Jocelyn Hancock, Head foodie, Alfred & Constance
Enjoy the journey and don't sweat the small stuff ...
Passionate about sustainable farming and seasonal, local cooking, Jocelyn Hancock thrives on connecting people to the land, paddock to plate. In the country, Jocelyn can be found swapping a loaf of bread for a piece of bacon or a jar of lemon curd for a bunch of basil between family and neighbours. In the city, the founder of sweet-tooth haven Jocelyn’s Provisions now heads up all things food at Alfred & Constance in Fortitude Valley. Having just redesigned the A&C menu and returned from ten days of foodie research in London, Jocelyn has now turned her attention to Damian Griffith’s next venture Alfredo’s Pizzeria, with the Chester Street Kitchen rejig to follow – which will see the space become a licensed neighbourhood kitchen with a simple, semi-set menu emphasising quality, traceable produce. Meanwhile, Jocelyn is also organising the Southern Downs Harvest Lunch to be held at the picturesque Melrose Station in Killarney on April 20. Enjoyed in the shade of a 150-year-old pecan tree, the lunch menu has been inspired by the seasonal offerings of the local area, including Stanthorpe apples and wines, Killarney beef, Junabee free-range eggs, Pittsworth bread, lemons from Jocelyn’s own orchards and local veggies. Hosting along with Bev Ruskey from Spring Creek Mountain Cafe, Jocelyn says everyone involved is donating their time and all proceeds from the day will go towards the Killarney Rural Fire Service. The Weekend Edition caught up with Jocelyn to talk inspirations and weekend rituals.
How do you like to start your weekend?
With a relaxed home-cooked breakfast with my family.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Read The Weekend Australian Magazine from front to back.
How do you like to unwind?
A long walk by the river or through the bush.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Lots of outdoor activities and one early night.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Digging in the veggie patch, learning to ride a trail bike, camping with the family.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Replaying ABC radio’s The Conversation Hour and absorbing other people’s life journeys.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
April weather in the country.
What are you reading at the moment?
Still Walking by Bill Moss.
What inspires you?
Going on dedicated food-related tours.
What was your childhood dream?
Operating a guest house in the Border Ranges.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Creating a small business and raising two healthy, energetic boys.
What is success to you?
Meeting my own standards.
What are your words of wisdom?
Enjoy the journey and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Only a local would know … Teneriffe Park is a great inner-city public space bordered mostly by bush with great views, covered picnic tables and a playground.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … dinner and a movie out with a friend.
Relax … under the stars.
Dine … outdoors with a wood barbecue.
Indulge … getting a foot massage.
Catch-up … with friends at the farmers market.
Be inspired … headland walk at Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island.
