The owner of new business Rutherglen Provedore has created a vibrant community hub in the historic Ken Jasper car yard.

Mrs Turner's passion for local and seasonal produce is evident on the cafe menu and throughout the store, which opened in December.

Born-and-bred in Melbourne but having spent many years in the Riverina and North East, Ms Turner said she wanted to create a welcoming space for everyone.

On World Autism Awareness Day yesterday, Mrs Turner reaffirmed her commitment to provide employment opportunities to people with a disability.

She said her children, Sam, 11, and Kate, 8, were living with autism. 

"We have one staff member who has Asperger syndrome and another with an intellectual disability," she said.

"It's great to have them in the team; we want to give them opportunities to learn different skills and life skills."

Rutherglen Provedore uses Mansfield Coffee Merchant beans and will have a liquor licence by mid-year.

It will offer cupcake decorating classes for children (accompanied by an adult) on April 8 and 15 at 10am. 

What's your favourite autumn dish?

A spicy pumpkin soup with a crusty baguette

What's your favourite season?

Autumn

What are the staples in your pantry now?

Pasta, rice, seasonal and local produce

What is your earliest cooking memory?

Having teacakes with my grandmother; no one did teacakes like her.

Which ingredients do you grow yourself?

Tomatoes and herbs

Which six people would you invite to dinner?

My grandfather Frank Cayley (who I never got to know because he died when I was two); Temple Grandin (autism advocate); Maggie Beer; Jade Showers; my husband Michael Turner; and my best friend Kelly Desanto.

What is your favourite foodie ritual?

It's nice to go out to dinner as a family - somewhere local - once a fortnight.

What are you bingeing on TV? If anything.

I'm not bingeing anything but I like Australian Story.

What did you have for dinner last night?

Spaghetti bolognese with The Mill Inn pasta and Tolpuddle Marinated Gem.

What are you drinking at the moment?

Fraser Road Rose (King Jack Wines, Rutherglen)

Details:

Rutherglen Provedore,

62 Main Street, Rutherglen

Phone: 0415 895 158

Open 7am to 3pm, Friday to Tuesday

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