MasterChef Australia alum and TV personality Conor Curran, best known by his Instagram account Creamy Confusion, has just published his first cookbook Eat More Greek – a hearty and decadent plate smash through some of the best Greek fare you can replicate at home. There’s also plenty of Hellenic cocktails to concoct alongside his fresh spin on classic dishes.
Conor spoke to The Write Drop for our at The Bar series.
MY CITY
I was born in Carlton, grew up in Clifton Hill and Kew, roamed the streets of Fitzroy, before working through the city and Southside. I have just bought a place in Brunswick, and every space I have been through is vastly different but all why Melbourne is so great. Always fun, never boring.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
As young adult, I wondered into Bar Lourinha almost 15 years ago and sat on the bar and enjoyed their spinach and chickpeas dish. It’s always stuck to me as a moment when I wanted to really be a part of hospitality in Melbourne because of how warm the whole experience was and still is to this day.
FAVOURITE BAR
Bar Ampere in the Melbourne CBD – especially in November when it’s slightly warm but tends to rain a bit. Starting with a Negroni and then moving onto a rose and enjoying the rain fall in what feels like a concrete rainforest.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Watermelon, Greek yoghurt, honey and pinch of salt as a plate of edible electrolytes and then cold coconut water. Then for dinner get something delivered that’s definitely not good for you.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
I lived in Adelaide for a year and the bar scene there is just really cool. Nearly in the northwest corner of the CBD is just vibes, highlighting natural wines with records going, it’s cool and cosy. Then there is also Clever Little Tailor on Peel St, which I have been going to for years for a bottle of wine to share. I love how their list highlights Adelaide producers like Alpha Box and Dice and Brash Higgins and it was the first place I wanted to celebrate after my partner proposed to me In Adelaide last November.
FAVOURITE WINE
Look, I don’t discriminate with wine – I love them all, but if I see any of BK Wines on a wine wall, I don’t think twice about it.
A WINERY YOU LOVED
Samuel’s Gorge is my little secret spot in McLaren Vale. Best in the cooler months as they only have red wine, it’s always a bit impressive when you take anyone there. I took my now fiancé there on our second date and it’s where we took our first ever photo together, so it’ll always have a special place in my heart.
NEXT DESTINATION
I have been very fortunate to have travelled all over the world, so the next spot is hopefully a bit closer to home to New Zealand. I have never done the South Island and I want to check out my old mates restaurant Muttonbird in Wānaka.
THREE FAMOUS PEOPLE FOR DINNER – GO!
The list would include all round queen Keke Palmer for vibes, actor Andrew Scott for conversation and the drag queen Alaska Thunderf**k for witty retorts. I would serve a mix of Greek vegetarian dishes.
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB
I wake up and record myself cooking whatever I like and then people pay me. I honestly don’t think it could get any better than that.
SOMETHING TO VIEW
Why not check out Conor alongside chefs Sergio Perera and Minoli De Silva as part of the SBS travel and food documentary series Destination Peru. The eight-part special is a jaunt through Peru’s ancient superfoods, Incan heritage, and some of the most iconic cuisine on the planet. See it on SBS on Demand now.
