Staying Home: How chef and food writer Karen Martini kept busy in isolation

Staying Home is a series of interviews with well-known Australians to learn how they are dealing with isolation and social distancing.

Melbourne chef, restaurant owner and food writer Karen Martini is in her comfort zone when it comes to the kitchen, but admits social distancing has seen her stuck in the Bermuda triangle that is her work bench, stove and dishwasher.

She’s spent many weeks testing the savoury chapter of a new 900-page cookbook due later this year (from Hardie Grant) and is eager to open a new Melbourne eatery that will serve modern Australian food for lunch and dinner as soon as is allowed.

“I am definitely spending more time in the kitchen, it’s work for me, but also where I go into my zone,” says Martini.

“I’ve been testing spring roll wrappers because I couldn’t buy them so the discovery is always there for me too,” she says.

The Queen Victoria Market ambassador and mother-of-two loves to shop local and is still keeping her distance while walking the family dog for two hours a day.

“I am not one for routine usually as my days vary so much, but with work changing as much as it has, I’ve had to create structure,” says Martini.

“I walk the dog a few hours a day, which has been good for me. A lot of my work just stopped suddenly; we cater for a lot of events so I had to come out of the darkness and see the light; I had to be creative and change things up.”

The new project has been two years in the making and Martini is keen to see it open.

“It’s about serving seasonal deliciousness and there is a catering arm attached as well,” she says. “It’s a restaurant for lunch and dinner in a prime location.”

Favourite room 

My bedroom. It’s a peaceful refuge away from the office, kitchen and kids. I am a huge fan of a good night’s sleep and reading cookbooks in bed. If I am lucky, a coffee finds its way up the stairs as well. 

DIY project 

Sunny days and isolation has meant more time in the garden. I am often working from home but with the extra time we have taken the opportunity to finally finish off some landscaping at the end of a long build. I have shifted a lot of soil, done some planting and prepped the new compost set up.

Where do you relax at home? 

All roads lead to the kitchen at the moment. You might find me working on some new dishes or just making fresh pasta or gnocchi. You can also find me on the sofa for an episode or two of Madame Secretary and Mystery Road. We all just watched the Michael Jordan documentary (The Last Dance) too. 

Reading at the moment 

The Whole Fish Cook Book by Josh Niland. The book is stunning, and Josh is a complete genius with a fabulous palate, driven with a passion for fish that is revolutionary and unrivalled. There is something in this book for everyone. You learn boning techniques and recipes and selection advice and to really taste and appreciate fish.

Baking or making 

I am doing a bit of cake testing for a new book and was determined to emulate my late mother-in-law’s Greek Easter bread and “maznik” (spiral pastry and cheese). Yep, took me a few goes to get close.

What are you planning right now? 

My new book and new takeaway menus, food store and re-opening for Mr Wolf.

Latest home purchase 

A basketball ring and a blackboard. We’re basketball fans in our house. My daughters have been missing their sports training and games three times a week. So, that’s a big chunk of time we have back for now and the ring has come in handy.

Favourite time of day 

While there is a lot to be stressed about business-wise, taking the time to clear my head has been really important. I have really enjoyed the peace of my early morning two-hour run/walk with Rudi. It’s a solid workout and isolation has really encouraged the routine. Although, Rudi is getting a bit confused by having a routine.

Home survival tip 

A well made martini. I’ve been making one via Fork and Shaker – where a talented Australian barman in Brooklyn is producing creative demonstrations for cocktails and drinks.

New app you’ve downloaded 

Pedometer ++ is a very basic app that counts my steps with a weekly graph. It’s quite simple and it keeps me moving.