Meet our Locals - Jane De Graaff interview

interview: Jane De Graaff

Jane De Graaff is a TV presenter, food & lifestyle writer, editor, and podcaster specialising in food and making it accessible to everyone. A born and bred Lane Covian, she has recently contributed to a fabulous new book called “Places We Swim Sydney” which reveals the city’s most well-known and most hidden swim spots. We caught up with Jane for a chat…

 You are a born and bred Lane Covian! Tell us about growing up in TVO’s motherland… I lived in the same house for the first 19 years of my life on Howell Avenue. I love that Lane Cove is such a leafy suburb and I think that has deeply shaped the places that I feel at home in. My childhood is full of memories of hot summers with painfully blue skies, the smell of freshly cut grass and the sound of whirring lawnmowers, overlaid with the screech of rosellas and the stinging coldness of bombing into the pool. We had a very typical brick bungalow house and plenty of room to play. These days I live in an apartment, but I’m back in Lane Cove for all those reasons.  You left Lane Cove when you were grown-up enough to do so: where did you go and why? I did what a lot of kids of my generation did – took a gap year living and working in the UK and travelling around Europe. I worked at a boarding school in Berkshire, UK to get a feel for misty mornings and then came back to Australia for university. I came right back to Lane Cove though. While I was at Uni I lived in Leichhardt and Camperdown before heading off to live in Melbourne for four years and really finding my feet as a food writer.  You’ve enjoyed a successful career as a food writer and TV presenter – was there a particular moment when you felt as though it all took off? I was lucky enough to get my start as a published food writer while I was in Melbourne. I was working in a different area of media but had a deep longing to write about food. I tell this story all the time, but I credit my husband for encouraging me to change my career. He literally looked at me and said, ‘someone is doing that job, why not you?’ It was a ‘put your money where your mouth is’ moment - in

Jane De Graaff is a TV presenter, food & lifestyle writer, editor, and podcaster.

the most supportive way. It felt then - and still does now - so right and is so completely fuelled by passion that I’ve never looked back.

 Australia is often referred to as a ‘Foodie Nation’. Have you seen particular food trends come to life during lockdown and the pandemic? Oh! Have I ever?! There was the sourdough baking wave at the beginning; so much banana bread that it was a household staple, and of course there was whipped Dalgona coffee taking the internet by storm. I did a series of cooking videos for 9Honey and channel NINE during that time called ‘Quarantine Kitchen’ that were all about getting back to basics and cooking directly from the pantry. The recipes that were most popular were the comforting and nostalgic recipes; lots of cheesy toasted sandwiches, steamed golden syrup puddings and hearty soups. The world around us all was such a terrifying mess, so to take some control we turned to recipes that made us feel safe and loved and that took our minds off the madness.

 You moved back to Lane Cove recently – what was it that brought you back to your childhood territory? I moved back to Lane Cove when I had babies and literally moved two streets away from the house I grew up in. Firstly, I wanted to be close to my mum and dad because they were still in Lane Cove and my mum was battling cancer. Secondly because it felt safe and right and is a perfect place to raise a family. I loved my childhood and wanted to give something like it to my boys.  Lane Cove has burst to life with the arrival of the Canopy. Do you think the suburb has potential to become a food destination?

Absolutely. It has been happening slowly but steadily for years and a place like the Canopy - packed with new cafes and restaurants - has just highlighted that we’re all ready. My favourite café is Birdwood in the Canopy and I’ll say that loudly and proudly. But I do love the open space and the way the new restaurants look onto the green and the playground. There are a lot of families in LC and anywhere that serves up good food for mum and dad while the kids can play nearby will certainly make family dinners a delight.  If you were to take visitors out for a local meal, where would you take them? I do love a pizza at Via Napoli in Lane Cove, and we also often take visitors from out of town to The Deckhouse in Woolwich for breakfast, because of the gorgeous view onto the harbour.  You have contributed to a fabulous book called ‘Places We Swim’ – can you tell us your favourite local place to swim? I just love Chinaman’s beach. But don’t tell too many people… I wouldn’t want everyone to crash the party. And my other favourite secret is McCallum’s Pool on the harbour. But again, part of its charm is that it’s so hidden.

You can find Jane De Graaff on 9Honey, Channel NINE, in the Canopy, Via Napoli, the Deckhouse and probably just in the shops staring longingly at food produce. Special tip: her videos are well worth checking out too.

Released on 7 October 2020 from Hardie Grant Publishing, Places We Swim Sydney, is a city guide for water-loving people by Caroline Clements & Dillon Seitchik-Reardon. Seriously - it’s a joy to look at, and is brimming with great tips.

Pictured L-R: Mark Allerton, Tony Downs, Local Commander Peter Dadd, Gary Akehurst, Unit Commander Louise Bertoni, Marty Gully, Russell Evans - SES team members Phil Petersen and Graeme Davis, received the citation, but are not pictured here.

Hunters Hill SES Volunteers recognised for bushfire work

NSW SES volunteers from Hunters Hill, who assisted during the devastating bushfire season of 2019-2020, recently received the NSW Premier’s Bushfire Emergency Citation in recognition of their contribution. The volunteers were used in many functions, including being deployed in Fire Control Centres, taking calls on the Bushfire Information Line and providing logistical support to the Rural Fire Service. Coupled with the bushfires, volunteers from Hunters Hill and Ryde deployed to ACT to assist with SES repair and making safe properties that were damaged by severe storms.

Sydney Water fined for polluting Lane Cove River

Sydney Water has been convicted and penalised a total of $145,000 over sewage pollution in Lane Cove National Park and Lane Cove River. In July 2018, more than 64,000 litres of untreated sewage overflowed from a maintenance point in Lane Cove National Park at North Epping and was subsequently flushed into nearby bushland, a local creek, and Lane Cove River.

Instead of removing the sewage that remained in the bushland and creek, Sydney Water washed the raw sewage into the Lane Cove River.

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A glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel

Could it be true? Since the last edition of TVO there have been signs of hope ….. by Adrienne Witteman

As I write, Victoria is out of lockdown, South Australia’s looks to be mercifully short-lived, and New South Wales goes from strength to strength – tracing, managing and containing any outbreaks. The Northern Territory, Tasmania and Queensland are open. Only West Australia continues to drag the line. I’m not sure I would be as polite as Gladys Berejiklian and Scott Morrison over the last 3 months in regard to the ridiculous political posturing of McGowan and Palaszczuk. Interestingly, many clients must feel the same way as several have told me they won’t be travelling to those states even when open, such is their frustration. We are also soon to have a vaccine it seems. Yeah! But please do temper your enthusiasm with the realisation that it isn’t going to happen anytime soon. So while near-to-home options might open up early in 2021, without a bubble and/or a vaccination, you’re not going to be going anywhere far overseas soon. That doesn’t mean you can’t go anywhere. You will have noticed the Holiday Here This Year campaign and indeed that is what you should consider. You don’t need to fly to have a fun holiday – we have some fabulous self-drive itineraries and small group tours on offer, many with experiences you may not know existed. Now that museums and art galleries and restaurants are allowed increased numbers, many of you are enjoying Staycations in our own city of Sydney. We expect there will be a surge of interest for similar in Adelaide and Melbourne and Hobart over the summer holidays. Deluxe hotels are bleeding so rates are keenly priced to encourage maximum occupancy and as many staff employed as possible. Speaking from experience, each of these cities is a great base from which to explore and when you book with Trendsetter, many include a Virtuoso bonus $100 spending money. What is really trending for 2021 are Broome & Kimberley/Northern Territory holidays, and domestic cruising along the top of Australia and down the east coast – and Antarctica/sub-Antarctica journeys. Everyone is focussed on small. Fewer people and smaller vessels allow for a more intimate (and more Covidsafe) experience. There has never been a better time to explore these destinations and I expect availability to become very patchy in early 2021 so do book now. At this time of the year, we are invariably asked about Christmas travel gifts and of course we can assist. The easiest and most flexible is a Gift Travel Voucher, personalised from you and to the value of your choosing. Or you could consider an Experience – for example a day trip to Antarctica or a day tour from a wide range of options such as a garden tours, history tours, food and wine tours and more. WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! While 2020 has been an extraordinarily difficult year for the travel industry – Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre included – we are still here. And next year and beyond we will still be working hard for you our clients. We thank you sincerely for your support and good wishes, and look forward to assisting with your future travel requirements. We wish you all a lovely Christmas and a significantly brighter and healthy 2021! Adrienne & David, Andrea, Tanja and Judy

Please note that we are currently open reduced hours. Please email or call prior to visiting our store.

3 Northwood Road, Longueville 9428 5900 www.trendsettertravel.com.au

found

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

Denim Life

42 Burns Bay Rd, Lane Cove www.denimlife. com.au

10% off entire

Bucket List By Lee Atkinson 100s of holiday ideas for Australia and New Zealand Always Add Lemon By Danielle Alvarez Nourishing recipes and inspiring kitchen projects. Available in Wishbone Sydney, Garibaldi Village, Hunters Hill. First person to shop at Wishbone and show their December issue of TVO gets

10% off their entire purchase.

Beautiful flowers and gifts 9418 6770 spotted orchid 1/44 Burns Bay Rd, Lane Cove www.spottedorchid.com.au French Suede + Leather Bag

The Lost + Found Department 9879 7254 thelostandfound

The Definitive

purchase

department.com.au natural - sustainable - organic Be.U Natural https://be-u.co/ Shop 10, 115-119 Longueville Rd. Lane Cove.

Gifts At Eden Gardens At Eden, gift giving is all about joy.

Eden Gardens 8599 1940 307 307 Lane Cove Rd, Macquarie Park https://edengardens.com.au

Christmas Inspired Drinks For the whole family

Passionfruit, mango and orange fizz thanks to www. • 1 cup (140g) frozen diced mango Taste.com • 2 oranges, juiced • 2 passionfruit, halved • 1 cup crushed ice • 2 cups (500ml) chilled sparkling mineral water • Mint leaves, to serve

Blend mango and juiced oranges until smooth. Transfer to jug and combine with passionfruit pulp. Pour the mixture into serving glasses. Top with ice, mineral water and mint leaves to serve.

Home Made Eggnog (no booze)

• 12 large eggs • 1-1/2 cups sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 8 cups whole milk, divided • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 2 cups whipping cream • Additional nutmeg, optional

thanks to www.imperfectly happy.com

Whisk together eggs, sugar and salt. Gradually add 4 cups milk; cook. Stir over low heat until a thermometer reads 160°/71c for 30-35 minutes. Do not allow to boil. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in vanilla, nutmeg and remaining milk. Place bowl in an ice-water bath, stirring until milk mixture is cool. Refrigerate, covered, until cold for at least 3 hours. To serve, beat cream until soft peaks form. Whisk gently into cooled milk mixture. If desired, sprinkle with additional nutmeg before serving.

little red robin restaurant & wine bar

MODERN CONTEMPORARY DINING I A LA CARTE I DEGUSTATION WINE & COCKTAIL BAR I PRIVATE EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS Birdwood Lane, Lane Cove I littleredrobin.net.au 9418 9529