Dayelsford Photo Biennale

Ok ... so we trundled off to Daylesford on the recommendation of L and S to see some of the exhibitions as part of the Photo Biennale. It was cold and wet, but some of the photos were well and truly worth the visit. We also discovered to our delight how wonderful a vegetarian meal could be when done correctly.

We started off at the cinema/town hall which was hosting portraiture. Saw some fantatic photos from people who I would gladly pay to have a photo-portrait done. No glamour shots here I can tell you ... and who would want them? Why shell out hundreds of dollars to look like an extra in Dynasty??? Hello do these people not have taste??? Bet the men who shoot these as a living have plucked eyebrows, fake tans and gold bracelets!!! Unfortunately I did not take any shots myself apart from the outside of the building:

This was a shot of one of the pottery studios which at some stage had an upstairs verandah, and now looks like a door opening out to nowhere:

Feeling a little peckish and purely by chance we ended up in the Himalaya cafe, which is your standard upmarket, organice, hippiesque cafe run, most likely, by lesbians (I don't mean this perjoratively ... but if it gave you a giggle then "all my best friends are lesbians!!!")

M had a risotto of wild mushrooms ... and I know I use this term alot ... but hello orgasmic!!!! It was truly truly scrumptious!! No doubt about that. I had an open sandwich of roasted red capsicums, avocado with a white bean paste ... and that was pretty much on par!! Not the cheapest in terms of cafe nosh, but money well and truly spent. Coffee was pretty darn amazing too. So if you're ever in Daylesford, ignore all those posh eateries on the high street, and head straight for Himalaya. I'm talking high street here, because you can't go past Cliffy's!!!!

Warmed up from our food, we headed off to the Botanic Gardens where the next exhibition was held in the open with the photos laminated and hanging off the fence. It was raining and really icy but the photos made up for the hideous weather and got us all excited. I wasn't planning to take any photos ... coz it sort of feels wierd taking a photo OF a photo, but when I turned the corner and saw a photo of Lee Li Chin, the SBS newsreader, I just had to have a snap. Which then started the ball rolling, and we took more photos of photos. I'm only sorry that I didn't take any details down ... but honey it was cold!!! And I could barely stop shaking enough to steady the camera and focus.

Tower at the top of the Botanical Gardens near the actual exhibition

On our way back, we stopped at an old church hall that had a 20% sale on fine furnishings ... well, more of the nanna kind, but we did find a sun clock ... which is something I've always wanted!!! And is now hanging in the kitchen ... I love my sun clock. Thank you so much M for buying it. Now we need to do something about the Arkeleys ....

Comfort is Secondary

Ok ... so when it comes to couture, comfort is secondary. Anyone who rails against fashion should watch the devil wears prada ... there's a scene where Anne Hathaway sniggers at the notion of choosing between 2 belts that she sees as similar, which leads to Meryl Steep's soliloquy about the cerulean jumper .. top stuff!! But why were we having this convo in the first place ... what was the context and where were we? Well the context was to put it plainly, downing 2 bottles of wine and the where? Well this leads us to the concept of the Cook Up.

P, M and moir get together every once in awhile to do a cook-up. Which is basically an excuse to pig out and drink copious amounts of wine at a leirsurely pace (of course!). However the point of the exercise is to stretch our culinary wings and attempt a meal that we consider to be fiddly and complex enough to stand in the pantheon of haute cuisine ... i.e. if we were running a restaurant, you'd be shelling out at least $40 per plate (we hope).

For our 4th attempt we went to P's  house. And the menu was as follows:

Entree - Buffalo Mozarella in a Red Pepper Sauce

Main - Braised Ox Cheeks in a Red wine sauce with Parmesan and Blue Veined Goats Cheese Mash served with Asparagus and Beans with a Porcini drizzle

Dessert - Creme Caramel with an Orange and Grapefruit sauce

Picking out the menu from our ever burgeoning collection of recipes - glimpse of P's antique table

The day started at about 2pm with a trip down to the organic grocers for some provisions. Those places are dangerous .. they drag you in with their organic and specialty produce and you're suckered at the check out into feeling like you've done a good deed by paying premium prices ... although I have to admit the tomatoes were to die for ... and I'm not entirely a fan.

Then it was off to Simon Johnston ... where I almost had an orgasm in the cheese room ... why is that slightly off fishy smell so appealing? But as per our previous attempt at lobster, we baulked at the prices for black truffle ... $245 for 50gm??? I don't think so!!! So we reassesed the black truffle risotto .. and went with the beans and asparagus. But I am determined to do it one day along with the lobster ... and lets hang the cost!!!

Anyhoo ... back at P's we sat down to a mini lunch of cheese and crackers with scrumptious bread from Babka ... and of course our beloved Turra Murra. And then we got stuck into it ... and the time just flew ... along with any sense of moderation ... so much for my cholestorel level ... !!!

Ox Cheeks: P kindly bought the Ox Cheeks, which he pre-ordered from Jonathan's and then marinaded overnight in wine and your standard provincial carrots, celery, bayleaves, onions etc ... P you are a dedicated follower of all things posh ... and that extends to your wardrobe as well ... I've never seen anyone dress down in cashmere!!!

 Ox Cheeks in red wine marinade

What Ox Cheeks actually look like

I started on entree and got the baking dish ready with the beginnings of the red pepper sauce.

 Red Pepper Sauce Ingredients in tray ready for the oven
 

The rest of the crew started work on the oxcheeks and the creme caramel.

P & M hard at work in the kitchen

Pretty soon the oxcheeks were braising in the pot with the added veal stock ... the smell was heavenly.

 Slow Braising Ox Cheeks in veal and wine sauce

M prepared the orange/grapefruit citrus sauce for the creme caramel.

 Citrus sauce for the Creme Caramel

More wine and friendly banter about music and fashion ensued till it was time for me to finish off the entree.

 Putting the final touches on our entree

Which we then devoured with gusto:

 The Final result on the stove

 Entree plated and on the table ... please note P's gorgeous house!!

 Buffalo Mozarella in Red Pepper Sauce

 2 soon to be satisfied customers

There's nothing like a red pepper sauce ... goes with bread, pasta, rice ... you name it. I do my spag bol with red pepper sauce too!!! Then it was time for the main event ....plated and ready for the table!!!

 Braised Ox Cheeks in Red Wine sauce, Goats Cheese Mash Potatoes and Beans and Asparagus drizzled with Porcini oil

And here's me ... slightly pissed ... and already full as a goog!!

More wine and friendly banter ... then it was dessert! After spending some time in a makeshift bain marie,

the little angels were ready for the table:

 Creme Caramel ... we did it!!!

All in all , I thought the night was a huge success ... so hurrah to all involved!!! And I'm sorry this all sounds terribly pedestrian ... but its late sunday night and I seriously CBA!!

Can't wait for the next one!!!

Auspicious Start

Ok ... well what a way to start a new phase!! First day at the new job and winter well and truly hits!!! I had my $10 op shop duffle on, and my new Marcs jumper with a shirt and honey I was shaking with cold like I had parkinsons ... to top it all off, I'm back working in the city and there's a bloody shooting near flinders lane .. with 2 critically injured and one fatality!!!

 

I look at this Peter Booth painting and I see the layers through and through:

 

 

But on a happier note ... I think I may have found my ideal company to work for. I was not feeling nervous at all before this morning, and the nerves continued to stay away even when I got there!!! So that was a good sign. There were three of us just starting and NB made us feel so welcome ... and whats more wanted!!! Which is indeed rare. Usually they make you feel like you should be grateful that they hired you in the first place. We had a quick overview of the schedule for the day, had a quick tour of the office and met the rest of the staff, then promptly went to The Bean for coffee!!!

 

We started at 9.30am and ended the day at 4.30pm, after having 2 sessions on the company and the services. NB kept apologising about the dryness of the material, but seriously, I've never had an induction on the first day where they explain every facet the of the business to you.

 

Then she had an interview for the MD position. When she came out she was actually willing to talk about it. I mean these things anywhere else would have been kept hush hush like it was the biggest secret out. Another Tick peops!!!! None of that "oh that doesn't concern you" bullshit. Everything is seemingly transparent.

 

We will be having a company paid day out in a month. Start of with breakfast in the city and then everyone gets on a bus and does a winery tour in the Yarra Valley ... this is during the day!!! they hire a temp to man the phones ... HELLO PEOPS!!! Are you hearing me???

 

The CS Manager, who is new and who I report to, gets to go to Singers 3 times a year ... guess who finally has an incentive to work his way up to the top. I would be a team leader just for that.

 

But anyhoo ... ask me in another 2 weeks and I may tell a different story ... but for now, just let me enjoy this!!! I think I deserve it muthafuckas.

 

Oh ... trying to find a silver frame (cheap price, but not cheap) for our Howard Arkley print (suggestions on the back of a postcard):

 

PS ... Another cook up this Sat!!!! Pics and story soon after ... I hope.

Why am I not excited Yet!!!

Ok ... first apologies for my tardiness (?) ... I know at least one of you out there has complained .. but anyhoo!

Riddle me this ... why is it that I have a sum total of 4 working days left and YET I'm not excited AT ALL!!!! Why does it seem that on the cusp of my leaving that I am so majorly stressed!!! I should be floating round the office and having endless coffee breaks and laughing and carrying on and saying things like "Suffer!" and "Tell someone who Cares!!!" I'm too good I think.

But I am really looking forward to the new job. Its hard to describe because normally I react in the same way I react when I pay anything above $150 for a garment ... its always a mixture of excitment, regret and nervous anticipation. And I have been to That many interviews ... you have no idea!!! But I really really got such a great vibe from the people I met. There was the PR chick, the CS manager and a team member, and I was cracking jokes and talking about clothes and eveything .... so fingers crossed ... hope that my first impression lasts.

I've been getting heartfelt responses (well I hope anyways ... but who knows with these people) from some clients after hearing about my impending departure. Here are some choice excerpts:

"Oh no the only reason I was staying with [blah] was because you were there. Please if you are ever in the [blah] area please call in I will shout you a coffee. You have been absolutely wonderful to me and never lost your cool with me even if you thought I was a pain in the bum. Please keep in touch I would love that"

"P.S.  Miss you already ...................."

(between you and me ... if I was going to a competitor ... leave that to your imagination)

But just to fill in the gaps here are some pics from a recent Steamboat night:

For the uninitiated, Steamboat is like a fondue with stock. So you have your selection of meats and vegies and a little basket which you put the food in and that you use to dip into the stock pot for cooking. Try it peops!!! Its so easy .... you can use an electric frypan if you like ... and ready made stock (although really you want to make your own ... ) and then 1,2,3 and you have Steamboat!!! YAY!!!

ALSO I want to plug JM's restaurant SABROSO in Seddon:

Its on the corner of Gamon and Charles Street and its a Tappas Bar/restaurant and the food is yummy!!! and the wine and beer list is decent. Also every Thursday night from about 9.15pm the Pinstripes play an acoustic set with the lovely Trina (also a friend) and her bluesy voice!!!

Our first visit there a few years ago was memorable indeed ... I think we got well and truly sloshed ... well some of us ... and I believe JH foot the bill. Crazy 'Mo that he is!!!

KJ, MN and me went there last night with M joining us later. We had:

salt and pepper squid

cripsy bread and dips (the dips were heavenly!!!)

moorish chicken skewers

smoked trout (came out by mistake so twas gratis)

pumpkin tarts with a pomegranate molasses sauce which we weren't big fans of

meatballs

and the piece de resistance - chorizo with chikpeas

So get your arses out there ... and if you're not from the west ... expand your horizons!!!

 

An old AGE review can be found here.

15.5.7 - E'Day

Ok ... so its settled ... 15.5.7 is my End day!!!!!

So I had myself a little bit of retail therapy. Went to DJs and got a black cotton V-neck Jumper ... there was a Paul Smith woolen one that was severelt marked down ... but its was in an off diarrhoea colour .... so we said NO to that one. Tried a grey Calibre one on .. but the fabric was thin and clingy .... and mama has stacked on a few kilos ... so it was not a pretty sight in the fitting room mirror.

 

Also bought my very firts pair of Nudie's. I'm thinking of going black .. i.e. black shirt and jeans .. this could very well be my new work look ... but knowing me I'll be sick of it after about 2 mins ... but seriously ... how many more years do I have before I start looking like one of those ... you know ... recapturing my youth types!!!! Bring on the collared shirts and chino's ... YAY!!! (Its too depressing for words)

 

Also got me some CDs (please don't call me moneybags ... I haven't been shopping in muthafuckin ages!!!)

I bought:

 

OMD - John Peel Sessions (a steal at $9.95 - bet this was a cancelled customer order - believe me I know about these ... they didn't call me pink bits at HMV for nothing)

 

Rufus Wainwright - Release the Stars

 

Battles - Mirrored

 

Cinematic Orchestra - Ma Fleur

 

And nearly not - Bjork's Volta (ltd edition)

 

I was in the alternative section and this curly haired guy who was stocking CDs was there. He noticed me pick up the Battles CD and he goes "Awesome CD Man!!" and I go "Yeah I know" but I thought "don't talk to me about music Maan!!! I know what I like and what I don't like" Anyways .. I casually asked him whether he had the Bjork Ltd Ed CD (knowing full well that I've already been bugging D about this) and he says they have copies round the corner ... meaning at the other JB store in the city. And I go 'Oh Cool" and walked off to find the other things I wanted to buy.

 

I was then literally 3 persons away from the Checkout when he comes out and hands me a copy. They had literally just unpacked it in the storeroom and he was already on it. Now THAT's customer service!!!! I wish I had grabbed his name so that I could pass my commendations on.

 

Anyways, I'm only 3/4s of the way through but so far I can say its beautiful!!! .... I wouldn't say Stunning because there are no surprises here ... but damn I was excited to finally get my copy. The first thing I thought was "How the fuck do I open this damn thing without ruining the sticker!!" Thankfully, I was able to pull out one of the flaps on the box and access the CD from there. Me and M had a bit of a chuckle over the photos inside ... but at least she keeps trying different things ... you can hear maturity creeping into her tone now ... you get glimpses at what she would potentially sound like when she's older ... hopefully she goes down the Scott Walker track ... rather than (dare I say it) the Kate Bush ("my bff is Eric Clapton") one.  I know ... SACRILEGE ... birdcalls notwithstanding!!

 

PS ... VALE JP!!!

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Comments:

Danise wrote:

 

Hey there,
HOW awsomely amazing is my Rufus. Have you listened to all yet? Please tell me what you think.
AH, I wish you were here so we could discuss this over and over and over again. With of course sushi, red wine and prehaps more sushi.
I MISS YOU!!
I heart RW
xxooxx
oh btw have to download the song I must be emo. Frigging hillarious.
Painting my fingers nail black as we speak.

28 May

 

alfredo strazza wrote:

 

Hi, we are IL RUMORE DEI PASSI. Listen our music in our space!!!

25 May

Word is Out!!!

Ok ... everyone ... sing along with me:

Because the word is out
I can't go on believing in your innocence
Now the word is out (the word is out)
The word is out
You can't go on pretending
It's all over town
Now the word is out (the word is out)

(those in the know will get this)

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Comments:

Temasek wrote:

 

I've got Hungry like a Wolf in my head ... lets meet up and have a baby!!!

COME BACK!!!!!!

21 May 

Danise wrote:

 

WOW awsome, now i have that in my head for the next week!!!
Stop it.. ahahahahahah :P
xxx

21 May

What is my Body Telling Me Part 2

Ok, so I went to the Dr's for a checkup, theoretically to get another referral to the dermatologist so I don't have to sacrifice my first born child for a duck-beaked, botoxed fur wearing toorak type to prod my face a couple of times. But as you may not know, although being glib about it, my yoga episode has really freaked me out ... and I have engaged in certain nefarious activities which means that the usual run of blood tests are in order. Ok so I thought needle in the arm, maybe BP and thats it!!! So how did I end up with all of that plus a urine sample, and throat and anal swabs!!! I feel Violated!!!! No just kidding peops. I love it that they are thorough, but I must admit that I am now nervous about the results, especially since my BP is a little high. Whats funny is that I always see Dr J for all the "secret" stuff. Unfortunately he must live near where I work, and he goes to the same bagelry where I get my coffee, so I'm forever ducking behind corners or trying to blend into the crowd to avoid him. I just feel funny that he knows stuff about me that even M doesn't know ... intimate details!!! Yeucchh! How could you look someone in the eye out of context after that??? Its just wrong.

Now ... lets talk about Michel Gondry. Isn't he just too precious for words?? You know how people sometimes go "oh if you could go back in time blah blah blah who would you like to meet?" ... I know, falling asleep already ... BUT ... if I was a futureperson ... I would answer that question most definitevely with Michel Gondry!!

Anyways, here is Michel Gondry's ad for HP - I thought these visually creative types all use Macs??? Is this simply an advertising ploy? Is it simply all about the benjamins? Or does he really use the product? Either way, its typical Gondry, so enjoy!!!



And More Gondry Madness with the Rubik's Cube (thanks DB for the tip) ... LOVES IT!!! Make sure you watch in order!!



PS - can't stop listening to The Blow's Parentheses ... only because of the song title and how its worked into the chorus ... look there's still hope with music!!! AND I HOPE UR ALL LOVING BATTLES NOW ... 9.1 on Pitchfork (wankery aside!!)

Pinch me I'm Dreaming!!

JP I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU GONE AND DONE IT GIRRLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DANG MISSY .... WASSUP WIT DAT!!!

YO HOMIE ... I BE KICKIN THE CURB WICH'U 'FOUR LONG

U CHECK MY FLOW HO ... COZ I GOT UR BACK BABY!!!!

 

(sorry I've well and truly flipped out ... work is craaazzzyyy!!! They're dropping like flies ... and I'm losing JP!!!)

(oh and apologies for the blakspeak .... too much beyonce and jay-z in my diet at the mo!)

 

'Memories ........  "

 

You know what?? Right now, instead of this:

 

 

I'd rather be doing this: 

 

AND how much do I love the new Battles CD - Mirrored - definite recommendation from me ... and I bet these guys grew up watching sesame street - its like Mogwai with Hip Hop sensibilities.

 

 

AND I reckon the new Groove Armada is going to be a Massive Hit!!! Have these guys morphed into Basement Jaxx by any chance??