Tablecloths & Talking with Emily Fleming
The first time I met Emily Fleming, I fan-girled big time. I was in awe of the business she ran at the time, “Silo & Co” - a horse float converted into a coffee cart & catering van - that I just couldn’t believe I was meeting her IRL! She was of course extremely cool about my peppering her with questions (and continues to be very patient with my questions to this day!) and also just an extremely fabulous person, who I am lucky enough to now call a friend! Em now runs her brand creation and web design business “Emily Fleming Creative” from her home in Walgett (with two delish children and a very handy husband). Em is brave and not afraid to take risks. She is supremely kind and generous with her knowledge and ideas. She not only gave me the push I needed to start The Dill Tickle, but she designed my logo and then last year, built my website. Em has a fantastic laugh (the kind where you want so badly to make her laugh, just to hear it!) and she loves food as much as me, so we talk about it a lot. It’s fair to say that The Dill Tickle would not be where it is today without Em, so thank bloody goodness I did fan-girl her! Right Em!? Em took answering these questions very seriously (!!!) so I hope you enjoy a little insight into Em’s food world!
Q: What is your favourite Dill Tickle product and how do you use it?
A: This is tough. My cheese board obsession over rules and leaves a tie between Bread & Butter Cucumbers & Apple Jelly. Drool.
The bread and butter cukes with a bitey, crumbly cheddar and some Coles Rosemary crackers (very specifically, they are also $2 - thank me later). The Apple Jelly with some Fromager d'Affinois and Captains Table Water Crackers. Ideally, I’d love some deli meats from Cured in Orange and some sicilian olives thrown on too.
Yes or No…
Coriander? Strong yes.
Blue Cheese? Depends on the blue.
Pickles on a Burger? Abso-lutely.
Egg Sandwich? Fresh, yes. Servo fridge style, strong no.
Q: What would your Last Supper be?*
I feel like I need a Summer and Winter version of this ;)
Entrée… Kingfish Sashimi
Main… My grandfather (Bear’s) version of Chicken Fricasseé
Dessert… Tiramisu
Drink… A toasted coconut & chilli margarita a’la Bistro C in Noosa
And who would your dream guest be to join you for this finale?! On our Summer holiday at Burleigh, we spent an afternoon at the beach in close proximity to Margot Robbie and my fangirling has skyrocketed. So, Margot.
Q: What do you bring when you’re told not to bring a thing?!
A: This changes regularly, currently - whipped fetta with slow roast tomatoes and crunchy toasted sourdough for dipping!
Q:What are your top 3 pantry must-haves/staples?
Polpa Tinned Tomatoes
‘Rosto’ Olive Oil
Olsson’s Sea Salt
Q: What is something that’s been sitting unused in your pantry for a while?
A: Almond Meal. I often dream of an Orange and Almond cake, doubt I’ll ever get to baking it.
Q: What’s your comfort food or the one dish that always brings you joy?
A: My parents are sheep farmers just out of Orange and I may be biased but they produce the most beautiful lamb. For me, it is a slow cooked (I’m talking 7 hour minimum) shoulder (bone in, always) with crispy potatoes and a delicious seasonal salad to bring the crunch. Must be shared with at least one friend / family member & a glass of vino (last time it was See Saw ‘Fulcra’ Pinot Noir - perfection!).
Q: What’s the best meal you’ve ever eaten?
A: A tomato-y, satay-y pho in a random hole in the wall at Picadilly Circus in London in 2017. I still think about it all time time.
A quick 3…
Early Bird or Night Owl? I would love to be a night owl & was in a past life, but my husband is a firm 9pm bedtime man & our house doesn’t lend itself to me continuing to potter. My Kindle is my saviour here!
Your kitchen tunes? Currently a Spotify playlist called ‘Wine Bar’ which is a solid 8.5/10 - it came recommended by a friend and makes me feel like I’m not a mother of two, preparing sausages for dinner (again!), in Walgett. WIN!**
Fave Cookbook? I’m an Ottolenghi fan girl through & through, although access to ingredients proves tricky in these parts. I’m loving discovering Sophie Hansen’s recipes at the moment, can’t wait to get my hands on her new book ‘What can I Bring’!
* side note here - Em STRUGGLED to answer this question! She had multiple attempts and was never 100% happy! I can relate! I love asking this question, but struggle to answer it myself!
** I can confirm this is an excellent playlist!
