Yesterday being Mother's Day, Ann and I made the long journey to Manly for a family lunch. The ferry to Manly from the Quay cut through fairly gloomy waters, though it is difficult to ever diminish the joy of being on Port Jackson. It may rain and it may blow but the harbour overwhelms the elements.

I had booked a large Italian restaurant, Criniti's, which seemed to have the capacity to seat a football crowd and then some. Buzzing with waiters and ancillary staff, and apparently fielding 15 chefs in the kitchen, Criniti's is the kind of place you don't go for a quiet date. It was booming and it was bustling. At every point in the vast space there appeared to be another food kiosk - here gelato, there coffee.

The pizza was great. The pasta - meh! Most importantly though, the day was marked with two lovely mums having a good time as guests of honour.