holiday postings, happy new year, and all that

so i'm a little behind in my holiday postings, got carried away with the festivities and being merry. now the new year is here and i'm still attempting to share the last of my 2011. christmas day was wonderful, spent with family and friends. eating torkey and watching holiday movies (thanks for the special color edition of holiday inn mum!).

What was so beautiful about this christmas was that it was not as hot as the last two (40 and 45 respectively) so we were able to enjoy all the wonderful food and drink without the heat killing us and our appetites. so yes i did eat a little too much and maybe drank a little too much, but it was all worth it. hope that you had a wonderful time?

sunday lunch

On sunday we took a trip down to Mandurah to have lunch with a family friend. Ivan is the Executive Chef at M on the Point, the outpost for the Subiaco Hotel in Mandurah. We were so lucky to be treated to one of Ivan's lunches, it was incredible.

We started with sardines on toast, and chatter. Followed by a truly decadent crab mousse with lobster bisque for the entree.

We then had duck a l' orange with creamy  dauphinoise   potatoes and a gorgeous fresh rocket salad. 

What was so nice, was that we sat around for hours chatting about Ivan's amazing european adventures and food  that we love. There was no reason to hurry. I think that we spend so much  time being 'busy' and 'hurried' that we forget to enjoy the simple pleasures  of life, like food and good friends.

Then before we could even think about what we wanted next, Ivan brought out dessert, the most decadent lemon posset with a crisp shortbread and strawberries on the side. Finished off with coffee it was the most perfect end to a beautiful lunch. 

It was a lovely afternoon and a perfect way to spend a Sunday.  Thank you Ivan for your hospitality and all the time and effort that you put into creating such a gastronomic delight. Cant wait for the next time!