About Tania

WRITER, hospitality consultant, BEACH LOVER

An absorbing passion for food is in my genes, fuelled by teenage weekends working in my father's Italian restaurant Pagana's in Hindley Street, a place where many religiously sought their weekly 'Osso Buco fix'. I swore I would never own a restaurant — the hours were too long — but I didn't count on marrying someone working in hospitality. At the age of 21 my husband and I opened our first restaurant and my path was set.

Three restaurants and three children later, I have to agree that hospitality must be in my blood. The long hours thankfully translated into many loyal customers, lots of restaurant awards and the huge satisfaction of watching our young team members develop into incredibly talented hospitality professionals.

I am inspired to write about what I know best — the food, the wine and the people who make it happen. Every person and business has a story. Writing their story — storytelling — is a powerful medium to connect and inspire. It was an exciting moment in 2012 to see my first article published, which was part of a feature on South Australia in the Canadian culinary tourism magazine Taste & Travel International. With a keen interest in health and wellness I no longer view food as simply my passion — but also a key to wellness — and my writing often reflects this. 

I'm also inspired by working with a wonderful group of people as part of the global Slow Food network, founded in Italy in 1989. I enjoy my voluntary role as Leader of Slow Food South Australia, for which South Australia's iconic chef Cheong Liew is our patron. 
My qualifications include an Advanced Diploma in Professional Writing from Adelaide College of the Arts and food/wine writing and photography workshops with Tasting Australia and Le Cordon Bleu Australia. I am also a Certified Professional Restaurateur through Restaurant and Catering Australia – as a director on their South Australian board for four years and a current council advisory member, I'm in touch with both the grass-roots and overall picture of this unique industry. My work as a hospitality consultant further keeps me in the loop and regular clients include Adelaide's multi-award winning Chianti and Bar Torino.

As an Aussie beach lover, I adore living near Glenelg Beach in South Australia where spectacular sunsets attract photographers from all over the world. A beach walk followed by sunset watching — with an aperitivo in hand — is my idea of heaven! I live with my husband, one adult child yet to fly the nest and until recently, our beloved Australian Silky Terrier, Tigger. 
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