Stella Wiedemeyer is a floor supervisor at Bar Rochford. Photo: Nick Smith.
Who are you?
I’m Stella Wiedemeyer. I’m a floor supervisor at Bar Rochford, and I’m also in my fourth year at ANU studying politics, philosophy and economics.
How did you get involved in the hospitality industry?
I did a little stint in Melbourne before moving to Canberra in 2021. Nick Smith (Bar Rochford owner) took a massive gamble on me: I was fresh, 18 years old, with about three months of experience. Since then, I’ve been working on the floor and developing my knowledge of wine.
Tell me about Bar Rochford
Rochford is about balance: equal parts food, wine, cocktails and music. I haven’t seen many other venues that are able to bring those in equally. Huge love to the whole team at Rochford for keeping me on my toes and teaching me so much!
Did you have a dream job as a kid?
When I was really little I thought I was going to be the person at the zoo who cuts up the vegetables for the animals!
What is your food philosophy?
When I’m cooking for myself at home, my philosophy is to keep it really simple, inject flavour whenever you can, and shop seasonally. It’s cheaper and tastier!
What is your favourite ingredient to use when cooking?
I would say Miso paste, fish sauce or any MSG-laden veggie stock powder. All powerhouse flavour boosters. If your food doesn’t taste of anything, add one of those and you’ll be sweet!
Stella reckons Rebel Rebel is an underrated venue in Canberra. Photo: Rohan Thomson.
What’s an underrated Canberra venue that you love?
I feel like Rebel Rebel doesn’t get enough love. They’re consistently really good. I went there recently and the cocktails were bang on, the wine was great and they were super helpful navigating the list. Service was ‘chef’s kiss’.
Who do you admire in the Canberra food scene?
Caitlin Baker at Such & Such. She’s an absolute gun in front of house, and she has an insane depth of knowledge of beverages. I’m a big fan of her work with Venus Vinifera, too. I also really admire Blue Hyslop (also from Such & Such) and their style of service; it feels like you’re in some magical, theatrical realm when they serve you.
Where’s the best place for a coffee in Canberra?
Stepping Stone, Dickson. I really like them and love their mission. It helps that it’s about 250 metres from my house! My favourite dish is their Turkish eggs. They are unreal.
Turkish eggs with chilli oil and yoghurt at Cafe Stepping Stone, Dickson. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Who is your dream dinner party guest, and what would you make them?
I’d really like to have dinner with Joost Bakker, the sustainability and future foods guy. We could just yap about environmental policy and good food!
I’d make some kind of spanakopita-esque filo pastry deliciousness with foraged weeds and wild fennel for a salad. Really lean in!
What are your current food obsessions?
I took a trip to Taiwan earlier this year, and the food there is unreal. The snacks, in particular, are to die for.
My usual breakfast was some combination of radish cakes, drip coffee, scallion pancakes and a you tiao (fried doughnut stick). Deji Asian Supermarket in Dickson sells frozen scallion pancakes, and on Saturdays they have fresh you tiao – I heat them up in the oven and dip them in sweet milk. Yum!
What’s the best thing you ate this week?
I made a killer ramen with really crispy spiced pork mince and broccoli, which I had with a top-notch bottle of syrah.
What’s a food that reminds you of your childhood?
Kartoffelsuppe or German Potato Soup. As a German, that is a true comfort food. We’d have sausages on the side with a dollop of sour cream and dill.
Where do you shop for groceries?
I love the discount bin at Fyshwick Markets for fresh produce: it’s kept me and my housemates well-fed over the years! Then I shop at Aldi for all the German things. And, of course, Deji is the best Asian grocer. You know it’s good cause the aisles are so small, and it’s packed to the ceiling with stuff.
The Old Canberra Inn is a go-to for a lazy meal. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
When you can’t be bothered to cook for yourself, where do you go and what do you eat?
Either a burger at the Old Canberra Inn or, if it’s between 3 and 5 pm, probably half a dozen oysters at Such and Such. That’s what I do if I want to treat myself.
Where are you travelling next?
I’m actually moving to Germany soon! I’m very excited about Berlin and being in a big city again. I’m really excited to learn the language and have access to a real depth of live music and live in a slightly more diverse city. I’m also really keen to have access to good multicultural grocery stores. Canberra doesn’t have that in quite as much abundance as other cities.
Tell me something you love about living in Canberra
Access to nature. Being able to walk outside my door and be in the foothills of Mount Majura is great. As the weather heats up, I love going out to Casuarina Sands with a few friends. We pack a little picnic or just pick up some dooches (sandwiches) from Sandoochi and eat them by the river. That’s my idea of bliss.
What TV show or movie are you watching right now?
I’ve been watching Turning Points, which has been interesting. It’s a deep dive into the Cold War, US and Soviet history. I watch TV to learn something. I love documentaries. I’ve also just finished I Was Actually There on the ABC. It was really fascinating and such good TV.
An easy one to finish – what’s your go-to coffee order?
Cappuccino. It feels like a holiday coffee.
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