The Making of Bun Chien Kueh

A pancake, with either thick or thin dough, crunchy and usually garnished with peanuts and sugary stuff - an ideal opener for the palate at teatime or even for breakfast. The bun chien kueh, or wrapped fried cake, originated from southern China and has cousins of sorts from Japan to Indonesia. Shown here is the version most often available in the food courts and streets of towns in both Malaysia and Singapore.

The process starts with mixing, pouring and monitoring on a sufficiently hot plate.

The freshly made wrap (above) is gingerly taken from the cooker to be sprinkled with ingredients of your choice (below).

Peanut granules are spread carefully over actual white sugar on top of the inside of the pancake.

Next to ready, the bun chien kueh is then folded like an envelope (above) and then cut into slices (below).

Orthodox Icon

The Serbian Orthodox Church in Forrest in the Australian capital of Canberra is a gem of murals, religious history, national pride and cultural perspectives. It is located a short drive from Parliament Circle and the trendy dining district of Manuka.

Image above - Saint Constantine points to the heavenly sign that converted him to Christianity whilst he was Emperor.

An Early Start at North Wollongong

A side aspect of the surf club facilities building.

Stuart Park offers a rare mood as it awakens from night to day.

A view to the ocean and Wollongong Harbour's Lighthouses.

The Croquet Madame served as part of the autumn/winter menu at Diggies beach side cafe.

North Gong is in the midst of transition, from old to new. Apartments seen are along Cliff Road, whilst the past still stands as sentinel to changes on both ocean and land.

Morning tea offerings from Diggies.

The view towards Sydney and the north. The apparent hills in the background are part of the Illawarra escarpment.

(North Wollongong is ten minutes by car from my residence).

Le Tres Bon at Bungendore, NSW

Le Tres Bon is located in an unassuming manner along Malbon Street in the village of Bungendore in New South Wales. It has the double distinction of providing creative dishes for elegant dining as well as operating a cooking school which organises food and wine tours to Republic Le France. Christophe is the owner-chef, supported by two smiling and energetic waiters and kitchen staff. There is a dining area near the entrance, or if you prefer, a covered out deck location with views to the backyard - when on-site, I felt as if I was transported to the mother country herself. Image above - cream brulee based on Madagascar vanilla bean.

Confit la canard served as my mains choice. The duck was tender, well-marinated and light in offering different sensations to the palate. The pickled garnishing reminded me of Vietnamese offerings, though not quite the same. The dollops of orange slices was akin to icing on the cake, so to speak.

Le Tres Bon also specialises in truffle-inspired creations, so it can be good if you visit during the truffle harvest season.

Return To Canberra

The historic Canberra House, now part of the campus of the Australian National University (ANU) and sited beside the Crawford School of Economics.

Matthew Withers, who plays guitar as part of the duo Brew. Matthew performed at a cocktail function I attended on a wintry Friday evening - and uplifted the spirits of the crowd.

Roast chicken and duck hanging on display at a Saturday lunch in Dickson with Amy, Mark and Sean.

Image taken at the Tak Kee Roast Inn, Woolley Street.

Risotto marinara served as my mains at La Rustica along Kennedy Street in Kingston, near the Parliament House. The gravy was appetising, not overly done and infused with the richness of the seafood swirling in the mix. I am also reminded of the paella and noodles done Spanish style at Legends located in Manuka.

An eye-catching dessert chosen by Sean after dinner at La Rustica, Kingston.

Chancellor Gareth Evans presides over graduand ceremony at the ANU Ceremony on 16 July 2010.

The location was Llewellyn Hall in the School of Music.

My gelato dessert at La Rustica, Kingston. Fancy having such stuff when it was five degrees Celsius outside.

Orange and almond cake crumble at My Cafe, one of the most crowded places in Manuka, even as sunset drew near. Check out this cafe at Franklin Street.

A serving of a delicate chocolate piece at Manuka's My Cafe on 17 July 2010.

Flute entertainment from the ANU School of Music at Llewellyn Hall.