coffees & style
  • Home
  • About
  • Girl Chat
  • Fashion & Style
  • Food, Wine & Co.
  • Liz’s Favourite Things
  • Contact
coffees & style
coffees & style
  • Home
  • About
  • Girl Chat
  • Fashion & Style
  • Food, Wine & Co.
  • Liz’s Favourite Things
  • Contact
  • Food, Wine & Co.

Talking food with Sophie Cookes

  • July 9, 2018
  • Liz Rudenko
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

One of the things I love most about having a blog – is the people I have the absolute pleasure of meeting and the stories I get to hear.

Last month I was invited to what was truly one of the warmest, most delicious and most charming dinners I have ever been to, hosted by the talented and delightful Sophie Cookes, as part of her 10/10 dinner series.

The evening was truly an experience, with fish as the hero ingredient; every course was exciting, flavoursome and unique –  this was a sensation for the tastebuds.

But even more heartwarming was the hostess herself, with her open nature, storytelling mannerism and of course a natural love of food – Sophie created an otherwise cold Melbourne night into a warm cosy evening.

Of course Sophie’s name isn’t new to the culinary world, in fact Cooke’s Food is celebrating it’s 10 year anniversary – so it was so exciting for me to have a chat with this seasoned chef to find out about her journey and her approach to this amazing craft she loves.

Where does your passion for food come from?

That’s hard to say – all places really… I am interested in the culture of eating in restaurants in different parts of the world. I read a lot about different places to eat and I get inspired by the amazing people doing things that are authentic and say something about a time and a place.

Who was your biggest food inspiration?

That’s hard there is not one but many – obviously Skye Gyngell, but also Sean Moran, Andrew McConnell, Francis Mallmann, Fergus Henderson, the NYC girls from BigLittle Get Together… I could list hundreds and they all have an effect on me and my cooking at different times.

There were many things that stood out in the 10/10 dinner – but one thing that really stayed with me was the idea of taking a classic dish and making it into something unforgettable – how important is that in your cooking?

My style of cooking is not new and it’s not at the height of innovation its more about trying to respect the ingredient or recipe and perhaps interpret it in a slightly different way.

I am almost the opposite of molecular gastronomy – I can’t and won’t make a foam and I don’t try to be too clever as it’s not my way.

What do you think makes the Cookes Food approach different?

I guess it’s the spirit of generosity – we want to feel as though we are giving as much as we can to an event and to the food… we are always trying to make ourselves better and we are acutely aware that you always need to continue to learn and grow.

We are a also a more personal service –  we try and connect with our clients so that when we get to the quoting process we can give them something they really want.

If you could host a dream 10/10 dinner – which 10 people would you invite and what would be the hero ingredient?

Great question … I wish I had of featured tomatoes but it was the wrong time of year and I adore tomatoes.

The 10 people is a hard question as it would probably be my family and close friends in a sort of last supper but if it was for work it would be the chefs I listed earlier and I would literally have to take the names out of a hat – I would love to sit with people that care and love food as much as I do – just to pick their brains and chat about the industry.

Describe food in 3 words

Brings people together

Just for a bit of fun – as a foodie what are your favourite Melbourne places for:

  • A date night – Cicciolina
  • The perfect coffee – I get mine at Baker de Chirico on Fitzroy street
  • Hidden spot no one knows about but should – I think everyone knows about Marion don’t they?
  • Perfect wine list – Di Stasio
  • Best brunch – at home to be honest – fresh bread from Wood frog, sautéed mushrooms from Damien Pike at Prahran Market and a poached egg 😉
Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Related Topics
  • chef
  • food & wine
  • Foodie
Liz Rudenko

Liz is an editor and has previously been featured in several fashion blogs. She has a penchant for finding great new hot spots, as well as a serious addiction to shoes, chocolate and coffee.

Previous Article
  • Food, Wine & Co.

Weekend Brunching with Frank’s new winter delights

  • July 7, 2018
  • Liz Rudenko
View Post
Next Article
  • Food, Wine & Co.

An experience to remember at Ripponlea Food & Wine

  • July 12, 2018
  • Liz Rudenko
View Post
You May Also Like
View Post
  • Fashion & Style
  • Food, Wine & Co.
  • Liz’s Favourite Things

Coffees & Style Christmas Gift Guide | Life & Style

  • Liz Rudenko
  • December 4, 2023
View Post
  • Food, Wine & Co.

NON dares to be different and delicious

  • Liz Rudenko
  • November 6, 2023
View Post
  • Food, Wine & Co.
  • Liz’s Favourite Things

Weekend escape to Lancemore’s Red Hill Lindenderry

  • Liz Rudenko
  • October 22, 2023
View Post
  • Food, Wine & Co.

Melbourne’s Highest, Art-Inspired High Tea is coming to town, presented by Pullman Melbourne on Swanston.

  • Liz Rudenko
  • October 14, 2023
View Post
  • Food, Wine & Co.

Unveiling the extraordinary at Rooftop QT

  • Liz Rudenko
  • October 10, 2023
View Post
  • Food, Wine & Co.

Success and Sky Rises with Meriton Group CEO Harry Triguboff

  • Liz Rudenko
  • October 9, 2023
View Post
  • Food, Wine & Co.

Henrietta makes its mark in Melbourne

  • Liz Rudenko
  • August 28, 2023
View Post
  • Food, Wine & Co.

A Cheesy Espresso Martini Challenge with Little Drippa

  • Liz Rudenko
  • August 12, 2023

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts
  • Coffees & Style Christmas Gift Guide | Life & Style
  • NON dares to be different and delicious
  • The magical and transpirational experience of LUME Melbourne
  • Weekend escape to Lancemore’s Red Hill Lindenderry
  • The story behind Tema Moda

coffeesandstyle

Liz Rudenko | Coffees & style
'On fridays, I prefer my espresso in a martini' 🍸☕️

#espressomartini #fridayvibes
The most exquisite pieces from @koala_living 👌 The most exquisite pieces from @koala_living 👌

Nadia Brushed Bronze Metal and Grey Marble Table Lamp - Grey Linen Lamp Shade and Enzo Clock … simply stunning! 

So chic! And the perfect addition to our living space.

#collab #koalaliving #interior #styling #livingspace #lifestyleblogger
This is 38 🥂 Thank you to everyone for all the This is 38 🥂

Thank you to everyone for all the gorgeous birthday wishes! X

#birthdaygirl #thisis38 #birthdayweek
When two worlds come together to create one delici When two worlds come together to create one delicious blend! @thegroupwines x @starwardwhisky launch a limited release of whisky barrel-aged Shiraz 🍷

The wine is so smooth and easy with notes of toasted oak, vanilla and spice, to compliment the full-bodied shiraz as well as notes of blackberry and ripe orchard fruits.

Available exclusively at Liquorland and First Choice Liquor Market stores nationwide.

#collab #wine #winelaunch #newwine #shiraz #melbournefoodie
So much fun last night launching @whisky_week a w So much fun last night launching  @whisky_week a whisky and spirit festival featuring unique tasting events across the city, bayside and surrounding suburbs – will be unbottled from Friday, August 18 to Sunday, August 27.

I am a huge whiskey fan, and it was such a delight getting to know some of the makers and creators behind the delicious labels.

Brands being showcased at the festival include Glenmorangie, Starward, Macallan, Laphroaig, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Little Lon Distilling Co, Bakery Hill, Fossey’s, Timboon Distillery, Backwoods Distilling Co, Slane and Chief's Son.

This one is definitely a must for whiskey lovers 🥃

#whiskeyweek #aboutlastnight #melbourneevent #melbournefoodie
A delicious night at the  @postofficeclubhotel 🍷

With its warm ambience, exquisite wine list and inspired menu, the beautiful Bistro offers a menu that takes cues from all corners of the globe to deliver a meal that will warm up the coldest nights. 

The Steak frites was an absolute highlight, matched with a delicious French Grenache. 

#prinvite #postofficeclubhotel #melbournefoodie #melbournefoodscene
It was love at first sight when I came across this It was love at first sight when I came across this exquisite piece at @koala_living ! 

Creating a sense of calmness and romance is something I love when it comes to my bedroom, and the styling really reflects that. 

The ‘Amor’ sculpture is absolutely stunning and makes for the perfect addition 🧡

#koalaliving #styling #bedroomstyling #decor #gifted
The only pain that I want in my life is “Cham-Pa The only pain that I want in my life is “Cham-Pain” off-course 🥂🍾

#champagne #champagnequotes
"A painter should have two lives, one in which to "A painter should have two lives, one in which to learn, and one in which to practise his art.” - Pierre Bonnard

#ngv #pierrebonnard #pierrebonnardexhibit #fridaynightlights
An Epicurean Evening at @ming.dining.melbourne 🥂

A delicious Cantonese menu with a modern twist featuring delicious dishes like lobster handmade noodles, decadent bone marrow and of course the perfect dessert to finish! 

#mingdining #EpicureanEvening #melbournefoodie #prinvite
@henrietta.chicken has arrived in Melbourne! Loc @henrietta.chicken has arrived in Melbourne! 

Located in the heart of Windsor this gorgeous Lebanese inspired restaurant has it all - great vibe, great wine list, and a delicious menu with a twist. The team are absolutely wonderful and have certainly created a great new Melbourne foodie hot spot! 👌🍷

#prinvite #melbournefoodie #melbournefoodscene #henriettachicken #windsor #newrestaurant
Tony Bennett - An icon, a legend and a gentleman 🖤

I have loved Tony Bennett’s music since I was a kid and first heard his rendition of ‘The Way You Look Tonight’. 

At his concert many years later, after a 3 hour set, the audience could not stop cheering, he came back on stage and said ‘call your babysitters and tell them you’ll be late tonight, we’re not done here’ and sang for another hour … it was and will always be the greatest concert I have ever been to.

Thank you Tony for the music, the magic, the romance RIP 🖤

#tonybennett
A French delight with an Italian twist is the perf A French delight with an Italian twist is the perfect way to describe @cru_kew 🍷

The warm and inviting ambience of this gorgeous Wine Bar and Bistro is felt immediately as you walk through the door. With an impressive wine list that will take you around the world to some of the best wine regions and a delicious menu to match, @cru_kew is a must visit  foodie experience! 

If you’re a fan of steak frites - I Highly recommend, one of the best I’ve had! 👌

#prinvite #crukew #melbournefoodie #bistro #winebar #kew #melbournefoodscene #winebar
Thank you so much @susie.hair_theaphrodite for my Thank you so much @susie.hair_theaphrodite for my Barbie inspired updo - this was soo much fun! 🎀🎀

#barbie #barbiemovie #updo
8 year old me would be screaming! I received my ve 8 year old me would be screaming! I received my very first Barbie the day we came to Australia as a gift and right there the love of fashion, imagination and endless possibilities began! 

The movie is absolute perfection, genius writing, amazing cast, in depth storytelling and just an overall joy. I can’t remember the last time an audience laughed, cried, and clapped throughout a movie many times over, couldn’t recommend it more!

Thank you so much for having us @palacecinemas and huge thank you to @susie.hair_theaphrodite for my hair 🎀🎥

#barbiethemovie #palacecinemas #barbie
There’s something about a delicious bowl of past There’s something about a delicious bowl of pasta and perfect Italian wine that just hits different and takes your tastebuds on a journey! 

That’s the experience at @oltreprahran - a delicious Italian escape open for breakfast and lunch in the heart of Prahran Market. 🍝🍷

#oltreprahran #prahranmarket #italianrestaurant #melbournefoodie
There’s nothing quite like Friday Nights at the There’s nothing quite like Friday Nights at the @ngvmelbourne 🖼️🥂

The current Pierre Bonnard exhibit is absolutely STUNNING and curated in the most amazing way by the incredible India Mahdavi.

For the full experience I highly recommend booking dinner at the @kittensmithers pop up restaurant as part of a collaboration with the NGV. The delicious menu is inspired by Smithers’ award-winning restaurant du Fermier.

Couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Bastille Day and enjoy the ultimate French experience 🇫🇷🖼️🥂

#ngv #pierrebonnard #wintermasterpieces #ngvmelbourne #melbournenightlife
Every empty bottle is filled with a great story … I could stare at the @cru_kew wine wall forever while enjoying a glass (or 3) from their incredible wine list!🍷

#winebar #crukew #winewall #melbournefoodie #foodandwine
So much fun launching the new @koala_living store So much fun launching the new @koala_living store 🥂 The pieces are absolutely stunning, can’t wait to share what we selected! 

#koalaliving #storeopening #aboutlastnight #melbournelife
Beating the winter blues in style with the most de Beating the winter blues in style with the most delicious Lasagna and smooth Jazz at @rossibar 🍷🎼

There’s no denying the vibe at Rossi and this just taken it to a new level. Such a delicious and warm night, happening every Wednesday! 

#abourlastnight #rossibar #grevillestreet #jazznight #melbournefoodie
Load More… Follow on Instagram
coffees & style
  • Home
  • About
  • Girl Chat
  • Fashion & Style
  • Food, Wine & Co.
  • Liz’s Favourite Things
  • Contact
Fashion, good food and girl chat

Input your search keywords and press Enter.