What I Love | Woman Crush Wednesday

The Internet is a both a blessing and a curse. So often I have days where I end up infuriated, heartbroken and frustrated by the goings on that it’s all I can do to turn off my phone and put it away, rather than throw it into the ocean, never to be seen again.

And then there are days where I scroll through my various social media channels and are met with post after post of little fist bump moments, which makes everything seem possible. Creating beautiful or delicious things, righting wrongs, teaching others or just generally kicking ass and taking names, I’m pretty excited by the amazing work of so many others.

So today, we’re striking out and doing a #womancrushwednesday – a tribute to a bunch of ladies who do work I can’t get enough of. Some I know, some I stalk from afar don’t, but all are women worth knowing.

This Little Pig Went To Market

The women from This Little Pig Went To Market (sisters Katherine Jess) are here to save your life. Well, kind of.

With life getting busier and busier, This Little Pig makes life just that little bit easier, by delivering simple, good-for-you meal kits to your door that are, most importantly, bloody delicious. Delivered Saturday and Wednesday, and come loaded with gorgeous fresh produce from suppliers like Torres Butchers, Noodle Forum, Duck Duck Mother Goose and Subi Farmers Market. Everything you need (minus a splash of oil here and there) comes in the box, from marinated meats to dressing to finish the dish. All you have to do is throw it all together (with the funny and adorable instructions clearly laid out for you), and nothing takes longer than 40 minutes. The girls are passionate, knowledgeable, friendly and kind – generally all-round lovely humans.

Katie Willcox

A friend pointed me to Katie Willcox’s movement after a particularly bad day (buying jeans is torture, I swear). In the lead up to bikini body/summer workouts/blah blah blah season, it might be worth checking in from time to time to remind yourself that yes, you are beautiful, worthy, and fucking badass, no matter what you look like. With 86 thousand followers on Instagram, I’m thrilled that her message is getting across to girls (and women) everywhere.

Iron Chef Shellie

Shellie Froidevaux has an unknown (to her) superpower: to turn me into a starving, drooling mess in about 3 seconds. Don’t believe me? Take a look at her incredible food photography for yourself. Warm, colourful and 100% delicious. Plus, her website is gold – Salted caramel tart, anyone? Don’t pretend you wouldn’t. Oh, and if you’re on Twitter, she regularly live tweets If You Are The One. Hilarious.

Tiah Eckhardt-Delaney

You probably know Tiah without knowing exactly why you know her. Tiah is the face of Berlei, Frank Body, Wheels and Dollbaby, Honey Birdette and Dita Von Teese and looks like a completely different person every single time, running the gauntlet of girl-next door to full scale minx, from high fashion to Helmut Newton-inspired dream.

She has wealth of experience in the fashion to shoot down any misconceptions about the industry, she doesn’t shy away from either how ridiculous it can be, but also how hard she and others work. She’s perfectly placed to call out the ridiculous double standards when it comes to women, beauty standards, nudity and sexuality.

But what I probably love most about Tiah is that there is straight up and down ZERO bullshit. She’s tough, fiery, honest, funny, and a massive dork. Plus, she’s from Rockingham, so you know she’s completely unfuckwithable.

She’s coming back to town as the face of the Telstra Fashion Festival in September, and you can follow her in Instagram here (milly NSFW).

Pixel Coffee

Oh, Pixel. You’re an Instagram lover’s dream, with your white and mint tiles, adorable cups, copper details and COLD BREW ON TAP.

Pixel strikes the perfect balance between dishes that are good for you, with gorgeous bits to treat yourself with. But it’s the cake that has my heart (as always), and oh, how I love those cakes.

In a world where cakes are increasingly inspired by Katherine Sabbath or Unbirthday Bakery (and there’s nothing wrong with that, I take inspiration from those ladies), I love Pixel’s simpler, but no less beautiful offerings. It inspires me to life my day-to-day cakes to a higher standard (and the team at work could not be happier).

Go. Eat. Be happy.

K Gets Organised

You’ve probably seen me talk about Kelsie before – but buckle in, I’m going to do it again.

As someone who still has trouble colouring in the lines at 28, I’m always completely and utterly in awe of anyone with artistic talent. Kelsie has this in spades. I mean, she paints doughnuts on stationery, OF COURSE I’m completely on board for this. She’s so talented and makes the most beautiful things (see my Hole Foods logo – yup, that’s her work too).

PLUS: I’m giving away some of her lovely goods! YOU CAN WIN THINGS! I have a little bundle of gorgeous things worth over $60, including cards, notepads and the ‘Let’s Do This’ case (my favourite!). Just tell me in the comments what’s on your to do list, and a winner will be drawn on 5 August!

So, tell me: who is inspiring you lately?

All images from their respective Instagrams.

What I Love | Équilibre Edition

I’m pleased to introduce you to Nic and Pascal – a husband and wife powerhouse duo and generally delightful people.

I can’t remember exactly how I first met them – I had spotted flyers for their business in Studio Bomba, some of my friends had attended their fitness classes, they frequent my market and just generally overlap in the foodie community. But in a way that can only be described as serendipitous, there they were.

Nic and Pascal are always just so wonderful to talk to, grounded and knowledgeable, but not in a way that’s preachy or obnoxious – there’s nothing worse than someone who’s so focused on their message that there’s no room for anything else, and that is decidedly not the van Kans. They know that some times you just need wine, or cake or time out, and that is a truly wonderful thing.

So, team, say hello!

What I Love – Équilibre Edition

Who are you and what do you do?

We are Pascal and Nicole van Kan – a husband and wife team who juggle bringing up our young children with working and building our heart-centred business, Équilibre – Fitness for Foodies.

Pascal is a fully qualified exercise professional with 2 decades of experience in the fitness industry. He is a keen tri-athlete and has a passion for all things bikes (including managing Reid Cycles in Perth).

Nic works for UWA Publishing and has always cultivated her love for good food, cooking, baking and aesthetics. With a little help from Pascal, she is also a reformed exercise-phobic!

Balancing exercise and eating well with the realities of a busy family life is not always easy – we know this! That’s why our aim for Équilibre is to take away the fear and confusion, to inspire clients to be kinder to their bodies and to help them reclaim a sense of equilibrium. We’d like to think that our approach to food and fitness is balanced, down-to-earth and filled with joy.

Why Perth?

Nic has lived in Perth since moving from the UK as a young girl, but Pascal is a relative newcomer. Although Dutch-born, he came from Melbourne around 18 years ago for a brief working holiday and decided never to leave!

Perth is the perfect place to bring up kids and supports the kind of lifestyle we love. We like the fact that we are (somewhat) insulated from the rest of the world, but also feel a sense of pride that Perth seems to be growing up of late – supporting a blossoming food scene and a host of creative entrepreneurs. It’s an exciting place to be!

What (or who) inspires you?

Nic: I find authenticity inspiring. I’m also attracted to people who understand what they’re passionate about and are unafraid to pursue their dreams.

I’m a huge fan of Jude Blereau and her contribution to the world of whole-food cooking. It’s an approach that has always resonated with me, long before organic and ‘clean eating’ (gag!) became trendy. The idea that food needs to have an element of deliciousness and integrity, as well as being a very individual thing makes so much sense to me.

Pascal: It’s pretty simple for me. Getting out and riding my bike always provides inspiration, any time I need it!

Your dream food day?

Would have to begin with a breakfast at Sayers – the Potato Rosti with Poached Egg is a sentimental favourite of ours.

The rest of the day we would happily hand over to Sophie Zalokar at Foragers. Her thoughtful, creative approach to cooking and sourcing the best in local produce would mean that whatever the season, we could be confident that our taste buds would be satisfied and our souls well-nourished. (There’s a reason why we choose to run our Équilibre Retreats at Foragers!)

What ingredient makes everything better?

Can we be cheeky and say a glass of wine?

Otherwise, it would have to be Nic’s salsa verde. Packed with fresh herbs, lemon and a salty hit of capers and anchovy, we make a weekly batch to use on just about everything – salads, eggs, fish, soup. It’s our not-so fashionable version of the green smoothie and it really does make everything better.

What’s the best thing you’ve eaten recently?

Nic: The Emperor with pickled tomato, basil, chilli and fennel at Bread in Common. The flavours were fresh, simple and delicious. Accompanied by a glass of Flowstone Gewürztraminer, it made for a truly enjoyable birthday treat.

Pascal: Nic’s Quince and Hazelnut Crumble Cake – tastes like autumn (based on an old Gourmet Traveller recipe, with a bit of a whole-food makeover.)

Where do you love to go to eat?

Honestly? Although we appreciate good food, we rarely get the chance to ‘go out’ to eat unless you count our local pizza shop, Pizzaca (which is good, by the way!)

These days, you’re more likely to find us hanging out at coffee shops. In fact, our kids have been well-trained in café etiquette from birth!

Favourites include Yelo, The Daily, Humblebee, Hobart Street Deli and Voyage. We also really enjoyed a visit to Gordon Street Garage and are keen to try Hylin in West Leederville. The Tenth State is keeping Nic happy since moving in to UWA next door for work.

Where do you love to hang out?

When we’re not at a café, you’re likely to find us at the local park, or riding our bikes (Perry Lakes Reserve is a great spot).

Family outings often involve a weekend farmer’s market. Subi Farmer’s Market has the best atmosphere and arguably the best stalls. Our favourites include Wild Bakery, Macabee Dorper Lamb and Spring Valley Orchard. It’s also worth adding that our daughter is quite taken with Mr Drummond’s crumpets!

We’re big fans of City Beach, too. Whether it’s fish and chips at sunset, a morning walk or simply watching the kids in the playground, it’s one of those special places that always reminds us how lucky we are to live where we do.

What’s your favourite thing right now?

Nic: (can I have more than one?)

– Meditation (i’m so excited to be doing the Mindful in May challenge.)

– My Baker’s Drawer.

– Cooking autumn comfort food in my new French blue cast-iron enameled pot.

– Dunn and Walton (organic shopping heaven!)

Pascal:

– Autumn in Perth (perfect training conditions!)

– Wines from the Adelaide hills (in particular pinot noir).

– Thursday night food shows on SBS

What are you looking forward to?

Nic: I’ve just turned 40 so I’m very much looking forward to embracing a new decade, losing the fears and becoming the kind of confident, creative person i’m so inspired by.

Pascal: I’m looking forward to developing new coaching programs for Équilibre and writing for our blog. It still excites me to be able to help clients discover a love for exercise, and gain energy and confidence in the process.

We’re also looking forward to winter and watching the Tour de France (preferably accompanied by some good red wine!)

If you would like to learn more, you can check out the website, Facebook and Instagram (where all images are from), or this from We Love Perth

What I Love | Brendan Owens Edition

Guys, I’m about to introduce you to someone pretty bloody special.

Everyone, meet Brendan Owens. Brendan is someone who’s work (read: brownies) is something I admire greatly (read: eat often). BUT, the man does more than a kick ass brownie.

I can’t stress to you enough how brilliant it is to have someone of this calibre kicking around town. I don’t know about you, but I like my sweets a little bit fun. What makes Brendan interesting is that he’s trained under the people who matter in the pastry scene, so he’s got all of those beautiful classic elements down, but he’s also kept a rough edge which keeps it from being boring.

I met Brendan during his tenure at The Flour Factory – if you follow me in Instagram, you saw me eating macarons and lemon curd tarts for breakfast most days. You can find him now at Rochelle Adonis in Highgate, creating dishes for what I’m pretty sure is a rite of passage for women of Perth – their signature (and incredible) high tea.

What I Love – Brendan Owens Edition

Image via Scoop Magazine

Who are you/what do you do?

My name is Brendan Owens, and I’m a pastry chef from Perth. I’ve worked at 2am Dessert Bar and 2am Lab in Singapore under Janice Wong, and more recently was the head pastry chef for Vue de Monde in Melbourne between 2012-2014. My previous record in Perth sits with The Weld Club for my apprenticeship, as well as Restaurant Amuse, Rochelle Adonis Cakes and Confections, and Mrs S Cafe.

Why Perth?

Originally my stomping ground, but I had to leave. Otherwise, you will get stuck in the same routine and kitchens. The travel and experience of international and high-end kitchens are the only way to find out who and what you want to be behind the stoves. The Perth food scene has always been a little behind, but these days it has made a massive change and is finding its feet; becoming the city is should be, with the food and bar scene it needs. We have the best weather and lifestyle, so that also swayed the decision to come home.

Image via Brendan’s Instagram

What/who inspires you?

Depends on the day, really! I have a fair focus on street art, I like to randomly select colours and then attach flavours which end up on the testing table, adding additions like smoke, nitro and ice. Mentors are always having some form of inspiration and impact on style for me. As a rule, I want to work with the best in my field. These people are legends in their own right:

1. Janice Wong from 2am Dessert Bar/Alinea
2. Andres Lara
3. Anthony Hart from Don’t Lose Your Temper/ex Vue executive pastry chef & Press Club/Alinea
4. Rochelle Adonis

On a daily basis, I make something with their influence – kind of like the old angel/devil on each shoulder. Of course, there are other big players in the pastry world that I follow – Stupak, Underwood, Raquel, Khan, Campbell.

Your dream food day?

No truffles, caviar or anything wanky! It can vary, from being in Singapore, searching for the best chicken rice, to doing a pub crawl with Shannon Bennett and the lads from Modernist Cuisine and Chef Steps through Seattle, starting at 8pm and ending up at some pizza joint at 4am.

The best food day that I hardly remember though, was my leaving lunch from Vue de Monde. I was with 3 great friends, there was 15 courses, 20 wines, 16 negronis… Lunch started at 12:30pm, finished at 6pm, then we sat in the bar on those negronis with bar snacks, finally finishing up at 400 Gradi with 6 margherita pizzas.

What ingredient makes everything better?

Valrhona Opalys 33% White

Image via Brendan’s Instagram

What’s the best thing you ate recently?

An impromptu barbecue at a fellow chef’s house, consisting of dry aged wagu over bichutan charcoal and kipflers with bernaise… Totally bogan but done super classy. And beers.

Where do you love to go to eat? 

For an amazing dinner: Clarkes of North Beach. Clarky does the food I love to eat, Wayne knows how to respect good wine and the rest of the team out there are pushing on, day in, day out. For a great pub: Wayside Inn, South Melbourne. Just good, honest pub food, a full restaurant with an empty bar. I didn’t get it when I went in there the first time, but I did when I left though. For a wonderful café: Mrs. S.

Where do you love to hang out?

Generally on a weekend, in the early morning I’ll be chasing a wave either in Perth or down south with the lads. Surfing is a past time and a lifestyle. Otherwise, Bunnings. For some reason, I always find myself there. Usually the sausage sizzle after the beach leads me to Bunnings, and then to the sprinkler aisle or something.

Brendan at work – Image via Rochelle Adonis Instagram

What’s your favourite thing right now?

MAPLE BACON + PRETZEL + SALTED CARAMEL DOUGHNUTS (Bri note: I tried one of these, and they were incredible. Worth being obsessed over!)

What are you looking forward to?

I have a couple of short trips lined up to Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore and Tokyo coming up, so they are playing quite heavily on my research for eating drinking and who I’m catching up with.

What I Love | eatmeetswest edition

This is the last post for 2014!

I’d like to take a second to thank every single one of you for stopping by and lending me your ears. Or eyes. I’m not sure how this works.

In the interest of reflection, here are the things I’m particularly grateful for in 2014:

• The email I got from my blog-host thing (I don’t really sure how that works either) informs me that I’m read in 90 countries, which might have made me cry a little bit. I can’t even name 90 countries, so this blows my mind.
• I’m grateful to have had the chance to travel to Brisbane for Eat Drink Blog this year (where I followed Sarah from The Sugar Hit around like a creep and she was very nice about it), where I got to eat some really cool stuff and hang out with my blogger buddies. Always a great time.
• Also super grateful to my beautiful friend Natalie for letting me use her home in Melbourne as a base while I stalked the city for doughnuts.
• Those of you who visited Jus Burgers to try my Cubano burger! There will be a post next year with the recipe, if you want to make them yourselves. Thank you Laura for teeing it up x
• Friends, family, and anyone who’s prepared to share a meal with me (and lets me sneak photos in even though they’re starving). You let me do what I do.
• You. Yes, you. You’re looking particularly smashing today, just in case no one has told you. Keep that up.

 

So, I guess it’s time for me to answer the questions I put to so many others this year! Whelp.

Who are you/what do you do?

I’m Bri and I write this here blog. eatmeetswest is three(!!!) years old, which blows my mind a little bit.

I also sling crumpets for Mr Drummond’s Foods at the Subi Farmers Markets on a Saturday morning, where I’m also responsible for Hole Food Doughnuts.

 

My Cubano at Jus Burgers

Why Perth?

Oh my god, why not? Perth is almost unrecognisable to what is was 5 years ago. There’s room for improvement, as there is anywhere, but I’m so proud of how far it’s come and the badass people who are making things happen here.

I love Perth’s beaches and laid back atmosphere, and that those things probably go hand in hand.
I love that if you drive 3 hours in any direction, you’re almost in another universe.
I definitely love our world class produce (and that I get to eat it).
I love the pelicans that sit on top of the street lights on the freeway when I drive home to Freo. They make me happy.
I think it’s fantastic that we call our sea breeze The Doctor, because it makes everything better on a hot day.

I love that so many activities around town are dog friendly, because it means I get to cuddle puppies. A LOT.

CBD Sunsets

 What inspires you?

I know that this is something that everyone says, but I’m incredibly blessed to be surrounded with extraordinary people, determined to make a change, or just showcase the amazing things that WA has to offer that we’ve simply overlooked.

On a personal level, I’m particularly inspired on the regular by Jacqui, Ai-Ling, Max Veenhuyzen, Max Brearley and David; their passion for the things they do is nothing short of incredible, and I can’t believe they even know my name.

I’m also one of those people who spends waaaay too much time on The Internet. That helps with the inspiring and distracting in equal measure. If it wasn’t for the internet, how would I know about Katherine Sabbath?

Sophie Zalokar at the launch of her book, Food of the Southern Forrests

Your dream food day?

For starters, it probably kicks off at 11am, because I like a bit of a sleep in!

Breakfast would be either banana crepes from Toast in East Perth, or breakfast panna cotta from Mrs S in Mayland.

Morning tea would be Mac-clairs from The Flour Factory, nursed by coffee from Addison & Steele (the espresso tonic is spectacular. Thanks Toby and Michael!).

Lunch is definitely dim sum at Northbridge Chinese Restaurant, because I would eat xiao long bao until the end of days. I LOVE DUMPLINGS. I’d probably need a nap after that.

Dinner would be a home-cooked affair. I have some friends who are seriously talented with a smoker, so it’s likely to be a Texas barbecue style thing, lost of ribs and slow cooked meats, a lot of sharing. I’d offer to do the dishes, being as how I didn’t cook!

If it’s a dream food day, then I’m probably heading back to Singapore’s 2am Dessert Bar for another hit of their dish Yellow, which was made up of corn, in 5 different ways. It was amazing. If you’re out that way, I definitely recommend you visit!

Cocktails at Darling Supper Club

What’s the best thing you ate recently?

 I’m pretty crazy about Gusto Gelato in Leederville right now. I was all for the Gutso (peanut butter), but I’ve just discovered the Brittle Sweet Symphony, which is almond brittle and honey gelato, and I can’t get enough of it. I fucking love ice cream.

Ice cream in Brisbane

Where do you love to go to eat? 

There’s no bad day that dinner at Lalla Rookh can’t fit with bone marrow and pasta. This is a scientific fact.

My ultimate comfort food is BBQ pork wanton noodle soup from Viet Hoa in Northbridge. Cheap, fast and more food than I can comfortably eat (though I do it anyway).

My favourite, super low-key breakfast can be found at Ley St Cafe. I first heard about Adam’s milkshakes on Reddit, and can confirm (as a milkshake junkie) that they’re some of the best in Perth. Adam makes all of his own flavours from scratch, no bought syrups here! Also, the maple bacon and eggs on today are consistently fantastic.

Russell Blakie on cocktail duty at Must Winebar

Where do you love to hang out?

Varnish on King. I love a whisky sour almost as much as I love manager Jamie Passmore’s dance moves. Also the bar’s mascot is a stuffed beaver named Justin, of which the jokes just write themselves.

My girlfriends and I recently had our pre-Christmas catch up at The Flour Factory, where I drank 3 of their lemony cocktails, and I’d quite happily drink 300 more.

Freo always calls to me when I want to be somewhere that feels like home. This year, I loved The Banker, Lenny the Ox, Little Lefroys, The Mantle and Bread in Common.

Scott Bridger, head chef at Bib & Tucker

What’s your favourite thing right now?

 Netflix. What?! I’m a girl of simple pleasures. Those simple pleasures include watching Stephen Amell do chin-ups on Arrow.

I love paddle boarding. I’m pretty keen to get out on the water again, who wants to come?

What are you looking forward to?

I just bought Mr Hong, which is a bit of a must-have cook book for lovers of dude food or the Australian food scene. My first goal for next year is to master one of his signature dishes, Stoner’s Delight, so, you know, God help me.

The Perth Fringe World Festival!

Getting down south to visit Taste of Balingup (Katrina Lane is a genius) and Foragers Kitchen (so is Sophie).

More doughnuts. Always more doughnuts.

Kane at Dapper Jack

Thank you again for all of your support this year, and I can’t wait to make you fried cheese pie in 2015!

Stay safe, happy and awesome xx

Don’t forget, you can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Say hey!

What I Love | Coogee Beach Fitness Club Edition

There are some people in this world that are just born to do what they do.

To say that the guys you’re about to meet are passionate doesn’t quite cover it; it’s almost too clichéd. But for them, it’s in their blood. They live and breathe this stuff, and you can’t help to be caught up in their infectious joy. Yes, even me, the lover of deep-fried mac and cheese and general slothfulness, comes away from talking to the boys wanting to go for a run.

I’m very pleased to introduce you to Jason and Dylan from Coogee Beach Fitness Club. The boys have been very good friends of mine for a very long time, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve built.

Hell, if my gym had a view like theirs, I might actually go!

Seriously. This is their view.

The team also have some great stuff in the pipeline. Coming up is their 6 week summer body program, of which you can find details here.  If you’re a Yelp member (and you should be), September gives you the opportunity to attend a FREE mobility, muscle tension release and self massage workshop (the details here) AND there’s also 1 month free on memberships for the gym. How good is that?!

What I Love – Coogee Beach Fitness Club Edition

 

Who are you/what do you do?

We are Jason Lim and Dylan Kvas-Rothwell, Exercise Physiologists (Injury management specialists) who use our knowledge of injuries and rehabilitation to train and coach individuals and athletes through their programs to maximise performance and minimize injury risk so that they can attain their goals as fast as possible. Other than that we are just two friends who want to share our passion for fitness, fun and life with those around us.

Jason and Dylan

Why Perth?

Jason – Perth is and forever will be home. After spending the last few years travelling around Europe, America, South East Asia and Canada, including growing up for a few years in Singapore and spending a year in Canada, you realise how relaxed and comfortable it is to move at your own pace and Perth really allows you to do that. If you want the hustle and bustle you can find if you really want to, but if you wanted to sit back relax and enjoy the beaches and scenery you get that too. As far as things to do in Perth, the city is really picking up its game in terms of culture with art shows, restaurants, bars and food festivals.

Jason Lim

Dylan – The longer I live in Perth the more I want to stay here for life. I most definitely want a few more short and extended travel plans but I am quite certain I will always come back. Our beaches, food (not how much we pay for it though), all round weather and just good people everywhere. There is just such a good spread of everything but at a slower intensity than everywhere else, and that sits pretty well with me.

Dylan Kvas-Rothwell

What inspires you?

Jason – my parents for one, they have always lived their lives according to how they wanted, money was a beautiful side product of them following their passions, they made sacrifices where they needed to as responsibilities required, but never at the expense of their own happiness or that of my brother and I. Dylan is another, his outlook on life, always looking to the future with enthusiasm and energy pushes me to do more and be better, couldn’t think of a better person to be in business with. Together they have taught me to be self-reliant, to follow my passions and to find a way to mix work and play together and get the most out life. This outlook has allowed me to work multiple jobs as a ex. phys. whilst travelling the world and eventually led up to opening up Coogee Beach Fitness Club with Dylan.

Dylan – That is a tough one when you ask it so simply. I will come from a ‘who’ perspective first; a lot of people in general inspire me but I have to say that kids inspire me the most. I am lucky enough to work with some of the most inspirational little kids (some with disabilities and some not) and their outlook on life, way of conducting themselves with such a constantly positive outlook no matter what is going on behind the scenes. Jason and Nathan (the business partner) inspire me constantly in different ways. Jason with his ability to constantly balance work and play life so well, he is one of those people that when you spend time with him, you realise he never whinges about anything, EVER, and as far as life balance is concerned he has everything he wants at any given time. He has travelled for years on end, and follows his passion no matter what is necessary. Nathan is from a different side of inspiration, he just wants more with everything he does. He doesn’t want to just do it and be in the top ten, he wants top every time and his dedication to this shows through in everything he does. What inspires me; I am a pretty simple person when it comes down to it. Travel, beach and all round creativity. I read once that observation is the best inspiration as long as you look in the direction you want to go, and I couldn’t agree more.

 

Tell us about Coogee Beach Fitness Club.

Coogee Beach Fitness Club as the name suggests is a gym located right on Coogee Beach in the new Coogee Beach Surf Club Community Development literally meters away from the ocean! After working for other people at gyms, working the corporate sector and other tiresome and non fulfilling jobs we decided it was time to do what we loved but for ourselves. We aren’t selling new trends or fads, our education has helped us find what we know to be true and what works, but what really matters is that we are a gym that focuses on providing  a great atmosphere, great view and trainers that are dedicated to their clients, not just physically but mentally too. We believe in a holistic approach to health and to us that means being happy is a part of being healthy. Having the beach there doesn’t hurt either!

Classes on the beach

What’s Life Beast? 

Jason – Lifebeast Movement is a fun project started by Dylan, Dr Nathan Bridger (Chiropractor and old friend) and myself to motivate and educate the health inspired. We wanted to get out as much information on how to lead happy, fulfilling healthy lives to other like minded individuals. It’s basically three friends who love what they do, trying to share as much knowledge and joy with each other and those around us whilst having a bit of fun, and through our youtube channel, website, facebook and seminars and workshops. We really hope to help people from a physical, mental and lifestyle perspective of health. At the end of the day whether we reach 1 person or 1 million people if we can help them find what the are looking for in attaining their own personal health then we are doing our job.

Dylan, Nathan and Jason between Life Beast shoots

Your dream food day?

Jason – a lot of gluttonous food that a health professional should not say so I’ll leave it at that 😛

Dylan – alot of good food, the beach, and my favorite people that just happened to be scattered around the world at the moment.

(Editors note: Both of the boys loved these cookies, so don’t worry – they’re not infallible!)

What’s the best thing you ate recently?

Jason – Chicken wrapped in bacon stuffed with cheese, onion and garlic. Side of sweet potato mash and veggies. A few of my favourite things put together and I even made it myself!

Dylan – Savoury : I lost my mind when I had Fried Chicken pancakes with added bacon from Mary Street Bakery in Mt Lawley (Katsu style fried chicken on pancakes) or any meat from Lapa in Subi. Sweet: Also from Mary street bakery. Asked for a cold malt chocolate milkshake and got them to throw a shot of coffee in for a bit of a boost. I had two of them before breakfast came out they were that good.

Where do you love to go to eat? 

Jason – Anywhere around the City, Mt Lawley, friends places. For me if I’m looking for a good meal, as important as the food is, the company is more important. Being around friends and family the people I care about to share those experiences and memories with, nothing else can compare. Especially when we find our own little secret place.

Dylan – I am definitely more of a breakfast person and I notice I am around Mt Lawley a lot more recently. Other than that, we are down towards South Fremantle so I make my way through there a fair bit if I feel like something a little more healthy.

Where do you love to hang out?

Jason – I guess the above statement kind of applies here too anywhere around friends and family, but also love being here at the gym its like having my own playground, I also work at a bar (Canton if you want to come say hi) too on the weekends and I really enjoy that, it’s where I get to have a bit of a creative outlet, I’m not usually creative or artistic but for some reason I get cocktails and flavours, go figure.

Dylan – As long as there are good people around, I am down for anywhere. If I can get those people to the beach or at least near a beach then I am even happier.

What’s your favourite thing right now?

Jason – sleep, not getting much of it these days, not that im complaining but every time I get a chance to nap its one of my favourite things to do 😛

Dylan – Day naps in the sun with some music in my ears. THE BEST, and I am pretty sure that will never change.

What are you looking forward to?

Jason – Well, I have a birthday tonight in the City so i guess im looking forward to that. Oh and Dylan and I plus some other friends are taking a weekend away at the end of the month. Can’t wait for that, will be nice to just relax and switch off for a bit.

Dylan – A small Bali weekend away to reset. But the major one is planning a trip to South Africa to visit some incredible people who we met in Europe in 2012. They have the whole thing planned; all I have to do is arrive at the airport and hop in the car.

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