Penny Wolff, Brew genius, Dandelion & Driftwood
Finding balance, stillness, happiness, and yes truly living the dream ...
Passionate, dynamic and bursting with energy, Penny Wolff of Dandelion & Driftwood at Hendra has crafted a niche in the realm of specialty coffee in Brisbane and beyond. Having worked as a teacher and academic in a past life, Penny brings an educative touch to the art of the espresso, with sippers leaving D&D with a sparkle in their eye and a little more coffee knowledge under their hat. With an Australian Barista Champion award up her sleeve herself, Penny has been invited to judge the World Barista Championships in Vienna this month – the only female Australian judge to be asked. Focusing the D&D brand on blending the elements of yin and yang, tea and coffee, and femininity and masculinity, Penny finds particular interest in decoding the palate between men and women, discovering similarities and differences in sensory development. Penny broke from the rushes for an espresso break with The Weekend Edition this week to chat about her weekend essentials.
How do you like to start your weekend?
Mmmm … well most would know I’m a bit of a workaholic, so if it’s a weekend I’m working at Dandelion & Driftwood I would start with a coffee or two. If it’s a weekend I’m not working, I would start with a tea or two! Either way coffee and tea rock my world.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Ahhh … a winter sleep-in is not complete without ol’ faithful flannelette sheets, and then I would indulge with a cup of Darjeeling second flush tea in bed and be entertained by the dialogue between my quirky husband Peter and my gorgeous daughter Xanthe. All this while playing ‘The Smurfs Village’ on Xanthe’s iPad.
How do you like to unwind?
Tricky one … a one-hour run on the treadmill at the gym or a one-hour hot rock massage. Either one helps me untangle and clears my mind.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Anything aesthetically pleasing – visually, aromatically and texturally.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Well, I wouldn’t mind a bit of hot air ballooning in the early hours of the morning, followed by a beautiful breakfast and cheeky bit of bubbly.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Crazy I know … but get organised for the week ahead, while sipping a glass of wine and/or a scotch and dry and listening to some good music vibes … it’s all about multi-tasking I say!
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
Flying to Vienna for World Coffee Events. I’m judging at the 2012 World Barista Championships. It will be a caffeine-fuelled week!
What are you reading at the moment?
The 2012 World Barista Championships Rules and Regulations for work. But I’m also reading The Princess Bitchface Syndrome by Michael Carr-Gregg for my own interest.
What inspires you?
I’m constantly inspired by beauty all around me – it definitely makes me tick! But being quite a spiritual person, I am inspired by my grandfather Cecil Kroll and also my mentor and dear friend Cassandra Weddell (now both deceased). I know they are both looking after me.
What was your childhood dream?
To be prime minister (Penny for PM) or become a strong female role model. I want to empower others to be the best they can be.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Without a doubt, parenting my 11-year-old daughter Xanthe, who constantly surprises me with her thoughtfulness, resilience and strength. She is a gift to me.
What is success to you?
Finding balance, stillness, happiness, and yes truly living the dream.
What are your words of wisdom?
What other people think of me is none of my business. Thanks to my Dad for giving me this light-bulb moment.
Only a local would know that … before Dandelion & Driftwood came into fruition, I was a prep teacher at a local school. I also advocate strongly for quality education.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Hendra Health Works.
Relax … New Farm Holistic Health.
Dine … SONO Portside (oysters please).
Indulge … Any Six Senses Resort World Wide (in my dreams).
Shop … Singapore would be great (still dreaming).
Catch-up … Anywhere you can hear the waves rolling in or the cows mooing … simple pleasures.
Be inspired … MONA Tasmania, a little confronting yet creatively very inspiring.
