Dominique Rizzo

50, chef and culinary consultant, Nudgee

What time do you wake up on a Saturday? About 6am and I love to meet a girlfriend for a walk at New Farm Park or Portside, Hamilton, and it must end with coffee at Eagle St Pier or Howard Smith Wharves.

Where and when do you exercise? Studio Pilates, Nundah, during the week. On Sundays you will always find me walking along the water in Sandgate with my partner Simon Mccarthy and my dogs – cavalier king charles Poppy, Andy and Jiro. The best part is sitting by the water with a coffee and pastry from Cocoa Biscotti Coffee & Gelato.

What’s your go-to weekend breakfast? My own fresh eggs from my girls, scrambled with fresh basil from my garden, avocado, sour dough from my fave bakery Flour and Chocolate, Northgate, halloumi – must be Olympus, and roasted tomatoes with olive oil, and fresh oregano from my garden.

Favourite green space and why? Recently I wandered around Roma Street Parkland, and it was just the most beautiful space.

Best place to go with dogs? Woody Point, Sandgate, Redcliffe.

Local coffee haunt? During the week I stop in at a little place on Nudgee Rd, Flat Cap coffee. My order will vary from a double to triple-shot soy cappuccino. My weekend fave is The Ole Dairy, Banyo, which serves Fox coffee which I love.

Favourite takeaway? I don’t get takeaway often but recently I was at Westfield Chermside with Simon and discovered Lemak Malaysian. We’ve been back for takeaway several times since.

Best spot for date night and why? Gerard’s Bar – it’s where I had my first date with Simon. We met online seven years ago and had the best night there.

Best beach? Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas.

Favourite farmers/produce market? Northey Street Organic Markets. I feel wholesome and healthy just going there.

Favourite winery? My favourite region is Stanthorpe, especially Golden Grove Estate.

Favourite picnic spot? Bongaree Beach, Bribie Island. It’s family and dog friendly and very low-key.

Favourite place to holiday? This would have to be Palm Cove, Far North Queensland.

What’s your perfect Saturday? A sleep-in, late breakfast, and hanging out with my pack at home in my kitchen garden.

Cooking demonstrations, Mt Gravatt Show, today and tomorrow, July 23-24

My Sicilian Brunch Banquet in Port Douglas for Taste Port Douglas Food Festival August 11-14. tasteportdouglas.com.au