Steph's Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of questions I am asked frequently:

Q: Why did you start Steph's Food Journey?
A: For years I have been the 'go to' person for restaurant news and reviews amongst my friends and family. People come to me regularly for recommendations - so it only seemed like a natural progression to create a food blog.

Q: When did you start Steph's Food Journey?
A: I had two weeks off between jobs in November 2005 and I had wanted to create a blog for sometime but didn't know where to start. So, I used the two weeks to learn as much as possible about blogs and html code - that's how it all began.

Q: Do you get paid for this?
A: No, I have a full time job in Sydney that has nothing to do with food or dining out. I absolutely love what I do and the blog is my bit of fun on the side. I think I have the best of both worlds.

Q:Is your blog sponsored?
A: No, it's all designed, developed and updated by me. I do this in my spare time for fun.

Q: How often do you eat out?
A: On average about 4 times a week.

Q: Do you eat out for the specific purpose of the blog?
A: No, this is just what I do. My social life revolves around eating out and trying new restaurants/ cafes.

Q: How do you afford it?
A: Everyone has a hobby or something they don't mind spending money on. For me, that thing is food. I love eating out and think nothing of spending $500+ at Vue de Monde and equally enjoy the experience of spending $20 on pizza at Napoli in Bocci - it's all about variety and the experience.

Q: Do the restaurants know you are going to write about them?
A: No they don't. I pay my own way at each restaurant and write about my experiences as a regular customer. I don't want or seek special treatment - this would have a negative impact on what I write.

Q: Have you ever been caught out?
A: Several months ago I dined at Guillaume at Bennelong. My dinner buddies took great delight in sharing with the sommelier that I have a food blog and would be writing about the experience. On other occasions I've had friends and family send my blog link to different restaurants both locally and internationally.

Q: Did the experience change once they found out?
A: Thankfully no and I would have been really disappointed if it had. I still can't get a table at Vue De Monde for January 2007! I'm on the waiting list.
(NOTE: We didn't get in to Vue De Monde in January and are now planning a trip back to Melbourne in August)

Q: Do you have an affiliation with any food media?
A: Absolutely not. I read the local and international papers and magazines and watch food related TV shows just like everyone else for inspiration.

Q: Do you like to cook?
A: I love cooking and am finding less and less time to do it properly. When I cook I like to have time to prepare, source the right produce etc.

Q: How often do you cook?
A: A couple of times a week.

Q: What are your favourite food related books?
A: 'Kitchen Confidential' by Anthony Bourdain; 'The Cook's Companion' by Stephanie Alexander; 'Garlic & Sapphires' - Ruth Reichl; and 'The Perfectionist' by Rudolph Chelminski.

Q: What your favourite restaurant in Sydney?
A: That's really difficult to answer - it is currently shared between Golden Century (Chinese), Firefly (Spanish Tapas) and Maitre Karl (European).

Q: What's your favourite restaurant in Australia?
A: Without a doubt Vue de Monde in Melbourne. Shannon Bennett is a genius.

Q: If money was no object what would be your best food experience?
A: Fly me to Italy for a long lunch in Tuscany - fresh produce, local wine and a table full of other foodies!