On the 29 of June, I had the great honor of going to Author Talk at Shearer's Bookshop in Leichhardt to see Masterchef Season Two favourite... the marvelous Marion Grasby! I had been awaiting this event with great anticipation and excitement for many days, and when the night finally arrived, I felt ill with excitement and nerves! I was going to meet my food hero!
Before Author Talk began my sister, Jess, and I went to sate our appetites with some delicious Pho' Bo and Bu'n Bo at Tra Mi in Marrickville. My Pho' was simply delicious, warming and aromatic, everything that one expects from a bowl of Pho' Bo and I powered through the seemingly endless bowl with great vigour. And Jess' Bu'n Bo was a delicious mix of noodle-y, salad-y, beef-y, fried shallot-y goodness. Jess and I also scored ourselves some free black herbal tea when we asked where we could purchase some. Hooray for free tea!
Pre-Marion Pho' Bo of course!
...My beautiful sister and I beaming with excitement pre-Marion! I wore big round button-like earrings, a signature Marion trademark that I have observed over the years; and Jess wore a cardigan, skirt and leggings, in typical Marion fashion! 'Its freaky that you know this,' you may be thinking. Yes, yes it is. The sign of a truly dedicated fan.
Excited Sisters!
Even though I am only 17 years old, it was clear to me that Marion spoke with clarity and direction beyond her years. Marion's whole face lit up when speaking about her life and food experiences. It was a real joy to laugh with her as she reflected over her life, focusing on the last few eventful years in particular; the time when Marion broke into and made her mark upon the food industry. During her talk Marion spoke about her years growing up in Darwin, Papua New Guinea and Queensland; and the various memorable (and not so memorable) food experiences that accompanied these places. She also spoke about her more recent years and experiences in South Australia and Thailand. Marion spoke enthusiastically about her Thai heritage and the influence that it has had upon her and her food.
At the end of the night, I had the chance to purchase Marion's beautiful new book, Marion - Recipes and stories from a hungry cook. Marion signed my book with:
'To Lydia, You wok! Love Marion xx'
Then I got a photo with Marion herself, yes, I touched Marion! I was so elated from and thankful for the little 'morsel' of Marion that I got at Shearers. And in the same way that Marion thanked and showed much gratitude to those that inspired and continue to inspire her, Marion, if you ever read this, I say a huge thank you to you!
Me and my foodie Hero!
At the end of the night there were a number of samples of Marion's recipes for those at Author Talk to feast on including Sweet Pepper Chicken, Mushroom and Taleggio Toasties, and some lovely iced Gingerbreads.
My signature 'eyes half closed' look while munching on Marion's delectable Gingerbread!
And in the words of Marion herself, i say, 'Happy dreaming and happy eating!'
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