Five minutes with Maree Fitzgerald, Betty's On Broadway

Who is Maree Fitzgerald?: I am the owner and all-rounder of Betty’s On Broadway coffee shop. The original idea to purchase the coffee shop was from my eldest daughter, who has always had a business mind. As a second line of income for both of us and also to be able to give my second eldest daughter employment and qualifications in hospitality. I now run it on my own with the help of my three daughters from time to time. This is my tenth year of business, and I still love what I do.

Best recent dining experience: I don’t really eat out much, but I do love a good pub feed, especially because I do not have to cook it.

Favourite cuisine: Pub meals – I am a bit of a meat and veg girl!

Most embarrassing pantry item: Bottled lemon juice, but it is only there for back purposes.

What ingredient can I not live without? Flour, I do a lot of baking.

Best coffee spot in Junee: It’s not in Junee but in the shire, The Old School Tea House in Bethungra. Beautiful and relaxing, and it also has amazing owners. But if you are in Junee, it would be Betty’s On Broadway – not biased or anything.

What’s your coffee blend? Would you believe it’s Lazzio? It’s not the most expensive brand, but it works for my customers, and we do get lots of comments as to how nice it is.

Next big thing in the Junee food scene: I think we need either Italian or Thai just to bring that little something different.

A must-try on our menu: Our toasties, as they are made on my homemade Turkish bread, plus our scones, apple shortcake and vanilla slice, all made on site – they are very popular.

My biggest culinary influence: I was brought up on a farm, and what my mum could cook on a wood stove was amazing. I am still learning from her now, I think that’s why my coffee shop is so homely because we serve good old-fashioned, wholesome meals.

Favourite cookbook: I don’t really have a favourite cookbook; I use lots of different resources for recipes.

Who I admire in the Wagga food and wine scene: I admire those small hospitality businesses in Junee – they are still plodding along even after a couple of years of rough times.

What are this week’s specials at Betty’s On Broadway? I have a fortnightly special. I just find this better for my workload. This fortnight they are lemon and dill baked fish, chips and salad, mushroom risotto and bangers and mash, just for old time’s sake.

Death row meal: I would say it would have to be a lamb roast and veg.

My least favourite food: Oh, it would be liver and kidney, Mum used to cut it up as fine as she could, and I would still pick it out.

My top three cooking tips: Try and use what you have in stock because it is amazing what you can come up with. Always home bake before buying premade and learn from those that have done it for years before you.