Gong Hei Fat Choi

Welcome to the year of the Tiger, may this year bring you lots of love, health, wealth & happiness!!!

Trent & I spent another quiet chinese new year in London and I attempted to make another batch of pineapple tarts this time using the recipe from a Sydney food blog - A Table for Two. Trent is a regular follower and his food photography and blog is so inspirational that I had to give the recipe a go. It was fantastic, soft crumbly pastry and fragrant gooey centre, MmmMMmm...even my work colleagues gave me a wrap! If you want to give a go...feel free to check out his blog: http://www.atablefortwo.com.au/2010/02/01/pineapple-tarts-for-chinese-new-year/

I wonder when I will be able to take photos like his?? I will have to keep dreaming.....

Saint Vincent Festival 2010 - Bourgogne (Burgundy)

The Saint Vincent festival is to celebrate the patron saint of wine making. It is a annual tradition that one village in Burgundy hosts each year with a theme associated with it. This year, it was in Chassagne-Montrachet and the theme being the "aromas of wine". Braving the freezing weather and snow, we warmed our hearts and mind and celebrated with the many many drunk French people dancing to either old French folk or to our surprise, Grease lightning! Good friends, escargots, rillete, and washing it down with the wine of the region. What more do you want.

French Road Trip Part 4 - St Paul, Eze & Monte Carlo

Homestretch and we were finishing up on the French Riviera. As we continued the drive to the riviera, we were dumbfounded by the fact that we were still encountering snow. Snow at St Tropez? Cannot be so right? No, it did clear up and relished the sunshine that we have not seen in a long time even in London. The highlight of this leg was Eze. There were no tourists, just us walking through the maze of little paths of the medieval town perched on top of a hill. I just love the colour and textures the walls of the town. It was here where you have one of those moments when everything comes together and you reflect on where you are at and have that slight sense of disbelief that you are actually where you are. Sunshine on your face, aromatic French tea, family, serenity, and a view that no photos can ever do justice.

French Road Trip Part 4 - Orange & Provence

There were many highlights during our trip, and Arles in the south western Provence was our accommodation highlight. It was truly by good fortune as our planned accommodation at Capelongue called in the morning to advise they had to cancel our reservation as the roads were closed due to the snow. Having only called at 6:30pm we were lucky enough to get rooms plus 2 upgrades at Hotel Particulier. Built in 1852 for the mayor of the town, it had the history, warmth, and staff to provide a memorable stay.