Magnificent Macphee’s

A wine bar in Rome was where the Macphee’s concept was first visualised by Tania and Craig MacPhee in 2001. Since then, Macphee’s has blossomed into a multi-channelled business specialising in anything and everything wine. Macphee’s Coventry Street store in South Melbourne includes a vast selection of wine, wine accessories, wine racking, Eurocave wine cabinets and even a custom cellar service. Macphee’s also have an off-site wine storage service for those with a wine collection to large to store at home, people who are travelling, as well as restaurants and wineries.

“Macphee's is about creating new wine experiences and helping customers repeat 'magic moments', those unforgettable drinking experiences every wine enthusiast tries to relive. It is about giving our customers old fashioned personal attention and taking the time to understand and remember what they like to drink rather than selling the next bottle… This store is heaven for anyone who enjoys wine”, says Craig MacPhee.

Macphee’s have some exciting new wines and products coming into store throughout 2010 so be sure to pay a visit for a little indulgence and some great gift inspiration.

Shop online at www.macphees.com.au

Store location: 249 Coventry Street, South Melbourne
Phone: 03 9696 2300
Email: store@macphees.com.au

What is Magic Lantern?

Brunswick Street is forever changing and this is what makes it such a great source of inspiration. A wander along this quirky street the other day revealed one of the coolest, most unusual window displays I have seen for sometime. I am not sure what it was for, as the only snippet of info were the words "MAGIC LANTERN COMING SOON" written in Scrabble tiles across the front window frame.

I absolutely adore the miniature garden filled with unusual and fun objects from garden gnomes to plastic toys.




So we are left with just one question - What is Magic Lantern?

The Phoenix has risen

I was arrested mid-step when walking past the window of Crimson Phoenix in South Melbourne the other day. Dresses from the new Kate Sylvester collection were the offending items that had stopped me in my tracks. Crimson Phoenix describes Kate’s latest range as “the perfect pitch between relaxed and tailored. Her autumn/winter wardrobe features soft drapery spelling elegance and romance. Her pieces are perfect for your usual Friday office to dinner attire.” In addition to a great silhouette, the brushstroke floral prints and soft, dusky colours are divine…

Kate Sylvester Mirielle strappy dress $429
www.crimsonphoenix.com.au/blog


Kate Sylvester Martine dress $495
www.crimsonphoenix.com.au/blog


Crimson Phoenix store window, South Melbourne

Just a few of the brands stocked by Crimson Phoenix include Camilla and Marc, Marnie Skillings, Rachel Gilbert, Romance was Born, Deadly Ponies, Lonely Hearts Club and Kate Sylvester. There is also a great selection of jewellery, accessories and gifts.
The other perfecting component of this boutique is the beauty salon. What could beat shopping and pampering combined in one visit? Just some of the indulgent treats on offer include facials, body wraps and massage. Some of the beauty products available include uspa, Ultraceuticals, China Glaze, Gatineau, Luscious Liquids Organic Skincare and Shizen

Crimson Phoenix appropriately describe their boutique as “A fix for the ravenous clothes addict, a godsend for the exhausted shopper, and something new for even the most seasoned fashionista, Crimson Phoenix is everything you’d hoped for. You won't be disappointed.”

Keep updated with the latest looks by checking out the Crimson Phoenix website and Blog with info and pics from their latest collections: www.crimsonphoenix.com.au/blog

Location: 298 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, 3205
Phone: 03 9696 8268
Email: info@crimsonphoenix.com.au

Fantasising about Fun-Runs and Fitzroy Gardens

Recently I have been fantasising about doing a half marathon (a strange fantasy, I know). It has been a couple of years since I ran my last “half”, so I have started adding some longer runs to my weekly exercise regime and in the process, discovered some really beautiful parts of Melbourne.

Fitzroy Gardens are an essential destination for any long run. The gardens are always changing with a good choice of footpaths to keep things interesting and several hills to keep the heart rate up. Fitzroy Gardens are not a new discovery, but an old favourite and well worth a mention because of the number of special attractions that can be found within the grounds, such as Cook’s Cottage, the Conservatory, the Tudor Village and Sinclair’s Cottage.


Above: One of the tree-lined avenues in the gardens
Source: www.fitzroygardens.com

Cook’s Yorkshire cottage was bought all the way from England in 1933 when it was purchased from the last owner, Mrs Dixon for Victoria’s centenary in 1934. Dismantled and shipped in 253 cases, the cottage was then reassembled in six months in a suitable part of the garden with large European trees.


Above: Cook's Cottage which was dismantled, transported from England and rebuilt
Source: www.fitzroygardens.com

Cook was not the only Brit to influence the gardens. Scotsman, James Sinclair arrived in Melbourne in 1854 with his young family and was involved in the development of Fitzroy Gardens. Sinclair was an experienced horticulturalist and planted many of the Elm avenues in the gardens. He also had a talent for drawing and painting plants, which he utilised later in life to create ‘The Australian Gardener’s Chronicle’ which was published in 1855. Sinclair lived in the Fitzroy Gardens cottage until he died at the age of 72 in 1881.


Above: Sinclair's Cottage
Source: www.fitzroygardens.com

Another tribute to horticulture is the Conservatory, which showcases numerous floral displays throughout the year for a 3-4 month period per display. The Conservatory has been open since 1930 and “is a vital part of the City's commitment to excellence in horticulture.” Opening hours are 9am-5pm (5.30pm during summer months).


Above: A tribute to horticulture - the Conservatory
Source: www.fitzroygardens.com

The Tudor village consists of Kentish village style buildings that would have existed during the “Tudor” period in England. The model village was given as a gift to the City of Melbourne by 77 year old pensioner, Edgar Wilson as a thank you to Melbourne for supplying Britain with food during the Second World War. In addition to houses, there is a hotel, barns, school, Church and other typical village buildings.


Above: Miniature buildings in the Tudor Village
Source: www.fitzroygardens.com

In addition to these amazing buildings with their rich history, there are many unusual and intriguing statues located throughout in the gardens – be sure to wander around and see what you can find.

If you’re not feeling the fun-run fantasy yet, Pavilion Café (in the centre of the gardens) makes a good coffee for a more relaxing visit.
The Pavilion Cafe is open Monday-Friday from 9am-5.00pm
Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am-5pm
For more info on any of the above attractions, visit www.fitzroygardens.com

Hip Hosier Lane

Just off Flinders Street, opposite Federation Square is a groovy little laneway called Hosier Lane. In addition to some cool restaurants is some really cool street art...

Melbourne moments

Melbourne was treated to some magnificent weather over the weekend, which resulted in some great sunsets. The below pics are from Saturday evening's stunning display...

Above: Watching the sun set from Federation Square


Above: The city skyline silhouette and the Yarra River

‘Ride and Shine’ for a good cause

Getting up early during the week is difficult at the best of times, but getting up early on the weekend is near impossible. Many thoughts ran through my head this morning when my alarm sounded at 5.30am, but “I need more sleep” was the predominant one. Bleary eyed, we managed to leave the house at 6.30am to head north from Southbank to Princes Park, Carlton North for the 7.15am start of the Melbourne Summer Cycle for MS Australia.

Above: Cyclists preparing for the 40km ride ahead

A staggered start meant that between 7-8.15am different groups of cyclists (differentiated by the colour of their event number bib) started at different times, so congestion (and aggression) at the start was kept to a minimum. Despite the staggered starting times, it was still a slow journey through the city due to the amount of traffic light stops. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the patience of all cyclists, even the elite who I knew would be itching to get up to speed. Everyone was extremely courteous and in good spirits, perhaps due to also those exercise-induced happy endorphins!

Above: Waiting patiently for the race to start

One of the highlights (or challenges) of the event was the long climb over the West Gate Bridge. A lane was reserved for cyclists with ample room for overtaking (for those fortunate enough to have enough energy to do so!). We were strictly advised that there was to be no stopping on the bridge, which was disappointing as there were many great photo opportunities. After all, how often are you able to cycle over this landmark bridge with hundreds of other crazy cyclists?

I have participated in several MS Fun Runs, always finding their events extremely well organised. Today’s cycle event was no exception. There was no shortage of friendly, encouraging marshals as well as clear signs and directions. To the frustration of many motorists, lanes on numerous roads throughout the course were closed exclusively for the event.

Participants included spandex-clad seasoned cyclists, well-intentioned cuddlies who had been advised that cycling puts less pressure on the joints, enthusiastic Mums and Dads with little ones and competitive corporate crowds. But no matter how diverse the group, everyone appeared to enjoy the challenge of the event. Make sure you add the MS Melbourne Summer Cycle to your calendar next year and ‘ride and shine’ for this great event.

Above: Chilling out at the finish


Above: MS Melbourne Summer Cycle 2010 route map

Some facts about Multiple Sclerosis:
• 18,000 people in Australia are currently living with MS
• There is no know cause or cure
• The average age of diagnosis is 30.
• The youngest person in Australia to be diagnosed with the disease is 6 years old.
• MS affects three times as many women as men.

For more information on MS visit: www.mssociety.org.au

Rain, rain come my way!

For the Coventry Street retailers in South Melbourne, it was a long few weeks waiting for the Coventry/Claredon Streetscape improvement project to be completed. In the run up to the key Christmas trading period last year, the street was a scene of destruction; the road was unsealed, car parks outside shops had been lost and the sound of cement mixers and bobcats echoed throughout the street. The inhospitable environment deterred customers and business was tough. After numerous delays, the project was finally completed and local businesses were rewarded for their patience with a prettier street that included new seating areas, bike racks and a Raingarden.

Above: The Coventry St Raingarden, consisting of a gravel bed and hardy plants.

The Raingarden is a gravel bed containing a selection of hardy native plants that filter rainwater through the gravel and plant roots that is finally collected in a perforated pipe. The filtration system means that rubbish, oils and other pollutants are reduced or prevented from entering the stormwater system that eventually ends up in Port Phillip Bay.

Raingardens also provide a habitat for native flora and fauna. Frogs, butterflies and birds all benefit from these mini ecosystems and the water they catch. The appearance of Raingardens is also more aesthetically pleasing than a gushing, gurgling stormwater drain. An information board has recently been displayed with this Raingarden, explaining the benefits to the local community and the environment. Let’s hope we see more Raingardens emerge throughout Melbourne.

Above: Raingarden information board that explains the benefits of this system.

The Raingarden project is part of the Living Rivers Stormwater Program and has been developed by City of Port Phillip and Melbourne Water.

For more information on Raingardens and how to create one in your own garden, visit:
http://www.melbournewater.com.au/content/library/wsud/sustainable_urban_design/raingardens.pdf

Mademoiselle Manon

Discovering Manon was like stepping into France, via South Melbourne. This gorgeous little boutique has everything from French-style plimsolls in a rainbow of colours, French beauty pampering products, unique clothing, bags, homewares and gifts. All products have a tasteful, non-fuss feel so release the chic mademoiselle in you and make a visit!



Above: Inspiring products and window displays from Manon

Location: 294 Park Street, South Melbourne, 3205.
Phone: 03 9686 1530
Email: info@manon.com.au

My Melbourne Music - MSO in the bowl

“Get there early…apparently last year people were locked out because it was so popular!” were the words of advice from my friend regarding the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) concert at the Sidney Myer Bowl last night. This was the first of four MSO concerts that will take place over the next couple of weeks, each with their own theme, such as ‘Opera Showcase’ or ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.

The friend who issued the advice of arriving early plays in MSO so trusting her previous experience we arrived, picnic blanket and snacks in hand an hour before the event started. We claimed a spot on the hillside, looking down into the bowl and set up our picnic headquarters. The free colour programme issued to each guest on entry provided several pages of information on the concert, keeping us informed, entertained and excited while we waited for the event to commence. Details on the composers, the conductor and special guest, Maxwell Foster were included in the programme.

The theme of this concert was ‘Romantic Favourites’ and included Verdi’s The Force of Destiny: Overture, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Brahms’s Symphony No. 1. The conductor for the evening was Lutz Koehler, who is currently visiting Australia from Europe. Koehler has extensive experience; he was a professor at Hannover Hochschule for 25 years, Professor of Conducting at the Berlin University of the Arts and has most recently been appointed Professor of Conducting at the Escola Superior do Musica de Catalunya in Barcelona.

Maxwell Foster, winner of the 2008 ABC/Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards made a special guest performance on piano. Having already completed an AMusA in Queensland, Maxwell has moved to Melbourne to study with Rita Reichman and attend the Australian National Academy of Music. Maxwell has been invited to perform with numerous Australian orchestras and with such extensive talent, has a bright future ahead.

Above: MSO tuning before the concert commenced

As evening approached and the clear-blue skies darkened, stars emerged and the surrounding lights of Melbourne grew bright. This was the perfect setting to relax and listen to a beautiful selection of pieces. The crowd were friendly and relaxed, consisting of people of all ages but bound by a common love of music.

Above: MSO during the evening

This concert was recorded for later broadcast nationally on ABC Classic FM.

Other concerts in the series include:
Concert 2 – ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Sat 20th Feb 7pm
Featuring Smetana’s The Bartered Bride (Overture) and My Country: The Moldau and Dvořák’s Cello Concerto and Slavonic Dances (Selection).

Concert 3 – ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Weds 24th Feb 7pm
Featuring Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (excerpts), Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1, R.Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks

Concert 4 – ‘Opera Showcase’ Sat 27th Feb 7pm
Featuring work from Bizet, Wagner, Mozart, Verdi and many more opera greats.

For further info, visit the MSO website: www.mso.com.au

No longer covert: Coventry Bookstore

I have been a huge fan of reading since I was a little girl. As an only-child, reading was a great way of entertaining myself without driving my parents crazy. Reading fascinating stories indulges the imagination and is a beautiful way to be absorbed into another world. Not surprisingly, my love of reading and books has resulted in a love of book stores. One of my favourites in Melbourne is Coventry Bookstore, unsurprising located on Coventry Street, South Melbourne. Dangerously too close to my work, my half hour lunch break simply slips away whilst browsing the shelves of this inspiration haven.

The warm interior is crammed with gorgeous books that will inspire. There is an amazing selection of “coffee table” style books with stunning photography on a range of topics such as interiors, fashion, travel, nature and architecture. However, more “serious” books, focusing on topics such as business, self improvement, current affairs and health are not neglected and nor is fiction forgotten.



Above: Coventry Bookstore

A couple of books I spotted in Coventry Bookstore that I am longing to read include:
Source by Janine Burke explores the common threads that inspire a group of renowned artists and writers. Melbourne: The Making of a Drinking and Eating Capital by Michael Harden appeals because of its Melbourne focus and the historical aspect of how our cultural habits have changed when it comes to drinking and dining.



Above: Books Source and Melbourne: The Making of a Drinking and Eating Capital

There is truly something for everyone in this treasure trove of text and within a half hour lunch break you can be transported to another world of dreams and possibilities.

Address: Coventry Bookstore, 265 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Phone: (03) 9686 8200

For other Melbourne bookstores, visit: http://www.manic.com.au/melbourne.html

Southbank says G’Day to Today

My morning jog was bought to a halt by a group of on-lookers gathered to see Channel Nine’s Today show hosted live outside the Crown Casino complex on Melbourne’s Southbank this morning.

Under brilliant blue Melbourne skies with the Melbourne Aquarium in the background, hosts Lisa Wilkinson and Karl Stefanovic both looked incredibly fresh-faced for 7.30am.


Above: Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson and Richard Wilkins

Richard Wilkins (or ‘Dickie’ as he was affectionately called by the crew) interviewed legendary Motown group The Temptations. Best know for songs such as “My Girl”, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg" and “Pappa was a Rollin’ Stone” the group boast a total of 21 number-one hits.

Richard discussed the glory days of Motown and the passing of Michael Jackson with original group member, Otis Williams. The group are in Melbourne for tonight’s launch of the Motown event which will tour Australia. The event celebrates fifty years of Motown and along with The Temptations, artists such as The Four Tops, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Martha and The Vandelas and The Miracles will perform. Special performances will also be given by Joan Osborne, Ian Mos and Jimmy Barnes.
For more information on the event, visit: http://www.liveguide.com.au/Tours/638959/The_Four_Tops_The_Temptations_Mary_Wilson_The_Supremes_Martha_and_The_Vandellas_The_Miracles_Joan/The_Motown_Event?event_id=638959#details


Above: Richard Wilkins with Motown group, The Temptations

The show was bought to a close with Masterchef winner, Julie Goodwin and her delicious recipe for the Buttermilk pancakes with caramel sauce.

Despite Julie’s helpful hints to guarantee the perfect pancake, calamity Karl managed to destroy Julie’s handiwork by creating ‘pancake balls’ – you need to FLIP ‘em Karl!


spread the pancake mixture in the pan...


move it a little this way...


and a little that way...


Et Voilà!

For more information on Channel Nine’s Today Show, visit:
http://today.ninemsn.com.au/

Easy as BBC

Australia offers some great beers, but it is always fun to broaden your horizons and try something different. The Belgium Beer Cafés in Melbourne are “unofficial embassies of Belgium and promote Belgian culture, beer and cuisine in an authentically Belgian environment.” Five draught Belgian beers are on offer: Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, Leffe Blonde, Leffe Brune and Belle-Vue Kriek and “A unique nine step pouring ritual ensures the perfect pour.”

Above: BBC's beer selection
Source: www.belgianbeercafemelbourne.com

There are two Belgium Beer Cafes (BBCs) in Melbourne: Eureka, Southbank and Bluestone, St Kilda Rd. Both offer the same beer, wine and food selections. The Eureka location is a perfect for a relaxing drink whilst sauntering along Southbank. The Bluestone premises are located in a historic bluestone building established in the grounds of Vision Australia and have a vast beer garden entrance. This is the perfect rendezvous point to catch up with friends on sunny afternoons. Both premises also have live music playing every Sunday.

Above: BBC Bluestone's expansive beer garden
Source: www.belgianbeercafemelbourne.com

For a light dinner a shared pot of mussels are essential. They are available in five different flavours just to confuse you! It is advised to share the massive pot with a friend though – each pot comes with sliced bread and chips with mayonnaise (oh so European!) so are extremely filling.

Above: BBC Eureka on Southbank
Source: www.belgianbeercafemelbourne.com

To enhance your beer drinking experience, BBC hosts some great events to enrich your knowledge of beer. Numerous beer courses are scheduled throughout the year and the next one is coming up this weekend. Introduction to Microbrewery Beers will be held Saturday 20th Feb at Beer DeLuxe in Fed Square. A special guest brewer will introduce his range of beers and explain how they have been developed.

The BBC also has a Cycling Club which offers a pretty sweet deal for members. For $30 annual membership, members receive:
•a Cycling Club water bottle
•Belgian Beer Cafés’ Melbourne food and beer vouchers (2 vouchers, per person, per visit can be redeemed)
•monthly complimentary breakfasts; and
•a discount on the Belgian Beer Café's own distinctive cycling kit
For those not into beer, the Belgium Beer Café has some great wines on offer from their frequently updated wine list. However, it is worth ordering a beer just to observe the unique pouring process.

Take advantage of the free live music and drop into a BBC this Sunday for a unique taste of Belgium.

For more information on beer courses, food/drink menus and live music line-ups at BBC visit:
http://www.belgianbeercafemelbourne.com

One big Spoonful of Blues in Brunswick

Wandering aimlessly one Sunday afternoon led us to Transport Hotel in Fed Square. The windows were fogged up and vibrating from within. We ventured in for a look and stumbled across one of Melbourne’s great bands, Spoonful. Since then, many a lazy Sunday afternoon has been spent at Transport Hotel - drink in hand and foot tapping to the cool bluesy beats of Spoonful.

Band members Andre Warhurst (guitar, vocals), David Lord (harmonica, keyboards, vocals), Kit Warhurst (drums, vocals) and Paul Winstanley (bass) are set to release their latest album, Straight Out of the Gate at Penny Black, Brunswick this coming weekend - this will be one awesome gig!


Above: Spoonful Straight Out of the Gate album launch
Source: http://www.myspace.com/spoonfulblues


Above: The Spoonful band members
Source: http://www.myspace.com/spoonfulblues

Have a listen to Spoonful at http://www.myspace.com/spoonfulblues

Straight Out of the Gate album launch: 20th Feb, 7pm @ Penny Black, 420 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Union Lane will brighten up your day

One of the joys of living in Melbourne is never knowing what you are going to stumble over next. I now carry a camera everywhere I go to capture new and inspiring ideas.

Whilst on an early morning run this week past Union Lane, I was stopped in my tracks and could not resist stopping to snap some pics…



I stood for a few minutes to absorb this magnificent street art. The colours are sensational and there are stories within stories. This type of street art is the perfect way to brighten up a drab alley (and my morning!). The little note stuck to the wall with gaffa tape was also an amusing addition…

Thirsty for a little more info on Union Lane, I came across the Red Bubble Website – what a great philosophy! Check it out:
http://www.redbubble.com/groups/melbourne-graffiti