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?"

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.

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.

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.

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.