 This week we're going to take a quick look at a wine pairing we did recently. The dish was a grilled fillet of Barramundi with red curry broth and julienne garnish. A couple pointers on this one are the subtleness of the fish and not wanting to be overpowered, but also the heat coming through the spice component of the sauce. My personal preference is for a chardonnay with a little bit of weight and definitely a clean finish. Finding one with lemongrass, citrus notes will help balance out those flavours and pair wonderfully with the crisp freshness of the julienne garnish. Also a brisk Riesling with some lime & lemonyess (not a word?) can help cool those spicey mouthfuls. We hope you have a wonderful weekend! 
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 Ingredients
1 kg minced chicken 1 tbsp chilli powder 1 tbsp sumac 1/2 tsp salt 1 egg 1 cup bread crumbs 1/3 cup milk 1/2 cup smokey BBQ sauce, divided into two portions 1 red capsicum, cored and minced Jullienne Vegetables Baby Cos leaves lime cheeks or quarters sesame seeds greek yogurt Method Pre-heat oven to 180 deg Celsius. In a small bowl, mix together the minced chicken, chili powder, sumac, salt, egg, bread crumbs, milk, 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce and minced red capsicum until thoroughly combined. Grab a small handful of the meat mixture and form a meatball that is about 1 1/2 inches in size. Pan fry until brown, then finish in a medium oven for 8-10 min. Brush remaining 1/4 cup BBQ sauce on top of the meatballs, and allow to rest for 5 min. assemble your baby cos lettuce cups on a platter, with a sprinkling of the julienne veg mix. Place the meatballs on top with a drizzle of yogurt, pinch of sumac, sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime. Call me to tell me how damn delicious this is!  How to Host a Family Buffet Without Losing Your Mind (or the Napkins) A family buffet can be one of the most rewarding and joy-filled ways to entertain. There’s laughter, food, and that beautiful moment when everyone goes back for seconds (or thirds). But let’s be real – if the setup isn’t right, it can quickly turn into buffet bedlam.
At Simple & Beautiful Catering, we’ve fed plenty of families – from backyard birthdays in Bunbury to wedding feasts in Margaret River – and we’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. Here are 5 easy tips to help you host a smooth, happy buffet event with minimal stress and maximum smiles. 1. Open the Gate Buffets have a strange effect on people – they form lines like cows to a trough. To keep the flow moving, create a clear start and end point, and leave a little space on either side for people to chat or wait without blocking the whole spread. Trust us, this small detail makes a big difference. 2. Keep It Simple (Sorry, Uncle Jim) We love a creative dish as much as the next chef, but not everyone in the family will swoon over Moroccan-spiced lentil and chia burgers. Stick to crowd-pleasers for the main offerings (think roast meats, hearty pastas, fresh salads) and scatter a few adventurous bites around the edges for the foodies in the clan. 3. Drinks Over There, Please Placing drinks on the same table as food? Rookie move. Set up a separate drink station near the kitchen if possible – it’ll save you from spilled water jugs, soggy bread rolls, and that one cousin who parks himself in front of the punch bowl while everyone waits behind him. 4. Multiply and Conquer The secret to a smooth buffet? Multiples. More than one stack of napkins. More than one pile of plates. Even doubling up on some dishes if the crowd’s large. It reduces bottlenecks and saves you from carrying a mountain of gear from the kitchen in one trip. 5. Recruit a Sidekick Every buffet superhero needs a trusty sidekick. Ask someone in the family to keep an eye on the table – topping up dips, wiping spills, and giving you a break from answering “Where’s the dressing?” for the sixth time. Bonus points if they can keep the tongs out of the trifle. The Most Important Tip? Have Fun. Buffets aren’t just about the food – they’re about connection, memories, and that one relative who always makes everyone laugh with their third helping of potato salad. Keep things light, plan ahead, and enjoy the moment. And hey – if you'd rather focus on mingling and not managing the buffet line, we’re more than happy to take care of the hard part. Get in touch with Simple & Beautiful Catering for stress-free family-style catering that tastes just as good as home (but looks a whole lot prettier).  Our delicious Pannacotta has been a crowd pleaser at many a function - here's how we make it... White Chocolate & Yoghurt Panna Cotta with Raspberry CompoteIf there’s one dessert that never fails to impress, it’s panna cotta. Silky, creamy, and just the right amount of indulgent, this white chocolate and yoghurt panna cotta with raspberry compote is a long-time favourite on our Simple & Beautiful Catering menus – and now you can make it at home!
Whether you're planning a dinner party, creating something special for a wedding menu, or simply treating yourself on a quiet weekend, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it pairs perfectly with homemade biscotti (or a cheeky glass of bubbles). Ingredients
MethodStep 1 – Make the Base In a saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Stir gently for about 5 minutes, or until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth and warmed through. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Step 2 – Add the Gelatine In a separate heatproof jug, add the boiling water and sprinkle the gelatine over the top. Use a fork to whisk until the gelatine is fully dissolved. Let it cool slightly, then stir it into the cream mixture. Step 3 – Fold in the Yoghurt Allow the mixture to cool for 15 minutes, then whisk in the yoghurt until smooth and fully combined. Pour the mixture into eight 200ml glasses or ramekins. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or until set. Step 4 – Make the Raspberry Compote While the panna cottas are chilling, place the raspberries in a bowl with the sugar. Add just enough boiling water to help dissolve the sugar. Stir gently for 1–2 minutes, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Step 5 – Assemble & Enjoy Top each panna cotta with a generous spoonful of raspberry compote and serve with crisp homemade biscotti for that extra touch of elegance. Final Tip:These panna cottas can be made a day ahead – perfect for entertaining, catering, or prepping for a special occasion. Creamy, tangy, sweet, and oh-so-beautiful, they tick all the dessert boxes.
 Recently we prepared a four course meal for 65 wonderful guests in Perth. A standout dish of the day was our chocolate fondant. Due to multiple requests, we are sharing this little recipe for you to re-create it's simple yet beautiful glory... ENJOY! This recipe will make 6 serves
TIP: for a softer center, you can reduce cooking time by a few minutes TIP: for a "marbled" centre, pop a white choc button in the middle of your mix INGEDIENTS
Recently we conducted two very special private dinner parties. The guests chose from our delicious menu options and provided a functional space for us to prepare and plate some delicious food. Creating delicious memories whilst guests are in the comfort of their own home is a very special experience, we are grateful to have. The feedback recieved was amazing and has been shared here...  BUSSELTON CATERING
 Hens Party High Tea – Sweet Moments by the SeaWe recently had the absolute pleasure of catering a beautiful high tea for a lovely group of ladies celebrating a very special hens party – and what a day it was! Set in a stunning coastal location with sunshine, laughter, and love in the air, we served up a menu filled with all the sweet and savoury goodness a bridal celebration deserves.
Our high tea catering is always a crowd favourite, and this menu was no exception:
Perfect for Hens Parties, Bridal Showers & Garden GatheringsWhether you're planning a hens party in Perth, a baby shower in Bunbury, or a high tea in Margaret River, our Simple & Beautiful High Tea Menu brings elegance, flavour, and a touch of fun to your event. With a flexible selection of sweet and savoury bites, gluten-free options, and picture-perfect presentation, it's no wonder it's one of our most requested menus. Planning something special? Get in touch and let us help you create a high tea event that’s as beautiful as the occasion you're celebrating. We recently did a function for Edith Cowan University providing a free and healthy breakfast for the student guild. Collaboration with Spencer & Betty was an absolute treat.
 Antipasto Platters & Wine – The Perfect Pairing for Relaxed EntertainingThere’s something timeless and joyful about gathering around a beautifully styled antipasto platter with friends, family, and a good bottle of wine. Whether you're hosting a casual afternoon get-together, an elegant wedding in Margaret River, or a corporate sundowner in Perth, an antipasto platter is always a winner.
At Simple & Beautiful Catering, we love curating stunning platters that balance colour, flavour, and texture. Here are our favourite tips for building your own antipasto masterpiece – plus a few wine pairings to take it to the next level. 1. Choose 3–4 Great CheesesVariety is key – aim for a mix of hard, soft, and aged. Some of our go-tos include:
2. Cured Meats Are a MustA selection of thinly sliced, high-quality meats makes the platter feel hearty and indulgent. We love:
3. Don’t Forget the OlivesMarinated, stuffed, black or green – olives deserve their own little corner on your platter. Visit the deli section for flavour-packed options like garlic-stuffed or chilli-infused varieties. 4. Add Dips, Pastes & PâtéA dollop of something creamy or sweet ties everything together:
5. Dried Fruit & NutsBalance the savoury with sweet and crunch:
6. Bread & Crackers – The CarriersMake sure there's something to scoop, spread, or layer it all on:
7. Fresh ExtrasAdd a burst of freshness and colour with:
8. Let’s Talk Wine Pairings 🍷A great antipasto platter deserves a great glass (or bottle). Here are some of our favourite matches:
Final Thought: Less Fuss, More FunAn antipasto platter is about gathering, grazing, and sharing stories – not perfection. Mix and match ingredients you love, play with presentation, and most importantly, enjoy the moment. If you'd rather skip the shopping and slicing, Simple & Beautiful Catering offers beautifully curated grazing and antipasto platters for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and everything in between – across Perth, Busselton, Dunsborough, and the South West. Get in touch – we’ll bring the wine, the flavour, and the good vibes. |
