Caroline, a country girl at heart, has remained true to the values of seasonal produce, of buying locally where ever possible and supporting the farmer at every opportunity. With this has come the happy nature of cooking for friends and family, the gift of giving, the joy of eating together and the sharing of recipes handed down from friend to friend, from one generation to the next.
Co-owner of Boucher Bistro and Three Girls Skipping, Caroline believes baking is one of life’s greatest pleasures and if you’ve eaten some of her creations you would have to agree.
Caroline moved to Brisbane nearly 20 years ago after finishing University in Toowoomba, with the view of going into Public Relations/Marketing. Instead she started an apprenticeship under Kym Pitt at the Anthill Deli, Wilston and the rest is history!
When asked ‘What most surprises you about dining in Brisbane?’ Caroline says that there is, as a rule, real heart to it.
“It is not an easy game, yet we continue to try harder and harder to get better at it. Most of the guys I know really care about where they source their produce and try to buy as locally as possible. It is not always easy and not always the cheaper alternative but well worth it."
And what does she nominate as her favourite meal in Brisbane?
“I was eating with a friend of mine, Emma, at Sea Salt in early 2001. We were doing our Apprenticeship together and Russell Armstrong was cooking. I can really only remember the dessert - Panna Cotta with Vanilla Poached Figs. It was amazing, but the whole lunch was just, well, just perfect.
“The thing is, it is not always the fanciest of places that you remember and love. A great steak with friends at the Morrison, fish and chips at Manly with Darren (partner) on one of our first dates, Yum Cha in the Valley after a big night, the Swiss Miss Burger at Beasties - addictive (with onion rings and aioli!), all favourites.
I asked Caroline what type of eatery she would like to see open next in Brisbane and where?
“Oxley's on the River should be reopened. Build it out of cement so it won't wash away and can just be hosed out! Great fish and chips, buckets of prawns, platters of oysters, cold beer on tap and you can dangle your feet in the river on a Sunday afternoon - heaven.”
You should check out Caroline's own Café, Three Girls Skipping at Graceville. It’s a platform to show case homemade cooking at its seasonal best, with produce that is sourced as locally as possible. Not fancy or contrived but simple in nature with the focus on flavour and freshness.
You can share Caroline’s passion for classic baked favourites, such as cakes, biscuits and brownies with a modern twist and quintessential Queensland ingredients including fruits, spices and delectable chocolate at a Delectable session at the South Bank Cultural Forecourt on Thursday, 26th July 1:00pm. $45.
Taste Boucher’s food at the Delectable Food Bowl on Sunday July 29 in the grounds of the City Botanic Gardens. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste and experience menus from some of Brisbane’s most renowned restaurants and sample a delicious delectable plate paired with Queensland and Australian wines and local craft beer.
Want to know more about Delectable?
Disclaimer: This is not a paid post – I am simply sharing my love and faith in Brisbane’s food scene. Plus Caroline is an awesome gal!
Win tickets for two to Caroline's session. Give me your best reason why you should win the two tickets in a comment below and like this post on Facebook. I have two tickets (one double pass) to this session to give away and the competition will close at 5pm on Wednesday, July 18. Please only enter the competition if you are able to use the tickets.
