Backwaters of Penang

On the second day of Chinese New Year, in the last few years, my family heads to Gertak Sanggul, which is located on the southeastern tip of Penang island. It is the home of Ah Huat, my cousin who is also my god-brother. He makes it a point to return from Kelantan with his family to celebrate CNY with the entire clan.

Before dinner, I will always make a trip down to the beach and walk along the weather-beaten jetty to enjoy the glorious sunsets.

Fishing boats along Gertak Sanggul, which was one of the areas devastated by the Christmas tsunami of 2004

Cal Mex @ Aunty Jo Jo's

My sister lives in California, and while it means I often miss Julie's company, it's a bummer because I miss her food too! She inherited all the Peranakan genes and is a superb cook. Which is why I'm so thrilled that she's back for a visit this Chinese New Year.

I wanted to make sure that my Singapore "family" also got a chance to savour Julie's cooking so the Chang family was invited to dinner tonight. To give the boys a taste of something different, Julie prepared a Cal-Mex meal of tacos and fajitas, with ingredients specially flown in from California. Judging by the way Justin licked the entire bowl of cheese sauce clean, I'd say dinner was a hit!

Jimmy, Jaclyn, Justin and Jared being treated to a home-cooked meal for the first time at Aunty Jo Jo's!