Canberra Human Brochure
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.
CBRfoodie 