not bloody mary likely

this love affair

2012-04-18T02:57:00.002-07:00

I've been having a love affair recently. It's with my neighbourhood. Maybe it's something about living in the same place for 3 years or perhaps St Kilda is a little warmer than my old hood South Yarra.

Maybe I'm just getting old but I love walking to Galleon and knowing that I'm going to get great service combined with a delicious breakfast and bloody mary. I have my Big Issue man who I've seen spend my money on fruit and veg. My bottle store know I like Chardonnay, my flower dude gives me a discount and recently there's been a cute little addition to Barkly St called Cabinette. It's full of vintage glassware and all kinds of wonderfuls.

I bought these gorgeous mugs from there on Saturday and as I'm not a tea drinker I thought they'd make great pots for these mini succulents.

I'm also getting itchy feet. I think that's something to do with the majority of my friends and Twitter feed being Coachella related. My friend were recently living it up along Abbott Kinney and I was so jealous that my I swear my fingers turned green with envy. I experienced a revelation in a place called Abbott's Habit in the form of an iced, chai, soy drink with vanilla powder and a shot of espresso. I think it's called the All Nighter and really I could drink this all day-er.

This will be the first year that I don't travel overseas in a long time. Building a business is tough work and I'm biding my time for a wedding in Bangladesh and a quick trip to India in 2013. I can't wait to get me some paneer paratha.

easter long weekend

2012-04-13T04:48:00.006-07:00

I find packing for a trip to our family place in the country more challenging than packing for a week in New York. Firstly, I don't wear jeans which is a little strange as I spent 3 years dealing with cuts, colours, fits etc. etc. I also don't really have a mid-way of dressing. I either dress up or wear pjs, there really is no mid-ground.
My favourite new pair of Anniel's did not fare so well. Before:

After - perhaps even more leopard like now?

My Coles flannies were the perfect fit.

(back of a Ute going about 70 down a dirt track)

There were a few other outfits that were worn close to what my family calls a 'Twig' - otherwise known as a massive bonfire.

There's also heaps of other things to do in Patchewollock like drink beer at the pub and ride camels... although these camels haven't been ridden in about 10 years. You can hand feed them though!

the wonders of shirts

2012-03-14T03:18:00.006-07:00

I often feel quite sorry for my boyfriend. The other evening we were sitting at Golden Fields, munching on genius lobster rolls and sipping on St Kilda Slings and I told him nothing makes me happier than a good shirt.

Happiness inducing shirts usually follow simple guidelines, however, these are subject to change at any time:

Made of silk but are not transparent
Buttons that go all the way to the top
Collars although this is not mandatory
Come in a multitude of colours (like black) or prints

These are three of my favourite shirts, just whack on a leather mini and I'm halfway out the door and down the street:

Lonely Hearts & Nicholas Ruby Choker

Nicholas & Estelle Deve necklace

Acne Snake Skin shirt

Let me tell you why shirts also get another tick from me - You can eat a three course meal with wines to match and everything still looks how it should at the end! Enjoy!

woods of windsor

2012-03-13T22:16:00.004-07:00

I know a place where lovers go, to cry their troubles away.. it's the Woods of Windsor and it's not just for tears but for cocktails too. However, it would be perfect to lament a break up or job loss in the depths of the bar.

There's multiple drink menus covering wine, beer etc. and for those whiskey lovers out there (I'm one, I've been sippin' on this juice since I was a wee kid making them for my father - Hi Dad!) there's an extensive menu to select from. The food is perfect for whiling the night away cocktailing with friends or lovers.

It's a great departure from the other bars along Chapel St with wonderful, mutant taxidermy and careful attention to detail like deodorant in the bathrooms and fancy swizzle sticks.

The signature cocktail list is something of wonder and would require me to plonk myself on a stool for a day or two to try. At the moment I have just one cocktail on my mind and that is the ever pretty, luminescent Amaretto Sour.

In case you are wondering, "What does one wear to the Woods?" Match your outfit to your cocktail, don't be afraid it's only natural when cocktails are just so pretty.

You too can play at home with:

Nicholas 'Lucinda Top' with Ruby Choker
45ml of amaretto
30ml lemon juice
dash of bitters (Angostura or orange bitters work well)

or head to Woods of Windsor, 108 Chapel St, Windsor.

when chicken sandwiches attack

2012-02-03T04:42:00.000-08:00

Stack one piece of bread on top of the other with chicken mix in the middle and you should get a good chicken sammich? Wrong. Ever since making my own chicken mix I've come to assess others - does that make me picky?

I still eat them all regardless of the lack of salt, crunchy crusts (if having a crust is even on the cards), minimal mayo, no butter. Let's face it guys, a chicken sandwich is not really diet food, it's for plastering the sides of your stomach for events like the races, hen's days and grand final.

Last year I came across Foxes Den in Elwood and was so excited. They sell fresh chicken sandwiches week out and some even have the added benefit of avocado. I was reading Nicole Trunifo's food blog the other day and she mentioned avo as a garnish. I say avo is an ingredient unto itself.

It was delicious and I'm so glad it's come to the area. The only problem is you have to get in quick on a Saturday to pick up one of the original ones.

I went to Morris Jones for lunch the other day, of course I sampled the Bloody Mary, but spent most of my time manoeuvring my mouth around their chicken sandwich that didn't really really deliver.

On a side note.. I've had two great experiences at Morris Jones but a few Friday nights ago when I took a bunch of girls to your establishment you kind of let me down. Your waiter was a charmer, the Chablis was delicious but your cocktails and food left a little to be desired.

I really like you, we could have a great relationship but only when you're slow - once when you first opened (I almost fist pumped the air in true Jersey Shore style when my boyfriend enjoyed his 30th birthday meal with you) and the next on a quiet Sunday afternoon.

You are fantastic with your pretty setting, wonderful location, handsomely dressed and well informed waiters. Your duck makes me quack in a very sand manner though. Your salads on the other hand are quite absolutely thrilling.

buenas noches senor bbq

2012-02-02T21:38:00.001-08:00

Step 1. Put on something flowy, preferably something machine washable, trust me.

Step 2. Walk a few hundred metres to Pure Pop Records and head through the store to the intimate bar/restaurant/live music venue in the back.

Step 3. Order a jug of beer (any beer will do as long as it is cold) and listen to Roscoe James Irwin's set. Watch the sun slowly set and ask yourself the question "What is your favourite The Doors song?" Then answer. My answer is Alabama Song / Whisky Bar.

Step 4. Order dinner from Senor BBQ and feast upon Argentinian barbequed ribs soaked in chimichurri as you try to look as elegant as possible.

Step 5. Realise this is impossible to do wearing silk, sitting on a beer barrel with sauce dripping off your chin and gorge on the tasty meat instead.

Step 6. Amble home with happy belly and full heart knowing that you are right in thinking Buenos Aires is the city for you.

Yields: One fantastic Summer evening in St Kilda.

Morris Jones Bloody Mary

2012-01-18T22:11:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend and I walked into The Smith on Sunday ready to have a feast for a friend's 30th only to realise we had arrived approximately 1 week early. As The Smith only offers very limited sunshine we headed back to the Morris Jones courtyard out the back which is inviting and ever so pretty.

I downed a couple of glasses of bubbles with my chicken sandwich (will post on this later) and then for good measure ordered a Bloody Mary.

Not for the unseasoned BM drinker as it packs a wholloping chilli punch to the back of the throat, however, as I made my way down the drink the tomato (and there was some of the real stuff in here, like for real real off the vine or perhaps a can?) soothed the throat. The chilli had cleared the nose before that so it was like the Vicks Vapour drop of Bloody Marys.

In terms of wonderfulness, it was good but not great. I'd order it again though.

talking 'bout my favourite restaurant

2012-01-12T00:15:00.000-08:00

I've said before that Cicciolina has never really hit the mark with us so it was a wonderful, lovely, sensational surprise when we tried Ilona Staller. It was love at first bite and sight.

I'm not sure if it was the retro bar which serves of fantastic martinis, the lovely waiters and bartender or the delicious food. It been hot so the cool air-con is a bit of a turn on as well. I almost wanted to head down there and curl up on one of the couches during that heatwave.

We've been looking for a local for so long. A place that you go to which is casual enough for a mid-week meal but can also be fantastic on a special occasion night. I can also walk there and back in high heels.

We had a 3 course meal there just before Christmas (which was a great start in stretching our bellies before the big day). We ended up in a little bit of a mess and walked home in Paula Abdul's footsteps - two steps forwards and two steps back.

(Acne shirt, Suno skirt, Estelle Deve Rings, ridiculous expression courtesy of 2 Dirty Martinis and a bottle of Chablis)

I recommend absolutely everything on the menu - the triple cooked quack, the small bites, that lemony dessert and my god the venison is truly something special.

The breakfast is also great, the Breakfast Martini made with lime marmalade is exceptional. The only thing I'm not sold on is the truffled grits with poached eggs. perhaps I'm just not a grits kind of girl.

life and times

2012-01-05T18:34:00.000-08:00

So quite a bit of stuff has been happening in the life and times of notbloodymary likely. I've eaten at lots of new places (I've actually crossed the river and the Pacific too) and tried several new bloody mary's including a revolting 'pickled vegetable' one in the Upper East Side and really fantastic one from Balthazar.

From the bright lights and terrific sights of NY we headed south to Cuba where something dysentary-like set in. It wasn't all bad (the place is an amazing leap back in time) as there was heaps of salsa dancing and the odd rooster friend in Trinidad...

Mojitos by the thousands in Havana...

And young coconut by the Caribbean.

This was then followed by a million hamburgers in Los Angeles where the living is meant to be clean.

So I'm back in Melbourne and things are pretty much how they've always been: I'm still in St Kilda and still totally unsatisfied with my wardrobe.

My exciting news is that I've taken over a company and am working really bloody hard to make it a complete success. The new work means my writing is on the backburner a bit so I'm going to start back on the old blog. Say Yay!

settle petal it's just summer

2011-08-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

Today I commented on a post on Sea of Ghosts about settling.

I have been torturing myself with what to wear in Bali for the next couple of weeks. I've said it before and I'll say it again I'm just not into Summer. So, you can imagine my Summer wardrobe leaves a lot to be desired. I cultivate my winter wardrobe and enjoy dressing in cooler months so I kind of brush over those few months of the year when it's scorching hot.

I'm a bit of an odd one when I fucking hate summer but grew up on the Gold Coast? I like sun! I tan! I love the beach....

You can bet that I'm also looking forward to the food, espeically a meal of deliciously cheap Pandang. I ate this exact meal from a small place on Jalan Bensari in Kuta everyday (happily) for a month. No wonder I lasted here for a couple of months... with Bali belly only once if you really want to know. If you really want to know about Bali belly, email me.

However, it still leaves me with the question of "What the fuck am I going to wear?" I've had a look at Summer collections and I've bought bits and pieces that I like but am not in love with. I've settled for something instead of nothing and you know what? I'll probably wear none of it and stick to a sarong.

(not Bali)

Because even though I hate summer and the heat I love reading countless books, drinking double-double's till dawn and Bintang's on Kuta beach at dusk, playing with random dogs, getting my toenails painted daily and eating nasi goreng for breakfast.

st edmonds - the bloody mary

2011-08-11T22:46:00.001-07:00

It's been a long time between posts and now because I'm writing for work I don't often feel the need to blog. I did come across something yesterday which I believe is quite blog worthy and quite fitting as it was the reason I began this blog in the first place. I returned to St Edmond's and they've got a bloody mary on their menu just like they promised they would.

I quickly ordered myself one and was told that the maker was the 2009 world champion bloody mary maker. This turned out to be a lie, however, they do use a semi-secret ingredient of adding Shiraz to the tomato juice mix. Strange, very strange. But good, very good.

There's some nice chunks of ice, chilli hit as well sliced red chilli's and a (unnecessary, in my opinion) cucumber garnish. St Edmonds is not the cheapest place to have breakfast, lunch or dinner really and my fellow diner was not too keen on the service but I think she might be getting to used to those organic yoga cafes in Bondi.

Talking purely bloody mary appreciation this one rates a 9/10 for me.

elk

2011-05-29T01:13:00.001-07:00

Surgery tomorrow so no more posts for a while unless you want the rantings of me hopped up on pain meds. I won't be eating much or wearing anything of interest either.

(look at that blue sky, it was almost beach weather)

I had my last meal out at a place in Broadbeach called Elk Espresso. It's such a relaxing place that we hung out nursing our breakfasts for such a long time that I got sunburnt and over anxious from way too much coffee.

The Gold Coast inspires healthy eating and so the order of the day was one of the best bircher muesli's I've had in a long time and fig toast with rasberry jam. Fig toast rocks my world.

I'm always struck by the number of Gold Coast breakfast spots that don't have a liquor license and so don't serve Bloody Marys. Is it more a Melbourne thing to get a bit tippley at breaky?

See you in a few weeks xx

Elk Espresso
16 Chelsea Avenue, Broadbeach

black coffee lyrics

2011-05-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

I've migrated to the Gold Coast to be wrapped in a blanket of parental love and nourished with chick lit and the Family Movie Channel while I recover from an operation. The operation is not until next week so I've been lunching every day with my father (have eaten enough sashimi to sink a whale) and spending time with friends at their favourite places.

On Thursday they took me to Black Coffee Lyrics which is tucked in one of the old arcades in the heart of Surfers Paradise. It's more somebuddy's lounge room than a restaurant with a bring your own booze policy if you eat a main meal.

It would be great place to head to early in the night for dinner and stay on with a crate of wine. I'm not allowed to drink pre-operation so was introduced to this Phoenix Apple & Orange Mango juice. "Don't panic, it's organic!" I'm told.

I also learnt a new word - Fepic - which is fucking epic - which is exactly what these wedges of potatoes and sweet potato are. The almost veering on burnt ones are the best.

We next had a couple of pizzas which are made using thin, crunchy bases and are really quite tasty. They're nothing too out of this world, food does seem to take a bit of a backseat to the friendly service and charming atmos. It really is no wonder, these girls come here 3 our of 7 nights a week.

We finished our meal of wedges, pizza and gossip with a chai and if I was kicking on I would have tried one of their Dirty Chais. I've never come across one of these in Melbourne but next time I go out for coffee I'm ordering a chai latte with a shot of espresso, it will be fepic.

Black Coffee Lyrics
4/3131 Surfers Blvd, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast (I think it's the Centre Arcade)

mister wonderful

2011-05-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

(Deadly Ponies Mr Kayak bag, DP Mr Mohawk Lure keyring)

Why this feeling? Why this glow?
Why the thrill when you say Hello?
It's a strange and tender magic you do
Mr Kayak, that's you.

From The Velvet Underground to the sweet crooning of Peggy Lee, new stuff in my wardrobe makes me sing (and smile, skip, saunter). Mr Kayak from Deadly Ponies is a deceptively small bag but one can lose an arm in it similar to Mary Poppins and her carpet bag.

My keychain, also from DP, is a new addition and has been nicknamed Possum Tail. What kind of weird and wonderful possum it comes from one only can guess. It bares a striking resemblance to Alexander Wang's neice in this photo...

(Image Courtesy buzzfeed.com)

st edmonds

2011-05-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

A little bit bleary eyed from an over consumption of red wine on Friday night we headed to Prahran to try out St Edmonds. The cafe/restaurant is tucked into an old garage just off Greville Street.

I really liked the sweet little touches the menus which remind me of old school time cards in sleeves and Strawberry Shortcake would be pleased with the strawberry planters dotted around the place. They’ve also somehow managed to get a range of really hot staff which is always a nice touch.

Eggs were the order of the day. I ordered a fancy ham, cheese and tomato toastie with poached eggs on top. I loved the little touch of baby coriander sprouts, at least I think that’s what my tastebuds thought they were.

Chris, likes to think of himself as a Eggs Benny aficionado so that's what he ordered. The hollandaise was really tangy just how he likes it.

Both of our eggs were crazy fresh and had the runniest centres. Almost, too runny if you don’t like barely cooked yolks like we do. The coffees were weak but the orange juice was delicious and ispection of the lunch, dinner and specials menu ensures we’ll be coming back. The wine list also looks pretty good and I’m told that they will be adding a much needed bloody mary to the breakfast menu.

shiny shiny shiny boots of leather

2011-05-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

When it’s cold it’s nice to be covered in a bit of cow. That’s what my mother says. Mum also has the theory that because cows live in a paddock, leather is fine to get rained on. This doesn’t quite work for silk though does it.

(Nicholas by Green With Envy jacket, LIFEwithBIRD dress, Wittner boots)

I find it so hard to photograph jewellery. Firstly, these earrings are really fine and secondly, I am long term nail biter so my hands are tremendously ugly.

(Karen Walker earrings, Drown rings, sapphire from Sri Lanka)

(Wittner boots)

I was so happy to find these Wittner boots. I've been living without a good pair of black flat shoes since my dear, dear sequin sneakers fell apart. So happy I broke out in this The Velvet Underground song.

mussels and beer

2011-05-05T00:03:00.001-07:00

Eating mussels and drinking beer on a Sunday night is a pretty spectacular thing in our house. We’re usually dying with a hangover and eating pizza. This weekend past was a little different though as my sister’s show, Dance Academy, was up for a Logie.

I decided I’d cook steamed mussels with tomato sofrito, chorizo and chilli. I basically followed this Gourmet Traveller recipe but wanted to add some more spice and used blue mussels as that’s all my fish guy had.

I twittered the other day that it’s hard to beat a baguette with butter. But you can! A buttered baguette dipped into the spicy, soupy remains.

We also celebrated with a few beers from Doss Blockos, a Victorian micro brew. I’m not much of a beer drinker but one sip of this and I was hooked.

And then my sister won a Logie and I drank a bottle of red and ended up with a hangover on Monday instead of Sunday.

love in a cold climate

2011-05-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

This week I finally started to wear my new fur gilet. And now you can't tear us apart. I especially like to work in it and every so often rest my cheek on it.

(Lonely Hearts gilet, Sportsgirl jumper, American Apparel tights, custom made shoes from Bali)

There's a few things wrong with my outfit:

1. It can be described as comfortable (according to NZ's Next Top Model an outfit should not be comfy)

2. Tights as pants (however, this jumper is longer than a lot of other hem lines I wear)

3. Fur (the vest is made out of New Zealand possum which is considered a pest and not the fat possum that lives in my roof)

in rainbows

2011-04-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

I’ve had my eye on this Romance Was Born print since it came out. It’s like a bunch of orchids on acid.

This is the top... but because I'm rather on the short side it works as a shift dress.

(Romance Was Born dress, Shakuhachi shoes, White Suede jacket)

Another multicoloured dream is this Monster grilled chicken and salad sandwich from Galleon. It's just another reason (other than the Bloody Mary selection) to love the place.

zuppa and socks

2011-04-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

While the days are kind of hot the nights have been chilly. I love the cold. As I’ve mentioned before my peak performance temperatures are quite low. When it gets cold there’s nothing I like more than rugging up with a hot bowl of soup and some cosy socks.

This cannellini bean and chorizo soup is hot AND spicy. You know how a lot of soups get better with age? This one doesn’t, so all the better to warm your tummy. I got the recipe here.

Simply served with buttery toast and some grated cheese. It’s a hearty winter lunch or dinner.

(Odd Molly socks)

The Swedes know how to make great socks.

These are my favourites. Partly for the frill and party for when I first had them they smelt of freshly laundered clothes and flowers. I'm looking forward to more soup and sock weather.

april fool

2011-03-31T19:32:00.001-07:00

It seems I’ve played an April Fools on myself.

I’ve wanted sunnies of a certain shape for some time. I found a pair of Karen Walkers that fit the bill and were dirt cheap. I was thrilled because Karen Walker sunglasses usually suit me and because of the dirt cheapness. I waited patiently for them in the mail and then today, on April 1^st, they arrived.

(Karen Walker Sol Invictus sunglasses)

Note to self: always, always, always try on sunglasses before you buy them. The arms on them are swell though.

What's not a joke at the moment is my love of sweaters. I'm slowly building up a little collection of comfy knits and pieces.

(Sportsgirl sweater, Therese Rawsthorne leather skirt, Gorman clogs)

hunting for george launch

2011-03-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

As I write this I’m trying with all my might not to eat a candle, that’s right a candle. It’s scented with basil, lime and mandarin and is the most delicious scent I’ve smelt in ages, more bewitching than a Maccas cheeseburger when severely hungover.

I picked up this PJ’s Tea Party soy candle last night at the Hunting for George launch party. I've written before about the onling store here.

Lucy and Jo the owners did an amazing job from choosing the space (Pillar of Salt in Richmond with their colander light fittings) to the invites which were printed on the backs of old book covers. Clever girls!

I wore my new Lonely Hearts dress and the goody bags came in what I'd call a Hunting for Bag library bag.

Isn't the print beautiful?

black and gold

2011-03-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

While the cricket has been on in my lounge room, I’ve been re-watching West Wing (I’m up to Series 5 - not one of my favourites) and playing in my wardrobe. I came across this Make Believe necklace which I thought I’d lost a year ago.

(Make Believe necklace, Nicholas blouse)

I’m so excited find it and wear it again, especially with this newish clutch. I adore black and gold together although I usually tend to stick to silver jewellery. It’s nice to shake things up a bit.

(sass&bide clutch)

balls!

2011-03-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

I have an 85 year old neighbour who likes to give me old Women’s Weeklies and Pets Magazines. Sometimes they are 3 plus years old but I still like them all the same and I’ve learnt a thing or two from them. Two of the best things I’ve learnt from these wise, old bibles are:

1. When sitting across from your cat stare him in the eyes for a while and then blink slowly and then continue the stare. This is a cat version of a kiss.

2. Moroccan Meatballs

These balls are so simple to make and are packed with flavour, like fresh mint and preserved lemon. They're perfect for pitas, served over couscous or as tapas.

You just combine all the ingredients together with your hands.

(the mix)

And then roll into small balls, chill and chuck them in a pan of oil to cook through and golden up.

I’ve served these balls over minted couscous with pomegranate seeds and fruit chutney. Mind the shoddy picture, the table was set with candles and it was from an iphone.

Balls Up!

Recipe for Womans Day Morrocan Meatballs:

500g lamb mince
1/3 cup chopped mint leaves
1/4 cup chopped currants
1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped preserved lemon
1 tablespoon Moroccan seasoning (I use the one from Masterfoods)
1 red chilli, finely chopped

dressed in leather

2011-02-28T02:18:00.000-08:00

Did you feel that Melbourne? It’s almost practically Autumn. Break out the black, the blazers, the boots and days watching West Wing cuddled up in bed.

Shakuhachi shoes, OPI Lucerne-Tainly Look Marvelous

I’ve got new shoes. I love the way they look but they feel a little cheap, which is a shame. I’ve decided if I wear them in a bit they’ll get a bit scuffed and look much, much better. They’re also higher than I expected so I’ve been tottering around in them to practice... whilst wearing trackies. The joys of working from home!

Therese Rawsthorne leather skirt, $2 shop t-shirt, Shakuhachi shoes, Karen Walk cuff

I love my wolf t-shirt. He’s so cosmic and dangerous at the same time. There’s a French saying “entre chien et loup” which means between the dog and the wolf. It’s used to describe that time after sunset when it becomes twilight, a time of danger.