It's in these everyday rituals, transformed by thoughtful details and the warmth of connection, that the most beautiful narratives are told. It’s where laughter echoes, stories are shared, and memories are lovingly crafted.
This beautiful sentiment truly comes to life in our recent collaboration with the Pickled Poet, a cherished culinary space nestled in the vibrant Thirroul community on the NSW South Coast.
understanding that both play an important part in shared gatherings and genuine connection around the table.
This collaboration is born from a belief: that beauty and connection thrive in the everyday, particularly when we gather around a table covered with good food and surrounded by the warmth of loved ones. Just as carefully chosen pieces in our homes create the backdrop for life's unfolding moments, so too does beautifully styled dinnerware elevate the simple act of sharing a meal with friends and family into something truly special.
For the Pickled Poet, the "why" extends far beyond the art of serving delicious food. For founders Jordan and Steph, it's about cultivating a welcoming space, a cornerstone of the community where stories naturally unfold, and where every dish is infused with a genuine love for flavour and connection. Think back to the comforting aroma of Nanna's famous Bread & Butter Pudding, a dish that instantly evokes a rush of nostalgia and a profound sense of home.
Our spaces, both culinary and retail, possess this same evocative power – to transport us back to cherished moments and to provide the nurturing setting for new traditions to begin.
Pictured the Burling Spread Knife.
The artful presentation of a plate of food, much like a thoughtfully styled room, whispers a story even before the very first bite. This collaboration explores how all our senses intertwine to create emotion, especially around the table.
The visual appeal of the Pickled Poet's culinary creations, presented alongside the tactile beauty of Few & Far's dinnerware and serving utensils, heightens the joy of sharing a meal, transforming it into a multi-sensory experience that nourishes both body and soul.
The Pickled Poet isn't just a restaurant; it's a carefully curated stage where the stories of local produce, homemade creations, and the warmth of human connection come to life. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in an atmosphere that encourages lingering, conversation, and the simple pleasure of shared moments. It's a space built on the foundation of community, a place where regulars become family, and every visitor is welcomed with genuine warmth.
The inspiration behind the Pickled Poet stems from a desire to create a space where people can escape the everyday and reconnect over exceptional food and locally sourced wines. It’s a testament to the belief that the best meals are those prepared with love, whether a time-honoured family recipe or a new creation born from a passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients. The "why" for Jordan and Steph is deeply intertwined with the essence of Thirroul, offering a space that reflects the town's unique charm and nurtures a sense of belonging.
Pictured the Mizu Round Platter and the Kintsu Large Salad Bowl.
The synergy between Few & Far and the Pickled Poet lies in a shared appreciation for the beauty found in considered details. Just as we meticulously curate our collection of homewares, seeking out pieces with character and story, Jordan and Steph approach their menu and the ambiance of their restaurant with the same level of care and intention. There's an understanding that the visual presentation – whether it's a beautifully arranged shelf or an artfully plated dish – profoundly impacts the overall experience.
The philosophy of "you eat with your eyes" is a cornerstone of the Pickled Poet's approach. Each plate is a canvas, a thoughtful composition of colours, textures, and forms designed to entice and delight even before the first taste. This mirrors our belief that the objects we surround ourselves with in our homes contribute significantly to our emotional landscape, creating a sense of comfort, inspiration, and personal expression. Beautiful dinnerware, much like a striking piece of art or a carefully chosen cushion, enhances everyday rituals and elevates special occasions.
Pictured (right) Mizu Round Platter. Pictured below Mizu Round Platter and Spindle Cheese Knife (left), Suiki Large Serving Bowl Suiki XL Serving Bowl and Form Salad Servers (centre), Kintsu Round Platter and Etcher Spread Knife & Cheese Knife (right).
Think of the countless stories that have unfolded around dining tables throughout history. From family celebrations to quiet, intimate conversations, these spaces hold a unique power to connect us and anchor our memories. The aroma of a beloved family recipe, the clinking of glasses, the shared laughter – these sensory details become intertwined with the setting, creating a rich tapestry of moments that we carry with us.
The plates we choose, the cutlery we hold, the shared serving dishes – these tangible elements contribute to the overall experience, subtly shaping the narrative of our gatherings.
The menu at the Pickled Poet is a testament to the abundance and quality of local produce, transformed into dishes that are both comforting and inspiring. Their acclaimed Cheese Board is a perfect example, a carefully curated selection of regional cheeses accompanied by Jordan's signature homemade lavosh crackers, a labour of love that has become a beloved staple. The crisp, delicate crackers provide the perfect textural contrast to the creamy cheeses, each element thoughtfully chosen to complement the others.
Their Winter Salad is another culinary story, a vibrant medley of seasonal ingredients that showcases the freshness and flavour of the region. Each component, from the crisp greens to the bright vegetables and the tangy vinaigrette, is carefully considered to create a dish that is both nourishing and visually appealing, a celebration of the seasons.
To truly understand the spirit of the Pickled Poet, we spoke with co-founder Steph, whose passion for community and creating a welcoming space shines through in every word with her beautiful accent. Her insights offer a glimpse into the "why" behind this beloved Thirroul establishment and its connection with everyone who visits.
What inspired you to create The Pickled Poet?
"We always wanted to have a place where people could go to have a nice gathering together and eat nice good food, if it's homemade or made with love, and to be a place for the community. To get together to have a nice glass of wine that's locally sourced."
When did you open?
"We opened just before the second lockdown. We attempted to open as a restaurant and had to close. We started doing hampers, and then it was basically how it all started with The Pickled Poet. We opened as retail, and people could take home homemade vinaigrettes, homemade fig jam to accompany the grazing boards, and that's how it all came together."
Any favourites amongst people?
"Favourites – homemade lavosh which goes beautifully with our grazing board. We like to use all of the products; for example, if we have chillies, we will use the chillies for the salt in spicy margaritas, we make chilli syrups for cocktails, chilli jam – all made here-in house."
"Fig jam – all made on-site."
"The Labneh – people love it!"
Steph also highlighted Jordan's unwavering passion: "Jordan is very passionate about the things he does, so it has to be a certain way. The lavosh crackers are a lot of work but are really rewarding."
What do you love most about being a part of the Thirroul community?
"We have lots of regulars, to be a part of their daily life and see them come in. Thirroul is very special; everyone is very welcoming, very nice, very supportive. It’s very rewarding to open the doors and know what you're doing it for."
What feeling do you hope people experience, or what do you try to create?
"Just a nice welcoming space where people have a good time and make wonderful memories and be themselves."
How do you see the role of beautiful dinnerware and styling enhancing the dining experience for people?
"You eat with your eyes! It is very important to have nice plates and dishes to go with the food."
Can you share a tip with us?
"To style a cheese board, it has to be evenly balanced and go very well together; for example, if you have a nice cheese, the fig jam will complement that alongside the decoration from the dried fruit."
Have you been to Few & Far Thirroul?
"Absolutely, I love it! Whenever I go in there, I can't hold myself back. The products, the plates, the decorations are just stunning and wonderful."
This collaboration between Few & Far and The Pickled Poet is an invitation to gather around and continue to create your story.
It’s about the beauty we create in our homes and the joy we find in sharing food with those we love. It’s a celebration of the senses, where visual appeal enhances the flavour, and the setting becomes a part of the memory.
Visit The Pickled Poet in Thirroul from Wednesday to Saturday, enjoy live music on weekends, and experience their Wednesday pasta nights and beautiful Grazing Boards. And while you're there, pop into Few & Far Thirroul, just across the road, to discover the beautiful dinnerware and homewares that can help you craft your own memorable moments around the table.
Let's gather, eat, and create stories together, one beautifully styled moment at a time.
Pictured the Kintsu Oval Platter. Pictured below the Mizu Round Platter (left), the Suiki XL Serving Bowl and Form Salad Servers (centre), Kintsu Round Platter (right).
The art of creating memorable gatherings lies in the thoughtful details, and the dinnerware we choose plays a pivotal role in shaping the experience. Just as The Pickled Poet meticulously curates their menu, we at Few & Far offer a collection of pieces designed to elevate your table and enhance the beauty of shared meals.
Present a vibrant salad in the organically shaped Mizu Round Platter or its generous counterpart, the Mizu Large Salad Bowl, their subtle textures and earthy tones providing a natural canvas for culinary creations. For larger gatherings, the striking Suiki XL Serving Bowl, with its natural presence, becomes a centrepiece that subtly draws attention. The Kintsu Large Salad Bowl and the Kintsu Oval Platter offer a touch of modern refinement, their subtle imperfections adding a unique charm.
When it comes to serving, the right utensils make all the difference. Our extensive selection includes versatile spread and cheese knives, such as the sleek Etcher Spread Knife and Etcher Cheese Knife, the subtly textured Burling Spread Knife and Burling Cheese Knife, the refined simplicity of the Spindle Spread Knife and Spindle Cheese Knife, and the artistic flair of the Sculpt Cheese Knife and Sculpt Spread Knife. We also offer the distinctively crafted Fettle Spread Knife and Fettle Cheese Knife, each designed to offer both functionality and sophisticated style.
Complementing these, our Salad Servers are designed for effortless serving with a touch of understated elegance, and are available in a number of finishes and styles. Discover the fluid lines of our Form Salad Servers, the fun appeal of the Spindle Salad Servers, and the unique presence of the Fettle Salad Servers, each promising to enhance your serving experience.
Some of these featured pieces, now gracing the tables at The Pickled Poet, embody the perfect balance of practicality and aesthetic appeal, enhancing the visual story of every meal and creating a beautiful backdrop for those precious moments shared.
Our new collection of Cheese Knives and Salad Servers are crafted to be more than just dinnerware utensils; each piece adds to the beauty and connection of your shared moments around the table.
Thank you so much to Jordan & Steph, from Pickled Poet, for inviting us into their beautiful restaurant and making us feel so welcome.
Photos captured by Skye Elise.
