Domenica in the village

Sunday in the "village" atmosphere of Elizabeth Bay and Potts Point in Sydney.

Early afternoon we decided to go for a picnic to a lovely park about 100 metres from our home. A beautiful autumn day with a clear blue sky, sun and mild temperature of 21 degrees.

So off we went and set up our picnic gear at the Elizabeth Bay Park.

Beautiful view overlooking Sydney harbour from our picnic spot near home.

Alan relaxed enjoying the salumi, fromage e vino rosso (pinot noir from New Zealand)

Carolyna enjoying the wonderful setting of our park in Elizabeth Bay.

Australian native Strelitzia (bird of paradise) in the park.

Looks like lavender but did not smell like it. A fellow park goer said "it is Australian lavender".

Mmmmm not sure!!

Amazing Carp in the pond.

Mother and son. "Can I feed the fish my fingers Mum?"

Baci a tutti

Carolyna e Alan

Carolyna's birthday

Well back in Australia for a short time and what a birthday we had for Carolyna in April.

Lisa (food editor for Gourmet Traveller) and her Dad (Alan and apprentice) put together an Italian birthday banquet dinner at our home in Sydney with some special friends. What a lovely birthday Carolyna had!

Here are some pics of the evening.....

Primi di proscuitto e fig

The happy gathering, Andrea, Alan and Lisa (Alan's daughter)

Guests mingling before dinner for apperitivi and spritz!

Geoff, Denise and Carlos

Secondi - Panzotti with ricotta and spinach with a walnut dressing.

Denise Carlos and Andrea.

Dad and daughter Lisa.

Slow braised beef ribs in wine, rosemary and anchovies served with a wet polenta.

Moheb, birthday girl and Nada.

Will the birthday girl blow all the candles out?

A beautiful lemon curd, mascarpone and meringue roll with strawberries!!

Alan, Carolyna and Lisa

All of our friends at dinner

Baci a tutti

Carolyna e Alan