Christmas 2016

Christmas is a time of reflection, especially for my family this year.

In the midst of all the fun and feasting we will remember the ones we lost recently, through illness and old age.

My dearest brother in law Alan finally succumbed to the ravages of his illness after a long battle, courageously fought with every ounce of his strength and willpower, with the wonderful support of his family.

Through it all, he faced it as cheerfully as he could and never asked, "Why me?"

Father's Day 2016

This Sunday, September 4, is Father's Day in Australia.

Before you present Dad with his favourite after-shave, tie or barbecue apron and whisk him off to a celebratory meal, have you wondered about the origins of Father's Day?
Father's Day officially began in 1910 in Spokane, Washington, where 27-year-old Sonora Dodd proposed it as a way to honour the man who raised her when her mother died in childbirth.

June events

Winter has arrived in Melbourne, but don't hibernate at home!

Get out and about and enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer, both outdoors and in.

Indulge your palate and feed your soul.

Good food and wine show

The popular Good Food and Wine Show is on from June 3 to 5, 2016, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, aka Jeff's Shed.

Feast on a myriad food and wine samples and tastings and watch celebrity chefs perform at the Good Food Theatre.

Competition

Go bananas for Barnana

Over five million bananas are eaten every day in Australia, so it's no surprise that they are a top selling product in the fruit and vegetable section of supermarkets and greengrocers.

However, until now, there was the slight problem of what to do when bananas brown too quickly, get easily squashed in your shopping bag or can't be refrigerated to prolong their life.

Swimming Challenge photo exhibition

Another interesting exhibition is now on at Cafe Grumento in Port Melbourne.

Titled 1985:Swimming Challenge at Sydney Harbour, it is an exhibition of black and white photos taken by well known photographer Susan Windmiller.

These photos are from the Sydney Morning Herald Archives and showcase the one kilometre swim from the Opera House to Kirribilli in Sydney Harbour in1985, as part of the Australia Day celebrations.

Susan Windmiller is an experienced photographer of many years.

More exhibitions

Tribute

A painted tribute to Holocaust survivors

By Jeffrey Kelson

22 March to 10 April, 2016

Jewish Holocaust Centre

13-15 Selwyn St, Elsternwick

03 9528 1985

www.jhc.org.au

Artist Jeffrey Kelson says the exhibition of his paintings of 20 Holocaust survivors is an homage to the them, honouring each invidual as a reflection of that person's life force.

Happy Easter, everyone.

Here's recipe for a leisurely Easter lunch or dinner from Australian Pork.

Pesto crusted pork rack

5 or 6 cutlet pork loin rack roast, rind removed

1 cup basil pesto

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 cup fresh breadcrumbs

1 tbsp olive oil

To serve

crisp roast potatoes

rocket salad

fresh basil leaves to garnish

Pre-heat oven to 190 deg C.

Wrap the cutlet bones in foil to prevent burning.

Now that autumn is here in Melbourne and the weather is cooling down a bit, why not head indoors and check out some interesting exhibitions?

Whistler's Mother

25 March to 19June 2016

National Gallery of Victoria

NGV International

180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne

03 8260 2222

www.ngv.vic.gov.au

Mad March in Melbourne

March is all about festivals in Melbourne and what better way to start than with the 24th Melbourne food and wine festival?

Celebrate everything gourmet, gustatory and gorgeous at the festival, which is now on at various locations in Melbourne until Sunday, 13 March.

I well remember the first World's Longest Lunch, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1992 where 500 of us lucky diners were treated to delectable dishes created by the talented team from Peter Rowland Catering.

Chinese New Year of the Monkey starts on Monday, February 8, this year.

Traditionally, Chinese New Year is celebrated for 15 days, but since most of us have to go back to work, New Year's Eve is considered most important for families, who make an effort to turn up for the reunion dinner and herald in a year of health, good luck and prosperity.

Try these pork money bags, as a symbol of the money you hope will come rolling in this year and every year.

Recipe from Australian Pork.

Chinese pork money bags