What I Wore

I am a massive fan of leggings.

I even have a "leggings section" in my walk-in.

These ones from American Apparel fit like a glove and make me feel like Cat Woman.

My husband loathes them. 

But there was no way on earth I was going to take them off (took forever to get on!).

Outfit Edit: Top by Manning Cartell; Leggings by American Apparel & Suede Boots by Rubi.

Because the leggings are so out there, I toned the look down with minimal jewellery, simple shoes and a white top.

whoYen
xox

Greek food @ The Apollo

Brunch @ The Apollo in Pictures

Dining for me is as much about the food as it is the service and interior. When I first step in to a restaurant or cafe, the first thing I like to do is take a look around. I like to see personality, something that defines the restaurant, the owners and the food. It becomes very clear when a space has been given no thought or love. The Apollo, a Greek restaurant in Potts Point, does not fall into this category. 

It was edgy, contemporary and somewhat masculine- a different approach to design that is not usual of many Greek restaurants that I have visited (and I love them too). There was still something nostalgic about it though, like you've stepped back in time. The rendered walls gave it a touch of history, yet ironically, created a contemporary feel to the entire restaurant. And look here at this gorgeous arched window- absolutely LOVE.

MOUSSAKA PORK CABBAGE 16

Moussaka has got to be one of my favourite Greek dishes. It usually looks like lasagna, only it taste a million times better. The moussaka I order from a menu can never compete with the home-made ones that my Greek BFF occasionally whips up, but this one at The Apollo was refreshing on the palette with its inclusion of cabbage. A great way to introduce you to moussaka if you've never had it before, but do remember, this isn't traditional in any way.

OVEN BAKED LAMB SHOULDER LEMON
GREEK YOGHURT 38/80 (WHOLE)

Greek people know how to cook their lamb. Sometimes when I order lamb, or even when I cook it, there is a smell that emanates that I can not stomach. It's happened on a few occasions, some of them, believe it or not, at reputable restaurants. Never at a Greek restaurant. Ever. 

Of course, eating lamb without squeezing lemon on top is criminal. With tomato or BBQ sauce should be banned.

TARAMASALATA MULLET ROE DIP 12

Terry Durack of  The Sydney Morning Herald in his review of the restaurant (see link below) believed this was the go-to-dish. I ordered it. I don't agree. For $12, you should decide for yourself.

WILD WEED AND CHEESE PIE 18

Yum (husband not a fan).

If you don't finish it, ask for a takeaway box and you will be given a fancy one with "The Apollo" etched on it to take home and enjoy later. So good for creeping hunger pains that visit late at night (but so bad for your thighs).

 

Outfit Edit: Top by Nicola Finetti; Skirt by Cameo the Label & Shoes by Tony Bianco.

Talking about thighs, here's what I decided to wear that day. The skirt has had such an exciting reinvention (a blog about skirts coming shortly), so I instantly fell in love with this Cameo one. I've even got it in pink.

Happy eating, 

whoYen,
xox

Review of The Apollo by Terry Durack: 

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/restaurants-and-bars/restaurant-review-the-apollo-20120225-1tuma.html

Restaurant Information:

44 Macleay Street,
Potts Point
Sydney, NSW, 2011
02 8354 0888

OPENING HOURS
Monday - Thursday
dinner from 6pm

Friday & Saturday
all-day menu from
12pm - 10.30pm

Sunday
all-day menu from
12pm - 9.30pm

High Tea at The Waiting Room in Crown Towers, Melbourne.

There's something lovely about High Tea.

A Rebecca Judd fan, I recently saw her post on her blog 'Rebecca Judd Loves' about her time at The Waiting Room in Crown Towers. With my Melbourne trip only a few weeks away, I made a booking to go with a girlfriend. 

Nestled on the edge of Crown Towers, The Waiting Room is discreet and not as flash as I had imagined. Sometimes you've got to wonder what these celebs get paid to promote a venue. Newly taken over by Shane Warne from Neil Perry, The Waiting Room looks great in photos, but it stops there. I entered somewhat disappointed, wanting to say aloud "This is it?" Sure, the lights created a nice ambiance, but ironically, the space also felt cold. Let's be honest- we go to high tea to chat with our girls surrounded by all things beautiful, not for the food, or even the tea. 

Or maybe that's just me? 

Now, the food. We opted for high tea with a glass of Chandon Blanc de blanc ($59). I enjoyed the sandwiches and the sweets (even though I wasn't in a sweet mood), but did not like the scones at all. 

As far as high tea goes, the food at The Waiting Room was quite good and generous when you compare it to what you usually get. I compare it to my Christina Re visit, which was lovely on the eye, and not so friendly on the palette (not enough of anything really). Though it must be reiterated, no one goes to High Tea to get a mind blowing culinary experience. 

You eat, you laugh, you chat, and then you leave and order a burger at Maccas. 

whoYen

xox

High Tea at The Waiting Room in Pictures

 

Inside Crown Towers

 

It's time to hire a new interior designer Crown Towers.

 

 

Outfit Edit: Dress by Cameo the Label

Outfit Edit: Off to afternoon tea wearing Dress by Cameo the Label; Gold Belt by Witchery; Boots by Zara & Bag by Phillip Lim.

___________________________________________________________________________________

The Waiting Room Menu & Pricing:

http://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/Assets/Files/TWR%20Food%20Menu%20June%202013.pdf

My Little Visit to The French Trader in Leura

Today after our little bush walk through Leura Cascades, my girlfriends and I stumbled across a house with a huge sign "The French Trader" at the front. Whilst we are frequent visitors to Leura, this is the first time we noticed this house. Modest on the outside, I was taken back when we opened the doors and entered.

Outfit Edit: Mustard Trench Coat by Ladakh

I have officially decided to live in trench coats this winter. Why? Because I can roll out of bed and simply put a trench on. Pj's underneath and all.

So after we saw the huge "The French Trader" sign, we saw this. Who can say no to "award-winning" scones?!

 The cobbled walk-way leading to the door of The French Trader. 

A gorgeous feature wall in the room where tea and scones are served daily. I love how the wall has been used as a chalk-board. Absolutely LOVE.

This is what you are greeted by when you open the door. Cluster to some, but a  French Provincial heaven to me.

 

Look closely and you will find a bath tub. 

How relaxed does this lady look?

And here they are, the "award-winning" scones. How on earth does a scone win an award anyway? Needless to say, the home-made scones, jam and cream were delicious.

 

The teas here are loose-leaf and come in a small pot- just the way teas should be served. I hate places that charge over $3 for tea bags. If I wanted that, I might as well stay home. So if you think about it, you're paying for hot water (starting to sound like my mum now).

 

 

 

Sorry about this one. I couldn't help myself.

With love from Leura, 

whoYen

xox

The French Trader: 

198 Leura Mall Leura

  

Hours:

Wednesday - Monday 10am-4pm