Luxury Queensland STYLE Dec08

QUEENSLAND

style HOMES, INTERIORS, LIFESTYLE, FOOD, WINE & TRAVEL

Gold Edition PORT DOUGLAS - NOOSA - BRISBANE - GOLD COAST

Dec - March 09 $5.50 incl GST

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The Window Dresser EXQUISITE FURNITURE AND FABRICS

BEAUTIFUL DRAPES ARE OUR SPECIALITY Custom-made - Blinds - Curtains - Bedspreads - Sofas - Dining - Cabinetry

Interior Design

NOW LOCATED ON CHEVRON ISLAND

The Window Dresser 66 Thomas Drive Chevron Island Gold Coast Tel: 07 5538 8440 E thewindowdresser@bigpond.com

LuxuryStyleliving

We l c o m e t o o u r b e a u t i f u l G O L D edition of LUXURY Queensland Style Magazine...

O Kaylene Murray editor

nce again the festive season is upon us. What happened to the last twelve months?I blinked and they just seem to have disappeared into the cosmos. I'm sure that I have been in this position before. Oh! that's right, I have - it was twelve months ago! At this time of the year everyone is full of hopes, dreams and good will towards their fellow man. Now, all we have to do is make sure that all those great New Year's Eve resolutions last for a full twelve more months this time.

South East Queensland is abuzz with parties and good cheer. The Gold Coast is bursting with lavish cocktail extravaganzas, New Year's Eve balls and exciting parties; Brisbane is tempering its full-on dining scene with glamorous affairs and of course, a spectacular fireworks display; and the Sunshine Coast is being inundated with stars of screen and stage - all taking advantage of the perfect Queensland weather (if you don't count the storms).

Shops are laden with a plethora of temptations, and K Rudd is asking everyone to dig deep and spend all those bonus payments to help the economy.

Maybe someone should explain to him that saving is probably a much better alternative. Of course, who can resist the January sales.

The RSPCA are looking for help in caring for the stray dogs and cats handed-in throughout the year; so please buy an extra box or can of food, even take along your older blankets and doonas (in anticipation of Winter to come) and drop them into one of their collection bins. The 4-legged society tenants and staff are always overjoyed by your generosity. And, please don't give a live animal as a gift, unless you know that it will be wanted, loved and cared-for forever. A pet is not a short term present - it is a lifetime of love and nurturing.

Now it's time to sit back and enjoy our beautiful GOLD issue in the comfort of your own home or vacation retreat. It is full of great summer reading - lavish homes, interesting people, gorgeous wine and food; tempting recipes to try at home; divine cars and great travel destinations, fabulous interior design ideas and furnishings; the latest movies, DVDs and books on the market, as well as stylish gifts and exceptional fashion.

What more could you need for a long, hot summer - besides a long, cool drink, a comfortable couch and the time to reflect and be inspired.

welcome

On behalf of us all at Style Living Magazines - we wish all our readers, advertisers, contributors, friends and family, a wonderful festive season - and a New Year full of good luck and prosperity.

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Published by Style Living Magazines PO Box 1003 Paradise Point 4216 P: 07 5577 2886 F: 07 5577 3354 Publisher Tom Murray tom@stylemagazines.net Group Editor Kaylene Murray kaylene@stylemagazines.net Noosa Editor Helen Flanagan mediawise@bigpond.com Production Joshua Murray josh@stylemagazines.net Sales & Marketing Di Baxter di@stylemagazines.net Esther Claasen esther@stylemagazines.net Enquiries Ph (07) 5577 2886 Writers Kaylene Murray Helen Flanagan Susan Speechley Tony Wilson Food & Wine Kaylene Murray Email: info@stylemagazines.net Web www.stylemagazines.net

Front Cover Photo: Courtesy of: Colin Heaney - Byron Bay Front cover: Luxury Style Brisbane Style Photo: Georges Antoni for The Artist Group Models: KK- Byron Nyree MacKenzie Stockists: Nami - Byron Bay Hyatt Regency - Coolum Hayman Island Resort

QUEENSLAND

style

Front Cover Photo: Courtesy of: Colin Heaney - Byron Bay

brisbane

style

HOMES, INTERIORS, LIFESTYLE FOOD, WINE & TRAVEL

Gold Edition PORT DOUGLAS - NOOSA - BRISBANE - GOLD COAST

Front Cover Photo: Courtesy of: Noosa Classics - Noosaville

noosa SUNSHINE COAST &

style

LIVING

HOMES, INTERIORS, LIFESTYLE FOOD, WINE & TRAVEL

ART, FASHION, FURNITURE TRENDS, FINE WINE & DINING PRESTIGE PROPERTIES

Gold Edition PORT DOUGLAS - NOOSA - BRISBANE - GOLD COAST

The lifestyle magazine for those who enjoy the good things in life!

www.stylemagazines.net

Luxury Style is published quarterly by Style Living Magazines. Whilst all efforts are made to ensure information and advertising material is correct, no responsibility is accepted for wrong or misleading information contained within.

Copyright: All original material supplied by the publisher is copyright and cannot be used or reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Views expressed by contributors are personal views and they are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Indemnity: Advertisers and advertising agents warrant to the publisher that any advertising material placed in Luxury Style is in no way an infringement of any copyright or other right and does not breach confidence, is not defamatory, libellous, or unlawful, does not slander title, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the Trade Practices Act or other laws, regulations or statues.

Moreover, advertisers and advertising agents agree to indemnify their publisher or its agents against any claims, demands, proceedings, damages, costs, including legal costs or expenses properly incurred, penalties or judgements occasioned to the publisher in consequence of any breach of the above warranties.

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RSVP - Style Events A stylish selection of the region's social events, openings, parties and people.

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Colin Heaney Originally known for his incredible blown glass creations, now making it in the fashion world

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Gordon & Belinda Herford Noosa award winning jeweller and artist wife share their passion for life.

contents

14-39 Fashion, Accessories & Beauty

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We talk to Gordon Ramsay Susan Speechley drops in for dinner at Gordon’s London Restaurant

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Style food & wine Including some stylish new recipes to try

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Cooking the books Some fantastic cook books available now

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Wine to drink now...

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Aussie authors

58

Design design design...

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Prestige properties for sale

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Luxury Getaways Luxury walking treks, Hamilton Island quad bike holiday and game park safaris in Africa

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The Arts - profile on artist, theatre

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Luxury Motoring...

Aston Martin - a glimpse of the future

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Events around Queensland

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RSVP

Sue Forsythe, Amy and Roma Blair looking every bit the Hawaiian princesses.

See 2008 out in Style at the Marriott’s inaugural New Year’s Eve Charity Ball...

Donald & Giovanna Aryafara of Samsara Furniture Homewares

ROMA TAKES A STEP BACK -GRACEFULLY...

T

he Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa has announced plans to host the most glamorous party on the Gold Coast this year – its inaugural New Year’s Eve Charity Ball. From the red carpet arrival, to the decadently themed black and white ballroom, this black tie event is one not to be missed, and tickets are selling quickly.

Topping the impressive list of auction items up for grabs is a stylish BMW 1 Series Convertible from Bruce Lynton BMW. Proceeds from fundraising on the evening will be donated to the Humour Foundation’s ‘Clown Doctors’ project – the Marriott’s chosen charity for the event.

Every guest will be in the running for the lucky door prize – a return trip for two people staying for seven nights at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Hawaii, flying with Hawaiian Airlines. The total prize value is worth more than $8000.

General Manager of the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa, Peter Brampton, said eight-piece party band, Lush, would provide the musical entertainment for the evening.“Lush is one of Queensland’s great party bands and they are sure to have the dance floor full all night,” he said.“Our first ever New Year’s Eve Charity Ball comes as a direct response from clients and visitors who attend our other functions, such as the Melbourne Cup Luncheon, who have requested an elegant event to see in the New Year.”

Tickets for the New Year’s Eve Charity Ball are priced from $195 per person, and include a spectacular five course meal, Chandon wines and local beers, along with the first class entertainment on offer.

“All guests will also be able to show their support for a great cause, raising funds for the Clown Doctors who conduct ‘clown rounds’ in children’s hospital wards. “So come along, soak up the atmosphere and bring in 2009 in the style and sophistication of the Marriott.”

Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa on 07 5592 9800. Early bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment.

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at the Hawaii 50 fundraiser for the Griffith University Institute of Glycomics at Sea World Resort.

photographed by Giovanna.

Local band Shaia, who feature on the album entertained guests throughout the afternoon.

The album is available from all Samsara stores & specialty outlets.

With a tropical theme, tropical SIGGI'S RESTAURANT luncheon, leis aplenty, hula girls, raffles and lucky door prizes - even our own CELEBRATES 20 YEARS... personal Frank Sinatra performance by Glenn Shields - Roma Blair once The Stamford Plaza's signature again proved her might as a restaurant fundraiser extraordinaire. But, also took the opportunity to thank all her friends and colleagues as she gracefully excused herself from the driving force of further fundraising events. As she so eloquently explained "I have spent may years organising wonderful functions to aid in the fundraising of many charities, in particular the Institute of Glycomics. My age now dictates that I step aside and let the next generation take the lead."

There were quite a few tears amongst the guests, and all we really needed were real Cheong Lieu, Cameron Matthews & Ed waves to crown the Hawaiian itor Kaylene Murra y theme in the Sea World Resort ballroom, which raised much needed funds for the Institute, and became a played host to one of the top 10 swan song for Roma. hottest chefs in the world, master chef Cheong Lieu from the Grange Restaurant in the Adelaide Hilton.

SAMSARA LOUNGE Guests were treated to special treats The first album from the creative team from the hands of the master, who joined the restaurant's executive chef, at Samsara is an eclectic compilation of Cameron matthews and his team. inspirational music to soothe the soul As a special event for their 20th and enhance your mind.

Birthday party the restaurant also held Giovanna Aryafara launched the album on the Gold Coast in her beautiful special 6 course degustation dinners all Samsara Art Gallery in Bundall, under week. the watchful eyes of beautiful images

De Beers Award Winning Jeweller Winner Harpers BAZAAR Diamond Guild Australia 2007 Jewellery Award

De Beers Award Winning Jeweller Winner Harpers BAZAAR Diamond Guild Australia 2007 Jewellery Award Pink Diamond Category

handcrafted originals - contemporary design - gem quality

Shop 7 Noosa Wharf Quamby Place Noosa Sound Parkside 2 Quamby Place Noosa w Sound t 07 5455 4899 f 07Shop 545574077 e info@gordonherford.com www.gordonherford.com t 07 5455 4899 f 07 5455 4077 e info@gordonherford.com w www.gordonherford.com Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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FEATURE

The evolution Maverick designer Colin Heaney has re-deployed his talents into the realm of fashion, releasing his debut women’s range, The Wearable Art Collection, from his studio and home Casa Blu in the beautiful township of Byron Bay. orn in 1948, in Vancouver Canada, at an early age Colin’s family moved to Southern California, where Colin discovered the joys of surfing. In 1967 he left America and arrived in Sydney, before eventually moving to Byron Bay, where he found fantastic surf breaks - and the beginnings of what has become one of the most sustained counter-culture communities in Australia. A maverick in the truest sense of the word, Heaney is a prolific artist - creative, colourful and multi-dimensional.

His expression crosses two and three dimensional forms: glass, textiles, architecture, sculpture, furniture and graphics; and for over 25 years he has been one of the world’s most celebrated glass artists.

From the mid '80s his glass-blowing factory in Byron Bay became a mecca for lovers of his intricate and highly original glass sculptures and collectable pieces for over 23 years. His pursuit of artistic and aesthetic excellence resulted in glass designs that were almost infinite in their variety, as well as beguiling in colour, patterning and shape. His magnificent glass creations feature in private and corporate international collections around the world, and I don't think there would be too many homes in S.E. Queensland or Nthn New South Wales that didn’t have at least one of his quirky signature glasses or perfume bottles shimmering with metallic hues.

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of a colourful life...

Photography: Georges Antoni for The Artist Group Models: Eva King Miranda Chance

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FEATURE

Te s t a m e n t to his evolutionary creativity is his Byron Bay showpiece home Casa Blu

Stockists: Nami - Byron Bay Hyatt Regency - Coolum Hayman Island resort

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I used to love our family weekends at Byron Bay, when our children were younger, and our compulsory trip to the factory to watch Colin at work and pick up a new treasure for my collection.

(I have 15 glasses, as well as lustrous coloured starfish in my bathroom, blue dolphin and whale medallions on my pool, and functional art bowls - just because they're beautiful).

An extremely inventive person, over the years Colin has always searched for new ways to explore his passion. Working primarily in 3D - making sculptures and furniture, employing numerous techniques and media, predominantly in glass, but also including metals, wood, stone, resin, wax and found objects throughout his life.

In 2006, Heaney decided to leap into the next faze of his ongoing career, by turning his hand to silk. He is now solely devoted to textile design. In the detailed process from design to the finished artwork, he fuses his own wonderment of the digital world with the patterning and unique forms of nature.

Using the latest digital technology to achieve his artistic vision, elements of his vibrant glass designs leap directly onto the silk. He creates elaborate designs that weave layer upon layer of intricate colour and patterning, which are then transformed into wearable art.

The intensity of his cosmic colour spectrum, the psychedelic schemes he employs, and the finesse in the detail of his patterning, reflect the design style shown in his glass artistry. Finding inspiration in everything from the rhythms of music, unique architecture to the intimate interconnection of humans and nature, Colin Heaney constructs elaborate designs that weave layer upon layer of intricate colour and patterning.

Each piece is a Labour of love, imbued with the precision of Colin Heaney, a perfectionist textile designer and visionary. From the unique mind of an exceptional artist to the body of a woman, it is his intention that each garment move and uplift the wearer, transporting her to exotic locations and back to the true essence of herself.

Testament to his evolutionary creativity is his Byron Bay showpiece home Casa Blu, which he designed. Full of organic rounded walls, glass mosaics and sculptural features, the home is a work of art in itself - resplendent with colour and echoes of the water-world of Atlantis and ancient Persian temples. Casa Blu is regarded as one of the most distinctive homes in the region.

Colin’s philosophy about the creative process values paradoxes and interweaving sensorial experience. Beginning with ‘no end’ in mind, suspending judgment, juxtaposing and fusing things together in his creative process, Colin’s life and art both embrace this philosophy.

I can't wait for the next step says our editor Kaylene Murray For stockists go to www. colinheaney.com

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FASHION

Bellini OmbreKatie Davenport range- Silk fabric dip dyed in turquoise and sky blue, with silk sash

summerfashionsty AUSTRALIA FINDS ITS TOP YOUNG FASHION DESIGNER...

If you are suffering from withdrawals from Project Runway, get set to catch Australia’s young fashion stars on Foxtel’s Aurora Channel.2008 is the first time the Apex Australia Teenage Fashion Awards will be broadcast on Australia’s Community Channel.

This impressive TV program showcases and follows the talents of some of Australia’s up and coming young Australian Fashion Designers. Throughout the 7 week series you will meet young designers and follow their fortunes through to the National Final.

The designers compete in state finals with the first three places of each category going through to the National Final. The three main categories showcased are: Casual Wear; Formal Wear & Wearable Art/Fantasy.

The designers are judged not only on their physical design, but also on the quality of construction and the suitability of fabrics used. “These young people are the future of the Australian Fashion industry, their talent is raw, pure and uncorrupted. Their passion and enthusiasm is inspirational and you can certainly see that expressed through their ideas and their garments.” said Helen Sattler of f.rock fashion, special guest at the AATFA National Final.

Showing every Friday at 8pm the show can be found on Channel 183 on the Foxtel, Optus and Austar networks. Sneak previews are now available on Youtube, just search under AATFA.

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Delicate DressKatie Davenport range- Silk fabric available in lilac or navy blue

INSTYLE

ERES Swimwear from Paris Available from Josephines Swimwear Noosa & Port Douglas

Joseph Ribkoff Label available from Sanctuary Resort Shop sanctuary Cove

ylesummerfashion Liz Clift International Boutique specialise in beautiful imported creations

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PROFILE

Ancient threads woven with nature...

Their wedding rings are engraved with meus amor meus spiritus which is Latin for ‘my love my life’ and as Luxury Style discovers, Gordon and Belinda Herford really are the epitome of togetherness.

Gordon & Belinda Herford

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Photo Tandy Rowley Harpers Bazaar Award Winning ring

Belinda’s paintings: layers and textures...

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repare to be enthralled when you meet the Herfords. Oh thatched roof house. It was located in Coolum and featured in and do allow lots of time. Gordon has the knack of glossy magazines. inviting you into Belinda’s gallery and her ‘world’, Two years ago Scorpio Gordon and Aquarius Belinda opened describing in detail how thick brushes laden with lush-coloured separate spaces at Quamby Place, an idyllic location close to oil paints mixed by her, are carefully washed wand-like onto Hastings Street, next to the Noosa River and abutting a park large Belgian linen canvasses. The layers and textures are which they hope one day will be transformed into an art-park. intriguing, they burnish with age and are reminiscent of fabric, “We wanted a French-style boutique and contemporary art which is not surprising given Adelaide-born Belinda’s ten year gallery to complement the ambience – a destination rather than tenure in the fashion industry, the culmination of which was passing trade,” describes Belinda. There’s a certain magnetism winning Australian Gown of the Year in 1986. Her creation was which draws you into the tiny, haute-couture-style salon with its made in white leather. comfy tub chairs and exquisite jewellery displayed on After adding photography and interior design objects d’art. Miniature musical instruments, antique Diamonds as a perfume bottles and a carved coconut shell, add a to her list of credits, they moved to Noosa and with encouragement from Gordon, Belinda sense of theatre as the perfect backdrop to spinloose gem began painting. She had no formal training yet tingling pearls and diamonds, especially the 2007 represent was a natural talent, choosing oils for their rich Diamond Guild Australia Argyle Pink Diamond robust quality and large canvases as big as three myriad colours category winner. Gordon called his design ‘Fleur de metres by one metre. This was a serious move Lumiere' and said it was inspired by floral lace: “Two and light just bands were incorporated to create one ring. One’s an and one she obviously relishes today.

Gordon began his jewellery career in Sydney, 18 carat white gold concave inner band set with a begging to be entered his first De Beers award in 1985 winning bed of 220 white diamonds; the outer band was the Diamond Anniversary ring category and in hand-carved creating a floral design which is in 22 framed and 1987 won three categories including Supreme carat yellow gold and set with varying sizes of pink worn.

Diamond Design Award.

Argyle diamonds in the centre of each flower. The use He decided he’d enough of awards preferring of yellow gold highlights the pink and white instead to design exclusive individual pieces for his many diamonds and the 23mm width was designed to make a bold national and international clients. Utilizing the ancient lost wax yet feminine statement.” Currently he’s creating an exclusive method of creating original designs and his exceptional skill as a range of similar designs based on this piece and sees jewellery sculptor is evident in all of his wax-carved pieces. He is also as incorporating the worlds of fashion and art. “Diamonds as a recognised for his interpretation of classic jewellery including loose gem represent myriad colours and light just begging to be intricate back-piercing. “I add soul and the feel of the organic framed and worn. A diamond’s true value lies in its ability to rather than just having an austere technical execution,” master impart emotion whether it is a romantic gift or a just selfjeweller Gordon explains. indulgence. No other gem achieves this quite so dramatically “We built a house in Little Cove in 1996, hated living in the city, when combined with good design.” and came to Noosa for the surf, small community feel, clean air, Living by the credos of “integrity in our art” and “exchange is natural environment and great restaurants,” says Gordon, who abundance” this formidable double act respect Mother Nature with Belinda also designed the Sunshine Coast’s first fully implicitly and embody passion in its truest form.

LuxuryStyleliving

perfumed delights bond no. 9 We’re proud to announce the arrival of a unique and edgy collection of scents.

Bond No. 9 captures the essence of New York in the grand art of perfume blending. EDP 50ml from $170.

lalique-amethyst limited edition The jewel flacon holds a fragrance of sparkling summer fruits, topped with crystal blackberries. 50ml EDP $1,115.

The original ‘Tummy Tuck’ Jean available from Style on Thomas Chevron Island

56b Thomas Drive, Chevron Island, Ph 07 55 317688

Meegs Boutique specialises in the Easy to Wear Mela Purdie travel wardrobes rage... perfect for travelling, as it requires little to no ironing.

Designed in Australia & made from Italian Microfibre, the garments are designed to skim not cling to your body.

Personal stylists Sally, Trudy and Julie offer personal consultations on the fitting your new casual, leisure, business or travel outfits. New season colours available to mix and match, in sizes up to 20 (larger sizes can be ordered) - Oasis Shopping Centre in Broadbeach,

Specialising in high quality plus-sized designer labels - available from More to Love 14+ Southport

SHOES ON CHEVRON THE BEST LITTLE SHOE BOUTIQUE IN TOWN

Shoes Shoes Shoes

“A girl has to have shoes and handbags!”

Chevron Island I

“You deserve to be the star at any event whether it’s shopping, lunch, a special dinner or formal occasion”

deally located alongside the Nerang River at the gateway to Surfers Paradise and Bundall, Chevron Island is a small tree-lined suburb with a wonderful village atmosphere. Chevron Island is also home to a thriving 'café culture' with a multitude of fine dining options, with a selection of cafes, cocktail bars, bakeries and restaurants that cater to all tastes.

With its expensive waterfront homes and apartments, and an exciting restaurant and shopping precinct lining the main thoroughfare of Thomas Street , both locals and tourists alike are drawn to the Island. A thriving array of businesses exist on the Island, including an interior design studio, which caters to all areas. The many and varied Thomas Street boutiques present an eclectic mix of styles, tastes and experiences for serious shoppers. This hot summer season the boutiques are overflowing with a wondrous collection of styles and sizes, shoes and accessories, jewellery and art pieces, just waiting for the right purchaser to cross the threshold.

Come into our shop and experience the sensation of wearing our Stunning Divine Delightful designs!

DIDIER Prakian - one of the ranges featured at Bella Bella Chevron Island

clarins - jazzy colour Shop Eight, 49 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island

Tel: 07 5539 8269

WWW.SHOESONCHEVRON.COM.AU

Dramatic colour for eyes and lips. Tones of black and fatal red, nuances of ink and roses.

Includes ten new Joli Rouge Lipsticks $40 each and Colour Quartets for Eyes $65.

VERY CHIC FASHION... clarins glossy nail collection A compact range of nine products for reinforced hold and glossy shine.

Heroes include Smoothing Treatment Nail Base and Glossy Nail Colour in Clarins Red. All $28 each.

HIGH SUMMER RANGES IN SEASON • BANDOLERA • VERGE Specialist • VSSP • COLOUR CODE • RENÉ DERHY • DIDIER • DP: JEANS

Matching shoes and bags is easy at Shoes on Thomas - Chevron Island

2/49 Thomas Drv. Chevron Island

07 5538 4641

beachcoastal umbrella from Suboo

accessorise..

chiccoastal

Belize range of bags available from Nest - Chevron Island

designer tableware

contemporarycoastal MRD driftwood vine lamp

shop 2, 64 thomas drive chevron island ph 5592 6441 - open 7 days

S U M M E R H A I R S AV I O U R S Trilogy - the clean, green, natural solution...

Trilogy’s haircare products combine all natural fragrances (that’s right, no unnecessary synthetics in those luscious scents!) with low lathering shampoo, better for your hair and the environment, all wrapped up in fully recyclable packaging.

If sun exposure, sea salt damage, and daily washing is taking its toll and leaving your hair dry and brittle, then Trilogy’s moisturising haircare range is here to rescue your moisturestarved hair. Widely available. www.trilogyproducts.com

Toscana has RELOCATED to the trendy new ‘64 ON THOMAS’ building on Chevron Island...

The colour has changed and the feel is very Toscana now at Chevron Island - new look, but still a fabulous range of accessories and shoes available -

boudoir but the service and staff and the wonderful fashions and accessories will be familiar to all our valued and new clients.

We are still stocking Lisa Brown, Jamin Puech, Nougat, Bvlgari Sunglasses are a fashion must - new range available now

Megan Parks, Senso, Peter Lang and our own exclusive imports.

ROCK STAR BABY TO BECOME A HIT IN AUSTRALIA...

‘Rock Star Baby’, the new range of Birkenstocks designed by the Bon Jovi drummer Ticco Torres, has just been released in Australia.

Skulls, studs and swarovski crystals have been used throughout the range, combined with black leather, suede and denim to create matching styles for women, men and kids too. Each design also includes the renowned Birkenstock footbed that provides a brilliant harmony between ‘Rock’n’Roll style and comfort.

Ticco Torres’ inspiration for designing these ultra-cool slides started when he realised that there was a lack of footwear for kids besides the generic pastel colours; he wanted to come up with something completely hip and different for kids, and offer the same styles for older groupies too.

For stockist inquires readers can call Birkenstock on 1800 623 423.

Katrina is wearing a Lisa Brown dress, Senso shoes & necklace by Megan Parks

We look forward to seeing you at Shop 4, 64 Thomas Drive Chevron Island Phone 07 55 383330

Tania Zaetta for

JAYPASK Shop 1 / 14 -16 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach, Queensland 07 5532 8938 www.jaypask.com.au

for the right looks.. Main Beach This stylish and beautiful beachside domain is a mecca for serious shoppers and foodies alike. It is commonplace to see the ultimate in prestige vehicles Ferraris, Mercedes, Lamborghinis, BMWs, Jaguars and Aston Martins parked alongside minis and VW's in this mini metropolis. With its oh-sotrendy al fresco dining precinct running along both sides of Tedder Avenue, showcasing modern cafes, exclusive restaurants and international class boutiques - there is truly something for everyone.

This privileged community with its modern apartment towers and $million plus homes, offers a pleasurable plethora of opportunities to fill in your days and nights. Fabulous white sand and bright blue surf beach with its own Surf Life Saving Club; beachfront parklands for a perfect picnic; al fresco dining where you can sit and watch the world go by; a stunning deli and a local bakery; unique shopping boutiques where you can find the latest local and international fashion labels and accessories, and a tantalising day spa where you can indulge your senses after a long day of retail therapy.

Jay Pask - a contemporary designer boutique featuring the best of local and international designer wear.

Now celebrating 8 years of providing you with the hottest looks each season.

Available from Jay Pask Main Beach

Added Attractions - the right labels & designs to make you look and feel better - now at Main Beach

for exquisite European & Australian Shoes • Handbags • Jewellery GIBELLIERI - FRANCO BURRONE - C.N.C - PIAZZA GRANDE - JUST CAVALLI - G.F. FERRÉ

New Location in Tedder Avenue Now

at:

Shop

3,

14-16

Te d d e r

Avenue

Main

Beach

Phone

5531

0833

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Latest swimwear- Gottex, Miraclesuit, Seafolly, Jets, Baku, Moontide, Palazzi, Ada, Jantzen, and Maryan Mehlhorn to name a few.

Teenagers to the more mature figure sizes 6-18 including mastectomy and fuller busted figures. Large brimmed hats, bags, casual shoes, bright patio dresses and latest Pandora look-a-like jewellery.

Open Daily 9-5.30pm

Shop 40, Quay Street.

Sanctuary Cove Ph: 07 5577 8981

Sea Folly design featured Calypso Resort & Swimwear - Sanctuary Cove

antonio banderas - blue seduction for women Following the sell-out success of the men’s original, the addition of sugar note creates a sexy women’s fragrance. EDT 100ml $46.

Summer has arrived with lots of colour; pinks, blues, oranges in shirts, skirts and dresses. Lovely light fabrics by 7 Sisters in shirts and kaftans, dresses by Joseph Ribkoff. Pants, shirts and tops

by Philosophy, Ping Pong, Marco Polo, Vers,Yarra Trail and Charlie Brown.

New Season Stock in store with the latest shoes, petal bags and accessories. Come and see our lovely summer fashion in our new shop.

Open Daily 9-5.30pm

Shop 41E, Quay Street.

Sanctuary Cove Ph: 07 5577 8288

annick goutal - les orientalistes mystical and intoxicating, a new collection of four oriental fragrances. EDP 100ml $289.

For the Ultimate Guinot Experience

The face lift without surgery

2009 Platinum Excellence Award

HYDRADERMIE LIFT

REJUVENATES THE FEATURES

Guinot Hydradermie Lift Treatment Mirage Beauty and Day Spa owner Patricia Read speaks about the most asked Questions in her Day Spa " Ageing, Sagging, Loose skin and How her clients combat the Signs of Ageing " Q. What is Hydradermie Lift Treatment A. It is Like taking your face to the Gym. Most of my clients have regular Gym Visits for their bodies, but forget about firming their face muscles.

Q. How does it work A. Guinot World Trade Mark Lift Facial is designed to apply as irregular Micro current to excite and exercise the base of the muscles in the face Q. Does it hurt to have Hydradermie lift treatment as I have a very low threshold and would never consider Plastic Surgery.

A. Absolutely not there is no pain involved with this facial it is actually quite relaxing Q. Am I too young to have this treatment as I am getting married soon and want to look great on my special day A. No only will your skin look more hydrated and oxygenerated but your features will have more defined contours Q. I take Medication Can I still have this treatment.

A. Yes of course Q. I have had open heart surgery and I have a pacemaker can I have this Firming Facial A. We are not able to perform an Hydradermie Facial Lift on you as we are using a micro current and this could interfere with your pacemaker.

We can recommend a course of 4 Liftosome Facials that will work on firming the superficial muscles giving you a much Firmer and refined Skin which is based on Collage and Vitamin C Q. Is it best to start at a young age to firm my skin A. It is all about the elasticity in your young skin, Some Skins loose their elasticity earlier than others. It is suggested you discuss this matter with us during your Free Advise Skin Care Consultation Q. Can I have this Facial anytime, is there any Redness or Downtime after the Treatment.

A. No you can have it done anytime even on a Special Day. Q. Can Men also have this Facial A. Off Course Skin is skin

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FASHION

L BD

Black magic...

WHERE WOULD A WOMAN BE WITHOUT AN LBD?

D

esigner Hubert de Givenchy created the iconic little black dress (LBD) famously worn by Holly Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 flick Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but it was during the 20s that the legendary fashion designer Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel first stitched her name into the history of women's clothing design. She was so fresh, modern and daring. Women were shedding their long, layered dresses, cutting their hair and enjoying the fast-paced party life. Slowly society was accepting of women baring more of their shoulders, back, and legs.

Chanel encouraged and inspired the style typically envisaged of flappers. She was fond of working with neutral colours and soft easy-to-wear fabrics that were simple in shape and cut. Chanel was able to infuse comfort and sophistication into fashion, and this combination was considered revolutionary. It was in 1926 that Chanel designed and introduced the LBD to the world.

Black was previously considered to be a colour reserved for funerals and periods of mourning. Truly simple and sexy, Chanel's design was a sleeveless sheath cut just above the knee. She could have never predicted the immediate and lasting love women would have with her simple, chic black dress.

"Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury,” said Chanel. And regardless of the price tag her intention was the same: to look effortlessly classic and appropriately sexy in just seconds. While most of us cannot afford to buy Chanel's breathtakingly beautiful pieces, we can certainly wear our LBDs with the modern, sophisticated attitude she possessed.

The great thing about the LBD is that it can be worn by any woman and it never seems to go out of style.

One reason might be because in its simplicity it can transform any woman into someone who is elegant and chic. Described as chameleon-like, it has the ability to evolve through fashion trends and time. In 1954, Christian Dior said, "You can wear black at any time. You can wear black at any age. You may wear it on almost any occasion. A little black frock is essential to a woman." Whilst suggestively sexy, decadent and yet demure, familiar or mysterious, a party animal or even a wallflower, it remains fresh and yet iconic.

And over 80 years ago when Chanel created the pintucked and draped crepe-de-chine dress based on the simple lines of a chemise - Vogue magazine declared that it was fashion's answer to the Model T Ford and the perfect canvas against which to accessorise. In Chanel’s case it was pearls. Lots of them.

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Sweet Dress- Katie Davenport range- cotton fabric in black with white lace detail

fashion's answer to the Model T Ford and the perfect canvas against which to accessorise

LIZ CLIFT I N T E R N A T I O N A L

B O U T I Q U E

Affordable Extravagance % Racewear 50 off Liz Clift International boutique situated at Benowa Gardens shopping Centre, along with The International Shoe store next door, are a one-stop shop.

Liz travels overseas constantly sourcing new and exciting designer labels from Europe and U.S.A. Her labels express a unique attitude, modern and casual chic.

The elegant and exquisite style of Liz Clift International attracts customers from all over Australia.

Liz Clift holds exclusivity to all her labels, and her experienced stylists can work with you to create your individual style.

Benowa Gardens Ashmore Road Benowa Phone 5597 0000 Open 7 days

ET FORG T ’ N DO

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Creative Blooms by name and reputation...

Flower arrangements for all occasions madeup especially for you...

Just ask Wendy at Creative Blooms

NEW.... HAMPERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS HOMEWARES AND GIFTS INCLUDING - CANDLES, BODY LOTIONS, HANDCREAMS - SPECIALISING IN WEDDING CORPORATE AND HOME FUNCTIONS

Exclusive International & Australian designer kidswear for 0 - 16 now available at Bootique Kids Hope Island Central - Hope Island

P: 5530 1362 F: 5530 1366 M: 0405 701 362 www.creativeblooms.com.au E: enquiries@creativeblooms.com.au shop 7a Hope Island Central 340 Hope Island Road Hope Island

Gold Coast, Interstate & International deliveries

homewares gifts accessories hope island central Hollywells homewares is a concept store that features a relaxed atmosphere in which to browse.

It's one-stop shop approach offers customers a spontaneous mix of influences and inspiring products for decorating, gift giving and entertaining. homewares + living baby + child wedding + gift registry personal + corporate gift voucher + hampers home fragrances + beauty

HOLLYWELLS homewares Shop 5 Hope Island Central (opp 711 Service Station) 340 Hope Island Road Hope Island Phone 5530 1900 www.hollywells.com.au

LuxuryStyleliving

Gifts & homewares available from Hollywells Homewares Hope Island

Flowers, gift baskets and decor pieces available from Creative Blooms, Hope Island Central Hope Island

NEW Royal Thai cuisine on the waterfront at Hope Island Cooking Classes starting NEW YEAR LUNCHEON 11am - 2.30pm

Shop 2 Hope Island Central 340 Hope Island Rd Hope Island (opp Subway) Takeaway also available Ph 5514 0077 Open 7 days Lunch & Dinner 36

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

Thai cooking with the experts...

Popular Thai restaurant Sawadee at Hope Island Central will be commencing their highly anticipated cooking classes in the New Year.

Owner/chef Tammy Makasira has a long history in the culinary field, having owned restaurants, worked in the Gold Coast Sheraton, and teaching Adult Education cooking classes at TAFE in Southport.

Tammy's expertise in Royal Thai cuisine will be of great benefit to those wishing to pick up a few tricks of the trade, as well as authentic Thai recipes and methods.

For information on cooking classes Ph: 5514 0077

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving 37 37

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Come and Explore Hope Island Central YOUR PERSONAL ONE-STOP SHOPPING DESTINATION AWAY FROM CROWDED CARPARKS AND FRENZIED SHOPPING CENTRES. HOPE ISLAND CENTRAL HAS IT ALL. With cafes and coffee shop, gifts, florist, real estate office, jewellery, boutiques and most importantly a friendly IGA Supermarket, the centre is fast becoming a welcome change for locals.

The wide range of restaurants located in the centre ensure diners wonderful choices. Each night can be a new dining experience.

In the new year a medical centre is set to open, which will be great news for the community.

With easy access from all the neighboring suburbs, Hope Island, Sanctuary Cove, Helensvale, Paradise Point, Runaway Bay, Sovereign and Ephraim Islands, Coomera, Oxenford, lower Tamborine and beyond.

With a new quality Farmers Market set to start on weekends in the New Year, there will be another fun element to the Centres growing charm.

With ample village style off-street, as well as undercover parking - and for Hope Island residents, enjoying easy golf buggy access - your shopping adventures will be a pleasure at all times - rain or shine.

Indian fare... at Hope Island Central “your satisfaction is our motivation�

OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR Open Christmas day, Boxing day, New Years day.

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Shop 4 Hope Island Central 340 Hope Island Rd Hope Island (opp Subway) Takeaway also available 10% discount - Halal diners catered for Ph 5530 8111 Open 7 days Lunch & Dinner 38

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Summer is here, and what better time could there be to enjoy the perfect blending of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and tantalising tastes of traditional Indian food.

Randhawa's Indian Cuisine restaurant, in Hope Island Central, is owned and operated by Talwinder and Nina Randhawa, who have created a modern, upmarket dining destination in close proximity to Hope Island, Sanctuary Cove, Monterey Keys, Sovereign Island, Paradise Point, Ephraim Island, Helensvale and Coomera.

The large L-shaped restaurant which easily seats 150 diners, is designed to take advantage of its surroundings, with its modern inside dining facilities complemented by outdoor balcony dining - only separated by extensive folding glass walls. Essentially a perfect location for Summer dining, when the walls are folded back - the outside and

inside blend to take advantage of cooling breezes from the Coombabah Creek down below. A wonderful venue for family groups, corporate dining, parties and romantic lunches or dinners for two.

The service is friendly and attentive and the menu offers a wide selection of classic northern Indian favourites, which are not as hot as southern regional dishes (although you can choose the heat you wish - hot, medium or mild).

Northern Indian dishes are more aromatic and creamier. The menu also includes other Asian, vegetarian and Halal additions to give diners enough choices to satisfy even the most fastidious of patrons. All the favourites are there - butter chicken, beef vindaloo, pakoras, samoosas, dahl, naan bread, mango chutney, raita and salads. All dishes are presented in decorative copper pots which add an authentic touch to the whole dining experience.

Home Deliveries for selected areas are now available.

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• Dany Pizza Pasta Grill • DeVos Jewellers • Hollywells Gifts & Homewares • IGA Supermarket • Island Printing • JMS Laundry

• PC Choice Computers • Randhawa’s Indian Restaurant • Sawadee Thai Restaurant • Sushi • Haute Fashion Boutique • Zarraffas Coffee

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F

‘ Not an

’ Word to be

by Susan Speechley

PREPARATIONS FOR MY RECENT TRIP TO LONDON WERE PROVING EXHAUSTING. A QUICK CALCULATION HAD ME ARRIVING AT MY MAYFAIR HOTEL AT 7AM ON SATURDAY MORNING, ALLOWING PLENTY OF TIME TO SETTLE IN AND STROLL TO CLARIDGE’S FOR MY 12 NOON APPOINTMENT. AS LONG AS THE PLANE WAS ON TIME AND THERE WERE NO DELAYS AT HEATHROW.

by Susan Speechley

A

Gordon Ramsay & Susan Speechley

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s luck would have it, all went smoothly. I’m usually pretty relaxed when travelling, but this trip was a bit different. I was to meet Gordon Ramsay, arguably one of the world’s most infamous chefs at his restaurant – Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s.

The pleasant stroll turned in to a bit of an Olympic walking event at the end. Too many distractions on Bond Street in the guise of designer stores, and all of them were

beckoning me inside.

Anyway, I made it to Claridge’s with minutes to spare.

Lunch was to be the first order of business. I went for the Weekend Lunch Menu (30 pounds) which provided a diverse range of choices for the three courses on offer, with a selection of French and British cheeses for a 4 pound supplement.

My meal started with the Mosaic of Label Anglaise chicken, foie gras and leeks and toasted brioche. The chicken was to die for and the delicate flavours, fused together, made for an entrée that left me wanting more.

For the main, I chose the Sirloin of corn fed Casterbridge beef, Yorkshire pudding, French beans and roasted charlotte potatoes. I couldn’t have been happier. It was just the ticket after the gruelling flight from Australia, and this was comfort food at its best. The beef was supremely tender and the Yorkshire pud cooked to perfection.

Throughout my dining experience I had made friends with Julian, the French maitre’d who happily took photos of

heard!

all the dishes presented to me, and made it seem that his purpose for the day was to make sure that I enjoyed every minute of my time under his care. He succeeded.

Following a welcome break after the main course, dessert was served. I had decided on the bitter chocolate and walnut sablé tart with caramelised banana ice cream. It was a magnificent choice. The decadence of the tart melded superbly with the lighter taste sensations of the ice cream, and truly capped off a dining experience to remember.

Now it was time to meet Gordon. He joined me at my table and I was surprised at how tall and handsome he was. And charming. We started by talking about Aubergine, the London restaurant that was the beginning of it all for him.

Not long after returning from Paris in 1993, Ramsay was offered the chance to start a new restaurant down a back street off the Fulham Road. This restaurant was to become Aubergine. With a long history of failure, the beaten-up restaurant site was a last-ditch attempt at success for the Italian owners, who felt it was Ramsay who could save the day for them.

Aubergine, the tiny restaurant where Ramsay made a name for himself, took off and by 1996 had the most sought-after reservations book in London.

Following difficulties with the Italian partners and his eventual departure from Aubergine, Ramsay set up his first wholly-owned restaurant, Gordon Ramsay, in Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea. He was 31 and the year was 1998.

Since then, the Ramsay phenomena has gone from strength to strength. In January 2001, his Chelsea restaurant, Gordon Ramsay, gained three Michelin stars and the chef

turned entrepreneur went on to launch a string of London-based, internationally celebrated restaurants, with a total of ten Michelin stars between them.

He has since gone on to open restaurants in major cities around the world, including New York, Tokyo, Dubai and Versailles, with one planned for Australia not too far down the track.

Gordon Ramsay at Claridges was launched in 2001 and remains one of the most popular of Ramsay’s restaurants – and with good reason. The staff are professional and attentive; the food is outstanding; the venue is comfortable and opulent; and Ramsay himself often pops in to oversee things.

With a staff of almost 100, split equally between the kitchen and front of house, I was excited when Gordon suggested we go into the kitchen. Within this pristine, but highly charged environment, I was half expecting to hear a few of Gordon’s famous F words come out of his mouth. It wasn’t to happen.

There wasn’t an F word to be heard, but while deep in conversation with me, Gordon was aware of everything that was going on in his domain. The man is completely switched on, and totally attuned to his environment. In mid-sentence, he turned his head and admonished a waiter to “slow down, just slow down”. The waiter did. I would, too. Ramsay is so commanding and exudes a feeling of total confidence in himself and his abilities. He’s also just a really nice bloke.

It was then that he got a call from his wife to tell him to get a cab to the hospital as one of his daughters had broken her leg. He departed as he had arrived – in a whirl of energy, but with a hug and a smile and a “nice to meet you; see you in Australia”.

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LuxuryStyleliving

A taste of Italy comes to Chevron Island

food bites

If you've been wondering about the new café on the corner of Thomas Drive, then wonder no more.

Mokodor Espresso and Pizza Bar has quickly established itself as the place to be seen - drinking, eating, socialising... day or night. With it's wide open frontage, inside and outside al fresco dining options, and trendy coffee, chocolate and charcoal abstract design accents, the new café is oozing Sydney cool. Owners Nick Mastro and Tom McDermid explained their vision for the new eatery, "It's designed as a place for serious coffee lovers, who also appreciate wonderful true to style Italian dishes. Perfect wood-fired pizzas, pasta that is hand-made each morning; mains that are chosen for a specials menu each week, to reflect what is best in the market place, and individually created gelatos that best suit the season."

"We also cook all our breakfast dishes in the oven, which customers tell us makes our bacon the best they've ever had."

Nick has installed a massive 2 tonne, rotating stone based wood-fired oven - the only one in Australia. And, Head chef Baroch Shamis definitely knows how to handle it. With a wealth of experience in rustic and traditional Italian cuisine, Baroch creates dishes that personify the essence of Italian favourites.

Baroch showed us a cross-section of the menu, starting with a tantalising antipasto platter with little dishes containing, plump green Sicilian olives in garlic and lemon oil, baked mushrooms filled with ricotta, fried arancini balls full of ricotta and rice, braised baby octopus with chat potatoes and chives and homemade Italian style meatballs in a napolitano sauce.

Then onto the serious food! The wood-fired pizzas are great, try the Pizza Zucca with pumpkin, tomato, mozzarella, goats cheese, pine nuts, rocket and Grana parmigiana Main dishes from the specials list - Pollo Saltimbocca, a succulent chicken breast wrapped in prosciutto, baked with a brie & sage sauce, handmade gnocchi that Baroch prepares for the hotter months, little gems tenderly enveloped in warm olive oil and lemon, with rocket, cherry tomatoes and parmesan cheese. There are many choices on the ever-changing menu and we will definitely be returning again - and again.

“A place to enjoy and appreciate one of Italy most sought-after espresso coffees. “ Our Mokador Espresso Blend is quality certified by BVQI, ensuring the highest quality and consistency in espresso available.

Only a few selected coffee houses from around the world hold this certification. It’s our commitment to our customers!” says Nick.

The restaurant is also BYO (with licence pending) So, whether you want a good coffee, a great breakfast, luncheon or dinner, Mokodor Espresso and Pizza Bar should be your next 'must visit' destination.

espresso pizza bar d e r i f d o o W Pizzas don’t just live... have a lifestyle...

64 thomas drive chevron island ph 5526 2992 - open 7 days - breakfast, lunch, dinner (close 5pm Mon) BYO - bottle shop 3 doors away www.mokador.com.au 42

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RECIPES

Tango on the taste buds

Plump fragrant mangoes are evocative of summer and have no bounds when it comes to versatility.

Calypso mangoes are available from October until March which is the longest season of any Australian mango. This particular variety has a thinner, blush coloured skin, and a fibreless firm flesh which is juicy and flavoursome. It contains a super-small seed which means more succulent flesh to eat and therefore better value for money.

Bursting with vitamin E, potassium, extra vitamin A, C, beta carotene and lots of fibre, serious aficionados say they are best devoured fresh after pulling the skin back, then slurp away letting the juices slide down your arms and drip from the elbow.

An unripe mango should always be kept at room temperature and out of direct sunlight until it is fully ripe and stored in the fridge for 23 days. But why wait that long to savour the sweet juicy flavour when a smoothie, cocktail, salad, salsa or dessert beckons.

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Prawn Mango and Macadamia Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing Ingredients: 2 large Calypso mangoes, peeled and sliced ¾ kg cooked prawns 1 cup roasted, salted macadamias – crushed into large chunks 1 bag of fresh baby spinach leaves Dressing: ¼ cup lemon juice 2 tbs light olive oil 1 tbs fresh chopped basil pinch of freshly ground black pepper Method: Combine the dressing ingredients into a lidded jar and shake. Layer baby spinach leaves, prawns and mango slices onto 4 large plates.

Drizzle with lemon basil dressing. Sprinkle with crushed macadamias to serve.

Serves 4 Tip: This salad also works well with shredded smoked chicken or pieces of cooked salmon fillet.

Mango champagne cocktail..

Mango Champagne Mango Trifle Cocktail Ingredients: Ingredients: 1 large Calypso Mango, peeled 2 tbs Cognac chilled sparkling wine or Champagne fresh lime and mango slices for garnish Method: Combine the mango pieces and Cognac together in a blender and puree until smooth. Take four chilled martini glasses and divide the mango puree evenly between them. Top up each glass with chilled sparkling wine or Champagne. Stir gently to blend and serve with sliced lime or mango as a garnish.

Serves 4

6 jam mini rolls 600ml vanilla pouring custard 3 large ripe Calypso mangoes, cut into cubes 6 tbs double cream Cut one jam mini roll into 4-5 pieces and place into the bottom of a large drinking glass. Add a few cubes of fresh mango. Pour over 100ml of vanilla custard. Top custard with remainder of fresh mango cubes. Add a tbs of double cream to serve.

Christmas variation: Replace the vanilla custard with brandy custard and top the trifle with grated white chocolate.

Serves 6

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Lunch Special r Menu & Dinne .90*

$

Marina Mirage Sea World Drive, Main Beach

35

Ph 5591 7222 - www.omerosbros.com

Statistics show that Eating Fish 3 times a week reduces the risk of heart disease...And we agree!

2006 Best Seafood Restaurant Restaurants and Caterers

5 Times Winner of the Prestigious American Express速 Gold Plate Award

*Your choice of four entrees, four main courses and desserts*

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2005 Supreme Award Peoples Choice

Not available public holidays

LuxuryStyleliving

FISH ‘N’ BIFF

by Tony Wilson.

RENOWNED NORTHERN NSW CHEF STEVEN SNOW STARTED HIS SERIOUS LOVE AFFAIR WITH SEAFOOD AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A PUNCH-UP WITH HIS THEN HEAD CHEF IN AN UPMARKET FRENCH RESTAURANT.

I

t was in the middle of service with customers watching as we fought, so it was all bad,’’ he recalled with a wry grin.Steven was on a surfing and cooking odyssey around the world, getting kitchen jobs anywhere there was a decent surf break – from South Africa to Portugal and then France.

“I had a job at this restaurant in Lacanau, ( a beach resort near Bordeaux) washing lettuce and whatever, and the head chef found a speck of dirt on some lettuce and it was literally just a speck,’’ he said. “He hauled me up before the rest of the staff and hit me across the face with the lettuce and we weren’t too close after that,’’ he said.

“He was also jealous, because Madam and Monsieur (the restaurant owners) used to say ‘get the kangaroo to cook our fish’ after they tasted some fish I had cooked for the staff.’’

It was a crazy time for Snowy in the late 1980s as he was working hard, surfing and living in a tent with a French woman called Lou Lou. “The head chef was into body building and he was always challenging me to an arm wrestle, but that was just stupid, so I just ignored him,’’ he said.

It all came to a nasty end one night when the pair argued and Snowy hit the head chef in the head with a lump of pastry he had been working on and the pair went for it.

“I told Madam and Monsieur I would leave and I planned to go back to Portugal, but they didn’t want me to because they wanted ‘the kangaroo’ to cook their dinners,’’ he said with a laugh. The couple had their own fishing boat, so Snowy went to work on the zodiac boat, laying out the heavy nets then returning to the back of the restaurant with the day’s catch.

“That’s when I got really serious about seafood,’’ he said.

And anyone who has dined at his multi-award winning Fins restaurant, now located at Salt Village south of Kingscliff in northern NSW, will be glad he did.

After his eventful overseas sojourn, Steven returned to Australia and set up La Brasserie restaurant in Sydney, at the back of the Rose Bay Hotel.

He now admits, almost embarrassed, that it was nouvelle cuisine, but he must have been doing it well because renowned food critic Leo Scofield found the restaurant and declared it was the best value pub food in that part of Sydney.

Despite doing very well after that, Steven decided to head back to his roots in northern NSW at the end of 1980s. After stints at the Railway Hotel in Byron Bay and the Brunswick Heads pub, both successful, Steven decided to buy an empty building down beside the Brunswick River.

“It had been closed for 8 months and people told me it was jinxed and I was crazy to buy it, but I did and I paid $8000 for it,’’ he said.

So the Fins legend was born and it is still growing.

“It was really radical and we had everyone from High Court judges to drug dealers dining there,” he remembered fondly.

“Diners used to tell the staff they couldn’t concentrate on their food because there were snakes too close to their tables.

“One Sunday lunch session, staff came into the kitchen and told me I had to see what was happening in the restaurant.

When I went out, there were a number of women who were full of the joys of life and they were all naked.

“Then they grabbed me and took off all my clothes, and my then Portugese wife was saying ‘Steven what are you doing?’ We all ended up jumping into the Brunswick River with passing motorists tooting their horns at us.’’

On another occasion, a waiter came into the kitchen and said a diner had told him to tell Chef how much he had enjoyed his meal.

“He told the waiter to ask me to join him for a glass of wine, but I was really tired so I told the waiter to decline for me, then he came back and said - Terry Durack said it was the best meal he had ever enjoyed outside a capital city,’’ said Steven fondly.

“I went into the restaurant and there was Terry sitting with Jill Dupleix.’’Fins received a great review and has never looked back.

Steven ran the original Fins for seven years, and even had people willing to pay good money just to get a table.

Finally John and Delvene Cornell lured him to the high profile and highly successful Beach Hotel in Byron Bay, where he also remained for seven years, winning a swag of awards for his innovative and exciting seafood. He is now wowing all comers at his latest Fins restaurant at Salt Village, still looking for great culinary ideas to please his legion of diners.

“I was in the States and saw this restaurant where they were doing oysters and bubbles (champagne) with a chef behind the bar shucking oysters,’’ he said. “It was great theatre and I thought we can do that - and now it is happening at Fins and it’s going off.’’

With super charged chef Steven Snow, you will never die wondering...

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tasty news Turning up the heat THERE’S NOTHING SEXIER THAN A MAN IN THE KITCHEN COOKING FOR YOU, BUT COULD YOU HANDLE TWO AT A TIME? The Ginger Flower & Food Festival on the Australia Day weekend from 22 to 25 January promises more than ginger flowers and exotic sights.

Four chefs will run Deluxe Cooking Classes with two chefs per class being at the beck and call of attendees for over four hours of gastronomic bliss, heady scents and succulent offerings.

Chefs presenting the hands-on classes are as culturally diverse as the cuisine they will be showcasing: Shailesh Naidu, Fiji’s most internationally awarded locally born chef will bring island and Western cuisine together.

Classically trained, Shailesh heads the kitchen brigade at Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji.

Seychelles-born Roger Albert, whose personality is as big as his flirtatious smile will spice up the kitchen with his range of Creoleinspired dishes, interspersed with lashings of charm and wit.

Kieran Reekie, head chef of Maleny’s awardwinning Reserve Restaurant Cellar will run a class focusing on Euro/Italian cuisine. Reekie is renowned for his keen eye for detail and use of beautiful ingredients while keeping flavour sequences simple for maximum impact.

Michelin-starred chef Eric Van Alphen from the acclaimed French Room restaurant at Woombye, will share his secrets in preparing provincial French cuisine.

Buderim Ginger’s own executive chef, Andrew Strange will assist at each class and interact with attendees and demonstrate techniques. While he may be the odd one out from an exotic sense, he too has a colourful background as a former chef to the Rolling Stones.

Classes cater for a maximum of 24 participants; cost of $145 includes personalised tuition, ingredients, recipes and a banquet-style

Chef Roger Albert

lunch with wine; and bookings are essential on (07) 5447 8465. For the Ginger Flower & Food Festival program visit www.gingerfactory.com.au

italian cuisine & martini bar

open 7 days lunch & dinner broadbeach on the park (opp sofitel) 2685 gold coast highway broadbeach phone 5539 9600 www.biscotti.italian.com.au

italian cuisine & martini bar Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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Ta s t e s o f V e n i c e Travel through Venice with Tessa Kiros as she gathers culinary delights.

Venice is Italy’s kingdom of salt and pearls, prosecco and mermaids, bigola and polenta and in Venezia: Food & Dreams Tessa Kiros savours those moments plus explores the magic and charm of the famous city. She breathes in its atmosphere and lets its bejewelled past and dark alleyways fuel her imagination. She embroiders the recipes of this city of canals, bridges and carnivals with her own unique colours and threads. Mingled amongst the recipes and the stunningly beautiful food and scenic photography are her diary jottings on Venice’s life and wonderful food.

From nearby shores or further out in the Veneto delight in the mixed, fried and grilled splendours such as scallops served in their shells with a simple dressing of lemon, olive oil and parsley, or maybe meatballs, fried sardines and risotto.

(Murdoch Books RRP $59.95),

B e e r ’s B e s t

books

From Maggie Beer’s own kitchen comes Maggie’s Kitchen (Lantern RRP $59.95) with120 favourite recipes she has shared with her television audience as well as the everyday basics Maggie believes form the foundations of a good food life. Maggie shows us how to get the best out of our ingredients so that every meal is as memorable as it is simple to prepare. Featuring the seasonal produce such as sweet quinces, verjuice, Barossa chooks and extra virgin olive oil that have become synonymous with her name, this collection reminds us of the joys of cooking and the pleasures of the table.

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Rick Stein’s Cured Duck

Cooking the books... Wannabe cooks and professional chefs have a plethora of titles to choose from...

Coast to Coast Rick Stein has been “sniffing around all over the place” from his restaurants in Cornwall, to Portugal, Morocco, India, the Americas, New Zealand and Sydney, where he now has a house with partner Sarah. His passion for fresh, well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer.

From fresh grilled cod with shellfish in garlic butter at the tip of St Ives, to cured red duck breasts with melon, soy and pickled ginger in Sydney, this collection of over 150 recipes in Coast to Coast (Random House RRP $59.95), evokes all the pleasure and flavour associated with his travels.

Palette to palate Sarah Rhodes and Alice McCormick sent out a letter inviting artists to be involved in The Artist’s Lunch (Murdoch Books RRP $59.95), and had an overwhelming response. The only criterion was that the artists had to be food lovers and each was asked to contribute a recipe. They then asked the artists to have a lunch party and invited ourselves.

The result was 18 artists, from Australia’s National Treasure Margaret Olley, Mirka Mora, Philip Wolfhagen, Jeffrey Smart and John Olsen to Dorothy Napangardi, Tim Maguire and Tim Storrier, chatting about how food influences their work.

They reveal their unique personalities, beliefs, histories and habitats, as well as the processes and philosophies behind their art-making. The result is a sensory feast.

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FOODEVENTS

CELEBRITY CHEFS Top Chefs get up early in Brisbane...

Celebrity chefs Ainslie Harriott, Matt Moran, Alistair MacLean & Tobie Puttock entrance, new lights and more natural stone

2007, Queensland’s Best Informal Dining Restaurant

features. The addition of real cow hide further

and the title of Queensland’s Best Steak Restaurant

reinforces the Moo Moo specialty, and diners can

2008.

It doesn't take too much to get chefs up

now enjoy relaxing over that long

early in the morning. Just promise them some

lunch or dinner in custom-made

yummy Danish pastries, fresh fruit platters, a

luxurious

flute of Wyndham Estate Sparkling Shiraz and

partnered with solid wood tables

a chunk of Nestlé's new Club Noir cherry

that feature matching leather

chocolate.

inserts.

leather

armchairs

The Brisbane leg of the Good Food and

Steven is delighted with his new

Wine Show played host to an exciting

look restaurant, and although the

gathering of top chefs, including UK celebrity

restaurant was only three and a half

chef Ainslie Harriott, Matt Moran, Alistair

years old, says the changes were

MacLean & Tobie Puttock.

necessary for continued growth.

“The restaurant has come a long

foodies

Steak-ing out the NEW Mo Moo look...

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way since opening in 2005. We’ve won a large amount of awards and risen to being one of Queensland’s Best Restaurants,” he said.

After only three years in the spotlight and with

“We are not afraid to reinvest back into the

numerous awards to their name, Queensland’s Best

business and over the past couple of years we have

Steak Restaurant 2008, Moo Moo The Wine Bar and

made some small cosmetic changes. The latest

Grill has a new look.

major changes are part of our aim to take the

With the fit out similar to what you would expect

restaurant to the next level, and give customers the

to find in a fine dining North American steakhouse,

best experience visually as well as through our

Moo Moo’s new look epitomises exactly what they

quality food and service,” said Steven.

are all about - premium quality.

Moo Moo is renowned for sourcing and delivering

The new look Moo Moo Restaurant

Valley tops for restaurants From the tantalising Tropical North to the

A recent research trip to America saw owners

the best quality steak in the region, including being

charismatic and ever-vibrant Gold Coast and the

Steven & Autumn Adams visit numerous first class

the only licensed restaurant in Australia serving

diverse hinterland of South East Queensland, the

steakhouses and they returned to the Gold Coast

Master Kobe Beef. Superior quality food and service

best of eating out in Queensland is presented in

with a multitude of ideas to transform their

has resulted in multiple awards including three

The Courier-Mail Queensland Food and Wine 2009

restaurant.

successive wins as Gold Coast Best Steak Restaurant

Guide by Lizzie Loel and Fiona Donnelly (Murdoch

2006, 2007 and 2008, Gold Coast’s Best Restaurant

Books RRP $26.95). Further afield, savour the many

This fine establishment is now sporting a new

LuxuryStyleliving LuxuryStyleliving

Duck master Max Porter, with Daniel Mosedale of Blue Angel - Noosaville Duck schnitzel, potato gnocchi with blue cheese sauce & red wine reduction.

Isis Brasserie’s Matthew Broke, Rachael Duffield and Jason Peppler Photo: Adam Smith, The Courier Mail culinary hotspots that straddle the region between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, an

Celebration of Food and Wine

area that has exploded in recent times with development and has an abundance of

Noosa Style.

dining choices. It is a definitive guide for locals and tourists alike, featuring reviews of the

Lizzie Loel says Queensland

best restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and providores, and covers all aspects of the

restaurants have a rosy future:

experience, from the menu to ambience, service and the wine list.

“Because we don’t take ourselves

Isis in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley won the coveted Restaurant of the Year and Best New Restaurant of the Year also went to a Valley eatery Three Bistro at Emporium. Regional

too seriously and our chefs put their customers, not their ego first.”

Restaurant of the Year Sassi at Bale in Port Douglas was the winner, while Absynthe at Q1 on the Gold Coast received a three-star ranking, the only restaurant apart from Brisbane’s Urbane to do so.

Urbane’s chef Kym Machin was Chef of the Year; Young Chef of the Year went to Craig

Duck for cover...

When the master of duck, Max Porter joined owner/chef of Blue Angel restaurant,

McCabe from 1889 Enoteca at Woolloongabba; Pol Roger Wine List of the Year went to

Daniel Mosedale to conduct a 'fowl' cooking class by the river in Noosaville, it was sure to

Surfers Paradise Vietnamese restaurant Rice Paddy; Outstanding Service Award was won

be a cracking event, Fifty avid duck fanciers were given an insight into the many and

by E’cco Bistro front of house manager Tracey Rayner; Guy Parmenter was honoured with

varied delights a duck can bring to the dinner table, and were happy to enjoy the fruits

Merlo Barista of the Year; and Service to the Industry Award went to Noosa restaurateur

of the chefs' labours at a glorious luncheon afterwards.

Jim Berardo who apart from being a mentor to young chefs, created the annual

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WINE

When you do something well keep on doing it.

The Morris story covers five generations of winemakers, and the Morris name is synonymous with rich, old fortified wines that have earned international acclaim.

The Rutherglen region is very lucky!

Morris Liqueur Muscat This Liqueur Muscat exhibits the aromatic fruit character and luscious flavour of ripe brown muscat grapes. YUM! A beautiful dessert wine with mouth filling flavour and rich viscous liquid lusciousness. What more can I say?

Morris Liqueur To k a y Made from Muscadelle grapes, this wine has a clean scented aroma showing great depth of 'malty' Tokay character. The palate is complex, intense and luscious, yet still fresh with the 'toffee' character associated with this wine style. A dessert style fortified wine full of smooth, delectable richness.

Morris Liqueur Ta w n y

wine

This wine has a complex bouquet of ripe fruit with some rancio character and a full middle palate with a clean, dry finish and lingering fruit flavours. An excellent style of fortified wine for which Morris is internationally recognised.

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Brown Brothers Pinot N o i r, C h a r d o n n a y, Pinot Meunier Methode Tr a d i t i o n e l l e Just in time for the party season. This awardwinning non vintage Pinot Noir & Chardonnay is crisp with citrus flavours, and a delicate creaminess. A wine that is perfect at any time of the day of night. and finishes with refreshing acidity.

This current release sparkling wine has an attractive pale green-gold colour with lifted aromas of green apples and citrus. One sip and the wine explodes in the mouth, with citrus flavours accompanied by a soft creaminess which provides delicateness and finishing with refreshing acidity.

Overstone and summer seafood the perfect balance...

Hailing from the famed Marlborough region. With vibrant passionfruit and gooseberry flavours, the wine offers an accessible and easy drinking, summer option. Just perfect for our hotter than hot Queensland weather.

Head winemaker, Grant Edmonds says "Summer evenings and fresh, citrusspiked seafood dishes provide the perfect partner to these two wines. The complex lime and flinty characters of the wine are best matched to fresh oysters, their shells laden with calcium. On the other hand, rich and creamy seafood dishes are complemented by the fuller flavours of the Semillon Sauvignon Blanc."

RRP $13.99 & $12.99.

Bubbles - bubbles everywhere. I'm in heaven...

You don't need the festive season as an excuse to buy premium Australian Sparkling or French Champagne.

I can't think of one good reason not to drink it at any time of the day or night everyday of the year!!

Blue Pyrenees 2001 Midnight CuvĂŠe A Victorian brand synonymous with handcrafted, gently effervescent and elegant sparkling wines. A pioneer in night picking to optimise the condition and temperature of the fruit, Blue Pyrenees requires for this elegant wine. Using Methode Traditionelle to blend 95% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Noir into a delicate and complex wine exhibiting green apple on the palate and fresh doughy yeasts complimented by citrus and hazelnuts. Perfect to enjoy now. RRP $34.95

Ta p e s t r y N V Sparkling Merlot M c L a r e n Va l e A full flavoured sparkling Merlot produced from old vineyard Merlot fruit grown in McLaren Flat. Fermented then aged in older French and American barrels before undergoing further fermentation and bottle maturation to produce a traditional Australian wine style.

Serve chilled.

A great addition to roast dinners and plum pudding this season. RRP $22

COOL COCKTAILS

Larissa Bray awarded Len Evans Tutorial Qantas Dux of 2008

T

he Len Evans Tutorial Qantas Dux of 2008 has been awarded to Larissa Bray, from Aldersyde Estate winery in Western Australia.

Larissa Bray, a former solicitor, was assistant winemaker for three years at Cape Mentelle in Western Australia before making the decision to take over her family's winery, Aldersyde Estate in 2007. Larissa has also worked vintages in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone and Loire Valley in France as well as vintages in New Zealand and Italy.

As Dux of the 2008 course, Larissa has now been guaranteed judging position at two of Australias most important Wine Shows, the National Wine Show in Canberra and the Royal Sydney Wine Show, as well for the first time being offered, an Associate Judges position at the prestigious Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

Larissa will also be flown business class courtesy of Qantas, to London and then onto Europe with invitations to the greatest wine houses. Many of the greatest, rarest and oldest wines were opened in one extraordinary week, when 12 young(ish) Australian wine personnel

were put to the sternest and most rewarding tastings of their lives.

Len Evans Tutorial convenor and tutor, Iain Riggs said; This group highlighted the fact that the Trustees recognise that the Tutorial has been very successful in providing a higher level of wine appreciation for wine judges, but the industry now needs professionals that can take the premium Australian wine message to a greater audience.

These are the guys at the coal face of wine selling. The dramatic increase in sales of imported wine shows a sophisticated consumer. A better awareness of premium Australian wine and where it sits in relation to imported wine, is essential to the industry getting its message out to the world.

Twelve fully paid scholarships are offered, each with wine, food and accommodation, valued at around $9000. The only cost incurred by the scholars is physically getting to the Hunter Valley.

The Tutors for the 2008 Len Evans Tutorial were: James Halliday, Ian McKenzie, Iain Riggs, Gary Steel and Tim James.

The Penquin Good Australian Wine Guide 2009 Nick Scott rrp $32.95It's back!

With a new editor, new style and lots of new features.Since its first edition in 1991, this guide has sold over 400,00 copies and become the ultimate guide for wine drinkers wanting to navigate the huge range and varieties of wines now available in Australia.

WORLD’S FIRST LUXURY VODKA

H

ailing from Poland, the homeland of vodka, Belvedere is considered to have the perfect balance between purity and character.

The history of vodka mirrors the history of Poland itself and the efforts made to preserving the country’s heritage whilst developing prosperity and modernization parallel the superior quality of the Belvedere brand.

Harnessing over 600 years of vodka producing tradition, the distillery follows a well crafted process that ensures only the finest of ingredients and a precise distillation process are used. The nose has a faint hint of vanilla plus gentle, soft cream characteristics; the palate is full and round with a medium bodied weight plus a rich, velvety texture; and the finish has good length with notes of almond, clotted cream plus faint almond and brazil nut characteristics.

The citrus and orange flavoured vodkas use real fruits with a proprietary maceration process taking place in the South of France, making Belvedere distinctive in the world of vodka.

The world’s first luxury vodka, which is packaged in a beautiful frosted bottle, stimulates the creation of extraordinary cocktails and if you’re looking for trendy fun serving ideas use gorgeous cups or rustic-style jam jars.

Manhattan Mule In a tall glass add 45mls Belvedere Vodka to crushed ice. Fill almost to the top of the glass with homemade honey soda. Squeeze lime wedge over the top.

Note: Honey Soda is a nitrogen charged honey water.

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PROFILE

A-lister Aussie Bryce Courtenay, Amanda Tabberer and Kathy Lette are top of the pops all over the world.

Author Bryce Courtenay

Author Amanda Tabberer

T

he Queen of the Quip, Kathy Lette says she writes the sort of books she’d like to read when she’s going through something. So at age 49 and looking fantastic, dressed in her trademark Moschino, with many of her friends experiencing divorce, comes her 10th bestseller. In To Love, Honour And Betray ( Til Divorce Us Do Part) (Bantam), Lucy’s been married for so long, her wedding certificate should be in hieroglyphics. When Jasper walks out after 18 years, she panics. What will she do about vehicle maintenance, shifting heavy objects and Allen keys? Nor to mention her rebellious teenage daughter Tally, who blames Lucy for the marital meltdown.

The book is full of Lette one-liners such as: “a bad marriage creeps up on you like underwear; low self esteem is hereditary - you get it from your kids; a child is for life and not just for Christmas; could teenagers be God's punishment for having sex in the first place; what to do when you fall in love (wipe it off your shoes before you walk it all over the carpet); and the perfect marriage is like an orgasm - many of them are faked.”

Kathy, who grew up in Sydney’s Cronulla, lives in London with her human rights lawyer husband Geoffrey Robertson 62, and their two children Julius 17, and Georgie 15, does most of her research over cappuccinos with girlfriends “which is how women have resolved their problems forever.” She promises to return to Noosa with its glitterati, literati and cliterati and mentions that one day she might write Menopause Blues. In the meantime she says: “happy hunting girls. May you find your Knight in Shining Armani.”

Amanda Tabberer

The beautiful Amalfi Coast

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Eighteen years ago Amanda Tabberer, the Adelaide-born, Sydney-bred daughter of fashion and media personality Maggie Tabberer went to Italy to study and work but ended up living a real-life fairytale.

"I was living in Florence and landed a job as a fashion editor for a small magazine,” says Amanda who didn't have any Italian heritage but was raised by her Italian stepfather Ettore Prossimo.

In1985, she joined a group of friends and headed south to the Amalfi Coast where she met Sergio Bella. Her life changed forever.

In My Amalfi Coast (Lantern) with superb photography by Carla Coulson, Amanda has documented her love affair, work pursuits, motherhood experiences and Mediterranean life. It chronicles the people and places that have influenced her life

in the little village of Positano she called her home.

Broken into 13 chapters to represent each of the towns along the Amalfi Coast from Positano to Vietri, she explains the best places to eat and stay as well as where to shop and what to do.

"My friends and I would go for lunch to this little beach restaurant called Da Adolfo," she says. "You had to catch a boat from Positano over to Laurito Beach where the restaurant was, about a five-minute ride."

The restaurant was owned by Sergio's father and Sergio worked there, along with his siblings. He eventually took over the business.

"Sergio was unbelievably good-looking and all my gay friends were so jealous when he asked me out on a date.” By day she waited tables at Da Adolfo, sweating in the sun alongside Sergio to keep diners happy, and at night they'd return to a tiny garage beneath the Bella family home. Soon, they became parents to son Marco.

The restaurant attracted eccentric regulars, including a Venetian jeweller who always dined topless and an exgirlfriend of Jimi Hendrix. Her love affair with Sergio came to an end in 2003 so she returned to Sydney, however maintains four businesses there and says she still has gypsy in her blood.

Bryce Courtenay Bryce Courtenay, Australia’s best selling author celebrated his 75th birthday with a party at the Sydney Opera House.

There were tributes from Bryce's friends and family including British explorer Robert Swan and advertising guru Alex Hamill, and an award in Bryce's honour was unveiled. The Power of One - Bryce Courtenay's Australian Hero Award is an annual award which recognises the achievements of an unsung hero.

“The Power of One, initiated by publishers Penguin and myself, is the decision to make a difference without expecting recognition with the winner receiving a significant cash prize to further their work for their chosen cause,” explains Bryce whose latest book is Fishing for Stars (Viking). It is a story of ambition, destruction, love, tears, laughter and hope. At its heart are two passionate, unforgettable – and very different – women. One is exotic, damaged, and shrewd; the other beautiful, determined and zealous. Both are bitter rivals for the love of the same man.

Nick Duncan is an ingenuous male with a great deal more female on his hands than he can possibly hope to understand. The contest he is called upon to referee is the

LuxuryStyleliving

authors clash between the two great loves of his life: the seductive Anna Til, and the older, equally fascinating Marg Hamilton. Nick struggles between their worlds: one exploiting the world’s riches for profit, the other fighting to save the environment and its creatures, large and small.

“You write what you know and at 75, I’ve written and loved a lot of women and I love women with a capital W,” says Bryce who made his publishing debut at 55.“One aspect of getting old that is absolutely delicious is you don’t give a bugger anymore… speaking up is easier because what can they do to you?”

Photo: Nicky Johnstone.

One aspect of getting old that is absolutely delicious is you don’t give a bugger anymore…

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DESIGN

Stylefiles in..

I dream of coffee...

style files

If you dream of home coffee that doesn’t involve a kettle and jar of stale granules, Ascaso's ‘DREAM’ series of domestic coffee machines combine professional technical precision with world-class hand-built craftsmanship, plus a little bit of fun.

The ‘DREAM’ series unlike the majority of home machines also allows you to brew and froth simultaneously. Available in 2 bold colours, red and matt black, as well as professional polished aluminium finish, the

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‘DREAM’ coffee machine is ready to reflect your own personal style. Recent European kitchen trends have shown a lean to bold colours and innovative design, the ‘DREAM’ and its retro edge will become the star of your bench top.

RRP start from $889.00 for the red and matt black finish, and $1045.00 for polished aluminium. For more information phone 02 8569 4600 or visit www.ascaso.com

Fine cutlery today’s wedding present wow factor...

The revival of fine dining and elegant tableware to match, albeit it a more relaxed setting, defines the attitude of the modern foodie. A love and knowledge of what it takes to dazzle during a dinner party is very much in vogue among twenty and thirty

somethings in particular, which means the modern wedding present has also received a makeover.

Gone are the days of receiving six identical toasters, three kettles and a gravy boat on your wedding day. Fine dining tableware is the considered choice for newlyweds at the moment, particularly fine cutlery.

Receiving several sets of prestige cutlery is now seen as a great stroke of luck, not an overkill. This is because cultured dining occasions trumpeting cosmopolitan fare is now the norm, even at home.

Fine dining is once again an event; and it is essential to have the perfect cutlery to match every setting.

Whether it is entertaining friends, family, or even alfresco dinning, specific cutlery is chosen for the style of the dinner party whether it be formal or smart casual.

The creations of revered British designer William Welch and his label Studio William underline why cutlery design is now a serious business. His work is included in permanent museum collections around the world and each piece of flatware possesses a purpose and personality of its own. For example, the fork heads of his ‘Karri’ Collection are thin and elongated and designed to make dining an elegant experience by tempering the volume of your mouthful.

“Our designs reflect a growing trend toward pride in food presentation and a unique dining experience, not only in the restaurant but in the home.

The best chef’s create the most amazing dishes, food that should be savoured. Your standard utilitarian cutlery isn’t appropriate; the designs encourage food to be shovelled in. Our cutlery is designed to temper your ability to eat so quickly, so you can truly appreciate the meal – as it should be.”

Studio William and Tablekraft cutlery are available at David Jones and other leading retailers. For more information please contact Tomkin on 1800 866 546 or visit the website www.tomkin.com.au

acrylic sculptured LALO fountain candle holder Beautiful design by LALO - acrylic and metal sprung leaves... use as candle holder or beautiful sculpture. Available from NEST 64 Thomas Drive Chevron Island

Villeroy & Boch launches Fame collection Villeroy & Boch has developed a striking collection of vases, designed to complement both classical and contemporary home decor.

Drawing upon the grandeur of the Baroque period and the elegance of the Biedermeier era, the contours of the Fame vases allude to a slender silhouette.

Red

The vases consist of three glass designs, each available in three different colours - a deep red, dramatic black or translucent white. Each colour and shape imparts its own unique style while offering an adaptability to suit different room settings.

The range encompasses smaller single-stem vases as well as a decorative floor vase, ideal for longstemmed flowers or as an elegant statement piece.

Highly collectable, the vases also make a stunning gift.

The Villeroy & Boch Fame collection is available from selected department stores and The House of Villeroy & Boch. RRP from $135.

Classic Maritime Replicas...

The new Classic Maritime Replicas feature beautiful high-end model powerboats (think James Bond 1960's Riviera) and sail boats. All are museum quality, hand-made exact replicas of wooden hull boats from 1900s to present day.

They make the perfect

can now have a perfect reproduction of your favourite wooden hull speed or sail boat perched pride of place in your living room.

Prices from $300 for the Shamrock hollow frame.

Powerboats from $795.

For further information Ph: 1800 300 062 or visit: www.classicmaritimereplicas.com.au

Celebrities love them..

Whisper "Stuart Weitzman" to any discerning shoe-lover, and you'll inspire a reverie. Sumptuous pumps . . . glittering mules . . . studded stilettos Stuart Weitzman creations are the shoes of dreams for women around the world.

Frequently seen on runways and red carpets,

Too cool for school...

Stuart Weitzman shoes literally make headlines. Often, they deserve a spotlight of their own. Die-hard devotees have even penned poems and composed songs to celebrate their passion for Stuart Weitzman styles.

Available from Diana’s Shoes - Hastings Street Noosa

The Vitesse D7... When you combine a light aluminium frame with the latest patented technology and equip it with the Deluxe component package, the result is one of the best value folding bikes on the market. The Vitesse was recently rated the overall winner in a folding bike shootout, beating out all comers, including bikes costing up to four times as much.

It’s no wonder then that the

Heliconias & gingers add an exotic and dramatic touch to sub-tropical gardens

statement design feature for your office or home, and are a great gift for the man who has everything. Most importantly, they cost a lot less than the real thing.

All the boats are made to order overseas, but are also on display at Classic Maritime Replica's showroom in Sydney's northern beaches.

CMR will also make replica boats to order, so you

abundance.

“Heliconias can be grown in pots or in the narrowest of garden beds,”

Over 120 gingers in the zingiberaceae family are treasured as edible types and renowned for having fabulous flowerheads, correctly termed as "bracts". They range in colour from soft pink to vibrant yellows and reds, have succulent, aromatic, knobbly rhizomes with canelike stems, wrapped in long, slender leaves. They are closely related to the banana plant.

Also related are over 400 heliconia species from the heliconiaceae family plus thousands of hybrids and cultivars. Bold, extravagant flowers and foliage are hallmarks and they are the ultimate in tropical

Vitesse is one of the most popular folding bikes on the market. Equipped with a Dahon Neos rear derailleur that features a crisp, fast-shifting and a low-profile design that is protected from damage. 7005 aluminium frame with custom-drawn Sonus tubing and six patented technologies. BioLogic™ II frame geometry. rrp $819. Qld Stockists: Epic Cycles: (07) 3368 2324; Logan Road Cycles: (07) 3891 9107; 99 Bikes: (07) 3300 3098.

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LuxuryStyleliving

amazing ‘zen’ riverfront

Properties for sale

THIS SPECTACULAR AND UNIQUE HOME IS A VERITABLE WORK OF ART, INSPIRED BY THE EXOTIC HOLIDAY ISLANDS OF INDONESIA.

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A

masterpiece which took its creator four years to complete, the design blends beautiful cedar and kwila timbers with gleaming black granite and lustrous hand-polished limestone inlaid with quartz pebbles. Feature statues throughout lend a tranquil air, while the lavish use of ponds and waterfalls creates a soothing ambience amidst the home’s grand proportions.

The central courtyard features reflection pools and framed walls of glass to make an unforgettable entry statement while offering a relaxing oasis for the owners. Impressive and unique, this is still a superbly liveable home, complete with every imaginable extra for comfort and convenience. All living areas, and there is a wide choice, are spacious and inviting, capturing the majestic riverfront vista beyond the spectacular pool and outdoor entertaining areas.

Water features are a major component in the overall design continues next pages...

home

Beautiful timber and water features adorn the front entry

Panoramic windows allow spectacular views of the gardens and waterway

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Properties for sale

...continued

You will not find another property to compare!

Features include: • 1002m2 land, 800 sq.m. home, completed 5 years ago • Feature pools, majestic Hindu statues, bbq gazebo & pool with swim-up bar • 5 customised bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, large study • Magnificent master suite with luxury bathroom, massage room adjoins • Lavish home theatre with kitchenette-bar • Gymnasium, sauna, steam room, music room • 2 open fireplaces, ducted air conditioning, Miele kitchen • Oriental water gardens at entry, themed lighting throughout • A choice of sundecks & pavilions for meditation & relaxation • Deepwater pontoon for large boat, 4 car garage, abundant storage

Main bedroom and ensuite... in magnificent proportions

64 Cabana Boulevarde, Benowa Waters Auction 11th January at 10am on site For inspection & enquiries: Lucy Cole Prestige Properties Isle Of Capri Ph: (07) 5538 3193 Email: info@lucycole.com.au Paradise Waters Ph: (07) 5532 5888 Email: sales@lucycole.com.au Agent: Lucy Cole Mobile: 0412 755 709 Entertainment area with room for a grand piano

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10 Tips to pay off your mortgage sooner in these changing times...

Anyone who has ever had to pay off a mortgage will tell you they would love to pay it off before the term, but most people will continue to chip away at their loan on autopilot. A proactive strategy can cut your loan term from 30 years to less than half in some cases.

Australian Mortgage Options managing director Robert Projeski offers 10 ways to own your home sooner.

1. Pay your mortgage as you receive your income eg. fortnightly or even weekly. Doing this cuts down on interest payable and will save you a lot of money over the course of your home loan. If you are super focused, pay your mortgage weekly which will reduce interest further again.

2. Set up an automated recurring payment for your mortgage payments. This is usually free of charge and means that you are always on-time and can’t over-spend on other things leaving you short to meet your payment obligations.

3. Park the large lump sum into your mortgage account eg. if you get $2000 back from your tax return, receive dividends from other investments or get bonus payments from your job, make a large payment towards your mortgage. These large lump

sums can cut years worth of interest off the loan.

4. List your regular expenses and you will find 1 or 2 items that you can do without. This will make a big difference to either your cash flow, freeing up disposable income to park in your mortgage account.

5. Make a habit of going only to the ATM’s. The charges (usually $1 - $2.50 per transaction or account enquiry) can easily add up to a nice little amount that can remain in your pocket rather than a banks or ATM provider and go towards your loan. (see #6) 6. Increase your repayments while rates are coming down. You can cut up to 2 years off the lifespan of your loan by paying an extra $20 to $50 on each payment. This may just mean cutting out an extra cup of coffee here or there or once a week taking lunch to work rather than buying it occasionally.

7. Have your wages paid directly into your homeloan account - you will need a loan with re-draw or line-of-credit type of facility so you can have unlimited access the funds for living expenses etc.

This will greatly reduce the interest that you pay as the interest is debited at the end of the month and usually calculated daily.

8. Offset your loans with a savings account. This is called mortgage offsetting, where as the amount in

your savings account (earning interest) is calculated/subtracted against the actual interest charge against the loan amount, then the interest is calculated only on the balance. For example, if your loan is $400 000 and you have $100 000 in savings, this equate to $300 000 on which you actually pay interest. This of course greatly reduces the amount of interest you effectively pay and will save you years on your home loan.

9. Perform a mortgage health check. Sometimes you just have to admit your loan might not be the best for you anymore. Your loan may have been superseded as a product. Interest rates may have changed drastically, leaving you better off with a variable rate than a fixed one. In that case, look at refinancing whether it is with your existing lender or a different one. Go to a home loan lender or broker to make sure you do get the best deal. Don’t just go to one provider as usually they will only offer you their products. To get a full scope of available options talk to a specialist who has access to various funders and lenders. They are in a competitive market and will try to gain your custom – let them earn it.

10. When re-financing, consider pooling or consolidating any other loans eg. (car or personal) and credit cards (of a much higher interest rate) into the one loan as the savings on repayments often will outweigh the slightly higher loan amount.

Information provided by:Stephen Hoyes-Cock of ABI Finance Ph: 07 5569 0115 - Email: stephen@abifinance.com.au The above information is provided as a guide only, please speak with your finance broker for further information.

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DESIGNER STUFF

seen about in the shops...

Cutting-edge kitchen hardware from the land of the samurai...

Right:Creating a unique style and look is easy - available from - Samsara Furniture & Homewares Buddha Face Oil Painting Size: 200 x 100cm (2 piece set) $495 - Samsara Furniture & Homewares

Leading Japanese knife brands MCUSTA and Kanetsune have finally launched in Australia.

Featuring exotic blades, some made from 33 layers of damascus steel, these beautiful objects are the slicing tools of choice for the modern day kitchen guru, and are developing a cult following amongst professional chefs and home cooks in the know.

These designer knives can be purchased online at www.chefsarmoury.com.

Stylefiles

Designer Rugs... the Catherine Martin Range

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from Nest Silver & glass candle holders up to sizes up to approx 100cm high.from Nest Chevron Island

Heralding a new chapter in Australian design, two-time Academy Award winner and globally renowned Production and Costume Designer, Catherine Martin has partnered with two major interior design icons to produce her own unique ranges.

Designer Rugs have already launched the first instalment of her eponymous homewares range of rugs, that showcase her investigation of Australiana and a celebration of native flora and fauna, Catherine effortlessly combines unusual and striking elements so they work in a sophisticated and complementary way in the Australiana Suite of designs.

To view the Catherine Martin range visit www.designerrugs.com.au - for wallpaper & paints visit www.porterspaints.com.au

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choreographing and calibrating light, shade, breezes, views, engagement with landscape, and transmutability both physical and social.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown at her own home

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DESIGN

Display home at ELYSIUM NOOSA

out of the

box..

There’s an air of audacious elegance about a Brisbane architect’s creations, according to Helen Flanagan.

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lizabeth Watson-Brown was brought up in Brisbane on a diet of art, history and literature. It instilled in her a love of people and architecture and interest in pursuing it professionally. “I am eternally fascinated by the process of design and that architecture is like the physical embodiment of what starts as a concept and develops, builds, transforms into an occupiable ‘thing’,” she says adding “architecture is the enduring container and symbol of culture. As such that is so important. What we build today illustrates our shared aspirations. And it better be good if we want future generations to view and understand us as being careful, artful and responsible”.

Elizabeth’s first commission was a beach house for one of her two sisters, husband and young family, and amongst her latest is The Library at Elysium Noosa, where her vision was to create building environments that co-exist harmoniously with the climate and vegetation and architecture, plus choreographing space and light to respond completely to the landscape. “Elysium Noosa’s carefully designed houses and landscapes create the framework for a life lived in harmony with nature and in community,” says Elizabeth who describes her style as ‘contemporary humanist’. “Our company’s physical flexibility and considered spatial design also creates important social flexibility, accommodating different modes of living and balancing community with privacy, extrovert with the intimate.”

Conceived by developer David Pearson, Elysium is a development next to Noosa Springs, where houses

with multi-million dollar price tags, designed by the most respected Australian architects, sit cheek by jowl. David asked 12 companies to design houses that could be bought off the plan and are works of art.

“Elysium was different because there were no real clients,” explains Elizabeth, whose prestigious awards have been numerous and significant projects have included a house in South Africa, St Peter Lutheran College chapel refurbishment and the Binna Burra Forest Village tourist facility and eco community. “We did not know the future inhabitants, so a collaborative process was not possible.

“We had six houses to design, made up ‘imaginary clients, a bit like imaginary friends, to help inspire us.

For example, we imagined six different types of people: entertainers, readers/travelers, collectors, sporties, meditation/yoga guys, and crafts-people.

This provided the ‘desires’ and ‘aspirations’ and the rounding out of human personalities that exist with real clients. It was a great overlay to the spatial brief provided by Elysium.”

A different style of architecture was adopted for Elizabeth’s own house in St Lucia, near the river. It was designed with her husband, Associate Professor Peter Skinner who’s an academic architect and teaches at the University of Queensland. “It was built for our family of four when our two sons were in their teens and is a very simple, contemporary house on a small site which is dominated by huge sub-tropical trees, the star being a very sculptural poinciana. It has been described by an architectural writer as a ‘place for continues next page...

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...continued

languid contemplation’, which I like. It is an experiment in what could be termed a sub-tropical modernism, a passive climatic design choreographing and calibrating light, shade, breezes, views, engagement with landscape, and transmutability both physical and social. It is modest in size, program and material use, but spatially evocative.”

According to Elizabeth there’s a recurring contemporary challenge to retain the fragile quality and character of Brisbane’s inner residential areas, which are characterised by the appealing blend of elderly timber houses, steeply sloping terrain and lush subtropical vegetation, These challenges related to a house in Clayfield bought by people who Elizabeth says had enjoyed the intimate spaces of a terrace house in Sydney but appreciated the scale, atmosphere and detailing of the original rooms, plus the history and cultural value of the building.

“Viewed from the street, it appears as the original and virtually unchanged traditional Queenslander. This masks its secret. The House of Orange as it was dubbed has been reconfigured for contemporary family living with a carefully calibrated and modestly scaled addition with a

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practical and beautiful living environment for a family of five, to maximise the rear northern aspect and connect the house and garden. Original materials were reinterpreted with contemporary detailing.”

Elizabeth and Peter, who love to travel and dine out in Brisbane’s West End, are understandably proud and grateful their sons Bill, an anthropologist working with the Indigenous Land Corporation and Alex, a social worker with the Red Cross working on cultural programmes with the urban homeless, are engaged in important social endeavours. Needless to say Elizabeth is passionate about every project “in which there is a synergy with the clients, a conversation, a shared vision, and a great creative collaborative process which results in a place which they can use/inhabit which improves their lives.”

LuxuryStyleliving

reconfigured for contemporary family living with a carefully calibrated and modestly scaled addition with a practical and beautiful living environment for a family of five

Photo: Graham Meltzer

Photo: Graham Meltzer

Photo: Graham Meltzer

Photo: Graham Meltzer

Display home at ELYSIUM NOOSA

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NEW DESIGNS

Make a splash...

JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER RENOVATING PROJECTS. Colour is making a comeback in the bathroom and not just with accessories and tiles. From bold bright shades to lush pastels people are welcoming a splash of colour to add a bit of pizzazz and fun to their bathroom sanctuary. In particular coloured basins are a dazzling alternative to traditional white vitreous china, and make a stunning highlight to any bathroom space. Urban designers have become a lot more experimental with the advent of technology and are using new and interesting palates.

Coloured basins were introduced briefly during the 1970’s but quickly made way for the forever popular clean, neutral shades. Colour is now making a retro comeback - pastels and strong colours are proving a sharp and popular alternative to

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traditional creams and whites.

The powder room is such a space where people are experimenting with complementing coloured pieces.

It’s a space that can provide the wow impact for your visitors, and perhaps inspire them to add a dash of colour to their own.

Pastels are a distinct favourite in bathroom trends throughout Europe at the moment, with shades such as pale lavenders and fresh mint greens that are modern and fun, yet timeless and easy to incorporate into changing wall and tile palates.

After decades of the neutral shades, it is time to add that splash of colour you have been waiting for. Paco Jaanson offers a host of fascinating alternatives, including the Kong Colour Basin Collection featured.

Paco Jaanson distributes nationally. Call1800 006 260 for stockists or visit www.pacojaanson.com.au

Bessemer Cookware- Australian icon still rules the kitchen...

Bessemer cookware is very much back in vogue.

The Bessemer Classic Range - who can forget this unmistakable orange cookware growing up? As unforgettable as it is irreplaceable, the Classic Range is a 'retro homage' to your favourite frypans, saucepans, steamers and casserole cookware, including the 3.0 litre Casserole & Lid – the cookware of choice for stews, small roasts and even cakes - all cooked on top of the stove.

A trend setter when it made its

swinging 60’s debut, the Classic Range is once again the height of kitchen chic.

Steam vent lids give complete control of the flow of steam from your cookware. Easy to operate, you just open the vent to dry out food, such as cakes and biscuits, or close to keep moisture in – perfect for cooking soups, casseroles and vegetables.

To find out more about Bessemer products, visit www.bessemer.com.au or call 1300 655 994.

Contact Sareen for your nearest distributor Queensland Head Office & Showroom Unit 11, 507 Olsen Ave, Southport Qld 4215 Phone 07 5539 2088 info@sareen.com.au Brisbane Warehouse, Unit 1, 63 Parramatta St, Underwood Qld 4215 Ph 07 5539 2088 info@sareen.com.au New South Wales 86 Nirranda Street, Concord West NSW 2138 Phone 02 9736 2260

LuxuryStyleliving

Recent designer make-over at Rimini By the River Apartments - Noosaville

design

Tired spaces receive a wakeup call

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Ask on-site managers anywhere which apartments are the most popular making investors/owners the happiest in the block and the answer is simple: Those that have been refurbished. In the case of Rimini by the River in Noosaville, the resort was also rewarded with an increase in its AAA star rating to 4.5.

“We have worked closely with all the apartment owners and Plantation Living Design to bring about a new fresh, relaxed decor to these spacious one and two bedroom apartments,” says a chuffed Cecilia Young. "We’ve had fantastic feedback on the refurbishments and the extra special touches we provide. Guests love the LCD televisions, new beds, lamps, paintings, new soft furnishings and finishing touches.”

Whether a house or apartment, delivering a superior result for surprisingly less than you think, is Plantation Living Design’s credo. “We buy at trade prices and the savings are passed directly to our clients,” says Tony Flanagan whose clients have properties from Airlie Beach to Brisbane and the Gold Coast. “A furniture package represents a saving of up to a true 50 per cent and we never compromise quality or style.

“We turn spaces into places people love to live in with personalized interior packages to delight the eyes and senses, presenting a standard of living second to none. We also create interiors which enhance the rental potential of investment making your property stand out from the crowd.”

specialists in furniture & design packages D O M E S T I C

A N D

C O M M E R C I A L

P R O J E C T S

Update your apartment or rental property with a complete new furniture package...

Designs to suit your budget from the most modest apartment makeover to the most luxurious penthouse or resort project.

From cutlery, furniture, window treatments, wall decor, painting to electrical appliances, we can achieve a smart new co-ordinated designer look... always adding something a little extra to make a real difference...

Talk to us and let us show you what we can do for you!... see our work at: www.karmasea.com www.peninsulaairliebeach.com

Karmasea

Servicing the whole of Queensland

p: 07 5474 4200 f: 07 5474 4060 m: 0402 225 019 e: pldnoosa@westnet.com.au 2/6 project avenue noosa enterprise estate noosaville Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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Living waterfalls EXQUISITE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR WATER FEATURES

ADD STYLE, TRANQUILLITY AND ELEGANCE TO YOUR HOME, GARDEN OR BUSINESS Waterfalls with their attractive qualities of the sight and sound of rippling water inside home and commercial environments are to become increasingly popular. Living Water Designs waterfalls feature water cascading down mirror, glass or stainless steel in completely self-contained and custom-designed surrounds, made from materials such as stainless steel, powder-coated, aluminium, granite, timber and acrylic.

Lighting options enhance the effects of the reflections as the water flows and waves down a flat or curved surface. Living Water Designs builds these custom features on the Gold Coast in Queensland, to any size, shape, colour and with a high quality finish. They then can be delivered and installed where necessary. The waterfalls come in two main styles - home/commercial dĂŠcor pieces and inbuilt water-walls and water-windows for internal fit-outs. No major electrical or plumbing requirements. Environmentally beneficial as these waterfalls help filter airborne pollutants. They are most importantly leak-proof and splash-free.

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• DYNAMIC • EXCITING • EYE-CATCHING • ATTRACTIVE • COMFORTING • SOOTHING AND RELAXING • TRANQUIL

NEW BUBBLE DESIGN

2/9 Fremantle Street, Burleigh Heads. Phone: (07) 5593 7070 website www.livingwaterdesigns.com.au Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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Stop threatened Aussie wildlife from disappearing with a practical ‘eco-gift’ this Christmas...

SEARCHING for a Christmas gift that makes a practical difference to the environment and protects Australia’s threatened animals, plants and ecosystems?

This Christmas, conservation group Bush Heritage Australia is urging Australians to choose an “eco-gift” as a practical way to protect Australia’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. A Bush Heritage e-gift gives twice: once to a friend or loved one - and secondly, to the wildlife and plants that need our help to survive.

You can purchase an e-gift from Bush Heritage Australia on behalf of a friend or loved one, by visiting www.bushheritage.org.au/egift .

By helping to protect threatened wildlife, you will not have to worry about unwanted socks and handkerchiefs ever again.

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By shopping online you can give your unique gift electronically, saving paper and protecting Australian animals and plants by supporting BHA’s on ground conservation programmes.

A range of e-gifts for a variety of budgets are available for purchase, including: A $10 gift could protect up to 200 small birds and 100 native mice by purchasing five fox baits A $20 gift could pay for native seedlings for a revegetation project on one of Bush Heritage’s 31 reserves.

A $100 gift could assist restoration work to protect endangered wildflowers, such as the northern golden moths orchid.

After ordering your e-gift online you can choose to send your friend or family member a personalised e-card online, or you can order a beautiful card, printed on recycled

paper, to send through the mail. Either way, your gift will make a difference to Bush Heritage Australia’s conservation work in a truly unique and eco-friendly way.

Bush Heritage Australia is a national not-forprofit organisation dedicated to conserving Australia's most vulnerable ecosystems and wildlife species. Bush Heritage targets areas of land and waterways that are crucial for conservation, and protects these through acquisition or partnership with government, conservation organisations, private individuals, and traditional owners. By 2025, Bush Heritage Australia aims to own, protect, or manage 1 per cent of Australian land.

For more information visit www.bushheritage.org.au/egift

LuxuryStyleliving

Spherical world

Bush-hammered granite and buxus spheres

The classic geometric and balanced elements of a Paul Bangay garden are easily adapted to the subtropics.

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arly in his career Paul Bangay was inspired by the gardens of Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte near Paris, designed by the 17th century landscape garden Andre Le Notre. Today it’s the gardens of Belgium plus his mentor the English-born superstar designer of the 60s and 70s, the late David Hicks, who was much sought after by royalty.

Don’t be misled into thinking that Paul’s designs are restricted to country estates, city courtyards, cool climes and the mega wealthy. Geometric perfection with signature decorative and classic elements such as hedgerows, paving stones, gravel, a predominance of green, occasional statues and water features complementing a lap pool, along with stone spheres juxtapositioned with green spheres clipped out of buxus sempervirens, can also found in Los Angeles, Byron Bay and Brisbane’s Ascot.

Apart from also integrating plants such magnolias, gardenias and jasmine into garden designs of the sub-tropics, Bangay is adamant that formal gardens are drought tolerant as opposed to flower gardens, which require more work and water. And he says “a swimming pool shouldn’t shout in the landscape. It should be a calm body of water in the midst of green foliage”.

His ideas can also be adapted simply and on a smaller scale, as revealed in Paul Bangay's Garden Design Handbook, (Lantern, $69.95). He shares his many secrets for successful garden designing and construction, shows how to analyse a site and its needs, visualise a garden and use space, and decide on and achieve the hard and soft landscaping best suited to a particular style. Using diagrams, step-by-step instructions, plant lists and above all Simon Griffiths's lustrous colour photography of his designs, Paul talks about every aspect of garden building from developing a ground plan, constructing a retaining wall and fitting in a swimming pool to finding a lawn substitute and droughttolerant plants.

In-between a busy life of traveling the countryside Paul,

“a swimming pool shouldn’t shout in the landscape.

It should be a calm body of water in the midst of green foliage”

A verdant and inviting poolside area

whose boyish looks belie his 44 years, spends as much time as possible at his farm in Daylesford, an hour’s drive from Melbourne. He employs five people full-time including his younger brother Kent and takes his Labrador called Timber wherever possible. He thinks it’s sad that people forget the traditional gardening skills used by their parents.“Something’s being lost,” says Paul. “They prefer instead a low-maintenance garden that looks good all year round or alternatively turn the backyard into another room. Plants shouldn’t be just an inert material to be manipulated, or a gesture signifying ‘garden’ in an otherwise inorganic landscape.”

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SCHAPELLE Corby is one of the best known names in Australia and Bali – for all the wrong reasons.

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books/ movies

he nation has watched, with morbid fascination, all that has happened to the 31-year-old former Gold Coaster and her family during four torturous years since her arrest on October 8, 2004 at Bali Airport after Customs officers found 4.1kg of marijuana in her unlocked boogie

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board bag.

Schapelle has always maintained the drugs were not hers, but were placed there by a person or persons unknown – either in Australia or Bali.

In that time, Schapelle has been through a lengthy trial that was compulsory nightly viewing in the first half of 2005, plus three failed appeals, and hardly a week has passed in all that time without some member of the Corby family in the news.

The one journalist who has stuck with Schapelle and her family through all that terrible time is former Gold Coast Bulletin chief police reporter Tony Wilson.

Wilson has now released a book, simply titled Schapelle, which looks at the Corby saga since it began. There are no startling new revelations about the case, but it sets out all that has happened to Schapelle and her family since 2004 and that is one of the appeals of this book.

It also looks at all the lies, half truths and twisted pieces of information about Schapelle and the Corby family that

have been in the public domain since her arrest. Although clearly a supporter of Schapelle, Wilson calmly and professionally ticks off all the rubbish that has been written and broadcast about this family, and that is the other strength of this book.

Wilson says he believes the Corbys have been treated worse by the nation’s media than even Lindy and Michael Chamberlain were years ago. To date, Schapelle’s sister Mercedes, mum Rosleigh Rose, later father Michael Corby, brothers Michael junior and James have all been accused of being involved in the drug trade at some stage.

“It’s just amazing the amount of rubbish and lies that have been spread about this family and, sadly, people believe it - although none of it has been proved except for James and Clinton spending time in jail,’’ Wilson told Luxury Style.

“In some cases the media have made claims about Schapelle and her family without any real evidence to back them up and in one case a reporter told Schapelle supporter Kay Danes that he ASSUMED Schapelle had been the recipient of government money,’’ he said.

“As a long term journalist, I was always taught that you needed three independent sources to verify something before you printed or broadcast that point, but all these standards seem to be a thing of the past in many sections of the Australian media.’’

Wilson also makes the chilling point in the introduction to Schapelle that this could happen to absolutely anyone, anywhere.

Most Australians have an opinion on the innocence or guilt of this woman, so they should buy this book and see if it changes their minds.

SCHAPELLE by Tony Wilson.

Schapelle the facts, the evidence, the truth by Tony Wilson is published by New Holland and is available at $29.95 at most bookstores.

Frost / Nixon Rated: M – Starring: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Sam Rockwell, Oliver Platt.

Oscar®-winning director Ron Howard brings to the screen writer Peter Morgan's ( The Queen, The Last King of Scotland) electrifying battle between Richard Nixon, the disgraced president with a legacy to save, and David Frost, a jet-setting television personality with a name to make, in the untold story of the historic encounter that changed both: Frost/Nixon.

Reprising their roles from Morgan's stageplay are Frank Langella, who won a Tony for his portrayal of Nixon, and Michael Sheen, who fully inhabited the part of Frost onstage in London and New York. For three years after being forced from office, Nixon remained silent. But in summer 1977, the steely, cunning former commander-in-chief agreed to sit for one all-inclusive interview to confront the questions of his time in office and the Watergate scandal that ended his presidency.

Nixon surprised everyone in selecting Frost as his televised confessor, intending to easily outfox the breezy British showman and secure a place in the hearts and minds of Americans.

Likewise, Frost's team harbored doubts about their boss' ability to hold his own.

But as cameras rolled, a charged battle of wits resulted. Would Nixon evade questions of his role in one of the nation's greatest disgraces? Or would Frost confound critics and bravely demand accountability from the man who'd built a career out of stonewalling? Over the course of their encounter, each man would reveal his own insecurities, ego and reserves of dignity -- ultimately setting aside posturing in a stunning display of unvarnished truth.

walk the scenic rim in style...

DEVELOPED BY EXPERIENCED WALKERS OUT OF A LOVE TO SHARE AUSTRALIA’S GREAT BEAUTY SPOTS WITH OTHERS, HIDDEN PEAKS SETS A NEW STANDARD FOR LUXURY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IN QUEENSLAND. kitchen/dining room where guests will enjoy the comfort of hot showers and prepared meals.

Sleeping accommodation is in well appointed safari-style tents out under the stars. The walk culminates with

Hidden peaks.... guided walks with a gourmet touch... luxurious overnight accommodation and the gastronomic pleasures of Peppers Spicers Peak Lodge.

David and Graham are delighted to be launching Hidden Peaks with the Spicers Private Walk through country they share a special bond with.

“Until now the natural secrets of this pristine walking area have been known only to a select few,’’ David said.

Tailored for walkers who want a physical challenge without sacrificing life’s luxuries, Hidden Peaks is aimed at local, interstate and international guests looking for a unique and lasting connection with the Australian bush.

Graham Hickson said the walks would appeal to novice walkers as well as the more

mature walker as long as they have a moderate degree of fitness.

Graham and David are so confident in their Hidden Peaks product they make the following personal guarantee: “If we do not deliver you a truly unforgettable walks experience we will give you another guided walk at absolutely no cost to ensure you achieve the experience we guaranteed initially.”

To be launched in March 2009, Spicers Private Walk will cost from $1800* per person which includes three days of guided walks; guide books and track maps; two nights accommodation in well-appointed tents and one night in a five-star Lodge Suite at Peppers Spicers Peak Lodge; all meals and drinks including breakfast each day and a degustation dinner on day three; use of personal light backpack and wet weather coat; pick up and return by private coach from Brisbane and portage of personal items and luggage whilst on the walk.

For bookings or further information phone 1300 773 425, or visit: www.spicerspeaklodge.com.au or www.hiddenpeaks.com.au

weekenders...

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s Australia’s newest guided walks company, Hidden Peaks is dedicated to providing a world-class leisure experience allowing guests to connect with the natural wonders of South East Queensland whilst indulging in awardwinning accommodation, food and wine.

Founders David Stent and Graham Hickson bring a passion for nature and an intimate knowledge of the Australian outdoors to the company.

First walking the Scenic Rim trails as a youth in the 1960s, David has researched and written about the history of the local area where he was born and bred. He currently owns and operates a small cattle property on the edge of the Scenic Rim and is a keen advocate for environmental protection having established Spicers Peak Nature Refuge which showcases how nature and livestock production can strike a sustainable balance..

As hands-on operators, David and Graham will share their expertise and secrets of the bush, guiding like-minded nature lovers in small groups through the graded paths of World Heritage wilderness and private refuges.

Hidden Peaks joins forces with awardwinning luxury retreat Peppers Spicers Peak Lodge on Queensland’s spectacular Scenic Rim to launch its first adventure – Spicers Private Walk – in 2009.

The fully-hosted four-day walk traverses the scenic trails of one of South East Queensland’s largest private nature refuges and ventures into the pristine environment of the Main Range National Park World Heritage areas.

Evenings of peace and isolation are spent in a well-appointed, purpose-built

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TRAVEL GETAWAYS

Four-wheeled fun on Hamilton Island

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travel: getaways

uests visiting Hamilton Island this summer will have the opportunity to go where no four wheels have gone before, by jumping on a quad bike and discovering some of the Island’s spectacular terrain.

The guided Hamilton Island Quad Bike Adventure Tour is the Island’s newest adventure-based activity, which also offers loads of interesting information about the local wildlife, fauna and of course, the beautiful Whitsunday islands.

Hamilton Island CEO Glenn Bourke, explained that guests heading out on the tour will firstly be given a vehicle familiarisation lesson, so they can become more comfortable with their vehicle and its capabilities.

International Destinations with a difference...

Scenic Tours are the experts in travel to

game drives traversing the entire area without restriction. In Kenya, Amboseli National Park is renowned for its large elephant population, Sweetwaters Game Reserve is home to the famous chimpanzee sanctuary, and the Masai Mara Reserve is home to the country’s largest population of lions. All Scenic Tours safari guests will travel in custom-built 4WD vehicles for the best game viewing, and their groups are limited in size, so you can enjoy a more intimate and rewarding experience.

One of their new destinations for 2009 is Tanzania.

For the first time guests will be able to explore Tanzania including the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a natural sanctuary for thousands of animals. We also visit the Serengeti, the best place to view the world famous annual wildebeest migration and Lake Manyara National Park, home to an incredible variety of birdlife and the only place where unique treeclimbing lions can be found.

Another new tour is the Connoisseur’s

Africa’s Great Game Parks

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"Guests will be taken through a safety briefing and a confidence course to gain experience in quad biking prior to departing on the tour,” he said. “The Kawasaki 4x4 360cc quad bikes are fully automatic and a breeze to operate for novice riders.”

The highlight of the tour is the view from Resort Lookout, where guests will experience breathtaking 360 degree views of Hamilton Island and the Whitsunday islands.

The Hamilton Island Quad Bike Adventure Tour will operate from Palm Valley Activities and will complement Palm Valley’s other activity offerings of Target Sports, Go Karts and the Aquatic Golf Driving Range.

No prior experience is required. To drive, all you need is a minimum of a learner’s driver’s licence and be over 16 years of age.

Tours depart from the Palm Valley Activity Centre daily and are $129 per person for a one hour quad bike experience.

Hamilton Island offers guests an array of more than 40 diverse activities, giving you the opportunity to style your own holiday doing everything - or simply nothing at all.

For all Hamilton Island activity enquiries and bookings, please contact 07 4946 8305 or visit www.hamiltonisland.com.au

Africa, offering a magnificent selection of outstanding accommodation, comfortable transport to remote game-viewing sanctuaries and truly unique experiences. Their touring programs to Africa in 2009 include: South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Egypt.

Here is your opportunity to observe wildlife at its best, viewing all the animals of Africa roaming freely in their natural habitat. In Kruger National Park, South Africa there are morning and afternoon

Choice Cape Town to Cairo.

For guests who want the ultimate African experience, the Connoisseur’s Choice from Cape Town to Cairo covers 5 African countries from South Africa to Egypt.

Highlights include travelling through South Africa on Rovos Rail, viewing breathtaking Victoria Falls on a guided walking tour, going on safari in the Masai Mara and seeing the wonders of ancient Egypt.

With Scenic Tours guests can expect only the best, with everything included in the one package price. The best range of accommodation has been selected from the finest hotels to safari lodges. All ‘mustsee’ sightseeing, most meals, tipping and gratuities on land tours, and airport transfers are all included. Guests will be escorted by Scenic Tours’ professional Tour Directors who are local expert guides for an in-depth touring experience.

Their new brochure is out now with fantastic Earlybird savings of up to $1800 per couple*.

For more information visit www.scenictours.com

Are you ready to discover one of Noosa's hidden Treasure's?

Rimini By The River 7- 15 Edward Street, Noosaville P: +61 (0)7 5473 0000 Email: bookings@rimini.com.au

Only 50 metres from the picturesque Noosa river wine and dine precinct, Stylish, clean, well appointed self contained 1 & 2 bedroom holiday apartments

Very Central Location set in a quite side street back from the traffic and noise Call us today for your quality family getaway or romantic couples escape.

www.rimini.com.au Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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THE ARTS

A collision of song, dance, puppetry & circus The Gold Coast Arts Centre 2008/2009 Summer School production - CABARET BERSERKUS...

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hat happens when you take Cabaret and zap it with ten thousand volts of pop music, dance, circus, puppetry, hip hop, ballet, shopping trolleys and chickens? You get a whole new concept in entertainment - Cabaret Berserkus!

A collision of song, dance, puppetry and circus all rolled into one, that will take the very early traditions of French Cabaret and ignite it with a vibrant and daring matchstick of pop-culture. Twenty of the Gold Coast's most talented performers will hit the stage in an extraordinary night of absurd, outrageous, and amazing musical theatre,- all coming together to create a show that will excite, inspire - and entertain. In this brand new show, created specifically for the cast of 15 – 21 year-old youngsters, CABARET BERSERKUS pulls from the Gold Coast more than just your regular music theatre enthusiasts. The show has trawled some of the most versatile and talented performers from diverse backgrounds, with outrageously skilled and courageous artists - from clowns, acrobats and puppeteers to jazz singers, physical theatre actors and tapdancers.

Set to a catalogue of music that spans from The Beatles to Duffy, Coldplay to Doris Day, Ben Lee to Rodgers and Hammerstein, Michael Bublé to Avril Lavigne, and Judy Garland to The Potbelleez, Cabaret Berserkus certainly is mixing up the generations and bringing something fresh and truly spectacular for all ages to the Gold Coast Arts Centre this summer.

Performance: Fri 23rd, Sat 24th Jan at 8pm, Wed 28th, Thu 29th at 6:30pm, Fri 30th, Sat 31st at 8pm. Matinee: Sat 31st Jan at 2pm Tickets: Adults $39.90, Concession (Pensioners, Students 15+, Friends, Groups 10+) $34.90 Dinner & Show: $64 (Dinner at 6pm in the Paradise Showroom, show starts at 8pm) Family Prices: 2 adults + 2 children $110 if purchased before Dec 24th, $125 after Dec 29th Bookings: Phone Box-Office on 5588 4000

The Veronicas Revenge is Sweeter Tour...

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fter months of touring abroad Australia's favourite twins will return for a string of shows in February ’09.

Special guests at all shows will be ‘Shake It’ superstars Metro Station, and Sydney’s own Short Stack.

The past 12 months for The Veronicas have been the most frenetic of their lives. Their versatility has been on display as they’ve launched a clothing line, a series of reality videos, toured with the Jonas Brothers, Hanson and Natasha Beddingfield across America, and have received a plethora of favourable US press: Time Out New York announced of Hook Me Up: “(Kelly) Clarkson needn’t rush her return to pop; the

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Veronicas have more than compensated since she’s been gone.”

While the Examiner were pleasantly surprised: “Hook Me Up… defies the sophomore slump.”

Most spectacular, however, is the success of their critically-acclaimed album Hook Me Up in Australia.

Peaking at #2 on the ARIA album chart, Hook Me Up has been the musical juggernaut of the year, spawning four top ten singles, selling in excess of 150 000 copies and garnering four nominations at this year’s ARIA awards.

Visit frontiertouring.com for presale details. Brisbane Entertainment Centre - 14th February 09

LuxuryStyleliving

DVD’s IT’S SUMMER TIME! And Disney DVD has released two new editions of its hottest teen sensations: Hannah Montana and High School Musical. Perfect to keep the tweens and in-betweens busy over the summer holidays.

HANNAH MONTANA – COMPLETE SEASON 1 For the very first time, see all 26 episodes of the hit Hannah Montana TV show, which takes Hannah on all sorts of adventures living the rock star dream while maintaining life as Miley, the new kid in town who just wants to be a typical teen. The new Disney DVD includes a neverseen-before audition of 12year-old Miley Cyrus for the role that shot her to stardom.

The DVD’s bonus features also include an exclusive interview with Miley, performances from her live concert and a day in the life of Miley with her family and co-stars.

Do you have the moves to groove with the East High Wildcats? Let the stars of High School Musical 2 show you what they’ve got in an interactive dance-along that lets you control the action and relive your favourite parts of the movie with an incredible virtual scrapbook. Also includes deleted scenes, music videos with international recording artists, a behind-the-scenes special and an exclusive sneak peek of the highly anticipated big screen bash, High School Musical 3: Senior Year!

To join the Queensland Orchestra for one night only...

B

orn in December 1946, in Barcelona, Spain, José Carreras was always destined to sing.

Passengers aboard boats travelling from Spain to Argentina and the customers of his mother's hair salon would listen to him, and legend has it he would lock the bathroom door so he could sing uninterrupted. At age eight he first performed on radio. At 11, he starred in his first role with the Barcelona Opera. It was the beginning of a spectacular career and at 18, the soprano voice of the young Carreras changed into the tenor voice that has made him ‘the voice of the century’.

Particularly eminent in the operas of Verdi and Puccini, his career has encompassed over 60 roles on stage and in the recording studio. His showcase albums include Andrea Chenier, La bohème, Tosca, Werther, Don Carlo, Carmen, La forza del destino, I

pagliacci, L’elisir d’amore and Un ballo in maschera. He gained fame with a wider audience as one of The Three Tenors, with a concert program which began in 1990 and continued until 2003. Carreras is also known for his humanitarian work as the president of the José Carreras International Leukaemia Foundation (La Fundació Internacional Josep Carreras per a la Lluita contra la Leucèmia), which he established following his own recovery from the disease in 1988.

Carrera will wow Brisbane audiences in a one-night-only concert with The Queensland Orchestra at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall.

Date: February 6th 2009 Bookings: at www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849 Tickets: Diamond $660* | Premium $330* | A Reserve $230* | B Reserve $160* | C Reserve $100*

the arts

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2: 2DISC DELUXE DANCE EDITION

Jose Carreras

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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ART

Starr artist profile

Young and vibrant... and on top of the world...

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T

he Australian Artist & Talent Register in conjunction with Red Hill Gallery present Brisbane artist Starr.

“Young and vibrant Starr is on top of the world. With recent trips to Paris and Los Angeles, Starr is continuing to pursue her success globally providing serious art collectors with new and exciting work that is both unique and bankable.

Starr is a ‘New Traditionalist’ who combines the traditional techniques and themes of the European masters with the contemporary sensibilities from modern art Mecca’s like the USA. This exhibition ‘Once Upon a Time in Paris’ is testament to her travels and the inspiration that she has taken from one of the world’s most romantic and colourful cities. The work in this exhibition, her fifth solo at Red Hill Gallery, is once again breathtaking in its originality and ground-breaking use of line and colour. Starr is indeed an amazing artist and we hope you enjoy this exhibition as much as we do” said gallery director Graham Campbell-Ryder.

Once upon a Time in Paris’ casts a wonderfully wicked light on the City of Love. Combining the sensuously seductive flair of the showgirls and the timeless beauty of the Parisienne nude, Paris by night is a magical place.

Where: Red Hill Gallery 61 Musgrave Road Red Hill Brisbane P: 07 33681442 E:art@redhillgallery.com.au To register: The Australian Artist & Talent Register is an internet site especially designed to promote emerging and accomplished Artists, For further information or to register:: www.atalent.com.au Email info@atalent.com.au or Phone 07 38684066

By the luminous glow of the Eiffel tower in the starlit night, you may even see the mysterious jade Absinthe Fairy… For time is but a dream beneath the majestic chandeliers in the brilliant red ballrooms, where opulence and beauty are one.

LuxuryStyleliving

Claire Torrance

Diamonds weren’t forever for gallery owner...

C

laire Torrance, the owner of Gallery Beneath at Mooloolaba, has always had an eye for fine things and during a lifetime spent criss-crossing the globe she has had plenty to look at.

Claire studied gems in Hong Kong, sold diamonds in London, treated Caribbean children for squint and is now focusing on fine works of art on the Sunshine Coast.

“Gems are so fascinating, I did a three-year gemological course and then did a post-graduate degree in diamonds for a year in London,” Claire said.

The link between fine diamonds and fine art became a professional one when she moved to the Sunshine Coast and a job managing a gallery before eventually opening her own, Gallery Beneath.

“I love art because it’s so personal and individual,” Claire said.

Queensland QueenslandLuxuryStyleLiving LuxuryStyleLiving

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MOTORING

Top Gear presenters and James Bond All want the Lotus Evora...

Celebrities have been endorsing the Lotus Evora with their hip pockets, by signing up for the new sports coupe, which will make its Australian debut in Melbourne.

T

he order book has only been open for a few weeks but already the popularity, stylish good looks, and performance of the Lotus Evora has attracted some of the world’s rich and famous, who have put their name down to be part of the first group to receive their own exciting 2+2 sports coupe, when it goes on sale in 2009.

Two out of the three Top Gear UK TV presenters have put their orders in, with Richard Hammond and James May both on the list, alongside current and past James Bond 007 actors, Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, has joined the likes of USA TV personality and car nut, Jay Leno, musician Jay Kay, and supermodel and car enthusiast/race, Jodie Kidd - in joining the Evora’s list.

Musicians and actors are clearly in love with the car, attracting Beyoncé, Dave GrŒhl, Kelly Rowland, George Clooney, Kevin Spacey, Patrick Dempsey and JLo, who will all get to experience the legendary Lotus ride and handling within the world’s only midengined 2+2 with a 3.5-litre 206kW V6.

Lotus Cars Australia Sales & Marketing Manager, Jonathan Stretton has also confirmed when the Lotus Evora will first be seen in Australia. “We are delighted to confirm that the Lotus Evora will make its Australian – and southern hemisphere – debut at the Melbourne Motor Show in February 2009, where we believe it will be the star of the show.

“It is a very important car for Lotus in Australia, and is also the biggest milestone for Lotus globally since the Elise was born 13 years ago. Russ Tyrie, Melbourne International Motor Show Director, said of the announcement: “We are genuinely pleased and enthused to have the Lotus Evora confirmed as one of the stars of the show. The Melbourne Motor Show has a long history of showcasing significant new Lotus models over the years, so we are delighted to see that tradition continue at our 75th annual motor show.

“This car will be one of the undisputed star attractions and it is also the first major star to be confirmed. We’re sure that amongst the field of high performance and exotic supercars, the Lotus will be a standout.”

Lotus Cars Australia already has a significant number of expressions of interest for the Evora, with final specifications and Australian pricing expected to be released at the Melbourne International Motor Show.

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Living W

ith this in mind, we took advantage of one of the Sunshine Coast's newest, exciting business ventures... Perfect Day Tours.

The concept is simple - the perfect car for lovers of prestige sports cars; the perfect dining options for lovers of fine food, and the perfect destination for those who appreciate all the wonders that the Sunshine Coast has to offer.

The options for your perfect day are versatile, everyone's needs are considered.

Your day will include the drive (of course) already mapped out for you on the GPS, so that you don't miss any of the fabulous sights available on the Sunshine Coast; and that is where it becomes interesting. You then have the option to include your personal preferences for the rest of the day. You can opt to have breakfast at Buderim, lunch at a restaurant, or a gourmet picnic basket, a spa treatment in the afternoon, perhaps a coffee along the way - and then dinner at another fabulous dining venue in the evening.

All the restaurants, coffee shops, and spas involved offer 'personalised' service including a special table and reserved parking for customers of Perfect Day Getaways. These added benefits make you feel like a 'movie star' arriving in your Porsche sportscar!

We decided to take the leisurely picnic option, because we knew that our goodies were being chosen by Jones the Grocer at Noosa Civic. Then we had our GPS set for a romantic drive in the country.

Our shiny black Porsche Boxster sportscar with its 'special order' terracotta leather interior was promptly delivered to our door on a slightly grey, Saturday morning. We were taken through all the cars features and driving necessities, and the GPS was preset with our chosen destination.

Inside the boot sat our perfect picnic basket, full to overflowing with all the finest ingredients and a separate box containing all the essentials that we might need for our day on the road hairbrush, sunblock, moisturiser, handwipes etc ( a very clever idea).

EVERYONE DREAMS OF DRIVING THE PERFECT CAR; DINING AT THE PERFECT RESTAURANT; TAKING THEIR PARTNER ON THE PERFECT PICNIC; VIEWING THE PERFECT VISTA; SURFING THE PERFECT BREAK; LIVING THE PERFECT DREAM...

the dream... if only for a day!

As our Porsche hugged the open road and growled with intent, we savoured the opportunity to forget all about work, the current financial chaos in the world, and all the stressful things that impact on our lives these days. The wind blew, our hair flew - and our world weary worries evaporated.

This was the perfect escape - as we whipped through the curves (legally of course) and rounded each bend with enthusiasm - we embraced the freedom a sportscar offers its driver and passenger. We were only missing our Labrador; he would have looked very sexy as the pillion passenger in this car!

When we arrived at Boreen Point - our chosen destination, we parked, opened the boot and laid out the red tartan blanket, which was then topped with the cane baskets.

As we opened the baskets and removed the glasses, china plates and cutlery - in anticipation of

our feast, we were joined by a couple of locals, who told us we looked like a magazine advertisement. It was such a perfect picture!

Our transportable feast was packed with cooler bags to ensure freshness and consisted of grilled piri piri spatchcock pieces with a sumac and honey yoghurt dip; mini salmon, chevre and dill quiches; Caesar salad with rosemary and garlic roasted chicken, crĂŠme fraiche dressing, crispy pancetta & rosemary croutons; an antipasto platter, cheese platter; French baguette; dark &

white chocolate brownie with sour cherries; fruit platter with apple and cinnamon yoghurt; Fiji water and soft drinks. Wow! We tried hard, but couldn't quite finish all that food in one sitting - so luckily, as everything was packed in individual containers, we were able to take some home for later.

At the end of our romantic lunch amongst the trees, on the shoreline of Lake Boreen, we packed the car and headed back on our return journey, content in the knowledge that we can do it all again - anytime we want.

Next time we will try another variation - maybe a spa treatment - maybe that reserved table in the window of Harry's of Buderim.

For more information visit: www.perfectdaygetaways.com.au

the perfect noosa (porsche) getaway... a day of driving & dining at the touch of your fingertips...

See the best of the Sunshine Coast in the ultimate sports car... a custom Porsche Boxster S

Escape... experience... indulge...

We have designed a drive that allows you to experience both world class performance and scenic beauty, while leading you to the perfect resting spots where you can get out, stretch your legs and take it all in.

How it works Your pre set GPS (Global Positioning System) Gives you a voice guided drive of the Sunshine Coast on a world class driving pattern. Simply touch the screen to select your personalised drive in pre-set numerical order & away you go!

Ease of use There are no street names to memorise, as your GPS simply tells you to turn left or right.

Freedom If you need to stop somewhere go ahead, when you are ready to go your GPS will automatically take you back to your pre set drive.

Booking your Perfect Day Getaway Our Porsche Boxster will be delivered & picked up from your accommodation, fuel is included*. *conditions apply Our specialty packages include...

Perfect Day Getaway - This is the full day including morning tea picnic basket and VIP gourmet lunch Perfect Day Getaway Romance This includes two nights, 5 star accommodation + extras Perfect Day Getaway Pampering This includes shopping, VIP gourmet lunch & body rejuvenation Perfect Half - Day Getaway This includes the morning tea picnic basket Car hire only, also available.

info@perfectdaygetaway.com.au - www.perfectdaygetaway.com.au - bookings phone 0458 504 445 Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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Brizzie Events Brisbane’s pulling Australia Up Late power:..

Come along for an all Australian program of Announced as a major coup for music

music, comedy and talks by artists featured

lovers, The Queensland Orchestra will

in the Contemporary Australia Optimism.

present Roberta Flack on Wednesday,

Fri 16th Jan - Sat 21st Feb

February 4, 2009. The star power continues

Gallery of Modern Art 1 Stanley St South

when Queenslanders have the rare

Brisbane

opportunity to hear what critics around the

stage with The Queensland Orchestra on

Brisbane International Open

Friday, February 6, 2009, both at the

The Brisbane International is the first of the

Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall.

Australian Open Series Tournaments held

globe have hailed as ‘the voice of the century’ when José Carrerastakes to the

in the lead up to the Australian Open.

The men's and women's hard court events will set the stage for an electric year in tennis. State Tennis Centre 4th - 11th Jan

Hangover cure A hangover is the unpleasant consequence of having over-indulged in few-too-many alcoholic beverages. Symptoms usually include sweating, dizziness, irritability, decreased concentration, fatigue and nausea.

Novotel Brisbane has teamed up with

Optimism Exhibition

leading experts in their field to produce a breakthrough antidote to this unpleasant seasonal illness, with their scientifically

The launch exhibition of the new triennial

formulated package, the ‘Sunday Recovery’.

series Contemporary Australia. Engage with

Priced from $179, the package includes

the paintings, sculptures, photographs,

Saturday night accommodation, late 5pm

films, comedy & more. Children will adore

checkout on Sunday, complimentary car

the interactivity

parking, Sunday paper, 2x bottles of water

of the Children's Art

Centre. until 22nd February

and a packet of Berocca.

Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) 1 Stanley St.

The package is valid to January 19, 2008.

South Brisbane

Call Novotel Brisbane on 07 3309 3309

SUBSCRIBE NOW ONLINE or: Send details via post, email or fax specifying subscription length, full contact details and postal address… Payment by posting a cheque, money order or ring through with CC details.

More interiors... More travel… More dining... More wine and More for you! ENJOY QUEENSLAND’S FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINES… full of great reading, wining & dining, art, travel, entertainment, accommodation and more.

1 year subscription (4 issues) for $45*(incl.p&h in AU) 2 year subscription (8 issues) for $80*(incl.p&h in AU) Fax: 07 5577 3354 - Email: info@LuxuryStyle.com.au Post: PO Box 1003, Paradise Point QLD 4216 88

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

Noosa Festival of Surfing Sunday 15th - Sunday 22nd March, 2009 Already a permanent fixture on Surfing Australia’s annual calendar, the Noosa Festival of Surfing aims to cement its international status as a benchmark surf-lifestyle festival located in one of Australia’s most popular tourism destinations - Noosa, Sunshine Coast.

USM Events, in conjunction with its major event partners and the Noosa Malibu Club, looks to introduce more cultural elements to the Festival program, broaden the competitive disciplines, feature a stellar line-up of music and entertainment as well as showcasing some of Australia’s biggest industry brand and product names, all in one centralised hub.

In addition, with the commitment of the surfing industry to sustaining the beautiful beaches and coastlines of the world, the NFoS will attempt to adopt an enviro-conscious attitude with the hope of establishing permanent guidelines for future events in Noosa; better recycling, better fuel efficiency, better waste management, etc to keep it clean and green.

Woodford Windown @ Noosa Friday 2nd January 2009 “A Taste of Woodford”. For those who can’t make the Woodford Festival and those who will still be in Woodford mode, the spirit and essence will be captured at a unique one day/night event organised by Noosa Junction Traders Association.

From 11am Friday, January 2, Noosa Junction will come alive with an array of activities including a major one-day busking and chalk art competition (with $2,500 cash and other prizes), 12 family friendly interactive workshops, poetry, late night shopping, and more.

The evening will culminate in a five-hour, non-stop celebration concert (“A taste of Woodford”) at The J. Commencing with Firetree (a four piece band featuring Dale Buchan and Josie Cubis), the three busking finalists will then perform their winning acts. With comedy from Alan Glover (12 year veteran of the festival), and a sprinkle of poetry and magic, patrons will be then in for a real treat to hear some of Woodford’s best.

Jeff Lang (virtuoso guitarist, dynamic songwriter and startingly unique performer), and Mamadou Diabate (world respected Kora player from Mali) will perform solo then come together with Bobby Singh (outstanding Tabla wizard) where east meets west in a rare performance.

Concert tickets will be $45 for the full evening, and $20 for the dance party. Tickets are on sale from The J (box office or online).

For more information or to book your next Noosa holiday visit www.visitnoosa.com.au or call 1 3000NOOSA (1 3000 66672).

S T O R E C O N C E P T B O S S H U G O

SHOP 1-55 HASTINGS STREET NOOSA HEADS PHONE 5447 4639 OPEN 7 DAYS