Ellie Raymond is also a keen soccer player as well as the owner of Canberra brunch institution Penny University. Photo: Soccer Snaps By Sal.
Who are you?
Ellie Raymond. I own Penny University. I am a mother, and I’m a soccer player, too.
Tell me about Penny University.
My first business partner and I fell in love with coffee and breakfast cuisine and wanted to do something with a good ambience and welcoming atmosphere. We opened in 2013 when there weren’t as many places doing what we do, but now it’s much more readily available. Pretty much every suburb has a decent quality cafe! And I think that’s great, it allows the industry to grow and we all push each other and learn from each other.
Something I love about it is that people from all walks of life drink coffee, so you get to meet a really wide demographic of people. The name came about because we wanted anyone and everyone to feel welcome: we want someone who drinks an extra hot cap to feel just as welcome as someone with a really strong interest in specialty coffee.
Did you have a dream job as a kid?
My dream job was definitely to play for the Matildas! But I had a humbling experience early on because my Dad worked with Amy Duggan (née Taylor, former Matilda). When he introduced me to her, I asked, “Why do you have another job if you’re a Matilda?” She laughed and told me that she didn’t make enough money playing soccer. So that was a bit of a wake up call!
Fortunately, a lot of changes have happened now, which is amazing, but there are lots of women my age who have gone on to do other things rather than pursuing that dream.
Penny University has been a mainstay of Canberra’s brunch scene since 2013. Photo: Penny University/Facebook.
How did you get involved in the hospitality industry?
One of the other girls on my soccer team, her dad owned some restaurants and I got a job with him while I was studying. And I just fell in love with the industry and found it was a good fit for me.
What is your food philosophy?
It’s all about flavour, flavour, flavour. We want to supply people with really flavoursome food: something they might not typically eat, inspired from all around the world and with options to cater for specific diets.
In an ideal world, we’d also be sourcing everything from local, organic and low-waste businesses, but it’s really hard to achieve that with the margins as tight as they are right now.
What is your favourite ingredient when cooking?
I use lots of herbs and spices, but I try to mix them up so there’s not really one specific ingredient. Variety is the spice of life!
What’s an underrated Canberra venue that you love?
La Cantina in Narrabunda. It’s been around forever and it’s really yummy. It’s amazing Italian food. And Minima in Yarralumla; I’ve had really delicious meals there.
Who do you admire in the Canberra food scene?
Louis Couttoupes from Onzieme. When he was first opening up his venue, he’d come in and we’d chat and he would talk so passionately about food. I love what he’s doing with native ingredients.
Onzieme chef and Owner Louis Couttoupes. Photo: Lean Timms.
Where’s the best place for a drink in Canberra?
If I have people coming to town, I would like to take them to 11e Cave underground at Onzieme, or Molly, which is another go-to, and of course, Bar Rochford as well.
Who is your dream dinner party guest, and what would you make them?
Jennifer Lawrence. I think she’d be a good time, and she wouldn’t judge me. I’ve got a bottle of Suze at home, which is a French aperitif.
You could just give her a bunch of aperitifs and she’d provide great banter and great conversation.
I reckon Jen is pretty low maintenance, so I might do a nice charcuterie board or tapas and maybe fry up some saganaki cheese.
What is your current food obsession?
I go through waves. I went through a baby octopus phase, and a massive tiramisu phase. At the moment, when I go out, I would get a ceviche: light, fresh, citrus.
What’s the best thing you ate this week?
A really nice dish we made this week was handmade pasta with slow-roasted cherry tomatoes. Simple recipe but super yummy with a bit of goat’s cheese.
What’s a food that reminds you of your childhood?
Lamb chops with mash and peas, maybe some carrots. They’re bourgie now, but back in the 90s they were a cheap cut.
When you can’t be bothered to cook for yourself, where do you go and what do you eat?
It’s always a Margherita pizza. You’d be surprised how many people judge me for it but then they get FOMO and want a slice of mine!
Where are you travelling next?
I’m going to Wagga tomorrow for a soccer game with my team the Canberra Croatia Football Club. We’ll be playing in 38 degree heat! But to sound a bit more exotic, I’ll also say that I’m planning to visit my family near Byron Bay soon.
Tell me something you love about living in Canberra?
I think this city allows you to have a lot of opportunities. It’s such a safe, amazing city to grow up in: it’s easy, it’s comfortable and there’s a great network here. We’re so lucky to live here.
What TV show are you watching right now?
I quite like White Lotus and there’s a new season out at the moment.
I’ve also been reading a book by Esther Perel who is a relationship therapist and she talks a lot about communicating with friends, family, and partners … I’m trying to learn more about communication and how to bring the best out of people.
An easy one to finish – what’s your go-to coffee order?
Usually a long black. If I’m sitting in and trying something new, I’ll have a pour over, or if it’s super hot, I’ll go for a cold brew.
Loading ...
