MERIVALES NEW RESTAURANT - THE FISH SHOP

Welcome to The Fish Shop! Merivales latest venture located at the old Lotus restaurant location at 22 Challis Ave in Potts Point. The menu looks fresh, simple and well priced!

Inspired by Cape Cod, The Hamptons, Nantucket, imagine a white-washed slice of classic seaside Americana in the heart of Potts Point, Sydney. Executive Head Chef Jeremy Strode of Bistrode CBD fame aims to do for fish and chips what El Loco did for tacos. Enjoy fresh, locally caught, mouth wateringly prepared fish with ice cold beer or your choice of Australian wines from organic to natural and bio-dynamic. Drop a line at the Amateur Fishing Club Bar to sample the top class drinks menu provided by Merivale mixologists Mike Enright and Petr Dvoracek. Pull up a stool to enjoy your fish and chip or grab take away if you’re on the go.

http://merivale.com.au/thefishshop/ 

SAILOR JERRY - THE RUM

Latest obsession after my visit to Melbourne especially now it's Winter in Australia is a spiced Rum Hot Toddy. I really think it needs to be made with Sailor Jerry Rum - it's unlike any rum I've tasted before probably as it's on the sweeter side.

Who is Sailor Jerry? If you visit the website http://sailorjerry.com/norman-collins/the-man/ there are some great cocktail / hot toddy recipes as well as history and background behind the man and inspiration of the Sailor Jerry Rum collection.

"Sailor Jerry's" tattoo shop located in Honolulu (fitting as we are heading there in a week),
tucked away on a steamy side street, you'll see the bright red neon glow of "Sailor Jerry's"-the tattoo shop that put ink on the fighting men of the Pacific for nearly 40 years. Apparently there weren't many men like Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins back then or now.  He was the father of old-school tattooing, Sailor Jerry was a true classic in every sense of the word. A tough old sea dog with a shrewd intellect, finishing his Naval stint in the late '20s, Collins decided to settle in the then "remote" island of Oahu, Hawaii. In some ways, his timing could not have been better (or worse, depending on who you ask!). This "last outpost" would soon become the stomping ground for over a million soldiers and sailors, all of whom were ready to live life to the fullest-usually contained within a 48-hour Honolulu shore leave! And so, for the next 40 years, Sailor Jerry had a constant canvas of carousing military men to obsessively perfect his deftly craft.

Here's to you Sailor Jerry!

THE BISHOP OF OSTIA MELBOURNE

The weekend was busy but the most fun I've had for some time! On Friday night I flew to Melbourne for my beautiful cousins 30th birthday celebrations. They were on a later flight so I took the opportunity to catch up with my dear friend Sunny. She lives in Brunswick and wanted to take me to her local bar/eatery.

On the weekends, apparently Pope Joan cafe serves one of the best breakfasts in Melbourne. Only about 5-10 mins from city CBD, cute cafe with a beautiful veggie patch courtyard which they try to use as many fresh ingredients they grow right in the backyard ;)

As the cafe was closed, we went next door to The Bishop of Ostia. Located at 77-79 Nicholson Street in Brunswick it's a small local bar with city CBD professional appeal. The food menu was delicious including items like: Eel croquette, Blue-cheese dip with vegetables and bread, Crispy NZ salmon wings with chilli and salt, Pan seared scallops with chestnut and caper dressing. The food was super delicious and just the right 'snack' portion.

To top this off I had the best cocktail I've had for some time "Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Hot Toddy" - wow!!! Sailor Jerry is a delicious niche rum partnered with spices like cinnamon, lemon, cloves, honey and ginger in a warm brew it's absolutely delicious!

Call for more information on the bar at (03) 9388 8858 and visit http://sailorjerry.com/ for more cocktail inspirations



LE MODE DU JOUR

For your daily inspiration visit http://lemodedujour.com/ this image says it all about this website and blog - just gorgeous!

WHITE HART IN NEUTRAL BAY

I'm super impressed with the amount of quality small bars that are popping up everywhere in Sydney. It is so hard to believe we didn't have these only 2 years ago but now we do thanks to the Sydney Mayor. The latest one I've experienced is White Hart in Neutral Bay. The Margaritas were the best I've ever had and reminded me slightly of De Raum in Melbourne. Similar artistic approach to cocktail making but at half the price and more relaxed atmosphere. The food was superb too. I hear the Apple Sour is the signature so I'll definitely be back. Sis if you are reading this, best cocktail I've had in a long time.... visit http://white-hart.com.au/

SALTWATER SANDALS

My recent obsession is the colourful range of Saltwater Sandals from the US. Seeing these I have no idea why any 'adult' wear Crocs. These are a stylish and SO comfortable alternative to wet weather shoes. They are unisex and available for both adults and children. I'm collecting the entire range of colours. There are a few places that sell (still hard to find) try one of these companies: http://www.littlepinwheel.com.au/store/pc/home.asp or http://www.mygidget.com.au/saltwater-sandals/w1/i1005152/ 

BBQ CANVAS

I recently designed our office balcony and spent a ridiculous amount of time looking for a stylish BBQ cover. Jamie Durie has a great range but unfortunately sold out throughout Australia, and to my International readers yes it's hard to believe something so simple is so hard to find in Australia. I finally sourced (quite expensive but worth it) designer BBQ covers from BBQ Canvas in New Zealand. Very limited range but excellent quality, fantastic customer service and worth the dollars. Visit http://www.bbqcanvas.com.au/

ASSEMBLY BAR SYDNEY CBD

Assembly Bar is located in the ever changing Regents Place in Sydney's CBD. You can enter from multiple locations: Off George, Bathurst or Kent Street. I'm yet to try but my Sis tells me its fabulous and worth checking out. Visit http://www.assemblybar.com.au/ or http://regentplace.com.au/ 

SENORITAS MEXICAN MELBOURNE

Senoritas is located at 16 Meyers Place Melbourne CBD (near Little Collins St). I think everyone I know is aware that my favourite restaurant in Melbourne is Mamasita, but I'm willing to try a worthy challenger.


I say worthy because the background of Senoritas is pretty spectacular. Ricardo Amare and Linda Temani are the faces behind Melbourne’s newest Mexican culinary delight and Chef Hugo Reyes, a former Head Chef of the Mexican Embassy in Switzerland and the exclusive “El Dorado Royal Hotel” in the Mexican Riviera Maya the man behind the food. Hugo Reyes has composed a unique menu for Señoritas of authentic Mexican cuisine from selected regions such as Oaxaca and the Yucatan Peninsula, coupled with contemporary food trends.


The word authentic is loosely thrown around by many Australians, but unless you have travelled to Mexico, you really are not aware of authentic Mexican cuisine. Looking at the menu and reading the background of this new addition to the Melbourne cuisine circuit you can see that authentic is exactly the right word to use for this restaurant.


I am yet to try and hope that it doesn't disappoint - but when I do everyone will know about it.


Visit http://www.senoritas.com.au/about/

MY BEARDED PIGEON

Again not what you think, we love quirky company names and My Bearded Pigeon is up there with the strangest company names around.


I've fallen in love with these 'Map Pillows' available on Etsy.


You can pick from pretty much anywhere in the world, from new to vintage designs.


I particularly love the giant pillows - educational but yet so cushy zzzzzzzzzzzz (sleepy)

And lastly, my husband always says I have a fear of missing out on something.... I think they were thinking of me when they made the above pillow. Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/mybeardedpigeon?page=4

PEACAN PIE PUPPIES

No it's not what you think, we are animals lovers at RovinRaven ;-) Peacan Pie Puppies is the most divine dog collar creators you've ever seen.


If you're like me, and I'm sure your not... and you want something different and special for the furry love of your life, then look no further. You can even request custom design for your pampered pooch!


Our gorgeous pups Coco and Lola (who are in love by the way) are being treated to collar by Peacan Pie Pups, now I'm hoping they wont think it's a toy and rip it to shreds but at least we have that 5 minutes of joy before they do ;)

Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/pecanpiepuppies

VIVID SYDNEY 2012

Vivid Sydney is back! This time last year I was beside myself with excitement at the thought of Robert Smith and the original Cure band members reforming for a special performance at the Opera House, and this year looks to be as exciting as 2011. Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House (May 25 – June 3) is part of Vivid Sydney (May 25 – June 11), the city’s annual festival of light, music and ideas. Now in its fourth year, Vivid Sydney has become Australia’s major festival in winter and is one of five signature events on the NSW Events Calendar developed by Destination NSW on behalf of the NSW Government.


Opening the festival on May 25, Florence + The Machine will perform with the Ceremonial Orchestra in a special Concert Hall engagement. Featuring over 40 performers onstage, this performance will represent the largest incarnation of the group yet.

For me it's all about Janelle Monae! Exclusive to Sydney and making her Australian debut for two nights on 26 and 27 May, Janelle Monae & The Archandroid Orchestra will electrify the Concert Hall with her ambitious mix of R&B, funk and cinematic pop. In addition there is The Temper Trap, Shut up and Play and another 20 more acts!

And lastly - Imogen Heap has been behind some of the biggest names in the business and is an amazing artist in her own right set to perform on 29 May.... early information only visit http://www.vividsydney.com and stay tuned!!!

GELATO MESSINA DARLINGHURST

Gelato Messina opened in Darlinghurst in 2002, so I ask myself... how could I not possibly have heard or eaten here? I'm devastated, from the reviews I've read this is another institution on Victoria St in Darlinghurst. They apparently pride themselves on creating Gelato as people would have done 100 years ago, using all natural ingredients.


So for my beautiful Mum's birthday this Sunday, I've gone all out!!


I've ordered the Royale w/ cheese (chocolate crackle gelato, financier bun, white chocolate gelato & apricot gele`e, compressed cucumber, white chocolate slice and raspberry sauce) OMG!


The Samurai (Yuzu sorbet surrounds a salted caramel swirl, encased in orange scented chocolate)


And the pièce de résistance - Dr Evil's Magic Mushroom Gelato Cake (This is a mushroom shaped cake filled with chocolate fondant gelato, peanut cookies and dulce de leche, sitting on ‘grass’ made from popping candy and crushed biscuit.. covered in ganache & white chocolate buttons!)


I am beside myself with excitement - bring on Sunday!!! For more information visit http://www.gelatomessina.com/ TODAY!