Sure To Delight

By Belinda Cipriano
TRY getting into Sandrino's on a weekend without a booking and you will struggle - trust me I've tried. It's booked out weeks in advance.
However what a lot of people don't know is this popular Fremantle eatery is the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat most days of the week.
Yes, it's gained a reputation for having lines out the door (and with good reason) but if you want a Sandrino's fix pop in during the week - you won't be disappointed, just as my colleagues and I came to find out.
First on the menu was the Antipasto platter. A colourful dish filled with all the Mediterranean treats, sure to delight the greatest of food connoisseurs, it came filled with grissini sticks, marinated vegetables, prosciutto, salmon, dips and cheese.
A meal in itself, it was an ideal meal for sharing and certainly satisfied the three of us.
Next was the bruschetta and garlic prawns. The bruschetta, with fresh, chunky tomatoes and drizzled in olive oil, was delightful and hearty.
The garlic prawns served on a bed of rice was creamy but not too sickly and was served with a Gieson Sauvagan Blanc which was crisp and refreshing, complimenting the garlic prawns perfectly.
After whetting our appetites with these delicious starters, original chef Edwin Kubale surprised us with gluten-free Pannoni pasta.
You see, what a lot of people don't know is that as well as serving freshly made pasta, Sandrino's also offers their Celiac customers a choice of gluten-free pastas and sauces. Owner Jelena Kaddour said there had been a demand for gluten-free dishes in recent years.
Our Pannoni pasta was served with chicken, mushroom, sundried tomato and spinach in a creamy sauce, and was surprisingly very light leaving room for more of the delights awaiting us.
Also on the menu was popular lunchtime treat the Beef Burger with beer battered fries, vegetable stack and seafood platter for one.
Although all dishes were delicious the one that got my nod was the seafood platter.
Now the menu tells me it is a platter for one but trust me when I say this dish more than satisfied my colleagues and me. It came with squid, prawns, salmon and red emperor, and was served with a light avocado salad. Everything was grilled to perfection and this was easily the stand out meal of the day.
My vegetarian colleague on the other hand thought the vegetable stack was the best. It was beautifully presented with zucchini, asparagus and capsicum in a tomato sauce, and she said this dish was just her.
To finish us off the homemade burger with a beef pattie, cheese, lettuce, onion and tomato sauce hit the spot.
People ask me why I keep going back to Sandrino's and I guess it's the comfort of knowing that whenever I go there I'm guaranteed a delicious feed at a great price.
To know the original chef Edwin Kubale of nine years is still going strong and owners Jelena and Sam Kaddour are two of the best in the business also gets my vote.
Add to the fact that it's tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the cappuccino strip, this Freo favourite will always remain at the top of my list time and time again.

It's pretty easy being green

Creating an eco-friendly home doesn't stop at the back door.
There are lots of ways to reduce your carbon footprint in the garden and you don't have to have a green thumb to do it.

To read the full article visit: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/7260984/its-pretty-easy-being-green/

A look inside a fashion designer's home

Minimal, with a blend of old and new, best describes the style of Chrissie Catling's North Perth Federation-style home. The owner of fashion label S2, a self-taught designer, shares her "peaceful sanctuary" with partner Phil, her 14-year-old daughter Lily and their two cats.

To read the full article visit: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/7157605/a-look-inside-a-fashion-designers-home/

Rising interior design stars take award

West Australian interior design duo Sarah Urbani and James Leyton have been highly commended in the emerging design practice category at this year's Australian Interior Design Awards.

To read the full article visit: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/7156608/rising-interior-design-stars-take-award/

A growing business

After working in the agricultural industry for more than 18 years, a career in environmental consulting seemed like an inevitable path for Great Gardens founder Garry Heady to follow.

To read the full article visit: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/7125722/a-growing-business/

Make the most of a pressure cooker

How to make the most of the new generation of pressure cookers.....

To read the full article visit: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/food/7051223/make-the-most-of-a-pressure-cooker/

Fifties classic back in the kitchen

As a child, I remember the hissing, splattering, exploding and ducking for cover.

I'm talking about the kitchen stalwart known as the pressure cooker.

To read the full article visit: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/food/7051184/fifties-classic-back-in-the-kitchen/

A guide to the season's best produce

Autumn – the time to welcome shorter days, chilly evenings and an array of many-hued fruit and vegetables that are ripe for the picking.

From pomegranate to rhubarb to borlotti beans, get cooking with these autumnal treats.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/food/7026759/a-guide-to-the-seasons-best-produce/

Freak Storm Hits Vegies

Consumers can expect to pay through the roof for local vegetables, according to Jim Turley, executive officer of Vegetables WA and Potato Growers Association.

To read full article visit: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/food/7026757/freak-storm-hits-vegie-prices/

An accidental part house

What do you get when you combine two unique personalities, an ideal location and an innovative and experimental design practice? That's easy - Jeremy and Sascha Sanderson-Brown's Fremantle home designed by architect Kieran Wong of CODA Studio.

To read the whole article visit: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/6869341/an-accidental-party-house/

Expert tips for perfect robes

If you have ever dreamt of owning a luxurious wardrobe, good enough to rival the one made famous by Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw, dream no more. Experts say creating the wardrobe of your dreams is not as expensive or as hard as it may seem.


http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/6781194/expert-tips-for-perfect-robes/

Cooking Smells So Good Outside

Turning a home inside-out is not a new concept for horticulturalist and landscape designer Jamie Durie.
The host of Channel 7's The Outdoor Room has been transforming backyards since long before daybeds were in vogue.

To read full article visit: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/6690781/cooking-smells-so-good-outside/

Time to refresh your habitat

Refresh your habitat with some new year style resolutions . . .

I WILL FIND NEW USES FOR EVERYDAY HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
The start of a new year is the perfect time for an interior re-vamp and, when looking for inspiration, go no further than objects around your house, says interior finishes consultant Alessandra Salomone.

To read the full article: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/6641806/time-to-refresh-your-habitat/

It's A Good Life

The Good Store owner Marshall Martin explains the tricks to a stress-free Christmas

To read the full article: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/6588623/its-a-good-life/

Designer prefers simplicity - elegance

Designer Belle Bijoux reveals why she prefers simplicity and elegance at Christmas.

To read the full article: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/6588515/designer-prefers-simplicity-elegance/

The Queen of Theme

Interior decorator and event stylist Jane Fordham shows us how she has prepared for Christmas.

To read the full article: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/6588360/the-queen-of-theme/

From Russia with Love

Lydia and Zhenya Tsvetnenko show us how they celebrate Christmas at home.

Read the full article here: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/6588150/from-russia-with-love/

Make it - Christmas Wreath

Ringing in the season with a DIY Christmas wreath.
Materials
·String or ribbon
·Stripped ivy
·Kurrajong foliage, nuts and flowers
·Gum leaves
·Decorative bird ornament
·Hot-glue gun

Read the full article: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/6488824/make-it-christmas-wreath/

Make It - Eucalyptus Christmas Wreath

Christmas is not complete without a beautiful wreath. From traditional to contemporary to handmade unique, these are our top picks for adding some festive flair to your home.

To read the full article: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/6488670/make-it-eucalyptus-christmas-wreath/

Perth experts reveal their seafood secrets

Perth's experts share their tips on how to take the fuss out of preparing and cooking seafood.
Brett Benjamin : Mosmans Restaurant, Mosman Park
When purchasing fresh fish, always ask your supplier if the fish has been line caught or trapped.


http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/food/6442476/perth-experts-reveal-their-seafood-secrets/

It's chocolate but not as we know it

Educating people on how to nourish themselves through super foods, meditation and cacao is the philosophy behind "chocolate alchemists" Willow Francis and Catherine Narbett's venture, Roar Vanilla.

To read the full article: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/food/6429763/its-chocolate-but-not-as-we-know-it/

Quality and all the furnishings

Margaret River-based Jah Roc took out top honours at last weekend's Furnishing Industry Association of Australia's national Furniture of the Year Awards.
Hosted by the WA branch of the FIAA, the annual awards saw more than 550 industry representatives invited to the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre to have a look at the most innovative designs on the market.

To read the full article: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/6382438/quality-and-all-the-furnishings/

Time to tackle the spring cleaning

Spring-cleaning may be a cliche but it's a good excuse to get motivated for a tidy-up in preparation for the new season. And the good news is, with a little expert advice the task can be easier than you think.

To read the full article: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/6108769/time-to-tackle-the-spring-cleaning/

Aussies love the barbecue life

With the outdoor entertaining season just around the corner, Aussies everywhere are scraping their hotplates in anticipation of their favourite time of the year - barbecue season.
But where did it all begin and how has the iconic barbie evolved?

Read full article here:http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/food/6222536/aussies-love-the-barbecue-life/

So I lied!!!

Hey guys I know I promised to blog weekly but things have been a little crazy over the last month. Want to know what I 've been up to? Where do I begin?

Regular readers of my blog will know I'm planning for my trip of a lifetime & I'm happy to say it is almost here. Everything has been booked & paid for and now all we have to do is wait.

I'm blogging today to let you know that there will DEFINITELY be more blogging as we approach take-off and during my travels.

So what have I been up to? Well April was certainly a busy month with a bunch of us organising a Quiz Night for the victims of the Madeira Islands mudslides. It was a successful event with close to 400 people attending and raising lots of money for our beloved little Island. It was hardwork but fun & definitely worth it and got me thinking I'd like to do more fundraising events in the future - more of that to come when I get back.

We've also been innundated with wedding invites this year and have so far attended five all up (and it's not even June!), we've got one more before we leave and then my bff's when I get - can't wait for that one!

Works also been crazy & I'm happy to say I've been doing a wide range roles from researching to writing about No-dig gardens & discovering Perth's Best places to wine & dine. It's been a lot of fun & has only enforced how much I love my role of FOOD JOURNALIST.

Anyway as promised I'll continue to blog about food, wine, fashion, travel & everything lifestyle so if you want to hear more please, please, please continue following my adventures.

In the meantime here are a few pics which tells the story of my last two months - Adeus x

Welcoming everyone to the Quiz Night

Jade, Neli, Myself & Josie at our cousin's wedding in July - we had a ball!!

With left over bananas I'm always creating different recipes - this one a choc banana cake!

The cooler months bring with it comfort food - this dish Beef cheeks ragu Pappardelle

More comfort food - piping hot Spanish Churros with hot choc dipping sauce - yum!!

On the search for Perth's Best Burger - this one was the Crispy Bacon & Cheeseburge from Grill'd (not the winner but close Gourmet on Wray's Chicken Parma took out this year's honours).

Getting into mode World Cup at The Down-Syndrom Butterfly Ball - such a great night!

High Tea bridal Shower at Azure in Mt Hawthorn - GORGEGOUS!!

My attempt at a fancy entree care of Sheila Mag- Grilled scallops, Haloumi & black pig prosciutto