ANN Nguyen-Orchiston is staying true to her roots and her passion for food in her new North East venture.
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Having opened Tu Vietnamese Street Food at Myrtleford in late August, Nguyen-Orchiston said food was always significant in her upbringing.
"Food is very important to the Vietnamese community," she said.
"Instead of saying: How are you? We say: Have you eaten yet? We're quite food-obsessed!"
Having migrated to Melbourne with her family as a two-year-old, Nguyen-Orchiston studied business at university.
She moved to Myrtleford three years ago with her husband Bex Orchiston and their son, William, now 5.
The business name reflected Nguyen-Orchiston's birth name.
"When we came to Australia my Mum gave us Anglo-Saxon names so we'd assimilate more easily," Nguyen-Orchiston said.
"I wanted to use my Vietnamese name for the first time in my life; it's my business, my baby and now my name too."
MEET MORE HOMEGROWN CHEFS:
What's your favourite spring dish?
Anything with asparagus in it. We have a local farm gate here in Myrtleford that sells freshly-picked asparagus from the side of the road.
What's your favourite season?
Autumn: I love going foraging in the forests for mushrooms.
What are the staples in your pantry?
Noodles, Redboat fish sauce, soy sauce, rice and tapioca flour, which is the same as in the restaurant!
What is your earliest cooking memory?
Being taught by my mother how pick the herbs for our rice paper rolls.
Which ingredients do you grow yourself?
Lemongrass, turmeric, mint, garlic chives and spring onions. I love the weather here in Myrtleford, the seasons are distinct.
Which six people would you invite to dinner?
My maternal grandparents; Anthony Bourdain, who inspired me and he was so influential to the food and travel world (I have read all his books, my favourite is Kitchen Confidential); Bruce Lee, Bob Marley and Jesus.
What is your favourite foodie ritual?
Watching other people eat. (I like seeing people's reaction from curiosity to delight or sometimes fear!)
What are you bingeing on TV? If anything.
David Chang's new series Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Season One) series on Netflix.
What did you have for dinner last night?
Salted sardines with rice and cucumber.
What are you drinking at the moment?
Prosecco or gin and tonic.