Father's Day 2019

Happy Father's Day to all fathers, stepfathers, adopted fathers, foster fathers, grandfathers, fathers-in-law and Dads who are no longer with us.

Enjoy your special day and be pampered by the ones you love, whether they take you out for a beer or two, breakfast, lunch, dinner or coffee.

Mother's Day 2019

"No language can express the power and beauty and heroism of a mother's love," said Edward Chapin, whose mother loved him dearly.

When I think of my Mum, memories of an idyllic childhood caress me like the cool sea breezes of the beach she brought me to when I was a child growing up in Singapore.

If Mum said we were going to Marine Parade that afternoon I would wolf down my lunch, complete my homework speedily and look for my spade and bucket.

Year of the Pig

There are many myths and legends about the year of the pig.

One of the myths said that the pig was the last to arrive when the Jade Emperor called all the animals for an important meeting.

Eleven animals arrived for the meeting and just as the Emperor was about to end the meeting, an oink and a squeal announced the arrival of the pig.

It seemed that the "lazy pig" had become hungry on the way and stopped for a feast, after which he promptly fell asleep and so was the last animal to arrive at the meeting.

Bastille Day 2018

Bastille Day is the common name given in English-speaking countries to the national day of France, which is celebrated on the July 14 every year.

In French, it is formally called la Fête nationale, The National Celebration.

The French National Day is the anniversary of Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, a turning point of the French Revolution, as well as the Fete de la Federation, which celebrated the unity of the French people on July 14, 1790.

Celebrations are held throughout France.

Pierrick Boyer Cafe Patisserie

It is only fitting that chef/owner Pierrick Boyer of Pierrick Boyer Cafe Patisserie in Prahran was trained in Versailles, home of queen Marie Antoinette of France, who was rumoured to have said, "Let them eat cake."

I had sampled Pierrick's exquisite cakes and pastries when he worked in Melbourne city and was delighted when he opened his new cafe just across the road from Prahran Market.