Eat like an Egyptian

Life is hectic when you work 6 days a week and then trying to fit in errands on the one day that you are free. Then on the weeknights you have to push yourself to go to the gym so you don't get fat from all the catch-ups breakfasts/lunches/brunches/high teas/dinners that occur. To top it off Perth's weather hasn't been the best with lots of lovely pitter patter of rain drops. So all I want to do is curl up in front of the telly and catch up on movies/tv shows and fall asleep listening to the sound of rain.

Lucky for me I have amazing bunches of friends that drag me out of my hermit cave. One of the things I love doing indoors away from the cold, the wet and the heat is checking out the museum exhibition at the Western Australia Museum in Northbridge at the Cultural Centre. 

At the moment, until 22nd of September Secrets of the Afterlife exhibition is on, which if a journey into ancient Egypt and the world of magic, mummies, and afterlife. It features over 100 objects from amulets and jewellery to coffins, painted texts and spells for the dead, as well as rituals for the perfect afterlife. 

It was amazing to see objects and artifacts from thousands of years ago (and how they survived!) and just reading about the believes of the ancient Egyptians. It's worth checking out! Oh and the duck may not be thousands of years old but it's still hella cute.

After we had our education session on obtaining that perfect afterlife, we made our way to the Muse Cafe situated behind the main museum entrance. Muse Cafe is offering Egyptian Style High Tea. 

They decked out the room into a very Egypt theme with posters, camels and ancient Egypt themed chess pieces. They offer 3 sessions for the high tea at 11am-12:30pm, 1:00pm-2:30pm, 3:00pm-4:00pm. The cost of the high tea is reasonable as it includes the tickets to the exhibition ($65 or $75 if you want a cocktail along with the high tea). 

The Muse Cafe also offered a variety of different high tea menus to suit people's dietary requirements, which I think is brilliant! I'm so glad they take allergies and food intolerance very seriously. They have a vegetarian, nut free, gluten free, and low risk pregnancy menus. 

We started of with a refreshing watermelon and coconut salad with honey mint syrup appetizer, which had the sweetness of the watermelon, coconut flakes provided the texture and the mint (couldn't really taste the honey syrup bit of it) left you refreshingly cool. 

Then the tea order was taken (they also do coffee), but their range of teas is pretty impressive, there is about 10-15 different types of teas and they come in proper "made-to-share" teapots which can be topped up or if you are sick of the tea you are trying they will just swap over the pot for you. We ended up trying cinnamon and orange tea, pomegranate green tea and rooibos tea. The teapots are ultra cute too, most likely sourced from many an antique shop or vintage markets. I love it. 

Then the high tea delights came out (fairly quickly too might I add). We started off with the sandwiches. They were in plain white bread but the filling was rather delicious, with hints of spices and herbs to keep to our Egyptian theme. There was the cumin sandwich, the Moroccan chicken, and cucumber and rocket with goat's cheese sandwich . They were all rather delicious, although I wish the cumin sandwich had more cumin in it, because it really lacked oomph. But the waitress did warn us that the amount of cumin may be a little as people have been finding it a bit strong. They might have overdone removing it.

Then the scones came out - yum! Mixed fruit scones with the best fig compote to go with it. So delicious. So fluffy and nicely warmed.

After scones comes the warm food, consisting of eggplant masaka tart and the bay and cardamon braised lamb pie. They smelt so delicious and the flavours in both the tart and the lamb pie transported you to the hot bazaar of Egypt. Perfect to eat on a rainy day. Warms your soul.

Then the best of the high tea - the dessert. This consisted of pomegranate chocolate cake, rose marshmallow, pistachio and apricot baklava. 

The pomegranate chocolate cake was this dense, rich, moist chocolate cake, an absolute indulgence. The rose marshmallow was the complete contrast to this its light airy texture, sweet rose smells and just melt in your mouth moment of sweetness. The pistachio and apricot baklava (if eaten last) didn't taste as sweet as baklavas tend to be, which is something that I really appreciated. The nuts and apricot added textural interest and it just seemed to round out the high tea very nicely.

The Muse cafe is a lovely place with a massive outdoor area. It's perfect for the warmer climates. But even in winter and with the rain the indoor area is so cosy and warm it's just the perfect place to hide away. I love how they do their teas in large pots and with such a variety of selection. The service is lovely and as attentive as possible, and I love how they cater for dietary requirements and allergies. More places in Perth needs to take that up. It's definitely one to go to especially if there is an exhibition on at the Museum and they have themed their high tea accordingly. Why not have a day out? Go see the Egyptian Exhibition (on until 22nd September) and have the high tea as well (as a lunch perhaps?). You can get tickets to the exhibition here and for the combined experience of high tea and exhibition click here.

Waiting for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D

I am a HUGE comic fan and I love the MARVEL comics, religiously following the releases of X-MEN, IRONMAN, CAPTAIN AMERICA, THOR and waiting around after the credits to piece together to make THE AVENGERS.

So when I saw that the AGENTS of S.H.I.E.L.D being advertised on Channel 7.. suffice to say I am excited.

It is expected to be broadcast 2-3 days after the US.

For those who haven't seen the previews..

Winner of the Petra Vanessie Design Competition

Thank you for all those that participated in the Petra Vanessie Design Competition a couple of posts back.

The competition closed on Tuesday and I had fun ensuring I went through my email and facebook pages as a lot of people had trouble commenting on the post (thanks a lot BLOGSPOT!) BLAH.

I had a random name picker program that's available online do the hard work of picking out the winner (all I had to do was type everyone's name in!).

The winner is...

An email has been sent to you with the information on how to claim your prize. Petra can't wait to meet you and I hope you like her designs as much as I do!

xo

City to Surf Perth

waiting around for the race to start as the marathoners were taking their sweet time getting around the course - which pretty much delayed EVERYONE!

The annual City to Surf event and this year I attempted to run the 12km (managed to run half) which is huge thing for me because I didn't train and I hate running.

To top it off thanks to cousin had awesome post run foods at the Shell tent.

Got over the finish line and was flushed!

Stuffing our faces outside the shell tent and yes that is bacon egg in a muffin. 

I'll let you know the time when I find out but it's about 100mins according to my watch.

Ps. Also saw a family of duckies! while passing through Perry Lakes reserve and couldn't resist and took a photo!

Spotlight on Petra Vanessie

I decided to do something very different and exciting on this blog. I decided to do a "Spotlight" feature on amazing up and coming designers and local talent that resides in this beautiful state of mine (whether it's chefs, fashion designers, interior designers, ceramic artists etc.). This way you get to discover the various talented people in our state, support the locally owned and brand and never utter the words of Perth and boring in the same sentence again.

SO ...having said all that... I'm very excited to introduce to you my first Spotlight feature on a very talented, bubbly and outrageously cute PR turned fashion designer Petra Vanessie. I've been a big fan of her work since I saw her stuff last year at the Perth Upmarket and if you've been reading SOS you would have seen glimpses of her stuff back in 2012 here and then more recently here.

Roll Call

My name is Petra Vanessie, the creative director and owner of Perth-based fashion label Petra Vanessie.

When did you start Petra Vanessie? How did you learn to design?

I started back in 2011 and I was working in Sydney at the time and I've always loved dresses and work has been a big part of my life so a lot of my designs have a corporate feel. At the time, I wanted to wear something that gave me a big boost of confidence and clothing make such a difference in doing that and perking you up. I wanted to dress differently, and something unique and quirky. I used to look around and go I like dress but I want to change that bit of it or change the colour or the design a little bit. Then when my contract ended I decided to take a break and take a year off and start it all. I self taught myself design and it was easy to start drawing and designing what I had in mind. In terms of sewing my grandma taught me the basics, as she used to be a dressmaker and was a big influence in how to find fabrics and even that vintage look. She gave me a lot of pattern books shes kept from the 50s, 60s and 70s and that's something that has come through in my designs.

 What do you hope to offer the ladies of Perth?

I want to give versatility and not just to go to work, but also something that is able to be worn on the weekend and for play. So when people buy my designs, they can incorporate into their wardrobe and take it out and wear it for all sorts of occasions. I wanted to give something that has colour and interesting detailing. I like details on everything, whether its pleats or something that is unique and different. I wanted to give something different so that when you walk down the street people will stop you, compliment and make you feel beautiful and something a little different, something for women.

Three words that describes Petra Vanessie
Fun-loving (you come into the character of the outfit), versatile and colourful.

Could you name a few influences on your aesthetics and your style?
I've always loved Cue and Veronica Maine, beautifully cut and tailored and beautifully finished. I have always loved Oscar De la Renta, really classical, feminine and colourful, beautiful things he's done every single year. I've always loved looking at Coco Chanel the simplicity of the lines and how clothes sort of fall and you can wear it easily for either for work or play and she you can tell from her designs that she had that in mind; clothes where women can move freely in.

What are you aims for your design career?

I'll like to have an online store first then I really want a shop front. But to be more of a collaboration, where I can also display the works of other designers and artists as there is so much talent, but not many opportunities to showcase the works. In the long term, I'll like to expand that sort of shopfront into a bit of a hub, where people can come and eat at the same time and to be able to do workshops of making a dress or learn how to make ceramics. A place where families can drop by and ladies can shop but can mingle and look at something else and during school holidays kids can come and play with ceramics. A place where there is constant buzz of activities showcasing the talents of a lot of artists. I'll also like to do events like high tea with a little fashion parade and just have fun.

Can you name three people that have influenced your personal style?

That's a good question actually. My grandma, will have to be one, taught me to just dress really classical, feminine and elegant. When I was living in Jakarta she would always be "no you shouldn't wear sandals with that dress you should wear proper shoes etc. and things should be tucked in" and she would always be running after me tucking shirts in. There is a stylist by the name of Meg Gill, who I've worked with and collaborate with for a lot of my events and she did the backstage for the fashion show at the Government House ballroom, she's taught me a lot about dressing simply but with effect. And the third person.. umm.. I can't really pinpoint anyone, because there have been so many people that have inspired me and have given me the style I like, but my grandma would have to be my biggest influence.

One interesting quirk about you?

I'm not sure if OCD counts as an interesting quirk.

Favourite kind of tea?

Lemongrass and ginger, all kinds of herbal teas but lemongrass and ginger would have to be my fave.

It's really yummy.

Favourite hangout place in Perth? Where would we find you on your days off?

You would find me on the little cafe strip in Maylands on Whatley Crescent, either at Mrs. S on the corner or Sherbet. On most days you'll find me at Sherbet. If I could, I'll probably set up an office there. There are so many choices of cake and I want one of every cake, and at one point I managed to keep up but then they keep coming up with different cakes so there is always more to try.

Sketch of yourself?

I'm not very good at drawing faces so the sketch of what I would wear would have to do.

I have this suit in my mind. It's a three quarters suit with a high waist skirt with a little seem at the front with buttons on it. I can imagine teaming that with little heels. Or a silk shirt with a bow and suspenders and a high waisted wide-legged pants and a of course heels.

To have a look at Petra's lookbook click here. 

You can keep up with what's new and where this up and coming designer is heading to join her facebook group here

TO MAKE THIS NEW FEATURE EVEN MORE EXCITING! and seriously I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS (and slightly envious!). Petra Vanessie is kindly giving ONE LUCKY reader of this blog, Sprinkling of Spice, a chance to win ONE item from her latest design. ANYTHING your little heart desire whether it be a new dress, or a new skirt or a blazer/coat/jacket. ONE PIECE OF HER DESIGN. 

All you have to do is:

1) like @sprinklespice on instagram and like Petra Vanessie on Facebook

2) Be available to collect your prize (in other words go shopping so you can claim your prize) at the Perth Upmarket on 8th September or make arrangements with Petra to see her at her studio in Ascot before 8th of September to see her works and make one of her design your own!

3) Comment on this post WITH YOU EMAIL ADDRESS when you have completed the above by August 27th  @ 5pm - email address in comment page is a requirement for me to put your name in the draw as it will be randomly drawn out of a hat/computer picked. 

**please note: privacy will be upheld email addresses will not be used as spam and will be solely used for contacting the winner of this competition.

The Wine Store and Wine bar

I love discovering quaint little places around Western Australia. My latest discovery is a corner deli shop turned into a boutique wine store and bar on George street in Fremantle. Such a random place to find amazing wines and good food! It's in the middle of residential area!

The Wine Store is divided into two areas - the store stocks boutique wines sourced locally and around the world - from vintages in Burgundy and Bordeaux to joining the new-world - Argentinean revolution, wines from Portugal, brewing behind the iron curtain and winemaking at home in Australia and at such fair and affordable prices and the bar next door has a cellar downstairs (perfect for functions and perhaps a very intimate wedding reception!). Their team is also very knowledgeable (did you know Malbec actually originates from France. The French then brought the grapes over to Argentina where it thrived in the climate and now everyone thinks it originates from Argentina) and they really appreciate well made wines that are true to their vineyard and of course taste.

Then there is the food, the menu is European and South American inspired made with fresh, local Western Australia produce. Oh and of course cheap coffees with free babycinos (which is the way it should be!).

I had the privilege of being invited to the Yelp Elite event and getting a chance to check out the place and taste test their canapé menu.

The interior design is so nice and the cellar.. perfection for a function. Just look at the photos.

The interiors of the bar upstairs. Love the wallpaper

The cellar dining area - wines on display and right at the back is this beautiful wood table.

An intimate Wedding reception can be held here. If only I had a small family for an occasion like that. But unfortunately I don't. (These two photos are taken by the lovely Adam the photographer of Yelp - thank you muchly for allowing me to use these on my blog).

PLEASE NOTE: The mains shown in this post may not be what is available currently at the Wine Store as the menu changes often.

They also have a open kitchen were you really can see everything. I spent way too long hanging around watching them prep the food. 

On the night, Yelp provided the yelpers with canapés - This lovely ham and cheese croquette with salsa. Divine. I ate a bit too much of those yummy balls. 

Ham and cheese croquette

Then there was the beef empanadas with this nice chilli (hot meter of slight). It was packed with goodness and the pastry wasn't too thick either.



Beef empanadas 

Then the food came out for other people at the bar and I took the opportunity to photograph them and make them look as sexy as possible.

Salad

Fried fish heads

The two canapés didn't cut it, and we were still hungry and the menu looked so good so we stayed for dinner to sample more of the food. 

 Cousin and I - the obligatory toilet photo

 My obligatory social media update on my Samsung Galaxy S4 - the screen is so much bigger making it so idea for instagram and facebook and using blogger on the phone!

We ordered the stuffed field mushrooms to start. They gave us three rather large stuffed mushrooms with feta and breadcrumbs. It was rather tangy which was something I was not expecting. 

Stuffed mushrooms

I really wanted the gnocchi but with the urging of cousin and my health conscious kicking in I want with the half roasted quail and chorizo with sweet corn puree. 

Half roasted quail with chorizo and sweet corn puree 

The sweet corn puree was creamy and sweet and added the much needed flavour to the quail. With the quail they gave me the wrong half, I ended up with two wing pieces instead of a wing and thigh, which greatly diminished the amount of meat I got on my plate (and considering quails are already rather limited in meaty-ness).. it was little bit of a let down (especially when the canapes were so good!).

My cousin got the steak with fries. Her fries had old oil being used and were cold once it reached her. The steak itself was perfectly cooked medium with a tangy pesto sauce on top, which complemented the dish rather well. 

Steak and fries with pesto sauce

The Wine Store is a little gem of a place. It's ambiance is so chilled and with couches to lounge in with a glass of beautiful red or white or even sparkling in hand and with people you love nothing is more glorious. And hey if you want to buy a bottle of the wine you have on hand you can always pop in next door (before 8pm - the liquor store closes at 8:00pm) and get it for cheaper (they stock things not found anywhere else!). They also do breakfast and lunch and cheap (but good) coffee. 

I can't wait to come back with my friends and just spend the night talking, laughing, enjoying good wines and going through the small bites menu. Then going next door to get a bottle of the red we had so we enjoy it all over again at home.

**PLEASE NOTE THE MENU DOES CHANGE OFTEN SO PLEASE CHECK THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE TO SEE WHAT IS ON OFFER**

Disclaimer: The last few dishes were bought by us where the two canapes were part of the Yelp Elite function so thus were on the house!

Reminder: This website is under copyright so if photos are going to be used please kindly credit them back to me. All photos taken by me with my Chiro (Nikon D90) exception of the two that I have credited.

Studio Open Day and Sale @ Petra Vanessie

I have some news for you. If you are a fan of Petra Vanessie or are loving what you see in her lookbook why don't you come down this coming Saturday to her studio for some bubbles and sweets and SALE.

I'll also be there for a while to look at the beautiful dresses, skirts and tops.

The details are as follows:

Would love to see you there!