NSW 2088

Plates you can really eat off

A sample of the plates we ate off this morning at a middle eastern and north african restaurant in Balmain.

We shared:

Breakfast tagine (served with Turkish Toast & Lebanese Bread) - Lamb mince, sucuk, feta, spinach, capsicum, caramelised onion, tomato & eggs.

Feta Potato Cake, Smoked Salmon, Creme Fraiche, Red Wine Onion Marmalade.

The tagine was full of flavour and more-ish for those who love to really taste their food.  I found it a bit rich but my mum and sister loved it.

The potato cake was disappointing - chunks of bland potato and herb pressed into a circular mould.  

Service was friendly and straight forward - no fussing but not bad.

Kazbah

379 Darling Street Balmain

(02) 9555 7067

http://www.kazbah.com.au/

50s Treat

This was found while I was out for a delayed Mother's Day brunch with my mum and sister....I was surprised my sister pointed it out and Mum approved it.  I was trying to be restrained not having a permanent job but they persuaded me that it was for my home and a good price.   After 2 months of data entry I figure I deserved a treat...it's a 50's vitrolite (black opaque glass) top phone or coffee table.

I didn't necessarily want anymore vintage wooden pieces in my small apartment, but hopefully this will work as a piece.  The black vitrolite top and the shape of the table is what hooked me.

Found at Montague & Mabel

4 Montague Street

Balmain

0409 839 493

Enough time for fungi

My enthusiasm and entries for this blog seem to be dieing off.  It's not from not wanting to write anymore, I just can't find the time or energy between my temp job, looking for a proper job, thinking about my future, keeping my home in order and meeting up with people God sends my way....Not to mention a recent development I'm trying to prepare an outline for!

Anyway, check out the latest Fungi range by Dinosaur Designs - it's pretty 'psychadelic' as quoted by my Soho flatmate, M who just happens to work for DD!  The vase paired with the bowl and bowl paired with the shallow plate on top to look like mushrooms are very clever and cool...

www.dinosaurdesigns.com.au/

Wrapped in pink and white

Having come down with a cold yesterday, I am trying to rest in bed, but I seem to be out more than in.  I recently inherited a queen bed from my mum along with this white emroidered top sheet....I don't think they make sheets of this quality and intricacy anymore.

Pink is not my favourite colour, however the woollen blanket under the top sheet I've had since I was a child.  Warm and comforting...

Blancmange

(Bottom - My entree of slow braised beef, Top- Dad's entree of prawns)

My sister and I took Dad to Blancmange for his birthday this week.

Ambience - Dark wood bar with a standalone white perspex dome lamp, crisp white tablecloths, retro glass tumblers, random artwork hung on walls, crazy colourful window seat cushions, vintage china tea cups and saucers.  The down side was the lighting was changed throughout the evening to cater for people who couldn't read the menu or see what they were eating.  (Hence the lack of photos)

Service - Some may find the friendly service over-bearing but I thought it was refreshing considering the service in most restaurants these days.

Food - We started with home made sourdough bread which was crusty on the outside and fluffy on the inside.  The dishes were well presented and designed in texture and taste.  It was missing that outstanding fine dining edge, but it was still above your average dining experience.  The value is great especially if you select the 3 courses for $50 special.  We were so full we didn't finish our mains just to fit in dessert!

My 3 courses were:

Entree - Slow braised beef cheek with green lentils, pine nuts, radicchio & salse verde

Main - Herb gnocchi with crumbed goats cheese, baby carrots, turnip and leeks

Dessert - Poached port pear, candied pecans and cinnamon icecream

Definitely worth a visit or two.  My sister and brother-in-law have been several times already!

Blancmange

1 Station Street

Petersham

9568 4644

http://www.restaurantblancmange.com.au/

Lily Shoes - Walk In Comfort

 

J spotted these while we were at Pigeon Ground in Camperdown.  The branding in the inner sole is 'Lily Shoes - Walk In Comfort' - they are what they say!

Pigeon Ground

102 Salisbury Road

Camperdown NSW 2050

http://www.pigeonground.com/