Meet NQN’s Intrepid Dining Companions

Mr NQN

Mr NQN: First up is NQN’s primary dining companion, Mr NQN. He is a half Finnish, half Australian curiousity that loves sailing, sport and dislikes expensive meals and loathes shopping. Because of this, people around them assume that he and NQN had nothing in common and they would never have been set up by friends. He looks freakishly like Rafael Nadal (albeit a skinnier version) and they have been married for 3 years. He takes a lot of the photographs inside the restaurants as he has a much steadier hand than NQN.

Queen Viv: The regal Queen Viv can stop a mortal in their tracks with a withering glance if your tie is the wrong length. Queen Viv and her son Michael are extremely adventurous eaters and are always up for a lot of fun. Originally from New Zealand, she and NQN have been friends for about 15 years. She works in Publishing and was a former editrix of Vive magazine. And we think she could give Anna Wintour a run for her money.

Miss America: Ex New Zealander, Miss America lives in cosmopolitan Potts Point where he can be found hurling eggs at early morning garbage trucks. A pastry lover and a devoted DVD renter, he can always be counted on for discussion on TV shows and very sage advice. He and NQN have been friends for about 15 years. And yes Miss America is a he. Don’t ask why, it’s a long story.

Teena: Teena is married to Philippe and is mother to baby Annabel. She loves a good bottle of champagne preferring a bottle of Krug – Grand Cuvee and is trying her best to convert her non sharing husband into a more adventurous, sharing eater. Couple that with a baby and you can see she’s got her hands full. She worked with Gina and NQN in advertising over 10 years ago and works in Marketing.

Gina: Gina is married to Hot Dog and is originally from Canada. She loves a good steak and chicken wings and mixes a mean cocktail. She and NQN have been friends for over 10 years when they worked together in an advertising agency. She works in Marketing.

Philippe

Philippe: Married to Teena and a keen Metrosexual, New Zealand born Philippe won’t venture outside his comfort zone (literally, he will stray to Sydney’s North and East only). If a restaurant has been mentioned in the SMH Good Food Guide, he will be there. If not, he will beg off and settle in front of the TV to watch a Union game. He is also nicknamed “George Costanza” by colleagues. Make of that what you will. He will not share his meal.

Hot Dog: Married to Gina, Hot Dog only just tolerates NQN’s blog as it stands between him and his food-literally. He hates waiting for food to be photographed. We have to take photos of his food first or he will growl as loudly as their dog Indy. He is also a waitperson’s funniest customer or worst nightmare. Depends on the waitperson.

M and her boys

M and her boys: Originally from Austria, M has two boys, S and In who regularly feature on NQN. M loves walks and going out to dinner as do the boys – if they get their preference (S prefers vegetarian and In prefers meat). The boys eat like there’s no tomorrow and S has an insatiable appetite for cheesecake. M works in Sales and you should never serve her strudel or schnitzel as she is very opinionated about both (it’s the Austrian in her we think). She’s an up and coming blogger with a mum blog on the way.

Mum and Dad of NQN: NQN’s mum is an excellent home cook who is starting to part with her precious recipes. She loves eating out, particularly for Japanese and loves anything with butter and deep fried. NQN’s dad grudgingly eats other cuisines but only likes Cantonese food and is very strict with his diet. The only item that will break his resolve is a Portuguese Custard Tart.

The Assman: Not a porn star or a sleazy guy, the Assman works in ASSet MANagement hence his nickname. He is a Certified Organic guy that is a vegetarian and friend of the Earth. He also once commented that he liked the smell of the chicken NQN was cooking (before he realised that it was chicken).

Second Wife & Gravy Beard: Second Wife is a darling PR whiz and a writer and Gravy Beard is her dashing boyfriend and antiques whiz. They have the cutest poodle in the world. She can be found painting her nails whilst driving and he can be found attempting to crash the Google offices.

Carbon Debit: Carbon Debit lives in Europe and spends most of her time on planes travelling all over the world. She possibly has the most exciting hobby ever: eating in Michelin starred restaurants all over Europe. And no you can’t live in her handbag because NQN has already baggsed that spot.

Of course this doesn’t include other wonderful friends and fellow bloggers!