Alison Sheehan, Director, Stella May Fine Foods
A torpid snuggle, invigorating shower and nourishing breakfast ...
While Stella May Fine Foods first launched in Newcastle in 2009, the artisan brand made the shift to Brisbane in 2010, with the Stella May kitchen currently located in Hope Island. The creation of Alison Sheehan, Stella May Fine Foods handcrafts home-style pates, terrines and rillettes, including the infamous Boozy Duck Pate you may have spotted on gourmet shelves about town. Inspired by honest country cooking and utilising her grandmother’s knowledge (after whom the company is named), Alison started Stella May armed with the idea of creating food to share with friends and to offer an alternative to processed, preservative-ridden foodstuffs. The range can be found at local delis and grocers, as well as stints at New Farm, Moggill and Mitchelton farmers markets. Pop by Alison’s stall at Regional Flavours this weekend to experience her new range of winter soups as well. The Weekend Edition caught up with Alison to chat weekend essentials.
How do you like to start your weekend?
Preferably with a sleep in followed by a torpid snuggle, invigorating shower and nourishing breakfast before heading off to the dog park with our jack russell terriers. But as I often have 3:30 am starts at farmers markets, there’s little time for such unhurried indulgences!
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Pause long enough to grab a coffee and a laugh with the wonderful people who bring Brisbane’s farmers market scene to life each week before getting back to work.
How do you like to unwind?
Depends on what wound me up in the first place! Sometimes just putting my feet up and focusing on a Sudoku puzzle works … and sometimes it takes champagne, cheeses, pate and my closest friends to chase the cares away. Worst-case scenario, with New York-style baked cheesecake.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Seclusion in a romantic hideaway out of the city, the best local produce, fine wines, a deep soaking bath, massage, restful deep sleeps and waking to gorgeous sunshine. I can feel my toes curling just thinking about it.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Getting the pushbikes serviced so we can start using them again … we used to ride every Saturday and Sunday afternoon in Newcastle before moving to Brisbane.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
If it’s raining, then an afternoon session at Palace Cinemas at The Barracks, followed by a meal at Peasant or Hanabishi. Or we head into South Bank for some great wines by the glass at 5ifth Element and tapas plates, before tossing a coin over Popolo or French Martini as a dinner destination.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
Regional Flavours at South Bank. Last year was a fantastic event and we are thrilled to be welcomed back and to have the opportunity to showcase some exciting new products alongside our award-winning pates, terrines and rillettes.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’ve just finished The Help – I loved it, although Minnie’s pie is a bit scary – and have now delved back into Ian Hemphill’s Spice Notes & Recipes.
What inspires you?
The tireless work of Sister Trish Franklin of the Loreto foundation in Vietnam.
What was your childhood dream?
To be a primary school teacher, but my mum talked me out of it at the time.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Starting my own small business and still being sane, passionate and open for business three years later.
What is success to you?
See question above!
What are your words of wisdom?
Don’t become trapped trying to please everyone, as you will only lose sight of the real you in the process. Be firm but fair.
Only a local would know … about Esher St Cafe & Deli and Cafe O’Mai. Both are setting the cafe scene alight in Tarragindi and Annerley, respectively. And I love being able to stroll somewhere close by.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Esher St Cafe & Deli, Tarrangindi.
Relax … 5ifth Element Bar and Cellar, South Bank.
Dine … Azáfran Restaurant, Annerley.
Indulge … Rosalie Gourmet Market, Rosalie.
Shop … James St Market, Fortitude Valley.
Catch-up … Sourced Grocer, Teneriffe.
Be inspired … QPAC and Brisbane Powerhouse.