Kitchen Sentimental: A journey to self-discovery, one recipe at a time

by Annie Smithers

A beautiful Australian who feeds our hearts and souls.'
Virginia Trioli

When we cook for others, or ourselves, the deepest hunger we feed is love.

In her new memoir, respected chef and paddock-to-plate pioneer Annie Smithers answers the question she is asked most why cook? Annie takes us on a journey through every significant kitchen in her life, both domestic and professional, sharing with engaging honesty her personal development, her surprisingly complex relationship with food, and the lessons she has learned along the way to find her culinary niche at the famed du Fermier restaurant in country Victoria.

Genres: Book Club, Memoir

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2024

Reviews

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been lucky enough to eat Annie Smithers’s food at a few restaurants (and before this book I had no idea she worked at Pearl) and have always admired her honest unfussy cooking that respects produce and process. Her journey to being the chef she is today, grounded in authenticity with a deep love for real hospitality, is laid out here and my gosh it was not easy. Finding her place and navigating an industry that celebrates the big and bold is no easy feat. There were times my heart broke for Annie as she experienced disappointments, disillusionment and depression. She recounts her cooking years with a candour and openness that I’m not sure we readers deserve. Her love for Stephanie Alexander warmed my heart (if I could go back in time it would be to dine at Stephanie’s in 1985). Her prose style reminded me of Helen Garner’s diaries: direct, honest, exposing of vulnerabilities. Some paragraphs stopped me in my tracks. I finished the book feeling so grateful she has been able to find a way to make her mark and carve out what brings her joy.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written reflection on her experiences cooking in so many different restaurants, cafes and all sorts of locations from city to country from a lavender farm to high end experiences. Refreshingly honest about her personal and professional life Annie shares recipes that mean something about each experience including one heart breaking note that for one the experience was so draining that she couldn’t remember a single thing she cooked. Restaurants are not only heart breaking they are also financially terrifying and the fact that Annie comes through this to her life today is uplifting.

[Noreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually like biographies, but this one I did. I don't know if it was wandering down memory lane to all the restaurants and cafes Annie talks about, remembering good times at them or just knowing of them, but they were all familiar so within my world. I was also surprised at some of the restaurants she worked in or ran, what a history and career!
Annie is very honest about herself and how she lives her life which is brave and admirable.
I've read a couple of biographies of well known chefs/cooks and this was the best one. Although she says she was cocky and sure of herself a number of times, it doesn't come across in the writing as annoying - just honest introspection.
Thanks Annie for all your delicious food through the years and honesty and the recipes in your book.

[Adriana Frescura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. I dipped in and out of it and loved following Annie’s working life - as many of the restaurants l’d heard of but never experienced.

Once l finished the book l continued onto the website and social media and discovered photos of her latest endeavors- loved it.

I also tried to make a booking at du femier - fingers crossed l get to finally enjoy the full experience of the book.

I’ll be sharing this book but l will want it back as a cooking book staple on our bookshelf together with other gurus such as @StephanieAlexander @ottolenghi...

The book also helped me understand why my Italian mum’s obsession with cooking and feeding the family is so important to her - she is a force -still cooking at 90.

Thankyou @anniesmithers

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie Smithers' writing is as fresh and honest as her marvellous food, which I've been lucky enough to enjoy.
Without any of the swagger and bravado of many chef memoirs, Annie bravely shares her story and the path that has led her to her current position with an admirable and simple frankness.
She recounts her journey (my word, not hers) in a refreshingly honest way, sharing some of the dishes that have been important to her along the way.
Her writing is warm and generous - like her food. It's no wonder she's a bit of a national treasure.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covered so much, not just Annie’s restaurant experience, but dialogue around the intricacies of food culture in Australia. Be it gender roles in the home kitchen or the accessibility of products, the impact of emotion and mental health on output or navigating a considered/progressive food landscape.

Oh and I loved reading about the Melbourne food scene of the 80s and 90s!

[Kristin Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then you read something that really moves you and makes you think, reading Annie's story did that for me. An interesting perspective on work, the joy of doing something you love and how to temper expectations in life. I'm also keen to try the lavender scone recipe!

[Isabella Alcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

so beautifully written with such a tenderness

[Glenda Briglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having dined at Annie’s Bistrot years ago and owning her first book I was looking forward to reading this book. It did not disappoint! If you love cooking and eating you are in for a treat

[Nance Frawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it and can’t wait to go to Du Fermier.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love her food and writing. Unexpectedly about her experiences with disordered eating. I’d read anything written by Annie Smithers.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet read. Annie Smithers details her life in kitchens, those that broke her and those that saved her and what she learned along the way. The prose is easy to read and very personable, each chapter ending with a selection of recipes that were relevant to it and they cover a variety of skill levels. It's a lovely, cozy read that doesn't shy away from the reality of the hospo industry, often coming with very little work life balance and poor mental health.

As someone who is local to a lot of the places Annie mentioned, it was rather nice to read about these places that I was just used to through different eyes. And the enthusiasm for food and produce just shone through the pages.

Very charming.

EDIT: 20/10/2024 - Made the saffron risotto, delicious and very easy to follow recipe.

[Vannessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written, based on a simple premise - a memoir based on periods of employment at Melbourne and Victorian restaurants, nay, veritable food institutions. Recipes shared of each of these 'phases' are as evocative as the stories Smithers dishes up to the reader. It is funny, reflective, and sometimes so telltale. Utterly delicious. Smithers writes well and very movingly. Enjoyed this immensely.