Coast . Surf + Moto Cafe
As a self-confessed coffee snob and sucker for a trendy spot to sit and watch the world go by, I’m always on the lookout for the best cafes around. So when my friend gave me a call last Sunday to go on a spontaneous trip down south to checkout this cafe which combines delicious food alongside a range of skate, surf and motorcycle merchandise from around the world, I was keen to see if it lived up to expectation.
Having gone to uni in Bournemouth, my friend used to visit Coast.Surf+Moto frequently and knew I’d love the stylish, quirky vibe of the place. Bringing together a fresh, wholesome all-day brunch menu as well as serving quality coffee, this cafe promotes a healthy living outdoor lifestyle.
The simple, sleek interiors featuring black window panels and bamboo lampshades, reflects coastal living with touches of Scandinavian character.
Located in Poole near to the South’s most popular beaches and harbours, their shop sells an eclectic mix of surf, skate and motorcycle products. After our leisurely lunch under the afternoon sun out in the courtyard, I enjoyed browsing the branded clothes and accessories before having a read of some of the contemporary books on offer.
Following our chilled afternoon at Coast.Surf+Moto cafe and shop, we made our way down to the beach to soak up the rest of the day’s sun…an essence of Aussie living in the UK!
With family who travelled from every side of the world to be there, it was never going to be an easy goodbye. Whilst it’s difficult having family all over the world, this occasion was a testament to how close we all remain despite the distance and when we do see each other, its like no time has passed.
Taking a final look over that landscape, once again I couldn’t comprehend the overwhelming joy and fun we’d shared together that weekend. When there’s so much uncertainty and hatred going on in the world at the moment, I feel so incredibly lucky to have such a solid family who always have each others backs no matter what.
Having lived in Aus for the past few years, being back with family was even more special. It was also a great opportunity to get to know the bride’s lovely family too, as well as catch up with my brother’s oldest friends who I haven’t seen for many years.
The week before with my immediate family in Montepulciano staying at that beautiful villa was also a special time. We spent our days lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun and sampling the best of the local wine and food in the heart of Tuscan countryside. My sister, cousin and I have already agreed we want to return next year to explore more of the region and its historic towns nestled in the picturesque hills.
Before leaving we visited Pienza once again so my dad could see the spot where the Gladiator film was shot. We had a laugh as he performed the famous Maximus speech which he has learnt off-by-heart! We then hit the road and headed for Rome airport to catch our flight back to England.
Bellissimo! Ciao for now Tuscany, you will forever hold a special place in our hearts ❤
With the sun shining and speakers pumping tunes, it was another afternoon of fun and laughter as we all reminisced on the fairytale weekend we’d spent together.
It was the perfect opportunity to wear my Lack Of Colours rancher hat and tye-dye maxi beach dress with Birkenstocks and Ray Ban sunnies.
After a couple of hours down by the pool messing around on pizza floaties, we made our way back to the terrace where they served up real pizzas. Made in the authentic wood-fire pizza oven, these were without a doubt the best pizza slices I’d ever had. A light thin base with emphasis on the toppings was what made these so moorish and the perfect cure for those hangovers 😉
Meanwhile a storm was brewing in the distance making for a very moody sky across the valley, yet the rain never came; a terrific Tuscan stormy sunset.
Later that evening the guitar came out and we broke into a singalong. We were even treated to a live version of the song written for the newlyweds which had us all in tears yet again!
Being a very musical family, that night we were in our element singing our hearts out to each other. I sang ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac, although I was a fair few beers down at that point, so I’m not so sure this was my most tuneful rendition. Singing ‘Let it be’ by Lennon with my brother and dad was particularly special, before we had to bid farewell to the guests and close the book on a wedding weekend we will cherish forever.
I took a step back that night and breathed in the magic of that moment. We truly had shared the most joyful time together and the happiness of everyone present spoke for itself. The memories will always make me smile; ‘That’s Amore’.
As the wedding itself wasn’t until 5pm, we had the whole day to get ready and let the excitement build. Whilst my brother was off for a morning spa trip to calm his nerves, I went to visit the bridal suite to wish my future sister-in-law well and also get a sneak peak of the dress and veil.
The afternoon flew by as we had fun getting ready in our girls dorm. Thankfully our wonderful cousins came by to help with hairstyles and perfecting makeup. With my pearl crown headband to incorporate into my hair, I went with a loosely twisted low ponytail with strands of hair curled around the front to frame my face.
My dress was from Australia by a Melbourne brand Ache, matched with blush satin Senso shoes from my favourite shoe shop in Sydney Zomp. With such a textured dress I kept accessories simple; pearl asymmetric earrings, Michael Kors rose gold watch, a selection of my best antique gold rings, Cinco gold chain anklet and a simple leather khaki clutch. I was pleased to be wearing a breathable dress given the heat and felt like a princess in my pearl crown headpiece and silk ruffle detail dress.
As the welcome drinks were taking place at 4pm on the front lawn, I was ready by 3:30 to be on hand to check everything was setup and running to schedule. It was also the perfect opportunity to grab some pics with my girls in our gowns with the picturesque backdrop.
Having been an overcast day, thankfully by the afternoon the skies cleared and the sun shone through. As guests sipped on their lemonade and mingled on the lawn, the groom and his groomsmen made the finishing touches with their boutonnières. I helped my brother decide on his suit from Massimo Dutti in a deep forest green colour, contrasting to his groomsman in their silver suits.
Being siblings to the groom, my sister and I also had a corsage each to match the wedding flowers.
And so the time came to take our seats for the ceremony. Guests were handed little bags of olive leaf confetti on arrival and each seat had a wooden fan to stay cool in the humidity. With the floral archway set against that incredible Italian landscape as the sun created a golden shower of light, it truly was the perfect setting as the groom waited eagerly for his bride.
As I witnessed my brother marry his beautiful bride surrounded by all of our close family and so many great friends, I only wish I could’ve paused time at that moment. Many tears of joy were shed as they exchanged their vows and speeches were made about their love as they’ve grown up over the past 10 years together.
At the request of the bride and groom and in my own effort to be in the moment, no phones were allowed during the ceremony. These are a few snaps my mum managed to capture and of course there will be professional photos to follow, but I was happy to be present and soak up every minute of that special time.
The bride and groom then welcomed guests to join them on the terrace for champagne and canapés. With an Italian quartet playing as the sunset over the valley, everyone was on a high and congratulated the couple on their seamlessly executed ceremony.
Soon I was being called to have family photos on the lawn. With the sun now twinkling low in the sky, the entire landscape was dripping in golden light.
Every inch of the wedding was so photogenic and I was eager to make sure I captured photos with as many of my family as possible, not an easy task given the size of our family.
One of the most important shots to get was us three siblings with our new sister-in-law, and what a stunner she is!
The champagne reception continued for a few hours as the bride and groom had to run around getting photos with all of their guests. The canapés kept our hunger at bay as they served wonderful platters of Italian meats, exquisite cheeses and breads.
I couldn’t get enough of this breathtaking view as the sun set creating different hues of pinks and gold across the sky. Prosecco in hand and all of my family around me, this moment felt like we’d left planet earth and reached our own heaven.
Soon it was time to move onto the reception dinner set amongst the olive grove. With fairy lights twinkling overhead and lavish bouquet centrepieces to complete the tables, it looked like a magnificent movie set.
Each place setting came complete with a little bag of lavender and wooden heart with ‘That’s Amore 31.08.19’ carved on the front of it.
The table layout in a U shape worked wonderfully as the bride and groom could see every one of their guests from the head table.
I had the pleasure of being seated on the top table next to my sister with all of our family down the row in front of us.
In true Italian style, the dinner was compiled of four courses. To start, a deliciously thick, rich tomato gaspachio soup.
Secondi was zucchini and leek pesto pasta with ricotta cheese and crispy bacon.
Following tradition of having meat as a main course, we had beef done medium-rare with creamy dauphinoise potatoes and a mixed salad. Being served one by one, the waiters at Terre Di Nano did a fantastic job of getting around the 120 guests efficiently.
To accompany the food there was plenty of the estate’s own Terre Di Nano wine to go around. Being in the region renownd for Montepulciano wine, this was the perfect red to compliment the rich, meaty flavours of the dinner.
With the wine flowing and speeches made giving thanks to all of those involved in planning the day, it was time to cut the cake. Guests gathered around the end of the olive garden to watch as the newlyweds cut into the millefoglie – cake of one thousand layers made of pastry, cream and berries, yum!
A shot of Limoncello and the party continued in the barn next door where the bride and groom had their first dance to Jack Johnson Better Together. Then, just like the stars of their own film, their friend played his original song written especially for them…tissues at the ready again!
So we danced the night away until the early hours of the morning and it was all over in the blink of an eye. Every part of the wedding exceeded expectations and still gives me goosebumps just thinking about it all. From the emotional ceremony overlooking the sweeping hills of Tuscany, to the dreamy dinner beneath the stars, I couldn’t fault one minute of the day.
Most of all, the smiling faces of friends and family who celebrated with us was something money couldn’t buy and is a true testament to the big hearts these two have.
We had the entire back terrace at Idyllium to ourselves with a selection of bubbles, wines and beers served by our own barman who kept everyone’s drinks flowing. With its prime location and flawless service, it’s no wonder this cocktail bar is known as one of the best in the region.
I had such a wonderful time hanging out with my family and friends of my brother’s, some of which I hadn’t seen for years! Sipping our bubbles overlooking that Tuscan landscape with my awesome cousins by my side, I couldn’t have been happier at that moment.
Pre-wedding excitement was certainly on a high and I was extremely prouder of my big brother for bringing together so many loved ones here in Italy for the occasion.
As the night drew in, it was soon time for the groom to say goodbye to his fiancé the final time before their wedding the next day. Joining us for dinner just around the corner, it was a special meal together as a family of five before he became a married man.
And so is evident from the wavy photo above, I knocked back a fair few proseccos as the night continued and we enjoyed another delicious Italian meal involving plenty of bread and pasta. I wore my electric blue lace cap sleeve Lipsy dress for the occasion with stiletto nude heels. These proved quite the challenge when walking the cobbled streets of Pienza, however I had my sister and future sister-in-law by my side to give a helping hand!
What an evening it was and terrific welcome to what was to become the wedding of the century. Idyllium; A romantic interlude…let the wedding day commence ❤
Entering through the glass doorway laden with green plants and pots, we are greeted by welcoming staff who seated us to our table tucked away around by the artistic wall display of wine bottles. 
With an extensive menu showcasing the best of Tuscan flavours served with an elegant twist, I was torn by a number of dishes. For a starter I opted for the goats cheese tomato salad and for secondi the ‘spaghetti di zucchine su cream di piselli’.
After choosing a local red wine from 2010 to accompany our meal, we were treated to a tasty amuse bouche of fish pate alongside a gourmet basket of breadsticks, flatbreads and fresh breads. Served promptly after this, the salad starter I chose featuring plenty of goats cheese in different rinds was a taste sensation.
With a hum of fellow diners including locals and foreigners alike, wine continued to flow as our waiter insured glasses were topped up and Daria came over to have another chat between courses.
Soon our secondi was served and once again presentation made for a feast for the eyes as well as our bellies. Despite choosing an all vegetable based main, my zucchini spaghetti in a veloute of green peas was packed full of flavour. I also had a try of my cousin’s homemade gnocchi which too was delicious.
To finish my Dad and I shared the chocolate cake a la Daria served with custard and chocolate sauce, the perfect end to a perfect meal.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this wonderful restaurant to anyone visiting the region who is looking for authentic local cuisine served with a touch of elegance. Ristorante Daria certainly does epitomise the best of Tuscany – its energy, culture, food and friendly locals.
Our villa and grounds at Borgo Poggiardelli in the heart of Tuscany was exquisite with the infinity pool and water well completing such quintessential Italian surroundings. Wearing my new Lack Of Colours rancher hat I too was feeling very European.
My usual morning routine on holiday consists of an am workout, followed by a quick jump in the pool to cool off before sitting back to enjoy my morning coffee – given the heat I often opt to make it iced!
If I’m not reading a magazine or plugged into my current favourite podcast (Venetia Falconer Talking Tastebuds), I try to make the most of catching up and just hanging out with my family. And that is what I consider to be bliss; chilling with my loved ones, listening to music and having a laugh like old times.
Bliss; perfect happiness, great joy.
Following a long two hour car journey from Rome airport into the heart of Tuscany (those Italians are maniacs on the roads!), we arrived at our stunning villa at Borgo Poggiardelli for the week. Just out of Montepulciano nestled in the rolling hills of the Italian countryside, we were surrounded by spectacular scenery with an abundance of vineyards producing our favourite red wine of the region.
With so much fresh local produce in the supermarkets as well as stunning wine selling for a fraction of what we’d pay back home, we made some brilliant spreads of food ourselves. I get so inspired in foreign supermarkets trying out new ingredients and incorporating these into meals. From mozzarella, tomato, basil and balsamic salad to juicy sweet cantaloupe melon wrapped in salty parma ham, each day we put together a number of delicious dishes for lunch served out on our terrace under the scorching sun.
Cooking is always one of my favourite parts of holidaying with family as we have the time to spend in the kitchen so everyone does their bit to help out. This isn’t usually something my sister gets that excited about, but this holiday she really did enjoy getting involved with the cooking and I even helped her perfect a potato salad recipe which became her speciality on the trip!
As usual our time at Borgo Poggiardelli was far too short and we could’ve done with staying another week just relaxing by the pool by day and sipping on our Montepulciano wine by night. Given all the family we had to visit before the wedding, we never even got the time to visit the wineries and indulge in a tasting. It was however the perfect mini break in preparation for the wedding which won’t be quite so restful.
My sister, cousin and I have already agreed we will come back to this fabulous region of Italy to properly experience the historic towns and surrounding vineyards offering wine tastings and authentic local cuisine across the high hills of Tuscany.
Dani Aneka 