The Design Files Daily

Interview

Friday, April 06, 2012

Interview – Jenny Lacey of LMNOP (+ subscription giveaway!)

Sydney based LMNOP Magazine, edited by Jenny Lacey

‘Spring Princess’ – LMNOP Magazine

‘Brother Love’ – LMNOP Magazine issue 14

BYO Entertainment - LMNOP Magazine issue 21

Potato Print feature! – LMNOP Magazine issue 17

Potato Print feature! – LMNOP Magazine issue 17

We’re very excited to be closing KIDS WEEK with a super inspiring kid-centric interviewee – meet Sydneysider Jenny Lacey, editor-in-chief of cult online kids magazine – LMNOP!

Jenny is an expert on all things fabulous for kids, and has been flying the flag for online independent publishing since launching her beautiful publication in 2007. With a background in graphic design and advertising (and air hostessing!!?), it’s no surprise Jenny does such a stellar job of curating this very special magazine. LMNOP is an inspirational reference point for so many independent publishers – it is such a truly impressive professionally produced online publication, with spreads that are always so polished and consistently on trend content.  Since its launch LMNOP has become a worldwide authority on design for kids, and a go-to reference for modern parents in Australia and beyond. It now has a loyal subscriber base in over 182 countries.

LMNOP are currently in their 5th year of operation, and next month will see the release of their 17th issue!   They release 4 issues a year, and inbetween issues you can keep up to date on the LMNOP website and blog.

Jenny has kindly offered an annual LMNOP subscription to one lucky reader – leave a comment here before 10.00pm today (Good Friday!) to be in the running to win 4 x seasonal issues of LMNOP!

Massive thanks to Jenny for her time with this interview… read on for an insight into producing one of Australia’s cutest and most popular indie kids publications!

Jenny Lacey – editor-in-chief of LMNOP Magazine

Tell us a little about your background – What did you originally study, what industries have you previously worked in and what path led you to your current role as editor of LMNOP (Laugh Make Nurture Organise Play)?

I studied graphic design after I graduated from high school, but didn’t really know what area of the industry I wanted to work in. Like a lot of girls my age at the time, I did at one stage fantasise about working as an Art Director for Dolly magazine!

I fell into the advertising industry after doing work experience at an ad agency in the final year of my diploma course. I joined the agency the week after I graduated, and began my 18-year-long career as an Art Director, working on some of the biggest brands in the business.

In my twenties, I did a short stint as a long haul Qantas flight attendant to satisfy another childhood curiosity. I travelled the world and visited some great places, but again it wasn’t long before I returned advertising.

My days in the ad game have definitely contributed to the success of LMNOP. My experience in building brands and nurturing them has allowed me to build my own, while also helping our partners make the most of their own exposure in the mag.

What inspired you to start LMNOP back in 2007? What have been some of the highlights so far?

I’ve always loved reading magazines. So when I became a mum in 2004 I started to seek out parenting titles, but couldn’t find one that appealed to my aesthetic. My husband, Ian MacPherson, is a commercial photographer and together we saw a gap in the market for a contemporary publication geared towards modern parents and their children. Something that was beautifully designed, clever, fun and entertaining that featured unique children’s products from all over the world.

We founded LMNOP in October 2007 and launched our first issue online a couple of months later in December of the same year. Around the release of our third issue, the word about LMNOP had started to spread over the internet and our subscription base was growing at 10 times the rate with each publication. That was a pretty exciting time. The magazine has since taken on a life of its own and we now have subscribers from over 182 countries around the world.

Other highlights include: launching big by Fiona Scanlan’s S/S collection in 2010 with a special fashion edition of LMNOP; travelling to international trade shows (of course!); and launching our production company, LMNOP productions.

LMNOP Magazine issue 10 Gift Guide

Can you give us an insight into the workings of LMNOP? How big is your team, how many regular contributors do you have, and what do you consider worthwhile outsourcing?

In the beginning it was just Ian and myself, but doing it alone proved too much. So now we have a small team of very talented people who help us put LMNOP together. Sunitra Martinelli heads up our fashion department, Elizabeth Bentley is our Senior Copy Editor (and my right arm!), and we frequently collaborate with our extended team of photographers, stylists, illustrators and designers in the US and Europe. Photographer Monika Elena is a regular contributor, as well as LA-based Gretchen Easton.

The process works something like this: The team brainstorm story ideas at length, and spend a lot of time sourcing unique products and brands to showcase in each issue. Once we know what’s going to be featured, we work on bringing each story to life. Production commences shortly after, where we source backgrounds and props, scout locations and do the photo shoots. After that, the story is designed and the writers work their magic.

We conceptualise and photograph 90% of the content you see in the magazine and on the website. It’s a lot of work to put together with such a small team. It’s good though, as it forces us to work efficiently and to be resourceful at every stage of the process.

We also invite special guest contributors to do one-off or regular columns, like Joel Henriques of Made by Joel, and Robyn Rosenthal (formerly an art director at Martha Stewart Kids), who we worked with to produce the great ‘Potato Print Monster Tees’ story.

Which Australian designers, artists or creative people are you currently inspired by?

Sydney artist Rachel Castle. I loved her recent collaboration with Lisa Gorman. Very clever! Beci Orpin is always working on something amazing. I’d love to collaborate on a project with her some day.

Can you list for us your current top 5 go-to resources (i.e. specific websites, magazines or books) for creative inspiration?

1. Anthology Magazine & blog

I don’t have a lot of spare time to consume print magazines any more, but when I do get a chance to stop and flick through one, Anthology is by far my favourite read. It’s well designed, has great content, and it’s not too long.

2. Pirouette

Anyone who works in the children’s industry should visit Florence Rolando’s Pirouette blog for inspiration and regular updates on exciting new trends in kids’ fashion, furnishings, home decor and design.

3. Svpply
My go-to resource for seeing what people are into right now.

4. Rockstar Diaries

I recently discovered this blog via Apartment Therapy. The authors, Naomi and Josh, do a fabulous job of making ‘family life’ look picture perfect. They do a regular post titled ‘Life lately, according to my iPhone pictures’, which is always fun to look at.

5. Backyard Bill

Bill captures creative types living and working in Brooklyn, NY. Here you’ll find lots of great photos and interesting interviews.

LMNOP Magazine page spread

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

It’s not very glamorous I’m afraid! Some mornings I’m sitting at my computer by 4am. At 6am I meet my neighbour for a run. Then it’s the usual rush to get the family out the door that comes next. I take my son to school, pick up a coffee and continue my working day. Every day is different. Sometimes I have appointments with clients, other days I’m at a photo shoot or researching new products for upcoming issues of the magazine. These days keeping across all of our social media platforms takes up quite a bit of my time. Sometimes I even experience ‘Facebook Fatigue’! The best days are usually when I’m doing something creative: conceptualising stories for the magazine; styling a shoot; or helping an LMNOP business partner launch a new product.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I get to collaborate with incredibly talented and creative people from all over the world, and be the master of my own ship.

Jenny behind the scenes!

What would be your dream creative project?

I’m pretty much already doing my dream project!

What are you looking forward to?

Releasing our first iPad app. We also have a Best of LMNOP book in the pipeline, and we’re looking at potentially expanding the LMNOP brand to include an online store with our own branded products, as well as a headquarters in the US, where we have a strong presence.

LMNOP issue 11

Sydney Questions

Your favourite Sydney neighbourhood and why?

Surry Hills. The area has such a happening vibe. Crown Street is lined with some of the best restaurants and stores in Sydney, and it’s home to my favourite bakery and coffee pitstop, Bourke Street Bakery.

What/where was the last great meal you ate in Sydney?

Café Sopra in Danks Street, Waterloo.

Where do you shop in Sydney for fabulous kids stuff?

Kido, My Messy Room and Monkey Puzzle have the best selection of toys in Sydney. For fab one-off vintage items for kids, I can’t live without Justine Joffe’s store in Cammeray, Retrospections. She has impeccable taste in vintage wares. You can find all sorts of things from vintage children’s books to exquisite crockery pieces. A few of the treasures I’ve uncovered include an antique horse rocker, a classic gumball machine, and a musical bell toy from Japan. I also regularly source props from here. And last but not least, Manon et Gwenaelle in Darlinghurst is my go-to place for beautiful kidswear and exquisite accessories, such as delicate French bracelets and feather headbands by Japanese design team Atsuyo et Akiko. I always end up finding something for myself too when I shop there.

Retrospections

Kido

Manon et Gwenaelle

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

Running the Clovelly to Bondi coastal track with my friend DK, followed by a quick breakfast at Three Blue Ducks in Bronte.

Sydney’s best kept secret?

The Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk – shh!

Clovelly to Bondi!
Posted by Lisa at 6:00 am
Categories - Design for Kids, Interview, Sydney Comments (51)
Friday, March 30, 2012

Interview – Lara Merrett

Sucker - Lara Merrett, 2010, synthetic polymer paint, ink & vinyl on linen, 240 cm x 183 cm

Every part of me’s floating – Lara Merrett, 2010, synthetic polymer paint & ink on linen, 240 cm x 183 cm

My wayward by Lara Merrett for her current show, Invaders, at Block Projects, 2012, synthetic polymer paint &ink on linen, 186 cm x 170 cm

Make my day - Lara Merrett, 2009, synthetic polymer paint & ink on linen, 183 x 167.5 cm

Oh my.  I have fallen head over heels in LOVE with these vast, vivid canvases by  Sydney-based artist Lara Merrett.  Isn’t her work just incredible!?

Lara was born in Melbourne but grew up in Sydney.  As she explains below, a trip to New York at the tender age of 16 ignited in Lara a passion for fine art, where time spent ogling the incredible artwork on display at MOMA, The Guggenheim the Whitney and The Met conveyed to her the immense ‘power of paint’. Later, tertiary study trips to both Spain and New York cemented this passion.

Lara studied painting at Sydney’s prestigious College of Fine Art – where she received a Bachelor and Masters of Fine Art in 1997.  After completing her studies she won a scholarship to undertake a residency in India in 2001 – where four months of exposure to vibrant colour in everyday life left a lasting imprint on Lara’s own art practice.  More than 10 years on, you can still see this influence in her works, which are created intuitively in inks, acrylics, vinyl and metallics, using intense layers of colour.

After some time spent living in Melbourne over the past few years, Lara is now based again in Sydney with her young family, where she works from a studio in Alexandria.

Melbournites will be pleased to know you can catch Lara’s work in person in a solo show entitled Invaders at Blockprojects in Richmond, opening next week! Lara is represented by Karen Woodbury.

Invaders – new paintings by Lara Merrett
4th – 28th April 2012

Blockprojects
79 Stephenson Street
Richmond

Ph. 03 9429 0660

Gallery Hours
Wed – Fri 11.00am – 5.00pm
Sat 11.00 – 4.00 and Sun 12.00 – 4.00

Lara Merrett in her Sydney studio

Tell us a little about your background – What path led you to becoming a fine artist, and to creating the style of work you are currently making?

I spent my early years in Singapore and Malaysia and then we (my family) moved back to Sydney when I was seven. I grew up in Bondi and went to school in Darlinghurst. I used to walk past the National Art School and COFA on my way home and dream about the possibility of one day being able to just paint all day.

When I was 16 I saved up enough money to fly to New York with a girlfriend. I still can’t believe my parents let me go. I visited all the big collections at the MOMA, Whitney, Guggenheim and The Met. Standing in front of the works from Rothko to Riley made me realise the power of paint. I think from that moment I never had any doubts about what I wanted to do. Later travels have also influenced the way I work. After completing a BFA and a MA at COFA I was awarded a scholarship to study in India. Being in India for four months was incredible, especially since I was being exposed to so much colour in everyday life (markets, festivals, clothes and textiles). My work definitely soaked it all up.

How would you describe your work?

Intuitive, large, unlikely and not shy.

What can we expect to see in your new show at Block Projects? What has inspired this body of work?

Invaders is very much a clash of worlds. You can see the geometric breaking up the more fluid passages…this work is so new to me, I almost don’t want to define it yet.

In the vaders by Lara Merrett for her current show Invaders at Block Projects, 2012, synthetic polymer paint &ink on linen, 186 cm x 170 cm

Falling out – Lara Merrett for her current show Invaders at Block Projects, 2012, synthetic polymer paint &ink on linen, 186 cm x 170 cm

Can you give us a little insight into your process? What materials do you use? Is each work pre-planned or created very intuitively? Do you work on multiple canvases at one time? And how long does each work take to complete?

I only work with water-based materials, which include inks, acrylics, vinyl and metallics. No work is ever pre-planned, however each work does inform the next. They become a family or chapters in an idea.

I mostly start a painting flat on the floor and move around the work pouring lots of colours over the canvas. I always have at least six works in progress, but this eventually narrows down to the work I become most obsessed with. I have to feel a strong pull toward the work or I won’t work on it at all.

It’s like magic when the unexpected starts to happen. I love it… it’s completely intoxicating. From start to completion a work can take anywhere from three days up to six months. Each work has its own personality and therefore takes its own time.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

If it’s not raining I’ll always cycle to my studio in Alexandria and grab a coffee on the way. I’ll arrive at 9.00ish and start work by 10.00am. I’ll always have the radio on in the morning and then play lots of music later on. Lunch is always shared and made at the studio with artist mates using fresh bread from the two bakeries next door. Some days are later than others, this usually depends on whether I need to do the 3.00pm school pickup!  Before a show I’ll be at the studio every day so I’m walking, talking and dreaming the work (to myself).

Lara Merrett‘s Sydney studio

Can you list for us 5 resources across any media (i.e. 5 specific websites, magazines, books or other media) that you turn to regularly for creative inspiration?

I love a story, and so find inspiration in a good narrative. I am a big fiction reader, but you’ll also find me reading The Monthly and The New Yorker, and listening to Radio National and podcasts.

Which other local artists, designers or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment?

Sydney artist Nell just sent me images of her recent installation at MONA. I love the freedom Nell has in her art making working across different mediums. There is a joy in her work that I find incredibly inspiring.

I’m also inspired regularly by artist friends (who work at the studio or close by) including Laura Jones, Dan Hollier, Nathan Hawkes, Alan Jones, Guy Maestri and Giles Alexander.

What is your proudest career achievement to date?

The first time I sold a work to someone I didn’t know.

What would be your dream project?

My dream project would be to go bush and paint slow time! The days rush past when you have kids.

What are you looking forward to?

My trip to Hong Kong in June with my family. We’ll be there for my exhibition Be my Inside looking out at Cat St Gallery. I’m always very excited about jumping on a plane and being transported to a very different place.

In the beginning is the end - Lara Merrett, 2009, synthetic polymer paint & ink on linen, 183 x 167.5 cm

Sydney Questions

Your favourite Sydney neighbourhood and why?

I’ve fallen in love with my new home Redfern. I love the bike lanes, neighbours and crazy local park that the kids leave all their toys in to share.

Where do you shop in Sydney for the tools of your trade?

I’m not very loyal to any particular art store and generally will pick up supplies as I need them. I have my frames stretched and made next to my studio and regularly shop at the Bunnings down the road.

Where/what was the last great meal you ate in Sydney?

Yesterday I had lunch at Kitchen by Mike at Koskela. Fantastic fresh food and only a short walk from the studio.

Sydney’s best kept secret?

Kitchen by Mike, but not for long! Another favourite is Strickland House on a sunny Sydney day. Here you can have a picnic, go for a swim and then a snooze in the shade of the garden. I also love the ice-cream boat that comes ashore in the late afternoon.

Don’t look back - Lara Merrett, 2009, synthetic polymer paint & ink on linen, 153 cm x 122 cm.
Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Fine Art, Interview, Melbourne, Sydney Comments (22)
Friday, March 23, 2012

Interview – Russel Koskela

The new Koskela showroom at Rosebery – photographs Anson Smart

The new Koskela showroom at Rosebery – photographs Anson Smart

A few faves from the Koskela range - ‘Bye Bye Birdy’ pendant lights in fab fluoro colours (nope. still not sick of neon…!) and the brand new JAKE chairs! I have MUCH MUCH LOVE for these chairs.  Seriously eyeing them off for my new soon-to-be-completed TDF studio / office!

‘Follow your heart
Trust your Judgement
Do it with joy’

This is the mantra of Sydney based furniture company Koskela, and really – what is not to love about a company with a motto like this?  I love that they’ve emblazoned it across their front counter for all the world to see.  It’s like the retail equivalent of wearing your heart on your sleeve.  So refreshing in such a competitive market, don’t you think?  The thing is, in the case of Russel Koskela and partner Sasha Titchkosky, this philosophy really is at the very heart of their creative practice, and firmly stamped on every project they put their name to.

The concept for Koskela first formed when Sasha and Russel put their heads together whilst on holiday in Europe many moons ago… they had a shared vision for an Australian furniture company that would offer mid-priced locally designed and made furniture and homewares, thereby supporting Australian manufacture and offering customers a quality alternative to mass market furniture and homewares.  In 2000, after much contemplation and planning, they finally took the plunge!

In the past twelve years Koskela have grown to employ 15 staff.  Russel and Sasha still head up all design / product development, and work closely with their network of local manufacturers, with whom they have built close ties.

Over the years Koskela’s success has enabled Russel and Sasha to invest in projects close to their hearts.  One they are particularly passionate about  is the Yuta Badayala project.  After stumbling across the work of weavers from Arnhem Land, Russel and Sasha wondered if these traditional skills could be applied to contemporary design products.  After much research and perseverance, they managed to form a mutually beneficial relationship with Elcho Island Arts, in which local weavers were able to earn an income through the creation of unique woven products, commissioned by Koskela.  The project has been a huge success, and one of the most rewarding aspects of the business for Russel and Sasha.

Koskela spent over 10 years based in an amazing loft space in Surry Hills, but as you know they have recently taken on another massive challenge – moving to their ENORMOUS new space in Rosebery!  This impressive industrial space is home also to Megan Morton‘s photographic studio and The School, and the fabulous Kitchen by Mike restaurant!   Such a brilliant, brave venture – truly awe-inspiring.

As I was penning this article (yesterday!) I sent a quick note to Megan Morton (this week’s AMAZING guest blogger)… who, of course, has spent the best part of the last year working closely with Russel and Sasha during the development of their shared space in Rosebery. I was a little stuck for a new ‘hook’ for today’s post.  I asked MM – ‘everyone knows Koskela, everyone knows are such an inspiring creative team… everyone knows their look, their beautiful products, their amazing new showroom… but what is the real hook, what is it that really makes Koskela special?!’.

Of course, being MM, the response was succinct, but gold.  ’The real story’ she said, ‘is that Russel is totally the real deal. 100% dinky die’.  And that, I guess is the point. Koskela has the kind of inherent integrity that means they don’t have to spout marketing hype or shout their ‘brand strategy’ from the rooftops. With Koskela, what you see is what you get – and that’s pretty special.

Koskela and Kitchen by Mike
85 Dunning Avenue
Rosebery
NSW 2018

Open Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5.00pm, Saturday 9.00am – 4.00pm, Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm.

Massive thanks to Russel, Sasha and Renee at Koskela for this ace interview and stunning pics at such a busy time… if you haven’t popped in to Rosebery yet – DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR people! :)

Russel and Sasha looking amazingly rosy despite a massive few months! - photograph Anson Smart

Tell us a little about your background – What path originally led you to furniture design and interiors, and to launching Koskela initially?

I studied interior design and did furniture design as one of my core subjects. I have always had a passion for furniture. After some years working on some really interesting commercial office fitouts, I started designing furniture for projects and loved it. Then Sasha and I met at a time when both of us were ready to do something different. It was just a matter of working out what exactly that was.

A long seven-week holiday sowed the seed for doing something ourselves. We can clearly remember sitting in this café in Paris with this funny French bulldog staring up at us thinking, “ We’d really like to create something ourselves but what?”

Sasha had worked with a range of different companies and was keen to create an organisation that embodied more of the values we believed in. She was also shocked at how little furniture was made in Australia, and how there was a lot of competition at the top end of the market and the lower end but a pretty big hole in the middle.

So that’s where Koskela came in. A mid-priced Australian designed furniture and homewares company that proudly supports Australian manufacturers.

The massive and very varied showroom display at Koskela in Rosebery

How has Koskela grown since the early days?

It has changed a lot. In the early days we had no money so we had to upholster everything in cheap white fabric. We have so much more freedom now to invest in designing more complicated products or things like moulds for products.

We are also now able to put money into creating more products and into some great collaborations that we are very passionate about such as Yuta Badayala with the weavers from Elcho Island in Arnhem Land.

More and more Australian furniture brands are moving offshore for their production – why has it been your priority to keep Koskela products made locally, and is it a constant challenge to compete with overseas manufacturing?

Initially it was a struggle! So often I returned home after having taken a design to a number of different manufacturers only to be told I’d never get it made here and I should get it made in China.

We finally found some great people to work with that we have now been working with for over ten years. We are really partners in each others businesses and we really love working with them as they are as passionate about making really great products as we are. Having visited a number of different manufacturers in Europe before we started our business, we know that our techniques and quality is as good as any.

We also really like to know who is making our products and to feel confident that they are properly paid and work in good conditions.

You have had a super busy year preparing your brand new showroom in Rosebery – what have you been up to and what can visitors expect to see at the new space!?

We have had a huge year! It is really exciting to finally see our dream come to reality. Getting the new showroom up and running was a massive task. Now we can’t wait for the gallery space to keep evolving and the workshops we are running in conjunction with that to take off. We are also really keen to get focussed on getting back to developing some great new ideas for furniture and homewares products we’ve had to put on the backburner while we got the space up and running.

Rachel Castle artworks, Greg Hatton stool at Koskela in Rosebery

How is your business structured? How many people do you employ at Koskela and in what roles, and what significant tasks do you outsource ?

We have a pretty flat structure. We have 8 full time staff and 7 part time. Sasha and I do all the product development, 6 people are in sales focussed positions, the rest are production, finance, internet (including moving content, blog and soon to be launched webstore!) and last but by no means least graphic design.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

A typical day will probably involve some client meetings which I enjoy, as I love working with interior designers to create products that might work for a specific brief.

Then I will often visit one of our manufacturers to discuss a new idea or check pieces that are in production or development. I will also often spend some time at my desk working on drawings for projects.

My key thinking time is usually at night, after our boys are safely tucked up in bed. This is also when I might look at blogs or reply to emails. Often in the morning people will reply to me saying “did you really send that email at 2am?” Every designer will relate to this, you just get mind block then when things, as in ideas come flooding in you have to get it all out and down on paper. Some nights I will wake up at 4am with ideas, then go back to bed an hour later……

Can you list for us 5 resources across any media (ie 5 specific magazine titles, websites, blog or other media), which you visit regularly?

Well aside from The Design Files, I really like…..well I must admit I am not that into all the online things happening around the globe, I just don’t seem to have enough hours in a day.

It’s fine to be inspired by different types of  media but at the end of the day to produce something it’s about making a sample and another and another… too many can get caught up in online dream land.  It’s not until you produce a piece that works and proportionally sits beautifully that counts!! Gee I hope I am making sense here. It’s all about pure passion, the physical object.  Not an image on a screen from the other side of the globe.

Which designers, architects or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment.

At present it’s not about a particular person or product it’s what’s in the detail that counts. Anyone can design standard pieces that’s not hard. The art is in the detailing… or the finer detail. Everyone wants something that’s unique, that challenges your way of thinking.

BOOKS!  No showroom is really complete with a book corner. Genius.

What would be your dream project?

We will be doing a small boutique hotel/accommodation place soon.. I can already see it, we have been designing it for a while now.

What are you looking forward to?

The skate park with my two boys….they….we…. love it…..ha ha!

Kitchen by Mike at Koskela – (no shortage of JAKE chairs)

Sydney Questions –

Your favourite Sydney neighbourhood and why?

I love Bronte where we live for its beach, park and Three Blue Ducks café and Iggys bread. I am also growing very fond of Rosebery where our new showroom is located. I love the big old 1930’s single story houses with their mango, citrus and olive trees. There is such an interesting mix of people living there, many of whom are migrants who I am sure have really interesting stories to tell.

Where do you shop in Sydney for the tools of your trade? Ie anything from hardware to tools to reference books?

I am embarrassed to admit this but I love it when it’s council clean up days. You drive past all this stuff that has been thrown out and that is going straight into landfill. I come up with ideas and designs from old pieces or ones that I think could be saved. Is that weird?

Where / what was the last great meal you ate in Sydney?

I am not being biased here but I love food at Kitchen by Mike. It’s no fuss and the freshest of what’s in season…..friends of ours came for breakfast on the weekend and loved reading the papers and relaxing etc. When they came to leave all the food was being put out for lunch which looked amazing so they decided to stay and have lunch…..that’s pretty cool. Imagine being able to do that.

Sydney’s best kept secret?

Well its actually an hour and 15min from Sydney and it’s called Patonga… when you get there it’s a world away from anywhere. As I grew up in the country I am one of those people who have to get away to clear my mind.

Kitchen by Mike at Koskela – serving breakfast and lunch daily.
Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Furniture, Interview, Sydney, Uncategorized Comments (14)
Friday, March 16, 2012

Interview – Rae Ganim

Useful Things!  The current exhibit of functional objects for sale at Ganim’s Store!. Photo – Lucy Feagins.

Useful things!

Oldie but a goodie – Dibbern tableware.. love love love the colours.  ALSO extreme love for the colourful enamelware on the bottom shelf!

I REALLY LOVE THAT blanket.  And the garden planter bags!

I get the distinct impression Rae Ganim is basically a living legend.  It’s not an impression she gives off in person, mind you.  No, in the flesh Rae is modest, matter-of-fact, kind of quiet… perhaps even a little shy.  But her reputation precedes her.  You see, everyone knows Rae Ganim’s name.

I must qualify this by saying I only moved to Melbourne in 1993, therefore I think (hope) I can get away with being a little less informed about her incredible work than most.  But if you have a creative leaning or a love for beautiful things (I assume everyone reading this is / does) and you’ve lived in Melbourne for around 20 years (if you’re over 50, even better!) – then I’m willing to wager that you most certainly will know and love Rae’s work!  She is, it appears, a bit of an icon.  (*For further reading on this point, see Beci Orpin’s starstruck reaction to collaborating with Rae late last year!).

Rae is one of Australia’s most important textile and fashion designers.  After a few years working for famed fashion designer Prue Acton in the 70′s, Rae launched her own label in the early 80′s, creating vivid, technicolour textiles, clothing and homewares which quickly gathered a cult following, and before long made Rae a household name.  At the height of her success, Rae had three shops in Melbourne, and consulted to a number of companies including Hyatt Hotels and The Australian Girl Guides.  Rae’s work was also stocked at boutiques across Australia and internationally – no mean feat in the pre-internet era!   She’s been the recipient of a deluge of fashion Industry Awards, and in 1998 was inducted into the Design Institute of Australia’s hall of fame!

Fast forward to late last year… and Rae was ready for a new challenge.  After a little hiatus from the retail race, Rae is now back in action, having opened her BRILLIANT new shop in Fitzroy late last year.  Small, colourful and full of inspired, unexpected objects for the home and garden, Ganim’s Store embodies Rae’s passion for great, functional design, her love of travel and her nose for uncovering the new!

Ganim’s Store is a truly magical retail space, full of wit and wonder.  It’s kind of a little bit mad.  It feels so completely different from any other shop in Melbourne… it really makes you feel as if you’ve stumbled into a peculiar little pop-up in Barcelona’s Barrio Gotico, or New York’s East Village, or some hidden laneway in Tokyo.  Rae is always changing the layout and theme in store – at present there is a fantabulous showcase of ‘Useful Things’!  Each object has a specific function for the home, garden or body –  think Japanese tableware, cord holders, timber trivets, bottle tops, and shoe brushes.  Simple, utilitarian, beautiful… and not expensive. Truly!

DO POP IN and visit Rae to properly understand my ramblings about the extra-specialness of this unique retail space!  It’s at the interesting end of Brunswick st (!) not far from Gertrude….

I defy ANYONE to walk out without buying something.  It is impossible.  (That’s about the only thing Ganim’s Store has in common with Ikea.)

Ganim’s Store
61 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy

Ph. (03) 9416 1001

Online store coming next month!  Meanwhile, you can follow Rae on Facebook and Twitter!

Rae Ganim

Tell us a little about your background – what path led you to textile design and fashion originally, and now to opening Ganim’s Store?

I studied Textile Design at the tech in Geelong, majoring in printed and woven textiles. My family had been involved in textiles, and I guess, it was sort of in my head, in a way.

After tech, I worked for fashion designer Prue Action as the ‘textile person’ as part of the central design team. It was the 70’s and a lot was happening.  I was thrown in at the deep end, and I loved it all – interesting and creative people, new ideas, international textiles and design.

Itchy to do something for myself, I left after 2 years, and starting small, worked with local factories on firstly womens clothes, then childrenswear and homewares.

Our niche brand was always based on my printed, woven and knitted textiles, with a strong colour statment. My husband Anthony (a hairdresser at the time), helped out at night, and as the business started to grow, our families also lent a hand. I vividly remember at one point, sleeping for some months with racks of clothes lining the bedroom, waiting to be distributed.

Anthony, who was very entreprenerial, came into the business full time, and the business just grew. We were partners in everything, and it was a wonderful intuitive relationship. We wholesaled nationally, opened 3 Rae Ganim Stores in Melbourne and consulted to a number of diverse companies including, Hyatt Hotels International, and The Australian Girl Guides – consultancies of which I am very proud.

Because of its colour and unique quality, the business attracted much attention. Most of the people we worked with became friends – from the embroidery lady (an astrologer, who consulted her astral chart before starting the work) to the people at Vogue magazine, the knitters, the printers, the makers.

From Rae Ganim’s collection in the 80′s and 90′s

From Rae Ganim’s collection in the 80′s and 90′s

From Rae Ganim’s collection in the 80′s and 90′s… does that adorable little person look familiar?  (It’s Sunday Ganim, with sister Zoe!)

It was full on but always interesting. We also won awards for our work (5 Fashion Industry awards, An FIA Hall of Fame award, a Girl Guides award for excellence and a Design Institute award for recognition for textile work in Australia).

It was an exciting time, however, following Anthony’s death from cancer, I closed the business.

I then freelanced for a period, working in interiors, furniture, colour consultancy and trend forecasting.

I travelled a lot and saw many great products, which lead to the idea – a small store, which would showcase local and international product, sometimes themed, and presented in new and interesting ways.

Photo – Lucy Feagins

What are a few of your personal FAVOURITE finds from the current ‘Useful Things’ range?

Cardboard Eiffel Stool and Rivet Lamp Shade from Japan – great pure design.

Joost’s new Tableware and Recycled glasses.

Needle threader - ‘Perfecto’ from Italy.

Planet Luxe Household Cleaning Products - all Australian ingredients, made here.

Lucy Folk’s Taco Money Clip.

A few of Rae’s favourite useful things in store right now!  Clockwide from top left – Japanese Rivet Lamp Shade, Cardboard Eiffel stool, Planet Luxe cleaning spray, Joost’s new tableware!

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

6.30 – Walk, Coffee
8.30 – Computer time
10.30 – Ganim’s store … (I’m often late – apologies all those friends I’ve kept waiting)
5.30 – Home, Cat (meow meow, feed me! now), Dinner, Family, Friends.
10 ish – More computer time
Bed

Can you list for us 5 resources across any media you turn to regularly for creative inspiration?

1. Remodelista (interiors resource)
2. World of Interiors – Magazine (quirky)
3. Trend Tablet (Li Edelkoort)
4. The Sartorialist (Colour)
5. Apartamento Magazine

Oh my.  80′s gold!  More from Rae’s fashion years!

Which other local designers other creative people do you admire?

So Many -

Melly Beilby’s food (Spoonful)
Beci Orpin
Lucy Folk – Jewellery
Robbie Perkins – Artist
Brendan Huntley – Artist
Joost Bakker
Earl Carter – Photography
Russell Grainger’s style
My creative family

What is the best thing about your job?

The freedom to work with ideas, and to brainstorm them to reality with my family and friends.

What are you looking forward to?

Today

Japanese tableware at Ganim’s Store

Melbourne Questions

Your favourite Melbourne neighbourhood and why?

Richmond – Close to the CBD, beautiful parks, my friends and family close by.

What/where was the last great meal you ate in Melbourne?

There was a meal I ate at a secret pop up restaurant last Saturday night in Fitzroy.

Where do you shop in Melbourne for beautiful things for the home? (besides Ganim’s Store!)

Hermon & Hermon
Manon

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

The Richmond Market

Melbourne’s best kept secret?

That meal in Fitzroy.

Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Interview, Melbourne, Uncategorized Comments (24)
Friday, March 09, 2012

Interview – Simon Bajada

Food styling and photography – Simon Bajada

Food styling - Simon Bajada, Photography – John Laurie for an upcoming issue of Chefs Special.  Food Prep – The Taco Truck!

Food styling - Simon Bajada, Photography - John Laurie for an upcoming issue of Chefs Special.  Taco Prep - The Taco Truck

Food styling – Simon Bajada, Photography – John Laurie, From Antonio & Lucia, forthcoming from Plum / Pan Macmillan.

We’re capping off this food-focussed week with another hunger-pang inducing post – welcome to the very photogenic world of food stylist and recipe developer Simon Bajada!

From a personal point of view, ever since I first started working on film shoots as a wide-eyed little assistant straight out of uni, I’ve always been mesmerised by the work of food stylists.  To me, a great food stylist really is like a magician – they always have a bag full of tricks, and a perfectly ordered toolkit (think toothpicks, tweezers, paintbrushes!) to perfect every glistening strand of pasta!  You’d be truly AMAZED how much painstaking effort it takes to get food to look this beautiful.

I first stumbled across Simon’s brilliant work because he often works with one of my fave Melbourne photographers, John Laurie.  As everyone knows, behind every great photographer there often lurks an equally talented stylist (!!), and in this case, the beautiful raw, rustic food shots John Laurie is known for can often also be attributed to Mr Bajada, John’s regular collaborator.  Their most show-stopping work are the incredible Chefs Special publications for Meat and Livestock Australia, produced with SA-based design studio Mash (blogged here!).  I am still such a huge fan of this amazing work – Australian food photography at it’s absolute BEST!

Simon has a lot to look forward to this year – after many years developing recipes and food styling for various publications and clients including Feast, Country Style and Hardie Grant, Simon has recently taken a leap into photography himself, and has begun shooting some of his own stuff!  (Some of which is pictured here).  Simon is also very excited about his impending temporary relocation to Sweden with his wife and son later this year.  Super exciting times ahead for one super talented local creative – watch this space!

Tell us a little about your background – what did you study and what path led you to food styling?

I originally studied International Hotel management, which meant I did placements in the industry overseas.  I realised hotels weren’t for me, but I loved food and travel. I had a Diploma in Le Cordon Bleu and learned french, and I used these skils to travel around, cooking in kitchens throughout Europe.

Back in Australia I kept cooking before realising that it was the creative side of what was on the table that interested me – the kitchen can be quite monotonous at times. I was lucky to meet Bret Brogan, who was interested in photographing food, and we developed a small folio of images.  I had a lucky break and it went from there.

Where might we have seen your work?

Feast, Country Style, Chefs Special by MLA, books by Plum and Hardie Grant Publishing, and various advertising campaigns.

Food styling – Simon Bajada, Photography – John Laurie, From Antonio & Lucia, forthcoming from Plum / Pan Macmillan.

What have been one or two of your favourite jobs to work on and why?

A recent shoot we did on Latin food for Chefs Special with Mash would be hard to top – we rented an ideal house on the river in Newport, accumulated some of Australias best latin chefs and shot an amazing story. The authenticity of the experience came through in the shots.

Similarily this occurred on a book for Plum, Antonio & Lucia. Its focus was Calabrian food by chef Riccardo Momesso of Sarti in Melbourne. We shot on his parent’s farm, it was a great experience.  A one hour drive west of Melbourne, and it felt like you were in the south of Italy.

Food styling – Simon Bajada, Photography – John Laurie, From Antonio & Lucia, forthcoming from Plum / Pan Macmillan.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

Coffee, unpacking props, cooking, plating then re-packing.

The work of every stylist is open to a lot of subjectivity so I have found managing client, designer and photographer expectations on the day is key.

On pre-production days there is a lot of ‘napkin faff’, that is, crossing off multiple lists and running around.

On shooting days there is a lot of resisting the temptation to eat everything. I could work on this…!

Every food stylist seems to have a magic trick. ie – some trick involving glyercine or cotton tips or toothpicks or using apple juice instead of olive oil or some random thing like that!  What’s you favourite food styling trick!?

I try to avoid tricks, if the photographer is ready, the light is right and the food is fresh from the kitchen its always looking best as it lands. If it begins to tire, the toothpick is a great tool for small moves and a small spritzer brings back a lot.

Recently I wanted dessert wine in the background of a shot but I had none so water, honey and a touch of soy made a great alternative.

Food styling and photography - Simon Bajada

Can you list for us 5 resources you turn to regularly for creative inspiration?

1. Personal experiences, travel
2. Vintage cookbooks
3. Monocle magazine
4. Brian Ferry photography
5. Swallow Food Magazine, although it seems to have dissapeared?

Which other stylists, photographers or creative people do you admire?

While it was around, I was heavily influenced by American Gourmet.

Particularily the styling of Christine Rudolph. She has affirmed my love for blue and green tones.

I am also drawn to the different edge Marcus Nilsson brings to his food photography, it’s a litTle gritty which is different. The network of Australian food photographers & stylsits is incredible. I believe nowhere does this work better than Melbourne and Sydney, so I admire all those I work with and alongside.

I also admire chefs who can deliver smart, balanced food on the plate, they have so much to manage, as it is, and to then to sneak in their creative flair, and make it work, is impressive.

What would be your dream creative project?

It would involve researching the cuisine of some untapped region, some incredibly sparse, isolated location, photography, seeking out ancient hand written recipes, helicopters, wolves, midnight sun and polar bears.

Bringing it all together with a talented designer.

I think this means I want to do a cookbook on food of the arctic??

I’m not sure that would fly..

Food styling - Simon Bajada

Do your friends and family expect perfection at your dinner table!?

Asked this 10 years ago I would have said yes.

For years I laboured over the perfect dishes for occasions.  While I still do, I have to say that as cuisine has become more relaxed in all aspects, so has my cooking – and hopefully their expectations!

For a while, a new ingredient or cooking technique was important to me, but I have come to realise that nothing beats well matched, high quality produce cooked with well practiced technique.

What are you looking forward to?

2 things..

I, my beautiful wife and son are temporarily relocating to Stockholm, Sweden.

I’m excited about exploring a new cuisine and working with food in Europe.

&

Photography, it’s a passion I have always had.  Having now learnt some technical aspects of it, I’m looking forward to shooting more and more. I just updated my site with some of my own images  - its very exciting.

Food styling and photography - Simon Bajada

Melbourne Questions

Your favourite Melbourne neighbourhood and why?

I will have to be biased here, we live in West Footscray and we love it.

We have seen so much positive change here in the past year, traffic barely exists and the scope of cuisines and produce is exactly what I love.

I’m also drawn to the heritage of Carlton, I like being in South Melbourne / Albert Park, the market is great and there are some excellent stores for propping.

What / where was the last great meal you ate in Melbourne?

The Duchess of Spotswood, they always deliver, if you order one of their ‘named’ dishes, you’re guaranteed greatness.

Where do you shop in Melbourne for the tools of your trade?

I utilise all the markets on their different days.

Sydney road is the place for Middle eastern & Italian supplies, Footscray for Asian.

I use Chefs Hat for kitchen tools and generic props.

I use Prop.d on occasions to hire props, as well as from ‘Prop Kitchen‘, my own collection of props with Leesa O’Reilly, which is now open to the public.

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

Sipping coffee, reading the paper at some trendy café on the corner, no that’s a lie. I’d probably be doing that only in the back yard while watching my son Max find that a parsley bush can open up a whole new world of possibilities…

Melbourne’s best kept secret?

There are less and less, can I skip this one?…..

Food styling – Simon Bajada, Photography – John Laurie, From Antonio & Lucia, forthcoming from Plum / Pan Macmillan.
Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Food Design, Interview, Styling, food Comments (7)
Friday, March 02, 2012

Interview – Sophie Cookes and Nicole DeBono of Cookes Food!

Vintage wedding by Melbourne boutique catering company Cookes Food – photos by Jorge de Araujo

Vintage wedding by Cookes Food – photos by Jorge de Araujo

Warrambeen wedding by Cookes Food – photos by Jorge de Araujo

Warrambeen wedding by Cookes Food – photos by Jorge de Araujo

You know what.  I tried really hard to edit this interview.  I seriously made every effort to make it succinct and bite-sized (pardon the pun)… but I failed.  Sophie Cookes and Nicole DeBono are just so inspiring and so truly passionate about their industry and their brilliant little business, I really couldn’t bring myself to cut too many of their words!   It is just so refreshing to hear from two local ladies who have launched their own super successful business, and who work so incredibly hard to make every project unique and even better than the last.

Sophie and Nicole joined forces 5 years ago to launch Cookes Food - a boutique catering and events company in Melbourne.   I first met this dynamic duo in December, when they assisted us with catering for The Design Files Open House!  They did an amazing job and were so efficient as well as being great fun – we were so lucky to have them!

For Sophie and Nicole no challenge is too great – you could basically book them to cater a function in a remote forest with no electricity or refrigeration or running water, and they are the only events people I know who would say ‘AWESOME let’s do it!’.  AND it would be amazing. :)

This interview provides such an excellent insight into the launch of a successful events business, but also there are so many valuable pearls of wisdom relevant to any small creative business.  In addition to being one seriously clever creative team, Sophie and Nicole have a brilliant sense of humour, so this interview is an entertaining as it is inspiring!

EVEN BETTER – for our little nod to the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (which kicks off tomorrow), we have invited Sophie and Nicole to join us ALL NEXT WEEK on the Guest Blog, sharing their favourite local foodie suppliers and even some RECIPES….  Amaze.

SO without further ado, here’s the interview!  I know it’s a bit long but truly it is solid gold, just read it on the iPad on the train home or something.

LOVE YOUR WORK ladies!

Sophie Cookes (left) and Nicole DeBono (right) of Cookes Food

Tell me a little about your backgrounds – what did you guys study, how do you know each other and what path led you to joining forces and launching Cookes Food?

SC – I always loved cooking, but to be honest it didn’t come naturally and I would consistently demolish mum and dad’s kitchen whilst creating the next culinary train wreck. I studied a bachelor of arts and then a graduate diploma in professional writing, before realising that if all I could write about was food, then something had to give.

I was very lucky that my parents were supportive, so I left Melbourne and spent a year living and studying cooking in Paris. It was brilliant, inspiring and lonely all at once. Once completing my course I went off to London to join my cousin who was living in squalor!  We lived a hand to mouth existence whilst I spent my days working for Skye Gyngell at Petersham Nurseries. It was the single most influential and inspiring time of my life. I arrived at the office door where Skye greeted me with skepticism and amusement – I was wearing a y shirt that said “I love cooking”.

I spent 2 years learing from Skye and the team, I met a string of incredibly influential people including Maggie Beer, Greg Malouf, Alice Waters and Patricia Michelson. It was like a food dream that didn’t seem to be real… I travelled with the kitchen to France where we went to the French markets and I spoke of close to nothing but food for the entire time I was there.

When I returned to Melbourne, I was bewildered and confused about where to work. Not only that but no one had heard of this Skye Gyngell person or Petersham Nurseries and I could not find a job. It was rather depressing. I took some jobs at different cafes, feeling a little uninspired, chugged along at this speed for about 1 year.

Then I met Nicole DeBono who was working as an event manager for an extremely successful events business, and had a second business baking cupcakes every evening after work. A mutual friend introduced us and I began purchasing her little cakes. We got to talking and very quickly realised that we both had this vision of a food-based events company with a strong focus on seasonality.   So 2 months later after what can only be decribed as speed dating we rented a kitchen and here we are!

ND - My background has been many things, I grew up in Adelaide then moved to Melbourne five years ago. I worked in fashion for about five years, then decided it was time for a new challenge in my life. I studied events management and targeted a business I had my eye on – they specialised in experiential marketing for large corporate brands. My job demanded a lot of me, it proved quite challenging and every day I was learning important lessons about events and how small business works.

Growing tired of working for someone else I started a cupcake business called Sweetidarling. It was at this time a friend introduced me to Sophie who was working at a café close to my home, she had just returned from OS and was keen after a very quick meeting to get my cakes into the café. We soon became friends and headed out for a drink (first of many many more) and chatted about food and business.

Sophie expressed an interest in catering, and as I had worked with so many caterers and been involved in my fair share of corporate functions I had a good grasp on what I felt was missing from the industry. And so began our ideas and business plans for Cookes Food!

Cookes Food relies on a rotating team of excellent (and usually very good looking) bar staff and wait staff

What have been one or two favourite recent jobs and why?

SC - We catered a wedding in Warrambeen for a couple who Nic and I got on with like a house on fire.  (pics at the top of this post).  Relationships in this industry are so important – if you can’t relate to your client and if they don’t trust you, then you should part ways immediately, as it’s just never going to work!   This particular couple were a dream to work with – together we created a menu that was perfect for them and the environment.

The other job I thoroughly enjoyed working on was another wedding in Robe, S.A. It was really difficult logistically but was so much fun to work on. Nic and I love road trips and we loved taking our staff with us… all staying at the Sea View caravan park with the florists, waiters and chefs!   It felt like a travelling carnival.  Nic did all the styling and worked with Mel from Cecilia Fox on the flowers. The wedding was a brilliant success and the bride and groom were thrilled, which at the end of the day gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling.

Wedding in Robe, South Australia by Cookes Food

Wedding in Robe, South Australia by Cookes Food

ND - Another excellent one was a wedding we did last year at Sothebys in High street Armadale.   The bride and groom didn’t want anything traditonal at all, and gave us a huge opportunity to be creative and design something that was just all about them. They were into the idea of a supper club.

We took inspiration from the Plaza hotel’s marble-clad Palm Court, Marrakesh L’Avenue and movies; Out of Africa and the Great Gatsby, we talked about aesthetics, lighting, trees, flooring, and music! With a love for 1920’s and the occasional sing along, the groom’s pick was Marty Rose to kick of the nights proceedings, he played classic covers whilst guests smoked on cigars, and dined on old fashioned prawn cocktails under the huge sky light in the venue’s ceiling. Once the mood was set, the party continued with an 11 piece jazz band playing Louis Prima and Ella Fitzgerald – a genre of music that is close to my own heart. The night was full of old school elegance, with all the guests completing the look in white dinner jackets, and our waiters dressed in white shirts and fes hats ….it was visually spectacular!

What does a typical day at work involve for you guys?

SC - I spend a lot of time in front of a computer these days but my solace is always when I step into the kitchen, with great music on and my team falling into the rhythm of the job or prep list.

ND – Anything and everything, most days its office time for me, sharing my time between clients and putting together different ideas and quotes. I go to site visits, check out venues and do my best to pop into new café or restaurants to see what is happening out there food-wise!

Some days there are menu tastings (which are always fun) – we have quite a few client meetings at work which I also love, and then there is all the time that sophie and I just discuss what’s on, coming up, needs to be done and so on and so on on!

Sophie in action!

What sets Cookes Food apart other catering and events companies?

SC - I don’t reallly know what makes us different…we are definitely food focused and we are both quite in love with our business. We love meeting new clients and being able to play with past clients again.

ND – I like to think that our service is really personal. We are a small team of two essentially – so we enjoy the close interaction with our clients and getting to be part of their event. On the food side of things Sophie’s style is what is a stand out within our business, we really stuck to our goal by creating unique seasonsal menus for our clients, and it’s a compliment each time our clients tell us that the food is amazing – makes all the hard work that goes into it worth it!

YUM! A few Cookes Food faves

Which other local foodie people, events people or generally creative people do you look up to?

SC - Michael Strownix; a stylist and florist that we have worked with a couple of times recently. He is insanely creative and can see things in a space or theme that completely open your mind.

Som from Rickets Point makes the most breathtaking ice cream/sorbets in the world – my fave at the moment is the apple cider sorbet.

Adam North at Hopkin’s River Beef is really passionate about meat and so am I, and we often chat about it… Hopkins River is a new supplier for us!

ND – Most of the people we interact with about food and ispiration come from the people around us, our good clients, friends and family!

What is the best thing about your job?

ND – Obviously the food and the wine are a HUGE bonus, but I love the creativity, I love the interaction with clients, I love that it gives me the opportunity to travel and go and see parts of Victora that I have never seen before.  I love that every day is different, which is giant cliché but the truth is, it really never gets boring!

SC – Every time I need to create a new menu and then execute on game day.

Cookes Food love a good BBQ!

And the worst?

ND - Hmmm probably how much my body hates me sometimes when I have been on my legs for way too long. Big events require a lot of energy and after a 3 day bump in, then event then bump out – sometimes you just feel like you have been hit by a bus!

SC – Corporate catering.

Can you list for us 5 resources across any media which you turn to regularly for creative inspiration?

SC -

− French by Damien Pignolet (‘cause Skye Gyngall  gave it to me).
− Spoon HQ blog – I met Sarah when I worked at Petersham in the UK and she is very clever.
− Au Pied de Cochon (’cause Dad gave it to me and we share a decadent food side)
− Old Gourmet Travellers – older the better
− Wolterinck – an extremely rare book that mum gave, with some of the most beautiful and over the top styling I have ever seen.
− Northern Spy Food Company blog – I read a lot of overseas food blogs to check out restaurants, catering and events companies website from all over the world.
− The Loft Project
− Boobs Radley - for comic relief when everything seems too much.

ND – I do love Gourmet Traveller, but I loved Vogue Entertaining and Travel better!  I love the food styling images, they give you a huge amount of inspiration!

I love the style of John & Peter.

Sophie has put me on to at least a thousand wedding blogs but one goody that is easy to use is Grey Likes Weddings.

Dutch floral artist Marcel Wolterinck – we have his book on loan from Sophie’s mum, its pretty amazing to say the least!

For my birthday last year Sophie gave me Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi – this is one of my favourite cook books, the pictures are really well done, it’s quite rustic and non pretentious which I like!

What would be your dream creative project?

SC - A wedding overseas – somewhere crazy like Brazil where we could use local produce and work with a local kitchen team or work with a restaurent… heaven!

ND - Funny you should ask, as just this morning I was thinking that I would love to produce a music festival, maybe it’s just the mood I’m in, it’s a far cry from what I have been working on and slightly ambitous but I think mixing all the creative and catering components together on a large scale event could be awesome!

*OMG Nicole AWESOME idea – local food meets local music, please do that I am there! – Lucy

Do your friends and family expect perfection at your dinner table!?

SC – sometimes!

ND - Haha with my family interstate, I rarely have to cook for them and even if I do, its just pasta the way my dad likes it!! With friends, we often go out for dinner so fortunately I don’t get judged, or we go to Sophies place and she cooks and well then its always delicious!!

Engagement at Arteveneta by Cookes Food

What are you looking forward to?

SC – I’m going to Milan with AJ (future hub) and I can’t wait to eat my way around Italy.

ND – I’m looking forward to this year and our businnes blossoming into it’s sixth year.  The first five years were intense, and with all the hard work which we have put into the business I am hoping that this year we can stretch our wings a little more, get a bigger office and maybe even add a few new staff to our team!

Melbourne Questions

Your favourite Melbourne neighbourhood and why?

SC - I really enjoy South Melbourne.

ND – I have always loved the city, I love Spring street, The City Wine Shop, The European and The Supper Club. I love meandering through Melbourne laneways and finding new hidden away restaurants. When I can it’s also great to get to the Victoria Market deli and buying up on picky bits mmmm!

What/where was the last great meal you ate in Melbourne?

SC – It’s not Melbourne but Dunkeld so I hope it counts. I went to the Royal Mail with Nic after we had worked our butts off at a wedding in Robe. I wasn’t expecting much as I don’t really get molecular gastronomy (and it’s the opposite to the way I cook) but I had a perfect plate of whiting with toasted quinoa, a brilliant sauce made from coconut or something (I was in a daze) beautiful produce and it made the rest of the drive a little more bearable – Nic had a stunning pecorino risotto w shaved zuchinini – she loved it!

ND – I do love pasta and a favourite of mine is Da Noi, Toorak road.

Where do you shop in Melbourne for the tools of your trade?

SC –

Scullerymade
Chef’s hat
Casa Iberica
South Melbourne Market
Gasworks Market

ND -

Essential Ingredient for random obscure ingredients, or great cook books, for events I go to place like the prop store, Izzi and Popo & I love Astoria in Balaclava.

Where would be find you on a typical Saturday morning?

SC – Either asleep till midday if I worked on Friday night, or out to breaky somewhere wonderful!


 ND – If we are not working, my day usually starts with walking, coffee and a good breakfast!

Melbourne’s best kept secret?

SC – Da Noi.

ND – I am into the fish taco’s at Fonda.

Another sweet Cookes Food set-up…
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Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
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