As Head Chef at The Log Cabin in Sydney, Lauren McKenna brings a wealth of experience to her role in the kitchen when it comes to fine dining – having trained at venues including Otto, est, The Boathouse and Three Blue Ducks.
She champions locally sourced produce, is passionate about minimising waste and gives back by supporting initiatives such as We Are Community and local charities including the Rural Fire Service.
Lauren McKenna spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
Sydney. My favourite city buzzes with culture and incredible food. I love that I can work a shift and head down to the beach or eat a chorizo panini while I shop at the deli for my weekly groceries out West. It’s special to me because this is where I’m building a life with my son.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Bodega opened in Surry Hills in 2006. I headed there after work one night with a bunch of mates. It was a treat to all have the night off. We ordered this pickled veal tongue with scallops, and it blew my mind away. I’d never tried tongue before, so I was hesitant, but it was sliced paper thin. It wasn’t just the dish, the lovely wine was taking the edge off the week, and I had great company. We were all offering the last mouthful around the table. I knew we all wanted it, but nobody had the guts to scoop it up.
FAVOURITE BAR
If I’m being honest, I don’t have a favourite. I like wherever is warm, I can hear the conversation, no pressure vibes and just good music, drinks, and friends. My go to drink is an Old Fashioned, followed by a Tommy’s Margarita or Caipirinha.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Spicy Margarita. Easy going by appearances, zesty, but with a kick! It’s fun, confident but not apologetic to be bold.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
KFC and Will & Grace re-runs.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Eau de Vie, Melbourne. Such theatrics. I love their precision and complex flavours.
OVERSEAS BAR
Stay open late, offer snacks and smalls, offer outdoor seating so we can absorb the atmosphere.
FAVOURITE WINE
Shaw + Smith M3. Chardonnay. Adelaide Hills.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Krinklewood Estate. I’ve worked and collaborated with them when I work at Three Blue Ducks. Krinklewood take an organic and biodynamic approach to their wine. They’re only a 2.5 hour drive out of Sydney and they have accommodation at the Estate. The grounds are gorgeous and picturesque.
NEXT DESTINATION
My son and I have been planning to visit Italy. He has been learning Italian on duo lingo and loves Italian food. He can’t wait to walk through the colosseum and take a ride on a gondola. Due to his young age, it has been very difficult to find a tour that caters for children under 10yrs old. So, we’ve decided to wait. We are visiting Fiji this year. We love to relax and mingle by the pool. And we’ve organised a day trip into the village to surround ourselves in the Fijian culture.
https://www.thelogcabin.com.au/
