IT’S a deep love of authentic Italian cuisine that lies behind Borgata, a quality addition to Lara’s growing restaurant scene.
Within the expanded Lara Shopping Centre, Borgata, which translates as “Suburban”, will reflect owner Piero’s 44 years’ experience as a chef and proprietor in the Australian restaurant industry.
“The vision I have for Borgata is a simple one,” Piero explains.
“I want to provide customers with taste, service, presentation and ambience that will make them feel like they have stumbled upon a little slice of Italy, right there in regional Victoria.
“Working beside many talented European chefs, I have developed the culinary skills to prepare an exceptional meal and a keen eye for the flavours that patrons enjoy the most.
“Food quality is assured with my use of freshly cooked meats, seasonal fruit and vegetables, homemade pastas, freshly made pizza dough, home-grown herbs and authentic imported condiments.
“It is this quality and authenticity that will set Borgata apart from all other local restaurants.
“I want to pour my love of food into the dishes I prepare, to provide customers with an exemplary dining experience of a calibre not currently available in the area.”
To complement the menu Piero envisages an atmosphere of relaxed elegance and authentic Italian culture.
“I want diners to see that quality extends to all facets of the business, while still feeling comfortable bringing their children for a nice family lunch or dinner.”
Lara’s continual expansion provides the support for a restaurant so unique to the area that patrons don’t always need to venture to Geelong or Melbourne to experience a quality meal.
Look out for Borgata being established soon in the Coles complex in Lara Village.

THE beauty of premium plantation teak outdoor furniture is more than just its looks – its longevity is also a key part of the attraction.
Teak Living’s Craig Robotham is an unabashed fan of the hard-wearing beautiful wood, establishing his business in Grovedale two years ago and recently moving to a new South Geelong showroom.
Ask Craig about the benefits of teak and he becomes a wealth of knowledge.
“Teak is the premium wood for outdoor furniture because it is so dense water does not penetrate, so it doesn’t rot or splinter if left outside in the elements,” Craig says.
“Instead it turns a silver grey colour as it weathers and does not need any maintenance.
“However if you prefer to maintain the original wood colour you can oil it with an outside furniture oil.”
It’s that long-lasting beauty that allows homeowners to create a beautiful backyard, patio or pool deck space with quality furniture that enhances their lifestyle.
Teak Living has a range of traditional teak wood pieces as well as more contemporary looks, mixing teak and stainless steel.
There are also pieces made from reclaimed teak which has been re-milled and turned into a beautiful rustic look.
Teak Living has partnered with the most respected teak manufacturers in Indonesia, with all product Forest Stewardship Council certified, plantation grown and ecologically harvested.
“We are extremely proud of the relationships we are building with individual customers, designers, architects, landscapers and commercial institutions throughout the country.”
Teak Living is at 112 Fyans Street South Geelong, phone 5221 4081.

Body Conquest is a leading personal training service led by Ingrid Barclay, with 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. She has displayed high performance skills in the areas of strength conditioning, dietary development and performance development.
As a seasoned competitor, coach and judge, Ingrid provides a wealth of knowledge to clients, encouraging them to live healthier, more active lifestyles.
Ingrid recommends three movements as pinnacle exercises to increase core strength – the deadlift, squat and bench press.
Each are multi-joint exercises that, in Ingrid’s opinion, should form the basis of any resistance based program as they deliver “the most bang for your buck”.
“Having strong back and abdominal muscles have benefits that really enhance day to day life and functionality. When the core muscles of the body are stronger, so is the whole body,” Ingrid says.
“Everything you do is enhanced and the prospects for aging gracefully increase dramatically if you have and maintain a strong core.
Ingrid recommends performing the deadlift, bench press and squat (performed by Ingrid, Renata and Jai respectively in the accompanying images) at the start of each workout for maximum benefits.
Phone 0424 180 093 or visit bodyconquest.com.au for more information.

Deadlift
(03 and 04)
The deadlift is a great exercise to help develop the lower body, back and overall strength, with emphasis on the lower back, hamstrings and glutes. But nearly all muscles are involved.
Firstly, pull the weight up from the floor and stand with both legs straight and shoulders pulled back. It is important to stand in a neutral position to keep pressure off the spine and lower back muscles.
Once clasping the bar with a reverse grip – one hand over, one hand under – drive the weight up from your heels through the legs until standing straight.
When lowering the bar back to the ground, ensure thighs are kept parallel to the ground with your knees directly over your feet. The buttocks should be kept low to the ground during the downward motion part of this step.

Squat
(05 and 06)
Take a deep breath, step under the bar and remove it from the rack. Position both feet about a shoulder width, or slightly farther, apart.
Take another deep breath, contract your abs and descend as though sitting back on a chair behind you, rather than moving in a direct downward motion. Keep your knees in line with your feet. It is crucial you do not let your knees bow in at any stage during the lift. Alter the width if need be.
Most people can and should descend until their thighs are parallel to the ground. Drive from the heel back to the starting position.

Bench Press
(01 and 02)
Lie on the flat bench with your eyes under the bar. Lift your chest and squeeze your shoulder-blades, keeping feet flat on the floor. Grab the bar. Place your pinky finger on the ring marks of the bar and hold the bar in the base of your palm with a full grip and straight wrists.
Take a deep breath and remove the bar from the rack by straightening your arms. Move the bar over your shoulders, locking your elbows. Lower the bar to your mid-chest while tucking your elbows at a 75° angle. Keep your forearms vertical and hold your breath at the bottom.
Press the bar from the mid-chest to above the shoulders. Keep your buttocks on the bench and lock your elbows at the top. Breathe.
The bench press works muscles in the chest, shoulders and triceps, increasing overall upper body strength.

The creativity of Clarinda’s Cupcakes is limited only by the imagination.
Clarinda creates a range of 3D cakes, cupcakes, cake pops and cookies for every occasion.
She offers a personal touch, speaking with customers to suggest customised decorative designs.
“A lot of wedding cakes elsewhere are mass-produced and lack finesse. No two cakes of mine are the same,“ she says.
Clarinda’s specialty is a vanilla pudding cake, while her mud and white chocolate and raspberry cakes are popular.
Christmas cupcakes are on special in December.
Phone 0421 336 495 or email clarindascupcakes@gmail.com for more information.

Nothing enhances an outdoor environment quite like the fantastic range of glass balustrades and pool fences from Modglass.
Modglass has an extensive range of glass and aluminium pool fencing that adds value to homes.
Glass pool fences are particularly appealing because they don’t impact the visual beauty of the water with unsightly steel bars or mesh.
They’re available in a large range of powder-coat colours and all come with frameless self-closing gates, meeting Australian safety standards.
Glass balustrades appeal for their uninterrupted views while still being a safe way of fencing either at ground level or on a balcony or deck.
Modglass is at 2 Capital Drive, Grovedale, phone 5222 2252.

Seaview Gallery has put together a kaleidoscope of colour and diversity for a stunning summer show.
The Queenscliff gallery also has fantastic gift ideas and inspiration for Christmas, including hand-blown glass, bronzes, ceramics and jewellery in a range to suit all tastes and budgets.
January features Seaview’s annual Emma Hack Exhibition, once again featuring a one-off piece by Emma as well as her stunningly beautiful new works, ‘Bloom’.
Guests can meet Emma at the exhibition opening, 2pm Saturday 16 January.
Seaview Gallery is 86 Hesse Street, phone 5258 3645.

THE Ebony Forest offers traditional and contemporary home decor.
Opened just 12 months ago, the Newcomb-based business caters for a variety of tastes across all age groups.
Owner Andrea Coltish’s range includes artwork prints, ceiling lighting, cushions, vases, ornaments and indoor sculptures.
With an indoor cafe area, customers can take a seat and relax with a coffee after browsing the store.
The Ebony Forest opens 9am to 5pm weekdays and 9.30am to 2pm Saturdays, with extended hours before Christmas.
The Ebony Forest is at 48 Watsons Road, Newcomb, phone 5248 7661 or visit its Facebook page for more information.

GAIL Blair’s Touch of Eden salon was the first to use LED light therapy in the Geelong region, primarily to treat acne and rosacea and for skin rejuvenation.
Touch of Eden also offers electrolysis, tattoo removal, fat cavitation, non-surgical facelifting, IPL hair removal and more.
“I’ve been lucky to have had so much experience in the beauty industry over the past 20 years,” Gail says.
Touch of Eden also offers O Cosmedics and emerginC organic packs, foot treatments and other products ideal for gift ideas. Inika mineral special-offer make-up packs cost just $49, while Christmas nail polish packs and more are also available.
Touch of Eden is at 1 Fairview Avenue, Newtown, email geblair@bigpond.com or phone 5222 8282.

SCHOTS Home Emporium’s vault concrete bench is an attractive and versatile bench created from lightweight concrete and steel.
The industrial-style bench is sure to add charm and elegance to any personal space as a statement piece.
The lightweight concrete is made from combining cement and natural jute-type fibre.
With steel bar reinforcing, the bench and its range-mates come pre-sealed with a water-resistant acrylic sealer.
Schots Home Emporium is at 299 Melbourne Road, North Geelong, and 400 Hoddle Street, Clifton Hill, phone 1300 693 693 or visit schots.com.au