Well it finally happened! Home at last and on Sunday we had our first food event in the other Sorrento, the one on Mornington Peninsula.

Actually is was at a splendid cliff top homestead, Nyland, one of the first ever built in Portsea, the home of a friend of mine ( see photo) Accompanied by friends and family, 'yours truly' worked hard in the old country kitchen. First challenge was not to trip up on a Jack Russell, Labrador or Cocker Spaniel. Next was how to choose a dining room, as there are several of these.

There was a debate about which one we should dine in. We eventually chose the one with the largest view, afternoon sun streaming in, and a backdrop of the sea with ferries, barges and sailing boats on the horizon.

The setting perfect, lunch had better be good!

This time the antipasti were crostini of olive tapenade, grated pecorino and olive oil, toasted in the oven. They vanished quickly with a glass of vino bianco on board.

We adjourned to the dining room for the main fare. Risotto with mushrooms was a huge success. Rice al dente and the creamy texture of this dish always seems to please.

A breather with some beautiful Moët brought along by one of our guests. The secret is to eat slowly, talk lots, drink some wine and just savour the whole experience.

This is the culture of our future food events, called Cuisine Adagio, slow cuisine. They will commence very soon so stay posted for more information.

With progress to the main course - spiced leg of lamb, fast oven cooked, was accompanied by spinach & ricotta pie and a delicious cauliflower salad. Yum yum! Pinot Noir complimented this course and the lingering afternoon sun was comforting on a cold Winter's day.

You think it's over?

Well no! You have to make room for sweets. Everyone tried the pear and chocolate crumble, served with pears stewed in maple syrup.

Some even came back for seconds. Espresso caffe a perfect finish to the meal.

A siesta followed by a brisk beach walk made me feel the Italy of previous weeks. The old bathing boxes reminded me of that day in Sorrento in South Italy.

What a perfect Sunday dear reader.

This is a the style of our coming food events - 3 hours of gastronomic fun. It can be either lunch or dinner.

Wait for the next posting.

Meanwhile Buon Appetito !