Monthly Archives: August 2020

Aug 31 2020

Aarth Cafe Functions – Taigum Village

We are lucky to know some amazing people in our world. They really do exist and one of those is the lovely Sunny who owns and manages Aarth Cafe at Taigum Village. When Covid messed up plans for Hubbys 50th, I dropped past Aarth and asked Sunny if he would consider doing a private function, after hours.

And so it evolved. Sunny confirmed he could do this with his team, and the planning began.

Ideas popped back and forth but Sunny created an event menu for twenty people in a few days. Next, he added the red lounge for a backdrop, something which would be instagramable. Sunnys enthusiasm and ideas were contagious, we added props for a photo booth effect.

After choosing four entrees, each guest then pre ordered their main and dessert, the choices being emailed to Aarth at least a week prior to the event. This way all tastes could be catered for. No problem if people have allergies or certain tastes, ie, vegetarian. Sunny and his team adjusted menu items to suit the individuals. Something which can be done if the restaurant has plenty of notice.

This licenced venue can cater easily for small groups of about twenty. Our event was 20 people exactly which meant the cafe could be divided into two areas. Outside area was used for pre dinner drinks and continuous entrees. Inside area was set up with three tables seating a total of 20.

In agreement with Sunny, I had added a welcome drink to the package for each guest. Aarth has a range of beer and wines, including some Marlborough NZ Black Cottage varieties, however they don’t cater for individual spirits. A limited range of spirits are available as cocktails though, which went down well as welcome drinks.

Once your guests have mingled for a couple of hours, head on inside for your meals. There is a TV used for the cafes own advertising, which Sunny is more than happy to change to your digital photos for the duration of your private event.

Sunny and his team went to a lot of effort to set up the event and make sure things ran smoothly. With the ground work, pre done, it meant we could all relax whilst the event ran like clockwork. Remember to check the walls too, there is a local artist Sonya Rae, who displays her beautiful airbrushing at the cafe. All are for sale too!

We cannot highly recommend Sunny for a private event enough. Aarth Cafe will design a package to suit your small group. Drop by Aarth or contact via message on Facebook or Instagram. Sunny would be delighted to assist with hosting your small event.

Thank you to Sunny and his wonderful, team for hosting such a successful event! Much gratitude 🙏.

Photo above compliments of @reve_cherie photography who was our photographer for the evening.

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Aug 23 2020

Mercure Clear Mountain Resort

One of our favourite places to go, especially if we are wanting a quick breakaway, close to home. When we visited recently they had only just reopened to the public, post first wave Covid-19.

The staff up here have had around three months of venue closure. They are enthusiastic to return, but still concerned as to if their patrons will do the right thing. Totally understandable. They have stringent rules in place for the staff to ensure they remain healthy.

Postcard perfect vistas

We were among a number who visited in the first couple of weeks of opening. One thing a pandemic cannot ruin, is picture perfect views and that feeling of relaxation which washes over you.

Take a walk around the grounds, there’s a lot to see.

Rooms have their own private balcony, or wile away some time on the huge deck area encasing the restaurant and bar. There’s plenty of room to spread out. And, in all honesty, even though we were told there were a lot staying, we didn’t ever feel crowded or overwhelmed during our couple of nights staying.

One of the friendly local kookaburras

The menu has been adjusted this year to suit new regulations, with no buffet breakfast any longer. Lunch and dinner menus are simple, yet cater for majority of tastes. Rooms here are hotel style, without food facilities, however, you are here to relax and unwind, so it’s just the way it should be.

Breakfast

If you have a special occasion, why not treat yourself to a high tea. This high tea is the best value high tea we have come across over past years. Affordable, yet packed with tasty morsels, we were lucky to enjoy this on the first morning. Remember to book in advance! Two days notice is appreciated to ensure the high tea can be accommodated.

Two of the tiers in a high tea for two
Don’t forget the sandwiches!

We love this venue, for a number of reasons and cannot recommend visiting here, highly enough. Worst case, just pop up from Brisbane for a meal over a couple of hours, it’s so close, yet an entire world away.

Teat yourself at Stephanies Spa, the ladies there will take very good care of you to ensure you are well pampered!

The view from the deck is breathtaking

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Stay safe and thank you for your interest. Our thoughts are with those in hard quarantine conditions and we hope we have helped bring a little light to your life.

What a great place to unwind when the weather is cooler 😍
Aug 9 2020

Lake Moogerah & Kalbar, Queensland

We have been lucky in Queensland to have the opportunity to explore our state, whilst other states unfortunately stay locked down.

Lake Moogerah

Whilst we have this opportunity, it is important to support businesses and areas who are struggling to return after hurting badly from shutdowns. And there are a lot in the outer regions who need support.

Lake Moogerah

Our recent car club run out to the stunning Lake Moogerah area, in the picturesque Scenic Rim, was a fantastic opportunity to visit this corner of Queensland. Located above Fassifern Valley, around 60km from the city of Ipswich , the Moogerah Dam and Lake areas are a popular recreational area

Clear waters, directly behind the dam wall

The odd jet ski, or boat, occasionally shot around the Lake, with a number of campers and day trippers enjoying the extra land surface, given the low water levels on the lake.

Moogerah is derived from Moogirah, which is the Aboriginal word for ‘Home of the Thunderstorm’. The 38 metre high, 219 metre long dam, supplies areas beneath, including Boonah and Ipswich.

Water rushes from the dam spillway

With plenty of parking, shaded areas and seating, social distancing is not a problem out here. A kiosk supplies a few basic essentials to save a trip further afield. We didn’t check out the camping areas, bu they do have a camp kitchen and choices of powered or non-powered sites.

Take a walk across the dam wall, which is the accessway to Moogerah Peaks National Park, home to Mount Edwards.

Picturesque mountains surround the lake area.

After enjoying the beautiful surroundings, we headed to a local iconic pub, the Royal Hotel, Kalbar.

The large deck area at the Royal Hotel, Kalbar

Popular with locals, day trippers and tourists alike, the original hotel was established in1900.

Food was good quality pub fare, with plenty on the plate. Staff were kept busy serving customers

All in a all a fantastic way to close an enjoyable morning out.

On a more somber note, after witnessing a severe traffic accident when homeward bound, a reminder to please drive safely, no matter how close to home you are or, how far away those accidents still occur in a split second. Drive safely and stay aware of your surroundings.

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