Hats off to Philip Treacy, Tonia Todman and Granma

I’ve just found Mother’s old cookbooks, including her 1959 first edition of Aunt Daisy’s Ultimate Cookbook (the Betty Crocker of NZ).  Inside the front cover, there’s an inscription from my Great Aunt saying, “To Leonie and ???, Sorry don’t remember his name. The best way to a man’s heart before and after marriage is through his food. I’ve proved it. Love Aunty Hilda.”  Not too dissimilar to what Mother says every time she sees me, “You’re pretty enough Carolyn, but looks fade. Get baking!”  

The Plan: I’m going to become the Phillip Tracey of Baking. (Well if you’re going to do something, do it with style). Mystery Man will fall in love at first sight tonight at Horvats Wine Bar; seeing me in candle light surrounded by Wedgwood cake stands, laden with Couture Hat Biscuits.

A Hat version of Prêt-à-Portea, world-famous High Tea at The Berkeley Hotel, Knightsbridge, London, where Petit Fours and Biscuits are miniature replicas of the latest catwalk creations at Milan Fashion Week.  How hard could that be?..Read more...

Big Brother and the perfect sausage

Huge news from Michael, big Brother and BBQ Aficionado living in England. After months of extensive trials in hail storms, thunderstorms and even snow storms , Michael has managed to finally perfect the BBQ technique dubbed Oak ‘n’ Soak Cooking.  We’re all very excited.

Step 1. Burn French Oak off-cuts, until they turn into hot embers. The French Oak creates subtle oak smoked flavours for cooking

Step 2. Place French Oak ‘n’ Soak plank across the embered BBQ. This requires advance preparation of soaking the Oak ‘n’ Soak plank in water overnight.

Step 3. Place sausages on the hot Oak ‘n’ Soak plank. The sausages are cooked in a combination of oak tinted steam and embers. Being a hardwood, French Oak can sustain this method of cooking longer than a softwood, plus it has a beautiful flavour profile to complement sausages (and steak)...Read more...

Geoffrey Williams & Australia’s most popular Sofa

The road sign said, “Centre of the Universe.” Gerry and I are standing in the middle of what appears to be a field with a road running through it, and a little old English Style Pub to one side. The locals of Lyonville (10 minutes drive from Daylesford) either don’t get out much or are exceptional marketers.  Tumbleweed blows down the street and lands in front of an A-frame sign declaring that the “Booking office” is Open. Booking office for what?

Radio Springs Hotel is a 1920’s olde world English pub and equally as eccentric. Walking into the tiny bar, the Publican greeted us with, “You’re eating aren’t you?” The dining enquiries kept coming thick and fast, eventually culminating in being handed a knife and fork. While we were still standing at the bar.  He’s persistent. No wonder the restaurant is full!  Behind us, hotel guests and staff are clambering under tables looking for lost room keys. Back at the Bar, the other patrons joined in on the “why aren’t you eating” debate. Twenty minutes later, still holding our knives and forks (wrapped in a serviette), we convinced the Publican and Public-at-Large that we really had just came to watch Geoffrey Williams perform. At which point, the Publican explained that we should have called to book the Sofa. ...Read more...

Little Wolf in the Garden, with Vivienne Westwood

A long, long time ago, two Russian Wolf-Taskers and one Very Little Wolf moved from the concrete jungle of Melbourne, to a picturesque park at the edge of Daylesford Lake. Before leaving, Granma Wolf gave sage words of warning, “Don’t worry about the Big Bad Wolves or Lazy Little Pigs who’ll try to put you down along the way. Just work hard and do the best you can, because that's the way to get along in the world.” And so that’s what they did.  Mumma Wolf loved to forage and cook, and soon humans were travelling from far and wide to eat at their House beside the Lake, simply named Lakehouse. In the early years, many a Sly Wolf would visit; trying to huff and puff and blow their house down.  While Mumma and Pappa Wolf held onto the walls for dear life, Little Wolf would be safely tucked away in a Caravan with Granma Wolf in the Enchanted Botanical Gardens on Wombat Hill. Little Wolf always felt safe and happy here; perched high above the village, looking over the surrounding countryside and Daylesford township below.

Over time, the Botanic Gardens became the playground and second home of Little Wolf. She spent many happy hours playing on the open lawns beneath the Conservatory and Rotunda, skipping merrily along the Victorian carriage driveway lined with an avenue of mature Dutch Elms and chasing wallabies amongst the leafy Conifer trees. All the while, imagining a magical world where Wombats had Wings, the Powerful Owl talked and laughing Kookaburras told Knock Knock jokes...Read more...

The Dowry that Was

Mother and Father were delighted when they heard that I was moving to the countryside. Father’s smile wider than the Prada range, exclaimed, “Finally, you’ll meet a farmer and get married.” The prayer chain that he and Mother started nine years ago isn’t exactly coming up roses, so all hopes rest on Daylesford now. No pressure whatsoever.

I’d make a great Farmer’s wife, just can’t quite see myself doing farm chores, housework, shearing, driving a tractor, wearing overalls or sewing curtains.  Small issues which we’ll easily iron out once married. While I'm looking forward to spending the remaining few years of my life (well I’m hardly a spring chicken now) with a soul mate, I’ll also be pleased to finally bring to a close two decades of discussing The Dowry that Was. Reason enough to seek out Farmer who wants a Wife...Read more...

Wedgewood, She-Tea and ME

Mrs She-Tea is being terribly elusive; refusing to take my calls or deliver her entry for Face Off 2012. The portrait of me is obviously so stunning that she’s planning to sell it to The Portrait Gallery in London.  As Mother frequently says, “why does one person have to ruin it for everyone?”  Well her Duplicity was no match for my Lara Croft. The Best Friend, Becc cracked like a twig; handing over the address of She-Tea Headquarters (closely guarded secret) in exchange for borrowing my Christian Louboutin heels for Date Night with her hubbie. (Couture can be so persuasive).

Dressed for action, in black True Religion Jeans, Armani Black T-Shirt and Prada patent black sneakers; I walked up the cobblestone driveway, dodged the sprinklers, skirted the rose garden and wandered through the open front door of Daylesford’s prettiest 1880’s miner’s cottage.  Across the threshold, the seductive smell of lavender lured me in further; like sleep walking off the Lavender plateau in Gorge du Verdon, straight into a Grasse perfumerie. Hessian sacks of Lavender, dried Rose petals and Jasmine flowers covering every inch of floor space. Mrs She-Tea should offer guided tours, because this place is spellbinding; I didn’t know where to look or smell first...Read more...

Breakfast with a Hobbit

Trés early (8am) Breakfast Meeting at Frangos & Frangos. With Martin Freeman no less; star of The Office (UK) and now brilliantly cast as Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit, currently being filmed in New Zealand.  Martin has flown into Hepburnshire for the day to talk about my screenplay, To Daylesford, with Love. It’s still very preliminary so MUST NOT get hopes up.

Frangos & Frangos feels suitably appropriate for a meeting between famous shaggy-haired hobbit and Prada-clad writer. Taking cues from downtown Memphis (but with Australian baristas & world-best coffee), it’s so Rock ‘n’ Roll here, Ronnie Wood could walk in with Kate Moss and no-one would notice. Before any serious chatting begins, Martin insisted that we both have a hearty meal. I couldn’t work out if this was Method Acting to the Extreme (It’s well known that Hobbits love a good breakfast. To the extent that they have first and second breakfast. If by some awful misadventure, one of these breakfasts doesn’t appear, Hobbits get very grumpy!) Or, Martin was just really hungry...Read more

Valentine's Day, Mystery Man & some Passing Clouds

Love is in the Air around Daylesford today; hand holding over coffee, baristas drawing love hearts in cappuccino foam, uniformed fireman handing out roses. I’m channelling Mother Teresa to stop myself from wanting to punch the Happy Couples.  As my favourite self-help book so aptly exclaims, “If I’m so wonderful, why am I still single?” Thankfully, those dark years of depressing Valentines have come to an end. Today, I have a lunch date with Mystery Man under the vines at Passing Clouds winery.

After hours of indecision over what to wear, I’m finally dressed. Trelise Cooper white cropped trousers and sheer off-the-shoulder Camilla Franks Kaftan. Finished off with a spray of Ralph Lauren Romance. Sexy without giving away the farm (think Meryl Streep in Out of Africa). At Passing Clouds, Cameron (owner/winemaker) has his Cupid Bow primed. Recently married himself, Cameron is a walking Rom Com waiting to be written. For there under the vines, he’d laid out a fur throw, aubergine silk cushions, Olive Bread (Red Beard Bakery), Duck Parfait (Piper St Food Co), Prosciutto (Istra), Melting Moments (Mrs Vintage Baker), and copious bottles of the divine Passing Clouds Sparkling Chardonnay 2008...Read more...

Larder brings BAFTA’s to Daylesford.

The first time that I walked through the doors of Larder, co-owner Luke recognised me on sight. A difficult customer camouflaged in Prada and posh Wellies. After placing my order, he stepped out from behind the chrome & Lamborghini pearl white La San Marco Espresso Machine, looked me square in the eye, grinned and asked. “How exactly how do you like your Macchiato?” I almost hugged him for such devotion to my every whim! Over the next five minutes, I covered off espresso definitions, bean origins, foam consistency, brewing methods and cup temperature. Usually baristas try to throw me out around about now, but Luke was very gracious, albeit with a glazed, slightly pained look. (Café Rouge at Kingston-on-Thames, England could take a few lessons in politeness from Luke). I did notice him poke a fork into his hand but I’m sure that was completely accidental.

When the coffee arrived, I shed tiny tears of joy. ACF chocolate brown espresso cup. Rich, smooth aroma. Crema the colour of warm hazelnut; texture thick and creamy. And a little white jug of frothed milk on the side. I was home...Read more...

Michael Jackson’s songwriter goes Soul Searching

They say that Famous People always find other Famous People. No matter how obscure the location. Who are these people? And how do they know me so well? So I’m sitting in Frangos & Frangos having a late afternoon, sneaky little Rum Punch, when Hot Caribbean Chap, with sexy Jason Statham English accent, sits down next to me, looks me square in the eyes and says, “I know you from somewhere? Memphis? London? The Grammy’s?”  Realistically it could have been any of these places, but these days I have to be careful about potential stalkers (and sneaky paparazzi), so I played it cool. He cast a momentary glance at the waitress and next minute… two glasses of champagne arrived. That sealed it; ordering without uttering a word is a common trait among famous people. I relaxed.

Turns out that my champagne buddy is none other than Geoffrey Williams. Songwriter and artist. He’s written songs for Michael Jackson and Dusty Springfield, mentored Lemar, signed to Atlantic, EMI, then later Jive Records, and topped the charts in Germany. Wow! And now he lives in Daylesford; performing, producing and writing. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “Daylesford is the emerging Memphis of Australia.” There’s definitely something in the water!...Read more...

Mulberry does Mineral Water

It all happened so suddenly. I was walking down the street (looking fabulous in Kenzo) when a cheery chap with an armful of mineral water bottles crashed into me! Bottles and my Mulberry tote went flying. It was worse than Naomi Campbell's spectacular fall on the Paris catwalk in 1993, wearing a towering pair of ten-inch Vivienne Westwood boots.  I didn’t know what was more traumatising. The blood gashing out of my wrist or the shards of glass tearing Mulberry apart. Mineral Water Man was a real Gentleman. Gently pulling glass out of Mulberry’s soft chocolate leather with no thought for his own safety.

An hour later we’re sitting under the leafy terrace of Cliffy’s Emporium. I’m drinking to forget with a glass of Captain’s Creek Long Paddock Pinot Noir, while Mineral Water Man (aka Mitch) downed a few bottles of his own brand of happiness, Daylesford & Hepburn Mineral Springs Co.  Word on the High Street is Mineral Water Man is one of Daylesford’s most eligible bachelors. He’s the co-founder of Australia’s most famous mineral water company, grows all his own vegetables and the ABC is making a Grand Designs style documentary on the building of his new house. Maybe this day wasn't so bad after all?...Read more...

The Accidental Music Svengali

Mother and Father are confused. How does a marketer who specialises in innovating the supermarket shelves, get into the music industry? Let alone start up an independent music label? In Daylesford of all places! Perfectly reasonable questions given I get confused between Eminem and the more chocolaty namesake, and once when sitting in a hotel spa, I asked Annie Lennox what she did for a living. More recently, I referred to Akon, one of the hottest musicians on earth, as Acorn…and I was speaking with his manager!

To be honest, I’m as surprised as anyone. 

It all started when I met Dominic Brook, founder of Australian charity, Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD). His work is inspirational: helping severely disadvantaged young kids rise above a world of drugs, gangs, violence, poverty and street living, by giving them access to music training and equipment. Music has the incredible power to inspire young people to crash through low ceilings and expectations. However unless these talented musicians win a Reality TV show, their careers are forever limited to Birthday Parties, RSL Clubs and shopping malls. I felt compelled to do something. The best skill I have is creating brands and establishing them on the international stage. Beer, toothpaste, cereal, musicians… the products are different, brand principles just the same...Read more...

Is Baking the new Speed Dating?

Recently I’ve started thinking that the reason my love life is flatter than a pancake, is because I don’t bake! Think about it… Hot bachelors everywhere, including Gerard Butler and George Clooney, are swooning over cupcakes, Nigella Lawson and her fudge-scented scrumptiousness was voted one of the world’s most beautiful women (2010), and all my baking friends are living out their Great Love Stories. I have got to get baking! While mulling over this dilemma and possible next steps, I popped into Daylesford House Café for cake, a cuppa and some inspiration.

Daylesford House is the home of yummy cake. You can smell it in the air just walking through the door. Not surprising since co-owner Oliver was born and raised in Frankfurt, the home of Apple Strudel, Black Forest Torte and Cheesecake. Growing up surrounded by generations of great bakers, Oliver was rolling pastry before he could walk and baking Christstollen at the age of 12. He’s been baking up a storm ever since...Read more...

Fats Domino, a piano, & all that Jazz

Somewhere in between London and Daylesford, I fell deeply in love with duvets* (Qantas Business Class flat beds and fairytale soft duvets were a major turning point). Just like that, I went from being Girl Friday socialite to Sleeping Beauty. Swopping champagne cocktails for Horlicks and Glee re-runs on Friday nights. But last night broke the mould, after the FACE OFF Four talked me out of my Duvet Pyjamas and onto the town. I wore Prada and Sonia Rykiel.

First stop, the grand opening of Jo Ruchel’s “Hong Kong Dialogue” art exhibition at MADE Gallery.  Artists, actors, interior designers, Celebrity Landscape Gardener, the Mad Men entourage, entrepreneurs and a famous writer (me!) gathered over champagne to applaud Jo’s stunning Hong Kong cityscapes. Jo was resplendent in a black avant-garde Chinese gown and luscious red head scarf. Her paintings just as fabulous; selling faster than you can say Chang Robinson.  I didn’t know which was more exciting; leaving the house on a Friday night, the divine Chinese Dumplings direct from Beijing or attentive Handsome Male Nurse holding my champagne in between sips, like a devoted Dame Edna’s Madge...Read more...

The Janis Joplin of Australian Art

The Daylesford Face Off shifted into Guggenheim's orbit the day that Madeleine McCristal joined the competition. What next? A call from Tracey Emin?

From the first few moments of the Official Portrait Sitting, it was obvious why Madeleine has been dubbed the Janis Joplin of the Australian art world.  Apparently my floral Laura Ashley tea dress was life threatening. “There’s no way you’re wearing that dress in my portrait. I’ve walked past Laura Ashley shops and almost had a minor heart attack. She’s got a lot to answer for!” Given this is a women who laments not being in Club 27, her trauma at attire was understandable. Next minute I'm dressed in a black t-shirt, black leather jacket from the 1960's, red velvet scarf and Madeleine’s precious original 1970’s John Lennon glasses. Even Martha Stewart would have changed into Yoko Ono under these conditions...Read more...

THE DAY I LEFT TOWN

Gerry is driving me bonkers!  After just two days of working on the design of To Daylesford, with Love, he’s popped over three times this morning to suggest that it would be much more successful as a 10-page leaflet instead of 104-page book. I had to leave town and hide. Actually that’s a porky pie (just the bit about hiding); I’ve been asked to leave town. The editor of an iconic French magazine read my blog and commissioned a 500 word piece on Kyneton’s Piper Street, the Parisian St Germain of Australia.  Incroyable!

Piper Street is blessed with a combination of posh ateliers and design shops that resemble galleries, making it uniquely comparable to the chic art district of Paris - In particular, Rue Bonaparte.  These two historic streets may be worlds apart, yet both are home to tradition bookbinders, handcrafted paper makers, artists’ studios, exquisite florists, boutique homewares, famous cafes and patisseries where people queue just for a seat and a biscuit.  As the fashionable Parisian set would say, its bon chic, bon genre (BCBG)...Read more...