Around here lately....

I've been embracing the Spring weather and getting out and about catching up with friends. 

I always feel more social in the warmer weather! ;) 

I finally made it up to The Newport to check out their renovation and have lunch there. I love the fresh new look. The gardens feel very "Palm Springs" and has inspired me to start my own cactus garden.

The other place I hadn't been to for years was the Art Gallery of NSW to see the Frida Kahlo exhibition and to have lunch. I forgot what a lovely place it was and such a great place to catch up with a friend. We loved the exhibition (my favourites were her self portraits) and it has made me want to watch the Frida movie made years ago with Salma Hayek and read up a bit more on her.

I've also been Spring cleaning and changing up a few things in each bedroom. Moving beds around and changing artwork, adding a couple of new things into the mix. It feels good!

I'm feeling pink this week and love the new prints above our bed. Prints found here

I had a browse through Kmart the other day and this rug and a couple of baskets came home with me for Noah's room.

I've also been mixing up where I've been walking through the week but it's always near water and the view is always beautiful. Love the sun sparking off the water. The water looks so tempting but it is way too cold for me. I don't usually go in the ocean until December!

How have you been lately?

SaveSave

Date Night - March into Merivale - Food and Wine Festival

Simon and I had a date night last night and decided to jump onto a ferry and head into the city for the launch party of "March into Merivale"

"March into Merivale" is a food and wine festival showcasing the delicious food and cocktails from over 50 of Merivale's venues.

The champagne and Absolut Seabreezes were flowing (vodka, cranberry + grapefruit juice - delish!) and we sampled lots of amazing dishes from various pop up stalls in the laneway and on the various levels of Ivy. The paella was definitely a stand out for us! 

It was fun to wander around and come across different menus, watch the chefs cooking, pick and choose from the pop up stalls and find a spot to chill and listen to the music. The whole atmosphere and attention to detail in the styling of the event was fantastic and really added to the whole fun vibe.

Here are some photos from our night - 

It was such a balmy night it was lovely to finish up the evening sitting in a cabana by the pool.

"March into Merivale" runs from the 14th February - 20th March.

You can download a program here 

We had such a great time we're thinking of going back for the European Laneway night

It really is great value and an awesome way to catch up with friends or perfect for a date night.

Have you been to "March into Merivale" before?

I'm a huge fan of the Merivale restaurants. 

You can read my posts on some of their other venues below -

http://honeynfizz.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/date-night-papi-chulo-manly.html

http://honeynfizz.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/coogee-pavilion-delicious-food-gorgeous.html

http://honeynfizz.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/an-impromptu-night-out-1888-hotel-mr.html

My birthday celebrations

It was my birthday on Wednesday and I've had a lovely couple of days celebrating it.

I woke to breakfast in bed, gorgeous flowers, a new camera and some Tella Balls (nutella filled pastries) to have for morning tea. Oh and also a sparkly birthday crown!

All the boys were at school/kindy so Simon and I went out to lunch and decided to try the Coogee Pavilion. It was somewhere I had wanting to go for a while. I really loved the place! 

Both the food and decor were amazing and deserve it's own post (coming soon)

My mum came over for afternoon tea and some champagne.

The boys made me Gummi Bear ice blocks. It was so cute watching them make them.

Mum took me out today for High Tea at Boronia House. We have driven past here for years so it was really lovely to finally go in. The building is so beautiful. 

It was the perfect day to sit and chat over pots of tea and delicious food.

I've really had a great couple of days. 

Don't you love when your birthday celebrations stretch out?!

How's your week been?

March into Merivale - Just Desserts

For the 7th year in a row, the Merivale Group is holding their "March into Merivale" event. This years festival moves beyond just food and drink to showcase the Merivale way of life. 

Featuring their best chefs, venues, entertainment and plenty of other surprises it is a chance to experience Sydney in a different way.

Tonights event is Just Desserts

WEDNESDAY • SHOWCASE

JUST DESSERTS

WEDNESDAY, 4 MARCH – 5:30PM TO 8:30PM

Establishment Main Bar

$45 per person includes 6 tokens

ABOUT JUST DESSERTS

Life’s short – e­at dessert first. In fact, why waste room on dinner at all when you can spend an evening indulging on sugary treats from some of Merivale’s sweetest offerings. Dessert stations will be hosted by Mr Wong, est., Lorraine’s Patisserie, Bistrode CBD, Ms.G's, Functions & Events at Merivale and so you’d better bring your sweet tooth.

MR WONG MENU

Mini fried ice cream with butterscotch sauce

Mango pudding with passionfruit granita, mango pearls and tapioca

MS.G'S MENU

Pandan tres leches cake

Banana and Nutella spring roll, salted caramel ice cream

LORRAINE'S PATTISERIE MENU

Milk chocolate ice cream verrine marbled with passionfruit praline mousse

Strawberry marshmallow royal biscuit, chocolate dipped, pink peppercorn jelly

Crème fraîche ice cream wafer wrap swirled with amarena cherries

EST. MENU

Chocolate delice tart with frozen crème anglaise and rye tuile

Malted barley ice cream with caramelised white chocolate and almond ganache

Vanilla mousse with strawberries, rhubarb and hibiscus wafer

FUNCTIONS & EVENTS AT MERIVALE MENU

Oreo dessert of white chocolate mousse, chocolate crumble and milk foam

Toasted marshmallow passionfruit parfait popsicle

Raspberry and lychee macaron

BISTRODE CBD MENU

Dark chocolate crème brûlée and coconut sorbet

Goat cheese and date pastry, fig and burnt orange sauce

Jane’s honey tart and peanut butter ice cream

DRINKS

Innocent Bystander Moscato

Margan Family Style Botrytis Semillon

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir

Chandon NV

Espresso martini

Menus are subject to change.

You can find out more about events here

I have my eye on this event. If I can't get to Europe, this is the next best thing! 

I love the Merivale venues as both their interiors and food are amazing.

Some of my favourites are

Papi Chulo - you can read about our date night here and Mr Wong here

Have you been to a Merivale venue?

Which ones your favourite?