Meet NQN’s Intrepid Dining Companions
Not Quite Nigella is Lorraine Elliott, a cake and food enthusiast who believes that cakes belong in an art gallery. Born and raised in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, she lived on the Lower North Shore for 8 years and has now returned to the Eastern Suburbs where she lives with her food-apathetic husband who takes most of the restaurant photos for her blog whilst she takes all the still photos of the food that she cooks.
She loves kitsch and unusual things, travelling far and wide for an unusual meal and cooking and eating food from different countries all around the world. Her second and third loves are Fashion and Beauty (with a particular weakness for Chanel Nail polish). And yes her love of fashion conflicts with her love of food – sadly two opposing forces on her waistline.
She’ll never sing in front of you but she’ll sing when she’s at home cooking and she has about twenty different accents that she can put on if you ask her to. Formerly working in Advertising as a consultant and a Media Strategist, she is making Not Quite Nigella a full time entity.
Her favourite cuisine is French and Japanese (or a fusion between the two). Her last meal would consist of: Bluff oysters au naturel, cream croquettes, Peking duck, honey king prawns, lobster, caviar, fresh Turkish bread, salmon tataki, spanish salami, sun dried tomatoes, roesti, okonomiyaki, fresh figs and dates, a fat, fluffy peshwari naan, wagyu beef and desserts including copious macarons from Herme or Laduree in Paris or Zumbo in Balmain.
She hopes to avoid Death Row so that a “last meal” scenario will never occur.
She also loves it when people leave comments on her blog and she’d also love to hear what your “last meals” would be.
And yes, Nigella Lawson has visited Not Quite Nigella and loves the name.
If you would like to email me, you can do so at:
info [at] notquitenigella [dot] com replacing the “at” and “dot” with the appropriate characters 
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150 Comments | Add your own
blythe is paralysed by the thought of having to decide what to eat for her last meal (although her chances of ending up on death row are probably higher than anyone else we know).
nigella said:
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/foodmonthly/story/0,,2149195,00.html
Hi blythe-oh dear, yes the aggressiveness scores do speak for themselves…
Thanks for the link!
Heston Blumenthal’s sound interesting: “fried blowfish, miso shells”
I might have to put Nigella’s dessert suggestion on my Paris todo list! “Salvators from Fouquet, Paris (Rue Francoise 1er)”
Last meal should be eaten with and possibly even prepared by my darling son and dear friends who are nearly all excellent cooks.
A dozen Tasmanian Coffin Bay oysters.
Succulent New Zealand crayfish served with a mixed leaf green salad with asparagus served with a piquant creamy dressing and fried potato CHIPS.
Zabaglione for dessert. Old-fashioned, I know, but I love its lush simplicity.
Stilton, dried grapes and a selection of CRACKERS.
Copious amounts of Veuve Cliquot champagne drunk from my favourite SHOES I have ever owned (when they were brand-new, of course. The sandals and boots get a reprieve. I’ll see them in heaven.)
Hi queen viv-that sounds scrumptious! I especially love the sound of the oysters and crayfish.
Hi Not quite Nigella
=) I just discovered your site from a link on grabyourfork, and i must say i absolutely love your blog!
I can’t believe I hadn’t found you earlier!
You are now my favourite foodblogger!!!
ahah expect alot of comments from me~!
Hi Jimmy-Thanks so much and welcome! That is so sweet of you to say
Oooh yes I love comments so please feel free to comment away!
I was idly net-surfing from an alluring Iranian pistachio, fig, date, etcetera, site, and landed at Not Quite Nigella. Like the song says, just one look–is all it took. And I was hooked. And near drooling. My first impulse was to book a flight to Sydney, and go to Be’casse. Seriously. Think I’ll do that.
Hi Bill-thanks and welcome!
Aww schucks that is so sweet of you to say! Sydney definitely has a great deal of food temptations and is worth a trip, in my humble opinion anyway hehe
hiya NQN.
I love your blog! it’s so awesome! will definitely be checking in on a regular basis now. having been recently back from a trip to paris myself, didn’t quite make it to the Lauderee in Champs Elysees. But you absoultely HAVE to try Pierre Herme. His desserts are absolutely heavenly!
Hi KCL-Thanks and Happy New Year!
Thanks for the suggestion, I am most defintiely up for good desserts so I will definitely try Pierre Herme when in Paris. He has quite a reputation and I heard that he was the original macaron master!
Hi NQN,
Greetings from Montreal, Quebec, Canada! I absolutely adore your blog and the pictures are amazing. I greatly appreciate those who share my passion for food and the culinary arts. I think I drive my friends bonkers when I try to figure out the ingredients in prepared dishes at restaurants. Montreal has a great many restaurants, but I’m anxious to try those in Sydney when I get a chance to go. Thanks for creating such an informative site. Keep up the good work!
Hi Empress T-Hello and welcome! Thankyou so much for your kind words
Hehe yes I know the feeling when completely focused on the food. I admit I stretch the patience of my friends when they’re dying to tuck into the food only to wait for me to take pictures 
I’ve heard Montreal and Canada have great food as I’ve got a few friends from Canada who are always talking about the food there. It would be great if we could shuttle hot food back and forth (although the distance could prove the demise of this plan)
I stumbled on her from your vogue link and i love your work!
Photography is awesome and you give me EXTRA inspiration to cook.
Hope my recipe book collection can be as impressive as yours one day!
x
Hi miss_shellie-Welcome!
Always great to see someone from Vogue here. Thanks so much and happy cooking (and recipe book collecting! 
)
Hi NQN!!!
i just discovered your blog today, searching for Jessica Seinfield’s choc beet cake. i quickly read through the recipe and then went on to spend 2 hours reading your amazing blog. thank you for the great ideas and memories your sharing through this lovely blog. if you ever venture out west there is a fantastic traditional lao/thai restaurant in fairfield, called Moradok 24 Court Rd Fairfield NSW 2165 ph: (02) 9725 6011, you must try the homemade spicy lao sausage, grilled ox tounge, raw beef larb, seafood tom yum & lao papaya salad. The city thai haunts are great but nothing beats traditional home cooking!
Hi Amra-Hello! That’s so lovely of you to say and I hope you find lots of interesting things here to read. Thanks too for the recommendation, that sounds lovely and I adore papaya salad
Just discovered this website through the Vogue Forum… I love it! Definitely bookmarking it so I can keep visiting.
Very inspiring!
Hi Anthea-Welcome!
I hope you enjoy your stay here and keep on visiting! 
Lovely site!
Hmmm.. death row meal
foie gras frais with some of my own figs
lobster (from cold waters) bisque
black (Dover) sole on the bone with wild Norfolk Samphire
oxtail simmered to death in Barolo with dry roasted Wexford Golden Wonder potatoes
English white asparagus
Panna cotta with garnish of wild strawberries
Selection of English, Irish and French cheeses with Robert Ditty’s oatcakes
A pluperfect espresso made from Nicaraguan Finca La Fany Bourbon beans, roasted 24 hours previously
Probably have a coronary before the executioner arrives but I’d die happy.
Sorry, reverse courses 6 and 7!
Hi Ernie-wow, that’s a really impressive sounding death row meal! I must try some of those things when I visit Merry England this year. Thanks for the recs!
And meeting death via the ingestion of too much good food, surely that’s the way to go!
Well I hope you make it over the water to Ireland when you come. If you do, flag me via http://www.forkncork.com and I’ll give you the quick foodie tour of Dublin if I’m around
Hi ernie-Wow, that’s so sweet of you, I will definitely get in contact should I make it to Dublin
i just LURVE your blog…i like the way you write and the beautiful photos of the wonderful delicacies you bake!
Hi Sinead-Thanks and welcome!
I’m drooling at your French Toast cupcakes, they sound divine!
Hi NQN
Im a avid reader as i’m a self proclaimed cook-aholic/eat-aholic. You’ve inspired me to start up my own blog and i was wondering what fantastic tips or tricks you have used or learnt during your blogging journey? PS i love your restaurant reviews as i am a North Shore girl my self and can actually go to the restaurants! Loves it!! Keep up the good work – your very talented! Love Sunny
Hi NQN from Baltimore, MD,
Found you through Grab Your Fork. Love your hubby’s photographs and your sense of humour. Hooters in Sydney – yikes! so many US chains making their way to Aus! Sorry to report, here it’s too hard to find a real honest to goodness chef-run restaurant, (sans chains). Loved reading about Bay Tinh – many happy memories of meals with mates during 80s-90s. Could u guess, we miss Sydney dining.
-Trish
http://byogrogandtucker.blogspot.com/
Hi Sunny-Thanks for your lovely comment and I’m glad you’re starting a food blog up. I can’t get enough of reading food blogs and ones based on the North Shore are great as I can get to try new things around here too
My suggestions are: get as good a camera as you can afford. Pictures make the world of difference on a blog. Take a notepad with you and a pen to write down what you’ve ordered and prices. Try and eat early at a restaurant so you won’t need to use the flash as much and if you’re with hungry people, try no to stand between them and the food too long-I sometimes dine with hungry guys and I do feel bad when they look so hungry and I’m fluffing about taking pics
Good luck and let me know what its called!
Hi Trish and hello to Baltimore! Thanks so much, that’s so nice to hear
Bay Tinh is great. Sorry to hear that there isn’t much aside from chains. I do recall loads of chains on my last visit about 10 years ago 
I saw your Ginger Beer recipe which looks great. Only last night we saw Jamie Oliver make that on Foxtel and I thought to myself “Must make that!”
Hi Nigella,
I am a great fan of yours. I love our cookings and the way you explain food stuffs, which can make anyone drool…..
I am glad to find you here in the blogsphere and am proud to know such a great food expert.
I will definitely be a regular reader.
With lots of luv
Shantini
Hi Shantini-Thanks, I’m Not Quite Nigella but hoping to be close to the real Nigella on tv! Thanks for the lovely comment. The wedding photos look gorgeous!
I hope to avoid death row as well, though I think for my last meal I will have a few of each dish on your website… should keep me living for a while longer
Hi Cappucino-Hehe you could always have a never ending meal so that you would live longer. Although I’m sure that someone has tried that on and they’ve got some rules in place to avoid that
Hi NQN,
where is the good and reasonably priced italian on the North Shore? We have moved from Melbourne where there is an abundance of italian restaurants and isn’t anywhere near as expensive as it is here! $22 for a pizza is unheard of! Craving a good tortellini and garlic pizza atm…
Hi Maria-Hmmm that’s a really tough one. I can say that we’ve never really eaten Italian on the North Shore as there don’t seem to be many great Italian restaurants. Certainly nothing like in Melbourne. I think Leichardt and Haberfield would be the best area for Italian. The North Shore tends to have a lot of Japanese/Thai food but not a great deal of stellar Italian
Dear NQN, what a real food blogger you are..really.. gorgeous images, fascinating writing
also thanks for putting my recipe..
hey can i link yours to my http://www.culinary43.blogspot.com please feel free to link back
Hi Irene-Thankyou so much! I’ve linked back too. Your pic of the black rice pudding with coconut pannacotta are just gorgeous-I love coconut black sticky rice! And of course your avocado ice cream was heavenly
Hi nigella
i stumbled upon your website through the vogue website and your blog on Gordon Ramsay tickets. Firstly I love this website and am very impressed by the photoraphy, reviews etc. I am also a north shore girl so yoru reviews will be great as my husband and I love to cook alhtoughI think in some cases he is more of the chef than I. I love your cupcake photos we had a cupcake cook off at work and it was great. some I didn’t want to eat. I do have a question though do you still have any spare tickets that you are wanting to sell to see Gordon Ramsay at the GFS? My husband is a big fan of his and has his latest cookbook which he has cooked out of and we would love to see him. Let me know.
Hi Sarah-I’m not Nigella but Not Quite Nigella aka Lorraine
The cupcake cook off sounds great and good that your husband also likes to cook!
The GR tickets are long gone I’m afraid, they were incredibly popular and I got a lot of people asking me about them. It seems that everyone wants a piece of GR nowadays!
Hi NQN
Sorry I didn’t meant to say that you were Nigella I knew that you weren’t I just didn’t write it properly. Thanks anyway about the GR tickets we are going to try and see him on the weekend fingers crossed. Thanks again and I will defintely visit your webstie again.
Hi Sarah-No problems, some people have thought I am Nigella
Yes there are still tickets for him available but they aren’t in the front half. The whole back half is for people who get a seat on the day so if you go to the stand early you should be able to get a ticket to see him
Hi Lorraine,
Thank you so much for your compliment! I must do something about my hopeless blog.
I agree Bree is the best – I sooo understand her wanting to find the perfect Lemon Meringue recipe!
I have noticed you like to know what everyone’s last meal would be…not sure but I would def have dessert (cake) first just in case my time ran out before I had chance to eat it!
Hx
Hi Helen-Sorry I just wanted to explain why I hadn’t been able to leave a message!
I too understood her pain at wanting to perfect the Apple Pie! The hallmark of a true Desperate Housewife I think!
Very good idea! I like that. Should I ever be on Death Row (haha hopefully never) I’ll definitely request that
I just discovered this blog through the Vogue forums and my goodness it is divine! I look forward to trawling through it for many more hours.
As for my last meal, I think it would be a a simple one. Starter of camembert on crusty bread, followed by a good wagyu steak, the creamiest mash, finished with raspberry creme brulee. All complemented with a Brown Brothers Muscat.
NQN,
Your generous with your talent and fine tastes.
Thank you for your great website!!!
Peace and Love!
Hi Jessica-Thankyou so much!
I like your last meal, simple is very good and I’m sure that it would all be perfectly cooked to bring out the flavours 
Hi Greg-Thanks for your kind words! It’s lovely of you to say that
I’m so glad I discovered your site – I base holiday itineraries on places to eat and foods to try and my boyfriend thinks I have a real Nigella dependency as I’ve started to begin my sentences with, “Nigella says…” Although he never complains when he’s enjoying the results! Great site :O)
Hi Sara-Excellent! I do the same
I also talk about Nigella I suspect a little too much but like your boyfriend, my husband doesn’t complain too much 
Hello,
Oh my goodness, it’s 11.30 at night, I’m exhausted after work and yet I am glued to your website, drooling and dreaming of a visit to France to indulge in all that delicious food! (although I think I would give the offal a miss!)
Interestingly, have just been to the Philippines and despite being told that it would be a culinary wasteland (fatty, poor-quality food big on pork, rice and not much else), experienced some fantastic meals there, especially a wonderful Italian seafood broth and yummy Valrhona chocolate tart at a restaurant in Manila called Sala. Of course, there’s lots of fatty rubbish around as well, but all up I had some really nice stuff!
My sister lives in Sydney, and we loooove sweet stuff, but have not been able to find a great cupcake, despite them being seemingly everywhere. Where do you recommend?
Hi Linda-Thanks for your kind words
That’s great to know about the Phillipines. I’ve only had Phillipino food once and it was great but I have heard similar things. But your meal sounds fantastic!
Hmmm it’s hard to say, I am a real hard-ass when it comes to cupcakes and haven’t been overwhelmingly impressed. I think that there are a lot of places that make cupcakes but they fall short. I’m still looking for the “to die for” cupcake place myself too!
Just reading your bio have earned you another fan *swoons*
Hi Minxi-Thanks but I’m Not Quite Nigella, not Nigella Lawson
Hi NQN, OK, I’m now your new fan. Can’t believe I just found you now (after a very long search for cafe reference in Tokyo).
Am at work right now so I can’t go through your blog as detailed as I’d like to. But, I am coming back! Is it OK if I link your blog to mine?
Hi Taiko-Thankyou!
Lucky you living in Tokyo, one of my favourite cities in the world! r That would be lovely, thanks so much and for your lovely message 
love blogs with a dose of sense of humour… saw your links from sugar head…
Hi sha-Thanks so much!
Hi NQN! I always look to your blog for inspiration and my next eating adventure.
I’ve been asked to make cupcakes for my friend’s 30th.. the theme is 80’s! Any ideas how I could decorate the cupcakes? I noticed you are very creative in the cupcake/cake department. Please e-mail me if you have any ideas? Thanks!! 
Hi Min-Hmm that’s a hard one. 80s is only really known for Haute Cuisine and bad fashion. Does your friend have any favourite things from the 80s like bands or fashion items? Maybe Twister cupcakes or flouro cupcakes?
I know! It really is a hard one. That’s a good idea, thanks, I’ll ask her
Hi NQN, well I’m obviously a latecomer as I just found you a few days ago from doing a google search for reindeer cupcakes … didn’t find the reindeer cupcakes I wanted but I did find you! Fantastic site, love it all thus far. Have been sitting reading through all your old entries. And not making reindeer cupcakes which I need to have done in the next 24 hours!
Hi Min-Best of luck with it and let me know what you end up going with
Hi Paula-Ah cool, thanks for the lovely compliment! I would have done reindeer cupcakes but I ran out of time. Maybe next year. Best of luck finding them and I hope you continue to visit the site
What a truely beautiful blog you have here. I am adding you to my blog list.
I live on the Central Coast, am a little new to blogging, but have just done my 100th post. Are you a member of N.com ? I am Hottie over there.
I have Feast, Express and Christmas.
Shall be back really soon, love it.
Hi Sally-Thankyou so much! Wow, you can’t be new if you’ve done 100 posts-congratulations
I joined years ago but haven’t posted there. I really should though!
Thanks again Sally!
Hi
This is Yasmine, the journalist who talked to you about Australia Day dishes. I just want to tell you that the story was published in Good Living today if you want to see it.
I just noticed you put a photo up! It’s nice to finally put a face to the blog
I always imagine how you would look like
Whenever we went to dine, I always observe some ladies nail polish, guessing that one of them could be you ?
Thanks for putting up a photo. Nice photo.
Hi Alexandra-Yep I figured that people could see it if they searched for me on facebook so why not!
Hi Liny-Hehe that’s so cool! I think that my nails became my signature as that was all people could see
Thanks so much!
YOUR BLOG IS A JOY TO READ~!
Hi KY-Thankyou so much!
I just thought I’d BRAG & let you know I bought 3 Nigella Cookbooks this week I couldn’t help myself & ITS ALL YOUR FAULT! So I now have added NIGELLA FEASTS,NIGELLA EXPRESS & today HOW TO EAT These are next to my bed, I will eventually put next to FOREVER SUMMER after I devour the recipes with my eyes & mind Thanks for your great blog OH YES I DID GO MAD this week I also bought SILVER SPOON ($70) & G. RAMSAY’s “Cooking For Friends” -I think its quite good though I never thought I would buy any of his books & Bill Granger’s HOLIDAY I Don’t know who is going to pay FOXTEL OH WELL Regards Krystyna
I just noticed the picture! See how I get distracted by the photos of food, until I ignore everything else?
I didn’t realise you were Chinese, so am I.
Where are you from orginally (if this applies)? x
I love U
Hi again I was just reading an article in CHOW & your “blog” is that what its called – I am still a bit Ignorant with this type of technology but love to “talk” A LO!!! Anyway they were talking about MADELEINES &you were brought up HONEY YOUR FAMOUS HEE! HEE! I spent most of today looking for recipes & lo & behold I got 1 from Ina Garten-Laura Calder-Anna Olson all Food Network cooks. Anyway besides buying all the cookbooks this week) also Steve Manfredi’s SEASONAL) my partner Mark of 28 yrs has bought me 3 Baker’s Secret Baking tray/tins Madeleine Pan being one I saw your recipe was published on My birthday last year (MARCH 25 2008)WHAT A GREAT OMEN I CERTAINLY WILL TRY yours I GUESS I MUST BE A LUCKY UKY Mark also bought me ESTEELE 5.2 L.SAUTE PAN, & 5.5L Dutch oven in stainless steel along with saucepan & an early Birthday pressie SUNBEAM FOOD SAVER with bags Plastic Rolls (I was very Lucky K.Mart had Sunbeam FOODSAVER CANISTER SETS X 2 on special $35 BUT when I checked price the bar code said .50cent YES I DID the right thing I BOUGHT THREE SETS after I DID DOUBLE CHECK WITH STAFF SO I DO NOT FEEL GUILTY THAT I SAVED JUST OVER $100 I LOVE A GOOD BARGAIN HAVE A GREAT DAY LOVE KRYSTYNA
Very tastefull & impressing site!
I will surely try your recipes. You also make fantastic photos of meal! I like it very much.
I will recommend your blog to my friends, here in Poland!!!
Bye,
Elunda
Hi B. Krystyna-Ooh fantastic! They’re all great purchases
Wow you’ve got a great cookbook library and yes next to the bed is the best place to keep them! 
Hi Su-yin-Hehe that’s cool, that’s what I’d rather I think!
I’m Singaporen and Hong Kong. How about you?
Hi Shoib-Haha cool!
Hi B. Krystyna-Oh wow really? I was mentioned? That’s great, I wonder if I could get a copy of that! Aww that’s fantastic, what a sign indeed that it was published on your birthday
Definitely something to make then! That’s fantastic, you really got some great deals there, I’m so happy for you as I know the feeling 
Hi Elunda-Oh wonderful! Thanks so much for your lovely words and for recommending me to your friends in Poland (which I’d love to visit one day!)
I’m Malaysian – from Penang to be more accurate, the land of goooood food!
x
Hi Lorraine,
Wow i’m not sure if i just skipped past it but this is the first time i’ve seen your photo. You are gorgeous!
It’s great to put a face to the name and i’m still enjoying your blog everyday. Keep up the fantastic work!
Hi Su-yin-I’m yet to visit Malaysia but I have definitely heard that to be true
Hi Jen-I only just put my photo up last week. Aww thankyou!
Thankyou so much and thanks for your loyal readership!
Arrested Development! How I miss it.
Hi, I have to say I love your blog, I love the name and I love your taste in shoes as much as food. My last meal, I’ll keep it simple, thai green curry of the most authentic type, delish. I look forward to your posts with much salivating and probable weight gain.
Hi felix-Hehe me too!
Hi Sarah-Thankyou so much, you are too kind! Ahh a good choice for the last meal, I think I’d have to add that onto my already burgeoning list!
Wow! What great photos and what a fun blog. And my first exposure was La Crema Catalana.
Best of luck and my best regards, Gerry Dawes
Hi Gerry-Thankyou very much. Glad that you like it and hope that you always find it to be an interesting read
Hi NQN
I live in the States, and spent a year living in Australia. While I love Sydney and Manly, I spent most of my time in Hobart, TAS. Among the many things I miss about AU is availability of delicious food (who doesnt love Tasmanian Oysters)and attention to detail in cooking. Not to mention the coffees. Your blog so refreshing, and your many photos took me back to so many good memories made in AU. Keep up the good work!
Hi Kim-Fantastic!
That’s great to hear that you really liked the food. I like to think that we have really superb produce here but it’s lovely to hear it from someone else too!
Thankyou so much for reading and taking the time to comment!
Hi NQN, a friend pt.ed me to ur blog, great bolg. Since u r well “eaten” around Sydney, do u know where I can try me taste buds on a BIG (and I mean BIG) FAT Murray Cod around town? I looked but can’t find any. Thx.
Hi Alb-Thanks
Do you mean to make yourself or at a restaurant? To cook yourself you may be able to find it at the Sydney Fish Markets. At a restaurant I’d recommend trying a seafood specialist like Flying Fish-try calling ahead to see whether they serve it although I don’t think they’d serve the whole fish (I could be wrong but they usually do smaller fillets). Good luck and let us know if you have any success! 
wow, you have a very broad culinary culture! i’m half spanish and half swiss, so i felt flattered that u mentioned several things from my countries (what is ’spanish salami’ anyway haha, chorizo?) =P
if you ever go to spain, go to a TAPAS BAR, its something that i miss so much in australia =) mediterranean food at full throttle!
my favorite cake that i love to cook is carrot cake, i should cook you one.. if i could only try some of your sins from the wallpapers page, they look prohibitively good.
i have never thought about what i would eat for the last time, the only thing that i know for sure is that it would be eating (well, after one thing that i don’t want to mention here).
great blog, but i have to leave now, i need to eat something sweet!
Hi NQN,
Stumble onto your site by chance when I tried to find where to get a good authentic baguette in Sydney. I’m a foodie like you so enjoy your site a lot. Cooking and food is an art to me and love it. I love new recipes from different culture. I like to modified recipe in my cooking. So my family noted that the same dish rarely taste as same twice. Also,I’ve been frowned upon whenever I eat out because I tried to find out what’s in the dishes and how it cooked etc.
Hi David R-Thanks for your comment! I think spanish salami is just a spicy salami and everyone loves it amongst my friends and I.
Spain is one place I am dying to go to! it looks amazing and my husband discovered that he has some Spanish blood so we have an added connection
Your carrot cake sounds wonderful and I’m glad that you like the wallpapers! I need to make more
Haha ok yes well as long as you’re eating that’s a good thing! Thankyou!
Hi Kim-Very cool! I have heard the baguettes and croissants are very good at Ganache at Castlecrag if that helps. Sounds like you are a true foodie through and through! Aww sorry to hear that your inquisition is frowned upon. I would think they’d be flattered that you’d want to know!
HI Not Quiet Nigella,
I found your blog by coincidence and ever since this has become the website I look into before we plan to have dinner or lunch somewhere.
Thank you very much for the reference, I found it very useful. My husband and I like to eat out but sometimes we’re not quiet sure if the food would be ok in some places.
The pictures are very nice and they’ve helped so much (oh yes, they’re very very tempting hahahaha).
I can relate to your love of food and shoes as I’m very much the same, but I really have to catch up with the pairs of shoes you’ve got.
Love the blog!!!!
Hi AR-Thankyou so much for your lovely comment and thankyou for reading. I treasure each and every one of my readers!
I’m so glad that you find it useful and that you like the pictures too
Hehe I’m trying to wean myself off shoes but the problem is that the obsession has extended to hats and bags and I still like shoes
Hi, i really enjoy this site, i was looking at the Wagaya review. Anyways, I have 2 “strange” questions for you or anyone who knows.
1) Are there any restaurants in Sydney (chinese or otherwise) that make lobster from the tank with cheddar cheese and egg noodle? I had this once in Hurstville and it was awesome.I can’t seem to find it or order it anywhere.
2) Who owns the NSW number plate “yumcha” ? I saw it once many years ago.
Thanks.
Hi I Hatomi-Cool, thankyou and thanks for reading!
I haven’t heard of that lobster but it sounds divine. I wish I could try it. i’ve had garlic butter lobster and that is amazing.
I wouldn’t know who owns the Yumcha number plate but I wish I did!
Hi I just came across this site and am loving it.The recipes are great too.
I am a sugar artist and mum of 3 with a passion for all things cake, and have recently opened a supply store in Berrima NSW.
I would love for you to pop in and visit when you are down here next I have loads of great cake and cookie stuff and classes too.
I worked for a number of years on sailing yachts and as we would spend so much time at sea taking the boat back and forth between Europe and the Caribbean, “Last meal” was our favorite game. But we added, “what did you do to get on death row, then what was your last meal.”
If your birthday is on May 7, then my oldest son shares it with you. he turned 33 yesterday. He also has another birthday , Sept. 2, 2000 when he received the gift of life from a donor , a kidney transplant.I almost lost him in 1999 when he went into kidney failure and didn’t realize he was so sick.
Hi Elissa-Thanks so much! If I am ever in the area I will let you know!
Hi Prue-Sounds like you have a fantastic job! Ahh yes I like the added question to it! The answers could be very revealing!
Hi Julia-Mine is May 8th. What a wonderful story! So glad that he is still celebrating his birthdays!
Hi Lorranine,
I am not sure about of my last meal and have not thought about as such.
I liked your site and I thought it was quite artistic. Best of luck.
Just a note to let you know how much we enjoy your website.
Judit: For last meal I’ll make sure that I have the chance to visit your website for inspiration.
Corina: Loves everything with chocolate.
Judit & Corina
Hi sagarmatha-Thankyou so much! That’s lovely of you to say. Best of luck to you too
Hi WineDineTV-Thakyou very much! Haha I like that answer-covers all bases and the chocolate one is something almost anyone can relate to
hello lorranine..
this is my first visit here and i found this blog very interesting.. enjoyed a lot.. keep up the great work
cheers!!
Hi NQN…just stumbled across your blog. Love it especially the super creative Obama pizza piece! Will definitely come back for more.
GREAT FOOD BLOG!!!
It’s really hard to pick what to read first…
Hi Nora-Thankyou so much and thanks for leaving a comment and reading!
Hi Sharon-Aww thankyou! That’s so lovely of you to say!
Hi Thomas-Hehe cool! Well take your time and read away!
Hi Lorraine,
I just wanted to say thank you for your wonderful work. I’ve been a horrible commenter these past months (I don’t think I’ve commented once – time to change that!), but I’ve been an avid bookmarker! I look forward to trying out a lot of your recipes in the future. Oh, and thank you so very, very much for making me obsessed with Pomegranates. Ever since your POM post, I’ve been buying the juice & the fruits every week – and I can’t get enough!
Hi Lorraine,
I love the new and improved About Me page
Your photos are lovely and it’s great to learn a bit more about you. I reckon that would be such an excellent thing if you went into blogging fulltime. I think that you will surely succeed – you definitely have the talent for it. In fact you inspired me to start my own food blog (which is pretty simple compared to yours, but I’m happy just to have an outlet for all my foodie thoughts!) And that’s so exciting that Nigella has actually been on your blog! Congratulations!
I love the update on this page
I wish you all the best in making this blog a full time job. If anyone can do it, it would be you
Hi Kimberly-Thankyou so much for your message!
Hehe that’s great and they’re so healthy too! I became a bit addicted to it too 
Hope you like the recipes!
Hi Linda-Thankyou! I hope I can although there aren’t many that can!
I’m crossing my fingers I can 
That is such a sweet thing to say-best of luck with your blog-we can always do with many more and your story on Meeca Bah looks delicious! 
Hi Esz -thankyou! Aww you are too kind! I hope I can!
I always like reading about me/bio page on blogs I read
Your blog must have been such a huge inspiration & aspiration for many food bloggers out there, keep up your great work and I’ll follow you like an abandoned puppy! (feed me once and I’ll be your BFF)
Oh Oh, and if you ever happen to meet Nigella Lawson in person, invite me over! I’d love to see her going “Hmmm” and “ugh, gorgeous” in person! lol
Hi Yas-Cool! I don’t know but that would be very cool if it has! Awww I’ll feed you any time my darling! Haha that would be amazing if I had her over although I don’t know what my chances would be!
Hi NQN,
I just clicked over from a reply you left on the Vogue Australia forum
I’m just curious which recipes on the site are yours and which ones you are trying from other sites / books / chefs. I just had a quick browse at the front page and was so impressed, but didn’t quite understand if they were your recipes / creations or not. Am I slow? Am I missing a chromosome? Does it indicate somewhere in a totally obvious fashion?
Thanks!
Hi Hot Garlic-The ones that are mine say “An original recipe by Not Quite Nigella” underneath the start of the recipe. If I’ve obtained them from another source I add it at the end of the recipe
Growing up, I always wanted to be like my mom, a full on career woman – always at the office, important meetings and people to attend to, chic business wardrobe, and oh the heels. But then, somewhere deep down I also wanted to be Nigella – total domestic goddess.
Now, almost all grown up, I think being a domestic goddess is way harder. And mom turned out to be both, career woman and awesome cook.
Love your site and especially the site name. Keep up the good work!
Cheers.
Yay! What an excellent,delicious,well photographed blog.
I have put you number 1 on my favourite foodie bloggers!
Look forward to reading more and discovering great recipes from you.
Thanks for making my day more yummier!
Hi Shinyi-I have the exact same feelings. I loved being a career woman but then again I love strapping on an apron and making food. I love to think I can combine the two one day! Thankyou so much for your lovely comment
Hi poppyseed capers-Thankyou very much! That’s very sweet of you to do
You’re welcome, thanks for commenting!
Hi Lorraine
Could I possibly use one of the photos from your website on my own blog?
I work for a charity in Sydney and we’re holding an event at Boon Chocolates this week and I’d like to put a photo of Boon’s front door on my blog.
Love your blog, which I just found.
Thank you, and I do understand if it’s not possible.
BTW I’m Scottish but my last meal definitely wouldn’t be a deep fried mars bar or pizza (I’m ashamed of my countrymen!). Something simple from the fish markets. Scallops and then lobster with a salad.
Calum
Hi Lorraine,
I read you’re blog daily & absolutely love it. It really makes me want to create my own (even though I have no photographic skills whatsoever).
Just wondering if you’ll be attending the good food & wine show (sydney) this weekend.. Its my first time going, any recommendations or tips on what to do there?
Hi Calum-Could you email me on my email address and let me know which photos you’d like to use?
You last meal sounds wonderful! 
Hi Hilda-Thankyou! What I learnt is that you can quickly pick up photographic skills. I used to be a terrible photographer until I got a proper camera
I will be going there on Friday and I’ll publish my story on it probably on the Saturday so you can have a look at what’s good. Otherwise here’s my report on last year’s show-have fun! 
Hey lorraine!! Great website..I just wanted to say thank you so so much for the devine tart you made us on the Orthopaedic Ward at Manly. I think it was more inhaled than eaten with appreciation. I hope he is recovering well. All the best.
Love Kirsty (Nurse Manly) x
Hi Kirsty-Thankyou so much! Aww you’re welcome
Thanks for looking after him so well. He is going well but still on the infuser but is recovering well. Thanks so much again! Love, Lorraine xxx
Lorraine, I am making your Lime Jello Cheesecake Pudding this morning.I can’t wait. If there is ever anything that you want from the states, please let me know. I would be more than happy to send you a package of goodies. I know AU is very strict about what comes in to the country. I would be happy to send you any baking goods, candy, treats, KIT KATS, you would like. You have my email.
Beth
Hi Lorraine
Great site and yes fantastic pics. Wanted to know if you have visited Zip Pang Sushi Restaurant in Shields St Cairns Queensland yet? The BEST SUSHI restaurant in AUSTRALIA!!!!!!
Hi Bethie-That’s so sweet of you to offer! What an incredibly generous offer!
Hi Deb-Thankyou! Sorry no I haven’t been to Cairns I’m afraid!
Not Quite Nigella,
I stumbled across your delightful blog upon a beetroot chocolate cake recipe search.
I just wanted to commend you for your blog.
Also, could I ask what type of camera you are using for your delicious photographs?
Thanks!
Keep up the good work,
Sarah – Brisbane
Hi again, I have found 2 Salt & Pepper Squid places.The Piccadily Palace Yumcha restaurant in Castlereagh st is always fresh and straight from the kitchen.Also Superbowl in Dixon St, it may not be a very fancy place, but their squid is usually pretty good and their congee on a cold night or for breakfast is the bomb!
Hi Lorraine,
I sent you a return review on Shanghai nights a couple of weeks ago – thankyou for your kind words of reply!
The purpose of my email today is to ask what you think of the name and shame file found on the NSW Food Authority website (http://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/penalty-notices/default.aspx?template=results)
For example, (in spite of the fact they made it onto the shame file) I LOVE the vietnamese chicken rolls at Hong Ha bakery in Mascot (they always have a line out the door at lunchtime) – and I continue to buy and eat them – much to the bemusement of my work colleagues. Friends I took to Shanghai Nights rang me over the weekend INSENSED at the fact I’d taken them to a restaurant on the shame file!
Obviously the shame file doesn’t overly concern me, but I’d be interested to hear your spin on it!
Love your blog.
mikey
My last meal?
I would like to have pasta, pasta,and pasta.
Long live pasta.
Hi! Love your photography and your blog.
My last meal would take the form of an international tapas menu with servings of the following dishes:
prawns
cold rolls
nachos
home-made lasagna
greek salad
duck anything
meat filled ravioli with red sauce
colcannon
thai green curry
chicken korma
carrot cake with cream cheese icing
vegetarian pizza
Hi Sarah-Sorry for the very late reply but I used a Canon 450D
Hi Hatomi-Oh thankyou so much for those!
I love unfancy as well as fancy so that it great!
Hi mikey-Thankyou! The name and shame file is interesting and yes I can see a lot of places that I’
ve eben to. I suppose some things are worse than others. They really list a lot of the smaller infractions-I suppose it’s like Magnolia Bakery being shut down as they didn’t have enough sinks, that’s not as bad as nests of maggots found or something similar. And yes it doesn’t seem to have hurt Hong Ha at all! They’ve got queues out to the street as you said. Thankyou so much!
Hi Marianna-good decision! And if it’s your last meal who cares about carbs!
Hi miss High Heels-Great idea! The best from each country-I like that!
Hi Lorraine, I love reading your blog and find it both inspiring and informative!! Thank you!I too love to cook/bake etc….my passion along with fashion and believe they can happily co-exist!! Who said you can’t cook in heels – you can in my land or my kitchen!!! My last meal: freshly shucked Sydney oysters with fresh lemon, woodfire oven potato, rosemary and truffle salt pizza, pasta al’cartoccio from Ciccio’s restaurant in Amalfi, Roasted Eye Fillet of Beef wrapped in prosciutto, lemon roasted potatoes, puntarelle (chicory) salad and creme brulee for dessert!! Thanks again!!
Hi from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. My husband brought your site to my attention and I love it. We lived in Sydney for 10 years and I miss the place alot. I’ve printed out the French Soup recipe and can’t wait to try it. It’s a shame that ACP had to be so hard nose about the cupcake recipes, and to think I use to work for them. Well keep up the great work. Love the photos.
Hi Not Quite Nigella!
I love your blog!
I was just wondering if you could visit/write about the new frozen yoghurt stores that are opening up around Sydney? There’s Igloo Zoo in Darlinghurst, and Pink Guava in Chatswood Chase, and a couple of others. I would love to know what you think of them!
Thanks!
Love Emmy
you’re hot
Hi Lorraine,
In case you’re up for the challenge again.. there is now another Cafe-ish, but this time I think its more of a restaurant.. I think they’ve only just open or in coming weeks.
Ground Floor, 82 Campbell St, SURRY HILLS, NSW, 2010
Hope Josh shows a little more respect this time..
cheers,
Jason.
Hi NQN
I today discovered L’epi d’or in Kiribilli. In a little side street. Marvellous boulangerie, coffee in the “bol” and cycling -mad Dominic at the helm. Have you been there? And the decor inside is very continental. Bises, A
Been to Bushari? Do try if you havent already.. best japanese restaurant in syd.
Sashimi salad a must and the Wagyu Tobanyaki..
New Darlinghurst restaurant Tomislav has a sublime dessert offering I must insist you seek out. A thin layer of fresh figs on a slate artist’s block, paired with a citrus gelato to coax out the fruit’s shy sweetness. Less sophisticated sugar fiends will lament its restraint. A dessert for grown-ups indeed.
Hey Lorraine,
I was so stoked that someone had reviewed Ching Yip restaurant and had the pictures to back it up . Really enjoyed the article . Have you reviewed Red Chilli Sichuan in China Town. Went there on my birthday , 11th January , and had a great time . Dont know if my work colleagues enjoyed the garlic and chilli the next day . The kung Pao was dam fine .
regards Tony
Hi Stefania-Thankyou so much for reading and for saying that, that’s so sweet!
Haha yes you can definitely cook in heels 
Oh that sounds like a wonderful last meal!
Hi Corgi Girl-Hello!
That’s great! I hope you liked the French Onion soup? 
OH yes a real shame about ACP indeed! Thankyou so much! 
Hi Emmy-Thankyou so much! Ahh yes I should give those a try and take Mr NQN along as he loves them!
Hi Daniel-Hehe thanks!
Hi Jason-Hehe the idea of dining there again is so unappealing words cannot describe it but thanks for letting me know
Sadly Josh hasn’t gotten any better and continues to be belligerent and nasty so I shan’t be spending a cent there.
Hi anthony-Ahh thanks for that! Another lovely reader emailed me about Epi D’or a whileback and I’ve always meant to go but now I’m on the other side of the bridge it’s a bit hard. But it;s definitely on my list. Thankyou!
Hi siauruo-Yes I ended up going just before Christmas!
Hi Claire-Ahh I also received an email about Tomislav! If I get the time I’ll give it a try.
Hi tony-Thankyou so much! So glad that you liked it. I haven’t been there no. Haha thanks for the tip!
Wow! I’ve just discovered your great blog while looking for good banana bread recipes. Great to see such a great foodie website created by an Aussie. BTW would someone please tell me what 1 stick of butter is equivalent to in grams? I tend to be put off recipes that have American terms like that because I just don’t know what they mean in Aussie terms.
Great Great Great! Sounds like I don’t know any other adjective, eh! I didn’t realize I’d used it three times in succession!
response for the great great great girl…Ruth one stick of butter is about 64 grams imagine our traditional 250 block cut in four lengthways (does that make sense)…well from memory anyways…
and i agree great blog i am so happy to see this blog support co-operative bulk buying in australia cheers
Hi Ruth-Thankyou so much! Ahh yes there’s always a little translation that has to happen with US to AU recipes
I believe one stick of butter is about 115 grams 
Thanks for such a sweet message Ruth! 
Hi Shakti-I think it’s about 115 grams per stick of butter?
Thankyou so much!
Hi Loraine,
I just discovered your website when I Googled Black Star Pastry. I think it’s really nice. The photos are brilliant … I can’t wait to read through the site to see what other things I will discover through your camera lens and thoughts.
Thanks!
I am Donna Hay the Horticulturlist. I love food and enjoy to cook what i can grow. I help others to do the same..
Hi Lorraine
I just recently discovered your blog and I LOVE it!
Keep up the good work…am following you up on FB and twitter.
Thanks.
Your blog is definitely my favourite. I love reading restaurant reviews and read Michelin guide on a plane to Tokyo…but reviews usually lack photos and your blog is a wonderland of pretty pictures! NQN is like a window to peek through…mmm mouthwatering..Sublime!!!
Hi NQN,
Just wanted to say how much I love your blog… I came across it when searching for a recipe and promptly lost a couple of hours of my Saturday browsing the rest of the site. I’m a real food lover- eating and cooking but had got recipe fatigue recently… until finding this blog! you’re reinspired me, thanks!
Hi,
I was your zest guide today (17 Mar 10). You have inspired me to look at other ways to share my food passion. have a great trip in NZ and I look forward to checking out some of your favorite haunts when I am next in Sydney.
Cheers
Karen
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