TIFFANY van Zanden went back to the books when an injury threatened her decade-long career as a chef.
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In late 2016 she began studying La Trobe University’s Bachelor of Food and Nutrition online.
Van Zanden said she had to expand her career options after sustaining a back injury.
“I bulged a disc in my back and did my sciatic nerve,” she said.
Following months of physiotherapy, Van Zanden and her husband Darren took on a new project in November; La Moka Cafe, based at La Trobe University Albury-Wodonga campus.
Being anaphylactic lactose intolerant, Van Zanden said she wanted to make sure the La Moka menu fitted everyone’s dietary requirements.
"Anyone who walks in here should be able to have options regardless of their allergies or dietary requirements," Van Zanden said.
"I make everything from scratch except the bread, which is an art form in itself.
"I make the ice cream and dairy-free pastry."
Queensland-born-and-raised Van Zanden, who has worked under the tutelage of celebrity chef Matt Moran, said she aimed to become a dietitian after her studies.
She trained under Moran at his Aria Restaurant in Brisbane.
What's your favourite summer dish?
Roasted beetroot, apple, pine nut and kale salad with an apple vinaigrette
What's your favourite season?
Spring
What are the staples in your pantry now?
Confit garlic (I braise it in the oven for two hours until it's softened); fire-roasted capsicum.
What is your earliest cooking memory?
When I was five I decided I wanted to be a chef like Huey (Iain Hewitson). I had ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and dyslexia and cooking was the only thing that helped me to focus.
Which ingredients do you grow yourself?
We have a community garden at La Trobe and I grow a lot of herbs around the cafe.
Which six people would you invite to dinner?
My grandfather Francis (he passed away when I was 13 but he gave me my first set of chef's knives), my mum Nicola; Jamie Oliver; Huey; Heston Blumenthal; and my husband Darren.
What is your favourite foodie ritual?
Making chutneys and Napoli sauce.
Bingeing on TV?
Chef's Table
What did you have for dinner last night?
Chicken and basil pesto risotto with rocket and snow peas.
What are you drinking at the moment?
Pfeiffer Tempranillo
Details:
La Moka Cafe,
La Trobe Albury-Wodonga, Buliding 5a, 133 McKoy Street, Wodonga
Phone: (02) 6024 9803
Open 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
