cultivate
FOOD & TRAVEL
little luxury issue
MINI BREAKS
cultivate EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sophia Smilovitis CONTRIBUTORS Dr Robin
cultivate-online.com
CONTENTS VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 MAY 2011
EDITOR’S LETTER
FOOD
THE SIMPLE THINGS DR ROBIN ON TEA COMFORT FOOD
TRAVEL
THE LONG WEEKEND TRAVEL FEATURE ONBOARD
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5 6 8
12 16 17
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EDITOR’S LETTER
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Luxury is such a subjective word...
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the little luxuries in life
The connotations of luxury usually conjured up in one’s mind are of opulence or extravagance but if you were to look at what you actually considered luxuries in your life you might find that the word describes a completely different set of experiences. Whether it’s wearing a soft cashmere sweater or cooking a really great piece of lamb with fresh herbs you’ve grown yourself, luxury is rarely as complicated or expensive as many industries would like you to think. This issue focuses on the little luxuries in life and, true to its namesake, is about cultivating the pleasures that define our taste and sense of style.
Sophia Smilovitis Editor-In-Chief editor@cultivate-online.com
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the
SIMPLE
things These are just a few of my favourite ‘little luxury’ recipes and personalpassions...
Good
TEA
instant IS NOT
By Dr. Robin
A proper cup of tea takes a little more time and preparation than a teabag dipped in hot water and jiggled up and down. This process only makes for a tepid and dazed tea with a lack of character and taste. A properly brewed cup will have depth of flavour and be fragrant and soothing, able to relax and inspire the drinker. It can provide a restful interlude in a busy day and should be given the proper treatment it deserves.The most important steps require a good loose-leaf tea, hot filtered water, an insulted pot and a proper china cup.Don’t cut corners here or the results will show. I’m not bothered if milk or sugar are added but be sparing and the tea will taste better. Brewing is important, it allows the tea to develop and reach its full flavour. It’s not worth cutting short the ‘character’ of the tea by rushing the process; its well to remember that good things take a little more time. I have a collegue who is an instant coffee drinker, always in a rush, often impatient and ruled by their Blackberry. They live life on the run and need lots of strong instant coffees to get through the day.
They don’t see the point in slowing down and it shows in their character – no time for reflection, little time for people and a haphazard approach to life’s situations. I often sit quietly sipping my tea and watch his frantic efforts. I have found that more is achieved by thinking things through with a good cup of tea than running around in a state of crisis without any forward planning. When it all boils down life is a series of relationships with people and a sequence of events. Each needs to be handled carefully to gain greatest benefit. In order to appreciate others and work through situations it will require time and communication and this can be done over a good cup of tea. Boil the kettle, make up the pot, pour the cup and sit down to enjoy. It forces a more mellow approach. Tea rituals may take a little more time, a bit more patience, some extra effort, but the results are worthwhile. Tea makes a good day a little more enjoyable, And a bad day a little more bearable. Dr Robin is a PhD sociologist, researcher and writer with a penchant for a great cup of tea.
T2 TEA T2 TEA ESSENTIALS
T2 is one of my favourite stores in the world and these are some of my must-have items. Check out their website at www.t2tea.com.au or call them on +61 3 8698 0600.
China Jasmine green tea box $11
Mesh Basket Large - $11.50
Red Green & Dreamy rooibos tea - box $13.00
Serenity Tcup - $20.00 each
New Leaf Tpot Turquoise 532ml - $35.00
T2 Scoop - $1.20
Irish Breakfast black tea 250g tin $27.75
Shin Kikko Tpot Black 1.25L $190.00
Glass Jar Amber 100ml - $3.00
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MUSHROOMS with Dijon mayonnaise
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly seasoned mushroom served with a crisp glass of chilled white on a Saturday afternoon.
Serves 2 2 large Portobello mushrooms 2 Tbs whole egg mayonnaise 2 tsp Dijon mustard Rocket 2 Shallots, chopped 1/2 purple onion Olive oil
1. Season a griddle pan with a little olive oil over a medium high heat. 2. In a small bowl combine the Dijon mustard with the mayonnaise until just combined but not overstirring. 3. Place the mushrooms, top side down, and the onions on the pan when it is hot. 4. Cook on each side for 3 minutes until mushrooms begin to soften. 5. To serve, place a handful of the rocket on each plate and top with the mushrooms, garnished with a little of the mayonnaise.
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RICH SELF-SAUCING PUDDING
Indulge in a simple and luxurious dessert that takes very little time to prepare and satisfies any chocolate cravings.
Serves 4 1 cup self-raising flour 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1/2 cup brown sugar 80g butter, melted, cooled 1/2 cup milk 1 egg, lightly beaten 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, sifted 1 1/4 cups boiling water Thick cream or ice-cream, to serve
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1. Preheat oven to 180째C 2. Grease 4 one-cup capacity ramekins. 3. Sift flour and cocoa into a large bowl and stir in sugar. 4. Combine butter, milk and egg in a jug. Slowly add to flour mixture, whisking until well combined and smooth. 5. Spoon into baking dish and smooth the top. 6. To make sauce: sprinkle combined sugar and cocoa over pudding. 7. Slowly pour boiling water over the back of a large metal spoon to cover pudding. 8. Place dish onto a baking tray. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until pudding bounces back when pressed gently in centre. 9. Serve hot with cream or ice cream.
chocolate
the
LONG
weekend
travel feature
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The Queen of England is about to celebrate her 85th birthday. . .
You can even spend the whole stay in your hotel room without the similar feelings of guilt that you are missing out on what the city has to offer. Furthermore, This can only mean one thing when you do venture into for Australian residents – a the streets you won’t waste long weekend. It doesn’t really time getting lost because you matter that Australia isn’t already know your way around. directly governed by a monarchy It’s always times like or even that it’s not actually her birthday, we there is no this, unpressured by the confines of an itinerary, will still celebrate it with a day off nonetheless. pressure to that you will find the For a lot of people the see or do little gems you never knew existed. The little opportunity for time everything café with the best eggs off means heading out Benedict you’ve ever to the country or going had in your life or the spot under camping,but for those of us who a bridge where a saxophone prefer not to share a bed made player takes advantage of out of nylon and zippers with the incredible acoustics. It’s half the mosquito population, an opportunity to finally go it’s the perfect chance to have and see that ‘thing’ you put a city break. The daily rush of on a list of things you’ve been work can mask a hidden oasis meaning to go and see. A great of pleasure and relaxation. The jazz club. A tapas bar. Book in beauty of a weekend holiday for a massage at a day spa.The in your own city is that there city becomes a playground for is no pressure to see or do the adventurous. A weekend everything. You can languidly getaway is the opportune time enjoy that late check out time to explore a vibrant city and without feeling like you’re enjoy the place you inhabit. wasting daylight.
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a hidden oasis of pleasure
travel feature AM Breakfast. It’s one of life’s greatest luxuries. What other meal in the day is it perfectly acceptable to eat desserts for? SYDNEY Bird Cow Fish, 500 Crown St, Surrey Hills, NSW (02) 9380 4090 MELBOURNE Cafe Vue, Normady Chambers, 430 Little Collins St, Melbourne,VIC (03) 9691 3899 PERTH TigerTiger,4 / 329 Murray Street,Perth, WA (08) 9322 8055
PM Whether in search of the perfect cocktail or drop of pinot noir, a visit to a really good bar is the ideal ending to the day. SYDNEY Zeta Bar, Hilton Sydney, 488 George Street, Sydney, NSW (02) 9265 6070 MELBOURNE High Society, 23-29 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD (03) 9639 2544 PERTH Andaluz Bar & Tapaz, 21 Howard Street, Perth., WA (08) 9481 0092
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time to explore a vibrant city
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ONBOARD IN FLIGHT TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
1. Louis Vuitton Roll on Luggage $4300 from Louis Vuitton (1300 883 880) 2.Aesop Flinders Lane set $59 from Aesop (1300 721 754) 3. Bamford Cashmere scarf $760 (approx) from www.net-a-porter.com 4.Apple iPad from $575 from www.apple.com.au 5. Bose Noise Cancelling headphones $499 from www.apple.com 6. Mulberry Piccadilly weekender $1550 (approx) from www.net-a-porter.com (All images are from original sources and are copyright)
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