We had the pleasure of meeting Larissa at the 10 year anniversary celebration for our client, Vegepod. Beautiful & talented, you may recognise Larissa from 2019's Master Chef, crowned Australia's youngest ever winner.
Here, we chat all things morning routines, healthy habits, pantry essentials & importantly, the value of slowing down. Let's jump straight in!
What does your morning routine look like?
My routine is so out of whack! Sometimes I’m up at 4am for filming or at 8am because I had a big catering job the night before. No matter the hour I’m up, it always starts with a quick scroll on Instagram & breakfast.
What’s one healthy habit you prioritised / embraced during lockdown that you’ll continue as we start to return to normality?
A great question because I learnt so much during this crazy time. I was taught to not take on so much so that I could enjoy my time with friends, family & now husband (hehe). People say that everything stopped for them & they had nothing but time & anxiety for the future. For me, I was working 100 hours a week, day & night, trying to save my family business - The Wildpear Café. There was no time for anything & it led to some physical medical problems. I realised how much I needed to stop for myself & for those around me.
What are five things you’ll always have in your fridge / pantry?
Lemons, fennel seeds, fresh herbs, SALT & pasta.
What’s your favourite form of movement?
Well other than the kitchen, does grocery shopping count? haha
What’s the first destination you’d like to visit once we’re allowed to travel again?
I would love to see Italy. My husband’s background is Italian & we planned to go on our honeymoon there. If you’re obsessed with food like I am, Italy is where it’s at!
What is one fun fact most people wouldn’t know about you?
As much as I am an extrovert on camera & love going out for dinner with friends, I’m actually a massive introvert & love nothing but binging on a series on my couch at home!
Why is it important to you to be Straight Up & authentic? Have you ever struggled in the past with being your true self?
I guess being in the public eye, people love having an opinion on what I should be or how I should act...“Oh she's the dessert queen who is super young & naive!”. I got a whole lot of that when I got off the show. I had to prove to not only myself, but the world, that I was much more than that. As a “young” woman, it's hard trying to find yourself when the whole world is watching. To be honest, I don’t think I’m fully there yet. But I’m having fun finding that out. I guess it’s so important to stay true to who you are & the right people will follow.
