Fresh, clean sheets on a Sunday

Getting into bed on a Sunday evening with fresh, clean sheets is one of the little things in life I look forward to and always makes me smile. The soft yet crisp feeling against your skin as you jump into bed and nestle under the sheets is such a good, relaxing feeling.  It always makes for a sound, dreamy sleep, setting you up for the week ahead.  How good is that?! 

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good. 

Stoke Bar - a birthday lunch in South Bank, Brisbane, Australia

After much deliberation, actually more procrastination, the venue for a birthday lunch was finally decided - Stoke Bar. Why Stoke Bar over the multitude of restaurants to choose from including its "sister" Stokehouse within the same building?

Firstly both Stokehouse and Stoke Bar are open on a Monday.  An important consideration given it's traditionally the "day off" in the hospitality world.  Secondly, those in attendance including the birthday girl, were keen for a more relaxed, casual setting but with the high level of quality hospitality given next door at Stokehouse.  Lastly, the spectacular view over the Brisbane River and into the city makes this the venue perfect for celebrating and socialising. 

It goes without saying, the Stoke Bar is a well stocked bar. A quality Prosecco by both the glass and bottle is always a good indication. As too the mix of a Caprioska.  I'm happy to report both the Prosecco and Caprioska are excellent.

For "bar" food, the menu is excellent. You are seriously spoilt for choice. Options include the usual small plate options such as hot chips, nuts and olives.  You can also order oysters, a salad or even meatballs - yum. There are share plates, main plates including a 170g steak and for some the best bit, a number of desserts are available including the very famous Stokehouse "Bombe" - quite possibly my favourite dessert.  Our food was top notch, well and truly living up to and exceeding expectation.  

Life is always good when you're enjoying quality food in a quality venue, overlooking a quality view.  I smile a huge smile knowing life is even better when you celebrate the little and simple things like a birthday with the people you love and mean the world to you.         

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

The Larder - a family lunch to remember in Miramar, Wellington, New Zealand

The capital of New Zealand, windy yet wonderful Wellington, is one of those places worth a visit at least once in your life.  Not only is Wellington a good looking city with architecture similar to that of San Fransico, it's allegedly bursting with more cafes, bars, restaurants per capita than New York City, the mighty Big Apple.

One of these fabulous Wellingtonian restaurants is The Larder, located in Miramar, just near Wellington's airport.  Like a larder from times gone by, this magical spot is overflowing with delicious food and attentive yet warm, welcoming hospitality thanks to the beautiful co-owner Sarah and her team. Chef and co-owner Jacob Brown is the cornerstone of The Larder. From baking the house breads to creating some seriously memorable, mouthwatering food, Jacob's creativity is ever present at The Larder.  Local produce are the primary ingredients for Jacob's heart felt creations.  His famous Cauliflower soup is beyond yummy...I smile every time I think back to our family lunch where each of us ordered the soup, and still talk about its perfect combination of flavours and presentation. 

Whatever the weather, and who are we kidding, Wellington dishes out some diverse weather at times, The Larder provides a memorable sanctuary and quality food for all those who visit.  www.thelarder.co.nz/  

The Svelte Brown Fox 
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good