Five Minutes with Tamara Rutherford, Mookie

Who are you?

I am Tamara Rutherford, and I’m the manager of Mookie in Tuggeranong, an American-style burger bar with a Japanese twist!

Tell me about what you do at Mookie.

My main and most favourite thing is I make all of the gelato. So I get to choose all the flavours, take suggestions, and interact with the customers and the kids, which is so great. I really like the almond and fig; otherwise, a classic flavour is Snickers.

How did you get involved in the hospitality industry?

I got a job in a cafe when I was 17 and I never left hospitality. It just really suits me!

If you weren’t in hospitality, what would you be doing instead?

I plan on studying to be a veterinarian eventually, but I love hospitality – the customers really make it worth it.

What is your food philosophy?

We go out of our way to make everything in-house, including the gelato. We focus on giving people really good and interesting food and making sure the customers are always happy.

What’s a must-try item on the Mookie menu?

If you like a bit of heat, I would always suggest our wings: I haven’t had wings like them anywhere else in Canberra. We make them really hot, and we have a range of sauces. And, of course, our gelato is a great way to settle the spice if it’s too hot!

Who do you admire in the Canberra food scene?

I really admire Jaye [Min, owner of Mookie] for his dedication, commitment and drive to please his customers. He’s always happy to fix anything or take recommendations.

Who is your dream dinner party guest, and what would you make them?

This is kind of a pop culture reference, but I would invite Jenson Ackles from Supernatural. I would go out of my way to make him a really good pie because that’s his favourite food in the show.

What is your current food obsession?

For about six months now, I’ve been obsessed with the truffle grilled chicken burger at Mookie. I’m a really big fan of the house-made truffle sauce we do. It’s a great combination of Portuguese chicken, aioli and fresh salad. I reckon I eat it at least twice a week.

What’s your dream travel destination?

I’d really like to go to Japan and visit the Studio Ghibli museum, it sounds so beautiful. Princess Mononoke is my favourite Ghibli film, but I love the food in Spirited Away.

What TV show or movie are you watching right now?

I am super excited about the new season of the Game of Thrones prequel. I’m waiting week by week for those episodes!

An easy one to finish – what’s your go-to coffee order?

Always a dirty chai latte with an extra shot, it gets me through the day. I usually go to BrewBar or Rye; they’re just around the corner from us.

Mookie is located at 13B Anketell Street, in South.Point Mall Tuggeranong. They are open seven days a week from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm, and until 9 pm on Fridays. Follow Mookie on Facebook or Instagram, or visit their website to see their menu and order takeaway.