Natalie Prestia has been running Muffin Break for the past 11 years. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Who is Natalie Prestia? A 54-year-old woman who has owned Muffin Break for 11 years. I have been in hospitality for 20 years and decided to open this business. I was born in Sydney, moved to Wagga when I was 19 years old and had three children. One in Syndey, one in Melbourne and one here in Wagga with four children … so grandma. I call Wagga home now.
Best recent dining experience: Thaigaa.
Favourite cuisine: Thai.
Most embarrassing pantry item: Sliced pineapple.
What ingredient can I not live without? Hmmm … butter.
Best coffee spot in Wagga: Apart from us, I would have to say Mock Orange.
Muffin Break has its own blend of coffee. Photo: Muffin Break.
What’s your coffee blend? Jahnus. It’s our own blend.
Next big thing in the Wagga food scene: I would love to see a hatted restaurant in Wagga.
A must-try on our menu: Triple-choc muffin.
Natalie says she doesn’t refer to cookbooks. Photo: Muffin Break.
My biggest culinary influence: Italian … it’s my heritage.
Favourite cookbook: I don’t use them anymore. My best friend is a chef … so I will just say ‘What are we going to cook tonight?’
Who I admire in the Wagga food and wine scene? Tammy from Tammy’s Thai. Jamie Pascoe from Charles Sturt Winery.
Bacon and egg rolls are part of a special this week. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
What are this week’s specials at Muffin Break? Toasted sandwich, bacon egg roll and croissant with a coffee for $10.90.
Death row meal: Crumbed lamb cutlets. I had this amazing drink when I was in Bali called ‘sex on the beach’ – that would be it.
My least favourite food: Sausages.
My COVID-19 response: Everyone says it’s a cold, but it’s not. It’s just something we have to learn to live with.
My top three cooking tips: Cook with love. Use very good ingredients and always eat what you cook.
