Tablecloths & Talking with Dan Hewitt
This month’s Tablecloths and Talking chat is with the delightfully cheeky Daniel Hewitt from Millthorpe Providore! Dan and I first met in 2014 when we began working together at Byng Street Local Store in Orange. I was the Events Manager and Dan was the Operations Manager. Basically I did all the planning behind the scenes and then Dan ran the show on the day! Alongside Head Chef Alice and Byng Street’s owner Jeremy, we were the A-Team! At least that’s how I referred to us! It was by the far the best job I’ve ever had and I truly had the time of my life for the 3 years I worked there. Dan and I have remained friends since we all parted ways some years ago and now he and his wife Kate own the Millthorpe Providore and stock my Dill Tickle goodies. In fact, Millthorpe Providore was my very first stockist and Dan was one of my original taste testers and biggest encouragers to get TDT up and running! A devoted dad to his three kids, a cheeky Englishman who wears his heart on his England footy jersey sleeve, Dan is one of the most generous and friendly people you could ever have the joy of meeting. Thanks for joining me for a chat Dan!
Q: Introduce yourself and what you do.
A: Hi I’m Daniel, owner of Millthorpe Providore.
Q: What is your favourite Dill Tickle product and how do you use it?
A: Caramelised Apricot Jam; equal parts toast, butter & jam.
Yes or No…
Coriander? meh.
Blue Cheese? yes.
Pickles on a Burger? yes.
Egg Sandwich? nope.
Q: What would your Last Supper be? And who would your dream guest be to join you for this finale?
Entrée… Old school prawn cocktail (English style).
Main… Steak and chips with Diane sauce.
Dessert… Affogato (with frangelico).
Drink… G&T.
And who would your dream guest be to join you for this finale?! My Mum*.
Q: What do you bring when you’re told not to bring a thing?!
A: a nice bottle of red.
Q:What are your top 3 pantry must-haves/staples?
Dill Tickle jam**
Mayo for the kids
HP Sauce
Q: What is something that’s been sitting unused in your pantry for a while?
A: Apple Sauce
Q: What’s your comfort food or the one dish that always brings you joy?
A: Ice cream.
Q: What’s the best meal you’ve ever eaten?
A: A lamb &pineapple dish I had as a kid of about 12! I’ve never forgotten it and have never been able to find or replicate it.***
A quick 3…
Early Bird or Night Owl? Early bird (but not by choice!).
Your kitchen tunes? I do love a good power ballad.
Fave Cookbook? My British Essentials.
*I love this Dan - you’ve got the biggest heart of anyone I know and I know how much you love and miss your mum!
**you’re my favourite person in the whole wide world!!
***this cracks me up! I can’t even imagine how lamb & pineapple could go together!
Clockwise from top left: Dan’s enormous smile, found on my phone after a Byng Street event in 2014; Dan and myself at his Millthorpe Providore early in the morning before this year’s Millthorpe Markets (I think this photo proves neither of us are natural morning people!!) and back in 2015 with my Byng Street A-Team - Alice, Dan, Jez and me!!!