Sunday dinner before our trip to Portugal - a little farewell feast for the kids and a chance to slow down together before we jet off.

Grilled a whole seabass stuffed with lemongrass, garlic, lemon and just a cheeky bit of habanero for heat. Smoky, citrusy, and slightly spicy, the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with all the right aromas. Ashton got his request in early, so crispy fried calamari it was. Lightly coated, golden and crunchy, with that addictive savoury crumble - always a hit.

Also made a generous pan of butter garlic prawns. Juicy, garlicky, and finger-licking good. Served everything with sweet white asparagus, charred broccolini, and my wife’s soft milk bread rolls, freshly baked - warm, fluffy and perfect for mopping up all the sauces.

No fancy courses this time, just a full table, happy tummies and the kind of comfort food we always come back to. This is how we say “see you later” in our house with food and family, gathered around.