Take a wok on the wild side with me

Welcome to A Wok on the Wild Side.

Please join me in my adventures in the culinary world and all things gastronomic.

Food, travel, books, music and the arts are all close to my heart, not to mention my tastebuds!

I've enjoyed tasting and testing recipes since I was a child in primary school who insisted on helping Mum stir her cake batters and test her bread and butter puddings for afternoon tea.

NGV winter masterpieces. Cartier exhibition

If you haven’t seen the stunning blockbuster exhibition, Cartier, at the National Gallery of Victoria, don’t wait a moment longer.

The exhibition will close on October 4 and has dazzled more than 200,000 visitors since it opened in Melbourne.

My jewellery aficionado friend Tina, who loves all things bright and beautiful, and I were highly impressed by the magnificent display when we visited the NGV recently.

Book review. The Northern Tomb

Book review

The Northern Tomb

Isabelle Li

Published by Puncher and Wattman

RRP A$32.95

The Northern Tomb is a novel in four parts, set in the time of the Covid lockdown in Shenyang, China.

Sister Fu is considering retirement from her cleaning job to work as a carer for elderly Mr Zhao, whom she met at the hospital.

When she settles in her employer’s house, she revels in a life that is very different from her own, although she is still haunted by a traumatic childhood and worries about her son.

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2026

The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is on again from Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 March 2026 at the historic Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens.

Don’t wait, get your tickets now as the show blooms with this year’s vibrant theme, Kaleidoscope.

Experience the beauty of magnificent show gardens, spectacular floral artistry, lifestyle design, garden inspirations and much, much more.

Exhibition - NGV Vivienne Westwood/Rei Kawakubo

NGV exhibition

Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo

My fashionista friend Tina and I were thrilled and awestruck by the magnificent exhibition currently on at the National Gallery of Victoria, one of my favourite places to visit in Melbourne.

Westwood/Kawakubo celebrates two icons of fashion, Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo at the NGV’s world-premiere summer blockbuster exhibition.

British designer Vivienne Westwood (1941 – 2022) and Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo (born 1942) of Comme des Garçons.

Chinese New Year of the Fire Horse 2026

Happy Chinese New Year!

This year the Chinese new year of the horse starts from February 17 and lasts for 15 days. So goodbye to the snake while it slithers away and makes way for the fire horse to herald the new year.

Horse is the 7th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, coming after the Snake and before the Goat. Recent years of the Horse include 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, and 1942.

Christmas 2025

This Christmas my wish is for peace on earth and not the earth in pieces.

Christmas is not just a day on the calendar, it’s a feeling that lights the heart long after the season ends.

The true spirit of Christmas is found in the kindness we give and the love we share.

Every twinkling light is a reminder that even the smallest spark can brighten the darkest night.

And remember, the best gifts are not wrapped in paper, but in joyful moments, laughter, and love.

NGV kimono exhibition

If you haven’t seen the Kimono exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria, go now as the exhibition ends on October 5.

My friend and kimono aficionado Tina San and I visited last week and we were enthralled by the artistry and elegance of the exquisite Japanese garments.

The collection includes more than 30 never-before-seen acquisitions.

Bastille Day 2025

Vive la France and Happy Bastille Day!

What better way to celebrate than with this recipe, inspired by Rick Stein, one of my favourite chefs?

Moules marinière with cream, garlic and parsley

Serves four

1.75kg mussels

1 large clove garlic, finely chopped

2 shallots, finely chopped

15g butter

bouquet garni of parsley, thyme and bay leaves

100m dry white wine, sherry or cider

120ml cream

½ tsp chilli flakes, optional

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2025

26 to 30 March 2025 at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens.

The long-awaited Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is back for 2025, bigger and more magnificent than ever.

This well-loved event is a vibrant celebration of creativity, nature and endless blooming possibilities.

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