Despite its brand-new status, the year’s start is always built-in with familiar features: well-intended resolutions (marked “Fragile” for their easy-to-break status); an amazing glimpse of what your life is like when it’s not overrun by office hours – a phenomenon that’s quickly eclipsed by back-to-work grumbles; and, of course, the beginning of Sydney Festival.

I like that our appetites are programmed into the guide, with Fast Festival Feasts being something you can reliably look forward to. We went to try what was on offer at Bistro Moncur, but even though a vegetarian option was advertised both in the program and online, and the fact I even rang ahead to check, like the worrywart that I am (and was reassured that, yes, a vego alternative would be available), it wasn’t on offer at all when we got there.

So here’s what made me glad we stuck around: the day’s specials featured a Peach Raspberry Parfait, served with peppermint-poached peaches, shreds of young coconut and fresh berries. It was the kind of dessert that spells out summer – and the year’s start – in an unfamiliar, bracing way.

Bistro Moncur, 116 Queen Street, Woollahra NSW (02) 9363 2519, www.woollahrahotel.com.au