Dr. Jeremy Allen from The Allen Medical Centre
meet a
focusinterview.
focusinterview.
local. Dr. Jeremy Allen from The Allen Medical Centre Meet Joe Fallon from the The Rustic Table in Woolgoolga here are you from, and what brings you to Woolgoolga? I grew up in Bellingen near The Old Butter Factory, before moving to the Hunter Valley to chase my cooking dream. I completed my apprenticeship and ran a few French and Italian restaurants in the vineyards before moving to Woolgoolga. I brought to Woolgoolga a strong passion for Mediterranean cuisine. Then an opportunity arose to open my own restaurant. uch “ There's not m Did you bring with you your hen spare time, but w family? be at I have it, I love to Yes, my beautiful wife, Bec, mily Describe your typical day? along with my two gorgeous home enjoying fa ith w My typical day starts with several ng girls, Hannah and Bianca. life and relaxi Holy Goat coffees, followed by in.” What do you do in your spare my wife and kids spired menu specials which keep me time? passionate about food and communiThere's not much spare time, but cating with local suppliers with new, fresh when I have it, I love to be at home ingredients. Like my signature Dorrigo Goat enjoying family life and relaxing with my from Booma Boer Stud, Gwider Grove Olive Oil and wife and kids. Olives from my mate Dave. There's always something What's your favourite thing about the area? new and different at the Rustic All the local fresh produce; there's so much ... we just What does the future hold? need to look! The people are so friendly and laid back Plenty more installed; just getting started. here.
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AT ’ S I N LEMON
With the chill of winter approaching and the evenings lengthening, our bodies need to begin preparing for winter. And one of the greatest and easiest ways to prepare your body for winter is to increase the amount of vitamin C you consume. Now, while there are an immeasurable number of foods that can be eaten to help you increase your vitamin C, none compare on a versatility level to the common lemon! The Original Vitamin C supplement, favoured by ancient sailors worldwide, can be used in drinks, to flavour dishes, lift up a cake to new levels, or stiffen your meringue! All this healthy, positive stuff aside … when you are done squeezing your lemons, you hold in your hand a small withered piece of gold … the skin, or rind. My personal favourite way to make use of this otherwise thrown out piece of heavenly flavour … is to candy it! This is a lot simpler than you would expect. Simply blanch it momentarily in boiling water to soften the white part, and remove it so that you only have that lovely golden skin. This, you then gently simmer in a pot with an equal amount of sugar and water. When the rind goes deliciously transparent, it is time to remove it, and roll it around in some caster sugar. This is then best stored in the caster sugar, mmmm … lemon sugar … and gets crispier and more candy like as time goes by.
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To continue reading about unique ingredients, including a few useful tips and recipes, visit my blog on the Zulu’s Restaurant & Bar website: www.zuluscoffs.com
coffs coast focus.
local.
r. Jeremy Allen, what brings you to the Coffs Coast? And where are you originally from? I have relocated to the Coffs Coast from the central NSW farming town of Condobolin, made famous by Australian Idol singer Shannon Noll. There I was the sole practitioner, rural GP and in charge of the district hospital and nursing home.
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Did you bring with you your family? After numerous holidays in the region, plus the arrival of our son (he’s just turned one), we figured what a great place it is to raise our family. We are also expecting our second child in July.
with Joel McCulla from Zulu’s
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What do you do in your spare time? We’ve bought a home on a small block in Bellingen, which we’re constantly working on. My wife, Melissa, and I both love the outdoors. She loves horses, and I enjoy working outside on the fencing and my new tractor. At university I drove trucks to help to pay for my tuition, and I have always had a passion for big engines. Otherwise, I enjoy kayaking, cycling, fishing and spending time with my family. Tell us briefly about your new Medical Centre – where is it located, and are you accepting new patients? The Allen Medical Centre is ran by myself and my practice nurse Mandy, who has worked for me for the past seven years in Condobolin. She and her husband, Kevin, decided they too could use a sea change (which was lucky for me) and have also relocated to Coffs Harbour. What services do you offer? We provide consultations with myself and Mandy to all new patients and offer bulk billing to concession and health card holders, children and pensioners. We can also arrange home visits and attend nursing homes. What’s the best thing about being a doctor? I’m originally from NZ, and I’ve been practising here for the past 10 years after a stint in the UK. I especially enjoy meeting and getting to know patients. I have tried my hand at various jobs whilst studying, such as truck driving, fencing and warehouse work, but in this role I can really get to know people and about their life – I love being able to help people. I also feel very fortunate to work alongside Mandy, my practice nurse; she is by far one of the most caring and attentive people I know. What are you most looking forward to in your newfound home on the Coffs Coast? We’re really excited to make new friends and become part of the community. It is such a beautiful part of the world, and I look forward to watching my family grow here with my wife, Melissa. We can't wait to explore more of the region and enjoy our new coastal life.