Wednesday, May 30, 2012

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







Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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/