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In a break from my coverage of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, a delicious diversion in the form of a Baltic springtime lunch to celebrate Father’s Day. Last weekend we were blessed with incredible blue skies and warm weather – Carlton was buzzing with families coming to treat their Dads to cake and coffee at Brunetti, and the Carlton Gardens were full of picknickers.

I pulled out all the stops in honor of  Father Ruby Assembly, who was treated to borscht (beetroot soup find the recipe here) and pelmeni (traditional Russian dumplings with dill) to remind him of his second home, Lithuania. I love the bright colors and tender texture of this meal, enhanced with springtime blossom from my little courtyard garden (and my Yiayia’s backyard).

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What’s a walk in the gardens without a little Frisbee? On another note, my Dad has a most excellent teeshirt.

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We enjoyed sweets from Sydney Road’s beautiful Hawat Pastry, which come presented on a gorgeously tessellated plate in colorful wrapping.

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My little courtyard comes to life again!

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Date and flower-blossom filled pastries, baklava, pistachio and orange blossom. Flowers for your mouth, too!