blogger
Meet a #Canberra Foodie – Michele Walton (@MicheleWalton3)
I recently met Michele Walton on the local Canberra Foodie circuit. She’s a food professional and unlike me has a great expertise in healthy eating habits. Yet she still manages to sample and enjoy a huge range of food both in Canberra and during her (yes I’m a bit jealous) amazing overseas adventures. A short browse through her food blog Fine Eating makes me wonder how she finds the time and how she maintains such a healthy figure. Well, she explained to me over a lunch we shared at Flavours of India in Woden – “Strategic ordering”, which is basically just ordering what you need and sharing most of your food. It made a lot of sense. I’m now closely studying their on-line menu for my next visit.
So Michele, who are you? A Canberra loving foodie dietitian, with a keen appreciation of Canberra’s fine food opportunities, coming back home, after spending half my life working in a small rural town in southwest NSW. ‘Deni’ is a great community for raising kids, famously known for it’s ute muster and but not so much it’s many dining opportunities.
But enjoying life in Canberra, I’ve quickly worked out that it’s hard to eat out often without gaining weight, if I continue to approach the menu thinking restaurant opportunities for ‘fine’ dining are few and far between. And having spent my working life helping people enjoy the food they love but stay healthy, it just seems natural to start looking for ideas that work, writing about them and sharing them.
Age? 50 (which is kind of like being being in your twenties again, but with more money, more sense and more taste).
Where do you live? In Campbell, where I grew up. I love inner Canberra. It feels so like home to me. And it’s so great to see all the new eateries popping up so close to home.
How long have you been blogging? My friend Kaye (transformingkidsministry.com) got me into blogging down the coast last new year and I love it. I started with michelesindia.wordpress.com and branched into lovetravelwithfriends.wordpress.com, but it’s fineeating.wordpress.com that has my heart at the moment. It really got going in April this year. So I’m a real newbie on a steep learning curve.
Other hobbies? Foodie travel in Asia. Especially India. I’m about to go back. It’s my absolute favourite. But I enjoy it even more when I’m taking friends with me. Ten trusting friends came with us last year to Rajasthan, a special 50th birthday trip that was such great fun. And this year there’s eight of us heading to Cambodia and Laos.
Apple or Android? Apple everything
Car/bus/bike? Car, an orange Cruise hatch. (It was all that was in stock, but I’m a bit hooked on the colour now).
Favourite TV show? ‘At the Movies’ at the moment (I did love ‘Rick Stein’s India’ when it was on though… Here’s a sample!
Favourite devices? i anything. They are amazing! The Apple Store is so helpful – I’m always in there to get new tips.
Can we take a peek at your home screen?
Most-used app? Probably the email app. It’s my filing system as well.
Favourite social media? Facebook is great for sharing life with friends especially photos but I’ve just discovered Twitter and it’s amazing. I’m hooked!
What’s the first thing online you check each morning? Online it would be my emails.
What do you worry about at night? Whatever is my current project, will wake me up about 3am (very annoying). I love planning anything with food and friends – trips, parties, dinners, lunches… but there’s never enough time in the day so it seems to take over the night as well.
Most exciting recent news? Just recently another four lovely friends told me they’re coming for a foodie trip to Asia later this year, boldy trusting my recommendations.
Ideal career? I liked the idea of being Quentin Bryce when she was Governor General. Looked like lots of stylish, well resourced travel and hospitality opportunities there. But as that’s no longer an option, a TV host for an Asian Foodie travel show looks great. I’d even settle for Margaret Pomeranz’s job on ‘At the Movies’.
Recent book you recommend? That would have to be The Penguin Food Guide to India. It’s brilliant and my ‘go to’ book at the moment for planning our foodie itinerary for India.
Recent online video you laughed at? Bollywood movie clips! You can’t help but feel good when you watch them. One of the best recently for a smile was: http://youtu.be/qL9JmbRZiGI
Favourite food? Even though I love Asian food travel, visually beautifully presented interesting flavours in modern Australian food is my absolute favourite. It is a treat for all the senses. In Canberra I think Courgette does that best. And I can never say no to great ice-cream.
Michele Walton
Blog: fineeating.wordpress.com
Category (e.g. food/eating (especially social eating/dining out) + health/weight management, dining reviews, travel eating, some cooking and recipes):
Twitter: @MicheleWalton3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fine-Eating/309920002505679?ref=hl
Instagram: http://instagram.com/fineeating/
Pinterest: www.pintrest.com/michelewalton
Email: michelewalton@yahoo.com
Other blogs (a bit related): michelesindia.wordpress.com, lovetravelwithfriends.wordpress.com
Meet a #Canberra Foodie: Anna Johnston (@AnnaJ31 aka ShenANNAagans.com)
Did you know there’s a world-famous foodie in Canberra with an amazingly popular blog and about 13,000 followers on twitter? Don’t feel embarrassed because until I started this blog a few months ago neither did I! What really shocked me though was that I knew her. Anna Johnston is the friendly face that many people in Canberra who attend big events at the Australian National Press Club know and love as their awesome Events Manager. I’ve recently had the good fortune to get to know Anna even better after I started subscribing to her blog AND after having the pleasure of her company at a few Canberra Human Brochure events over recent weeks.
For those of you who may not know Anna (where have you been?) here are a few of her social media details. I strongly advise that you follow them all. As well as being a very entertaining writer she has a real eye for great photos and tells a great yarn!
Blog: www.shenannagans.com
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/annajohnston31/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AnnaJ31
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AnnaJohnston31
Instagram: http://instagram.com/annaj31
Google+: google.com/+AnnaJohnston31
SnapChat: shenannagans31
Hey Anna, who are you? Events Architect – Yogi – Beer Connoisseur – Coffee Tester – Chef – Boozy Foodie – Blogger
My chefing career started at the National Convention Centre where I trained as an apprentice & fell in love with function work. The thrill of running multiple events at the same time & working in big teams to bring everything in on time is, without a doubt a total buzz!
Working with a huge team of burley Chefs who managed to describe most mouth-watering, taste tantalising and exquisite dishes prefixed by a four-letter word or two was a little challenging, but loads of fun & an experience I’ll treasure forever, I think my time in the kitchens kicked the Princess right out of me & taught me all about food.
After a decade in the kitchen & a bit more study, I packed away my cheffies & followed the sweet lure of Hotel & Event Management. Cooking professionally was a great experience & it certainly opened the door to lots of fun working holidays abroad but I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful it was to dress like a girl again, my love affair with hospitality & function work cranked up to the next level.
Now, as the Events Manager at the National Press Club of Australia, if I’m not spending time with clients designing their dream wedding, live broadcast or gala event, you’ll find me hanging out ‘behind the scenes’ creating stories for my website – http://www.shenannagans.com
Age? 32
Where do you live? I am a Kambah-ran… #SouthSidePride
How long have you been blogging? This time around I’ve been blogging for 4 months, but on my old site The Hospitality Guru, a site that was very much food centric, about 3 years. With shenANNAgans I decided to move away from the strong focus on food and share more of my passions in the events arena. It is my brag book, my journal, my (occasional) ranting space and my creative corner of the interwebs.
Other hobbies? Bikram Yoga
Apple or Android? Apple
Car/bus/bike? Car – I own a mini, super fun and zippy.
Favourite TV show? Mood pending – How I met your Mother, Sons of Anarchy, Chicago Fire, Pretty Little Liars, Smash, Suits, Gilmore Girls, Sex in the City…. The list goes on. Currently I’m watching Vampire Diaries.
Favourite devices? IPhone & MacBook Air
Can we take a peek at your home screen?
Most-used app? Facebook & YouTube & Instagram & SnapChat & lately Twitter
Favourite social media? Facebook & Instagram
What’s the first thing online you check each morning? I have this weird ritual, in this order I check my Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Email & then watch my fav YouTubers to kick off my day.
What do you worry about at night? I often think about what I’m going to wear or eat, or who I might meet tomorrow, or great blog post ideas. For the most part I’m not really big on worrying, I figure the problem will still be there tomorrow, so might as well get a good nights rest and deal with any issues with fresh eyes.
Most exciting recent news? So much awesome-ness happening in my world at the moment! Work wise, we won Best Event/Conference Venue at the ClubsACT Awards, and we are up for Best Wedding Venue at the Restaurant & Catering Awards on Monday.
I am one of the lucky locals to participate in the Human Brochure, I’ve been named as a ‘Champion’ for the St Vincent de Paul Community Sleep Out, and I’ve booked an amazing month long holiday abroad over the Christmas / New Year period. Life’s Good!
Ideal career? Right now, I am working in it, I am involved in some pretty spectacular events, it is seriously the coolest job. Just last week I met both John Howard and Bob Hawke, I’ve assisted in planning massive gigs like the Bill Gates Press Club Address, had a cup of tea with Ita Buttrose, I get to eat some of the most amazing foods, try wines from all over the globe and work with the best team. Not only am I spoilt with all that, I get to meet great people like you. <She is sooo nice! 🙂 >
Recent book you recommend? Haven’t read a book in yonks, but one that has stuck in my mind, Born to Run. It’s about a small group of the world’s top ultra-runners (and the awe-inspiring author) who make the treacherous journey into the canyons to try to learn about the secrets of the mysterious tribe of Mexican Indians, the Tarahumara, and then take them over a course 50 miles long.
Recent online video you laughed at? Dear Kitten – Adorable and funny too.
Favourite Food? Whhhaaaatttt??? How the heck do I answer that question…. I love food!
A stand out meal this week was the La Ionica chicken breast with cauliflower puree, seared Hervey Bay scallops, sugar cured speck and fermented black garlic. Followed by a Saffron Brulee, citrus segments, Aperol (A blood orange Aperitif) sorbet. Spectacular! The Chefs at the Press Club are some of the most talented and clever cooks I have ever met, every meal served is a culinary masterpiece, I am utterly spoilt, they often make an extra plate for me so I know exactly what I am selling. Brilliant right?!
She’s cool and she’s one of many wonderful Canberra foodies. Follow her now 🙂
Blog: www.shenannagans.com
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/annajohnston31/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AnnaJ31
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AnnaJohnston31
Instagram: http://instagram.com/annaj31
Google+: google.com/+AnnaJohnston31
SnapChat: shenannagans31
Also, Anna forgot to mention an important upcoming event at the national Press Club, BUT I WON’T … attention foodies!
National Press Club Annual Wine and Food Spectacular!
Meet the makers, sample the wares and order direct!
Friday 11 July 2014 5.30pm – 9.00pm
Our famous Wine and Food Spectacular returns on FRIDAY JULY 11, 2014! 20 plus stalls of fabulous beverages and fine foods for you to sample, and you can order direct! Meet the merchants, sample their wares and order some for home.
Just $15.00 for members and $25.00 for your guests.
Meet a #Canberra Foodie: Liz Posmyk (@bizzylizzycooks )
Liz Posmyk, standing proudly in front of her extensive library of cooking and food books.
No one who is interested in food and social media in the Canberra region could say they haven’t been in touch with Liz Posmyk, either through her famous blog http://www.bizzylizzysgoodthings.com/ Twitter, Facebook, mainstream media, food event or other channel. Liz has been a prolific poster of “Canberra Foodie” news for many years. When our local journal of record The Canberra Times (which has 74 staff on twitter, I think, here’s my latest list: https://twitter.com/Elias_Hallaj/lists/canberra-times-staff-etc) was looking for local cooks who also blogged they turned to Liz, who promptly gave them the names and details of capable cooks/bloggers to interview http://www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/food-blogs-finest-20140307-34bgv.html
Let me begin by stating I love Liz’s blog (www.bizzylizzysgoodthings.com) . When I started blogging three short months ago I thought “if I do this for ten years I’d be happy to be as half as good as Liz” in terms of content, credibility and sheer aesthetics. If I had more time for food photography I would simply try and copy her best shots. I was surprised to learn recently that she isn’t a Canon or Nikon aficionado (like most professional photographers) but happily snaps away with a Olympus OM-D EM5 (Eileen (@TheFoodAvenue) also uses an Olympus camera for her great photos).
My favourite Bizzy Lizzy posts include: “Canberra Show Postcards and Morsels” http://www.bizzylizzysgoodthings.com/2/post/2014/03/postcards-and-morsels-2014-royal-canberra-show.html and http://www.bizzylizzysgoodthings.com/2/post/2013/02/postcards-and-morsels-2013-royal-canberra-show.html and numerous local festivals and winery celebrations such as this one: http://www.bizzylizzysgoodthings.com/2/post/2013/11/postcards-and-morsels-wine-roses-and-all-that-jazz-festival.html\ Liz also has a great synopsis of food and wine festivals across Australia here http://www.bizzylizzysgoodthings.com/events.html which of course also links to the great list of local festivals in the Canberra region via the Visit Canberra website here http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/find/event/food-wine .
You can see from Liz’s blog that she understands how to communicate using great pictures and images (supporting the truism that a good picture is worth a thousand words). I also like the fact that Liz’s passionate advocacy for local food and produce extends beyond cuisine and conveys a deeper cultural experience. Perhaps subconsciously sometimes, she highlights the personal passion for food and culture that many Canberrans share and she herself is a great advocate for our sense of community and ability to share and care for each other.
So Liz, who are you? I’m an old school food writer based in Canberra and was part of the committee instrumental in the establishment of the ACT Writers Centre (no apostrophe).
From 1993-2002, I wrote a popular weekly cookery column in a Canberra newspaper. I earned the nickname ‘Bizzy Lizzy’ when I juggled the role of promotions manager of a 30-store produce market with co-ownership of a leading cooking school, and marketing a line of organic foods (I was headhunted for this role). Working my proverbial off, across a decade I managed a hugely successful program of events that welcomed some of the world’s leading cookery writers and celebrity chefs to Canberra. For four years I also featured as the voice behind The Ten Dollar Dinner on 666 ABC radio with James Valentine and Rod Quinn.
My career has included stints in both the Federal and ACT public service, most recently with DesignGov. In 2012, I received an Australia Day Achievement Award for leadership, innovation and service to the Australian Public Service Federal Department of Industry.
In 2013, I was selected as the winner of the Food Narrative Category of the Best Australian Food Blog Food Writing Competition 2013 run by the SA Writer’s Centre Inc/Food Bloggers Australia. Professor Barbara Santich was one of the esteemed judges, so this was quite an honour for me.
In January 2014, I retired from the APS to concentrate on Good Things, my online journal (or blog), which I founded in 2011. This new-found free time gives me the opportunity to cook to my heart’s content and share my favourite recipes and photographs. It also gives Peter and myself the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate after a lifetime of working hard; and also to travel and explore Australia and its food regions.
Age? 55 and loving it!
Where do you live? In Harrison with my life partner, Peter. I was born in Canberra and have lived here all of my life.
How long have you been blogging? Blogging since 2011, writing about food and cooking since 1993. Honestly, though, I’ve been a writer since early childhood and creative writing was my favourite subject from grade one in Infants School.
Other hobbies? Photography (love snapping macro shots of bees and flowers); cooking (obviously); travel; meeting like-minded people; reading; going to the cinema; gardening; swimming; walking; oh, and playing Call of Duty 2 (I’m a crack sniper, true!).
Apple or Android? Apple imac (27 inch) which is great for publishing.
Car/bus/bike? Car to get from A to B, and bicycle for pleasure.
Favourite TV show? There isn’t one in particular, though I do enjoy a variety of documentaries on SBS and the ABC (including cooking and travel shows). I also love dramas produced by the BBC, such as Broadchurch and The Escape Artist (recently), as well as Dr Who, Grand Designs, etc.
Favourite devices? As in phone, plaything? My phone, for making phone calls.
Can we take a peek at your home screen? No, sorry, it’s way too cluttered : ) … <wow, no one else has said no to any of my questions so far! 🙂 >
Most-used app? On my phone? The keypad for making phone calls : )
Favourite social media? Twitter (I enjoy the networking aspect of it and love connecting with people through food).
What’s the first thing online you check each morning? The IN box on my email account.
What do you worry about at night? That’s a very personal question. When I do worry, it’s about things I’d rather not discuss.
Most exciting recent news? An invitation to attend a MasterClass at Red Lantern with Luke Nguyen ahead of his new series Luke Nguyen’s France!
Ideal career? Full time food, cookery and travel writer and consultant. I’m currently living the dream. : D
Recent book you recommend? Wow, there are several, but how about Horrie the War Dog by Roland Perry (Allen & Unwin). It’s the story of Australia’s most famous dog. Oh, and The Dirty Chef by Matthew Evans, the gourmet farmer (Allen & Unwin); and Rick Stein’s memoir Under a Mackerel Sky (Ebury Press).
Recent online video you laughed at? A clip produced by The Checkout team on the ABC. http://www.abc.net.au/tv/thecheckout/ They’re very clever, and so informative! here is one of the interesting and fun snippets from The Checkout https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1SlTy2RAMw&feature=youtu.be It’s not what I call hilarious, but it is interesting and humorous
Favourite food? I love a diverse range of foods, including Hungarian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Persian, Greek, Thai, modern Australian and Italian. Among those cuisines, there are lots of favourite dishes that I cook regularly.
If you want learn more about Liz Posmyk, one of Canberra’s very own Award Winning Food Writers
Follow her on Twitter: @bizzylizzycooks
Follow her blog: http://www.bizzylizzysgoodthings.com
She’s also on Linkedin: au.linkedin.com/pub/liz-posmyk/58/b23/689
Tash reviews King Fook, Florey
Pretty soon every foodie (and wanna be) in Canberra will have heard of tash (who blogs as A Kitchen Cat). If you’re not sure who I’m talking about read this: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/canberra-food-blogger-to-star-in-masterchef-20140403-360gy.html
As well as the finer things in life, tash also appreciates a tasty bargain. Here’s her review last year of a hidden gem in Florey (and no, it’s not the biggest Dominos Pizza shop in Australia, which also happens to be in Florey!)
The Canberra Times interviews four Canberra Food Bloggers
Link Posted on Updated on
The Canberra Times interviews four Canberra Food Bloggers Recently @MattRaggatt from the Canberra Times interviewed four Canberra food bloggers for the Food and Wine Supplement (comes out Wednesdays). The four bloggers were chosen after consulting with long-time Canberra blogger Liz Posmyk and I understand they were specifically looking for food bloggers who do a lot of cooking. The interviews are quite interesting and reveal a little bit more about some of my favourite food bloggers (Liz and Gary) as well as a couple of bloggers who I knew nothing about (Shari and Susan). It’s a good read! http://www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/food-blogs-finest-20140307-34bgv.html
Meet a #Canberra foodie – James Tew (@TweetCanberra)
If you just read my previous re-post from James Tew’s blog http://raising3daughters.com/haha-bar/ you will know that as well as being a social media gun he’s an unfulfilled foodie! (which gives me an idea for another post – “what is a foodie?” – stay tuned for that one). James has recently burst onto the #CBR twitter scene after being sent to Canberra by the Navy from Perth. And Perth’s loss is our gain. Last Sunday I had the pleasure of enjoying a great brunch with him and his lovely family (wife Christine and three delightful daughters) at the Ha Ha Bar in Belconnen, where Christine works. We had a lot to talk about.
Who are you James? Well where do I start? I’m a Dad to three daughters, a husband to a function manager, an Australian Defence Force Officer, an online content manager at Tweet Canberra, social media coach, blogger, university student and an amateur bbq’er. I love social media, I love how I can connect to anyone and everyone at the same time. I specialise in Twitter and blogging and have been known to run a few workshops on those topics here in Canberra. I started Tweet Canberra on the 18th of Jan 2014 and I’ve taken it close to 1,000 followers (as of the beginning of March). It’s going from strength to strength but the general idea is that it connects the Canberra community on Twitter. I’ve seen a lot of support for Tweet Canberra, it’s solved lots of problems for people and has created a lot of value in this short period of time.
Age? 25 (26 next week)
Where do you live? Dunlop, Canberra.
How long have you been blogging? 2 years. My primary blog (raising3daughters.com) is coming up on 1 year but my personal blog (jamestew.me) where I talk about social media is going on two years. It’s under going some re-development at the moment, to make it mobile friendly and content rich.
Other hobbies? I’ve got three kids, they are fair non existent. I like reading, golf and barbecuing
Apple or Android? Real men have android. I was a Apple fan boy for many year, I still use a MacBook Pro but my Samsung Galaxy Note 3 runs my busy life.
Car/Bus/Bike? My bike has a flat tire and I haven’t fixed it so car. Plus I can’t put three girls on the handlebars.
Favourite TV show? At the moment I have a couple: Last man Standing (I see myself as Tim Allen in 20 years), House of Cards, Arrow, The Crazy ones, The Tomorrow People and I’ve just started watching Q and A
Favourite Device? My new MacBook Pro and Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Can we take a peek at your home screen? I like to keep it clean and minimal.
Most used app? Hootsuite followed closely by Gmail
Favourite Social Media? Twitter hands down. They don’t use an algorithm to tell me what I like to see (cough Facebook cough)
What’s the first thing online you check each morning? I open three tabs in chrome (they stay open all day) Gmail, Calendar and Hootsuite.
What do you worry about at night? I wonder what ungodly time my kids will wake up tomorrow…
Most exciting recent news? The Rum Bar is doing buy 1 get 1 free drinks for Tweet Canberra followers
Ideal Career? Social Media adviser/social media coach/blogger/public speaker/stay at home dad so I can all of them whilst spending more time with my girls.
Recent Book you recommend? The war of Art by Steven Pressfield
Recent online video you laughed at? Robin Williams is the star of the Crazy ones and in episode 7 of season one he takes on an advertising account for Australian Tourism. Needless to say he gets frustrated and does this http://youtu.be/v0NTYlR3Fhw
Favourite Food? I am a sucker for tapas but I love slow roast meat on a webber!
James is a great guy to follow if you want to keep up to date with news and happenings in Canberra. @TweetCanberra or if you want to share some daddy blogging or ideas @James_Tew. His blog is very impressive for a blogging newbie like me (it has all the bells and whistles I aspire to understand and utilise) raising3daughters.com
Meet a #Canberra foodie: Richard @richardtuffin
Our latest foodie interview is with Richard from atrtphotos.com . Richard is well known amongst #Canberra tweeps as he has been a regular organiser of #cbrtweetup over recent years. I think I first met Richard at a nearby winery where he dazzled us with his knowledge of Australian wine and appreciation of good cuisine and local wineries. Richard’s passion for Canberra (and photography that promotes our beautiful city) has led to him being a regular in local media with recent forays in the Canberra Times and on ABC 666 radio. He’s a long-time Canberran who loves this city and loves promoting it on a daily basis. He’s also a passionate AFL fan, following his beloved Carlton Blues. Richard is a proud progressive who wears his political heart on his sleeve. And it’s a big heart! I joined Richard for brunch at his favourite local eatery, Tilley’s in Lyneham.
Who are you Richard? I’m a father who enjoys everything Canberra has to offer. I love photography and recently started doing it professionally. I’m also experienced in Social Media and website constuction (WordPress, Drupl, Dreamweaver). If you like to hire a photographer for your function (corporate, family, weddings, etc.) you can contact me and check out my photos through my Google plus page.
A recent photo of Richard Tuffin with one of his smaller lenses outside of Tilley’s in Lyneham, Canberra.
Age 46
Where do you live? Tuggeranong.
How long have you been blogging? About two years.
Other hobbies? Photography, supporting AFL, parenting
Apple or Android? Always Android. Samsung all the way!
Car/bus/bike? Still car but I did aquire a mountain bike recently so I need to give that more love in the near future
Favourite TV show? I enjoy watching footy, #qanda and The Project
Favourite devices? Only ones that are for good (ie. Android).
Can we take a peek at your home screen? Richard asked “which one?” lols, then he said “Try this one”.
Most-used app? Twitter.
Favourite social media? See above!
What’s the first thing online you check each morning? www.CanberraTimes.com.au .
What do you worry about at night? The Coalition front bench…
Most exciting recent news? That you would be shouting me a free brunch at Tilleys!
Ideal career? Photo journalist.
Recent book you recommend? Don’t hold this against me but I’m gonna say the Bible!
Recent online video you laughed at? The new Speaker Bronwyn Bishop in Question Time. <Ed: I swear that was his answer>
Favourite food? 🙂 right now? free brunch at Tilleys! Also all the great cakes at @CBRCakeClub.
You can see some of the great photos which Richard took at the February Canberra Cake Club here.
Richard’s photography website can be found here: artphotos.com and you can follow him on Twitter @richardtuffin
Meet a #Canberra foodie: Tara @In_The_Taratory
Our latest blogger interview is with Tara from “In The Taratory”. Tara recently featured in a profile piece on the “Her Canberra” website, showcasing her talent as an advocate for Canberra and all the amazing experiences and activities in our home town. Tara is also a community activist, regularly using social media to provide direct feedback to everyone from our local politicians to supermarket chains. I’m glad Tara suggested we have lunch at the Flute Bakery in Fyshwick. The $5 beef curry pies are very tasty and I will definitely be back for more.
Who are you Tara? I grew up all over Queensland, went to uni in Brisbane, and then moved to Canberra as a grad in 2008. I started the blog because I knew there was a helluva lot going on in Canberra and I wanted to make sure people knew about it and could be inspired to try things for themselves – whether it’s discovering just how amazing the walk up Booroomba Rocks is or getting ideas for a dinner out on Friday night.
Here’s a recent photo of Tara enjoying some grape-stomping at Yarrh Wineries, just north of Canberra.
Age 27
Where do you live? Belconnen. I never really feel like Canberra was ‘home’ until I moved to Belco.
How long have you been blogging? About two and a half years.
Other hobbies? Bushwalking, Belconnen Community Council (Deputy Chair), Radio 1RPH (a radio station where volunteers read books and newspapers on air for people with a print handicap), Tournament of Minds judging, trivia…
Apple or Android? Android… I’m not an Apple fan! What Apple did for the market was phenomenal but I think it’s been overtaken now. I love how customisable Android is and always has been.
Car/bus/bike? When I’m on a bike something happens and I lose all road sense… so I don’t ride much to save others from me! I do love getting around in a car but I’ve started taking the bus more. Boyfriend also has a scooter – it’s my favourite transport for short trips. Outside Canberra I’m a big fan of the train – it works so well in so many cities and countries.
Favourite TV show? Borgen and House of Cards – the former for the humanity, and the latter for the inhumanity!
Favourite devices? Canon DSLR and Samsung Galaxy S3.
Can we take a peek at your home screen?
Most-used app? Twitter, WordPress, Facebook, Reddit is Fun.
Favourite social media? Twitter and Reddit (if you can call Reddit social media).
What’s the first thing online you check each morning? Twitter! If there’s breaking news then it will be on Twitter. If there’s a really big story I’ll then head to Reddit – especially if it’s international.
What do you worry about at night? That I’m not going to bed early enough!
Most exciting recent news? The Belconnen Town Centre Master Plan is being updated. It’s a great opportunity for community participation in a detailed plan of the town’s future.
Ideal career? Good question! My two passions are my job and Canberra, and I’m lucky to be able to squeeze in both. I love promoting and advocating for Canberra and Canberrans so, short of being an MLA, I’m probably in my ideal career(s) 🙂
Recent book you recommend? For an easy but intelligent read I love Australian author Liane Moriarty, and her latest The Husband’s Secret is excellent. I’m currently reading Autoportrait by Edouard Leve. It’s short but each line needs to be savoured so it’s taking me a while! There’s an extract in the Paris Review here.
Recent online video you laughed at? The Long Story Short series on YouTube is clever and funny. I love this episode in particular.
Favourite food? This is going to sound daggy but it’s–hands down–soft boiled eggs with toast (cut into triangles, not soldiers. Soldiers means the structural integrity of the toast is lost!). It’s so simple but quick and tasty, and it’s especially good with free-range eggs, good multigrain bread and Pepe Saya butter.
Tara’s blog is In the Taratory and you can follow her on Twitter @In_The_Taratory
Meet a #Canberra Foodie: Rachi Perera (@rachiperera)
This is my second interview with some of Canberra’s better known foodies and bloggers, inviting them to join me for lunch at their favourite affordable (i.e. very cheap and tasty) eatery/van/café/restaurant/kitchen/etc. I wasn’t sure if anyone has done this sort of thing before with the local foodies? If anyone has links to such interviews please pass them on. My second interview was with the vivacious Rachi Perara, who blogs at www.le-bonvivant.com and I’m hoping to ask each interviewee the same twenty questions that follow. I had the pleasure of Rachi’s company at her favourite southside “cheap eat’ in Kingston: Canberra’s famous Brodburger, located at the Canberra Glassworks.
Who are you? I’m someone whose life revolves around food. I call myself a “self confessed bon vivant” on my blog because I do tend to like the finer things in life, specially when it comes to food and wine. My blog is a lifestyle blog so it’s not just about food although that makes up the bulk of it. I write about restaurant reviews, about food/wine events in Canberra, about my travels, books, interior design, fashion and just general happenings in my life.
How old are you? 31
Where do you live? Narrabundah
How long have you been blogging? About 18 months
Other hobbies? Travelling, gym, Bikram yoga, Cake Club, reading, watching cricket
Apple or Android? Definitely Apple. I’m a bit of an Apple tragic (iphone, ipad, Macbook Air)
Car/bus/bike? Car! I haven’t caught a bus in over 10 years. I keep thinking I need to get myself a bike though. I feel like I can’t call myself a proper Canberran until I own a bike!
Favourite TV show? It was Breaking Bad. Now it’s a toss up between Downton Abbey and Homeland.
Favourite device? My Canon DSLR with 50mm lens. I’m that annoying person who pulls out the DSLR to photograph every meal and event (even non-events sometimes).
Can we take a peak at your home screen?
Most used app? Twitter followed by Calender. I have the worst memory and would forget to eat breakfast if I didn’t put it in my diary (ok, slight exaggeration but you get the idea)
Favourite social media? Twitter
What’s the first thing online you check each morning? It goes in this order: email, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, weather. All before getting out of bed!
What do you worry about at night? If I have a busy day coming up it’s probably something work related. Otherwise it’s probably something food related; not so much worry but as to think/plan where to eat on the weekend etc.
Most exciting recent news? I got my first food related article published in Canberra Times Food & Wine section last week which was very exciting. There will be another piece coming up very soon. I’ve also just started planning a holiday to New York in June/July which I’m ridiculously excited about… the food, the shopping, the food!
Ideal career? A food writer/restaurant reviewer
Recent book you recommend? Hidden Kitchens of Sri Lanka by Bree Hutchins. It’s a beautiful cookbook/coffee table book.
Recent online video you laughed at? This popped up on Facebook as I was answering these questions. Made me LOL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWwuebhaQZo
Favourite Food? My mum’s Sri Lankan food: chicken biryani, chicken curry and eggplant Moju to be specific. This blog post should give you an idea on what my mum’s food looks like: all kinds delicious! http://le-bonvivant.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/is-there-anything-better-than-mums.html
Blog: www.le-bonvivant.com
Twitter: @rachiperera Instagram:@rachiperera Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lebonvivantblog
CBRfoodie 