A few weeks back I had the pleasure of meeting 2017’s Masterchef winner Diana Chan. I was hosting Metricon’s Lunar New Year event at their dreamy Doulton show home, and Diana was the guest of honour.
Diana whipped up two delicious dishes for attendees in the Metricon kitchen, showing guests (and me) how easy it is to make Malaysian-inspired finger food. I’d like to say I’ve spent time after the event in my own kitchen cooking up a storm. But really… my cosy kitchen has nothing on the one from the Doulton. And I have beyond nothing when it comes to cooking skills. Especially in comparison to Diana Chan!
Given that Diana knows her way around the kitchen, I took a few minutes with her after the event to discuss what makes a great kitchen from a cooking perspective. I also asked her about a few of her must-have design moments in a space like this, and what gadgets she can’t live without.
Further down you’ll see a video from the night. It was an absolute blast. If you ever want to come along to one of the events and have some fun us, click here to book your free spot.
What do you find the best kitchen layout to be for functionality?
For me the three main things would be kitchen flow, natural light and a large kitchen sink
What are some of your must-have kitchen gadgets to help you save time cooking?
Vitamix or thermomix, hand held blender and a rice cooker. Also well sharpened blades on my knives
Are there any must-have appliances you can’t live without?
Absolutely!!! I think a rice cooker is must as well as a high speed blender like a Vitamix
Are light and airflow important in a kitchen?
Natural light is very important as it helps with visibility, aesthetics and safety. The cook has to be able to read recipes or look through dark cupboards and it is not possible without good lighting. Also lighting is important for how the kitchen looks aesthetically as it feels more welcoming as you enter the home and also for safety reasons.
Visually, do you have a favourite colour palette or design style for a kitchen?
Off white, light grey, marble or granite.
How important are things like the cooktops and ovens in a kitchen?
Cooktops are very important as it determines what you are able to cook on a gas or induction stove. Ovens are also very important as a good oven will provide the best outcome in your food.
Have you incorporated any of these kitchen design loves into your new restaurant kitchen?
As much as I can I have. I do have great appliances which help me in my cooking process. Although I’m quite old school and like cooking over the stove stirring a pot and I still use a pestle and mortar for certain things!
Diana Chan’s New Restaurant is Open
Diana Chan’s brand new restaurant, Chanteen, is now open and serving divine hawker style share food in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.
The casual setting makes it a great little spot to gather with friends. And the philosophy behind the food is the ‘scratch’ concept; everything is prepared fresh daily.
Diana works her magic on family recipes and other Singapore and Malaysian dishes in the restaurant. And the best part: the menu changing weekly, so there’s always something new.
Metricon’s Dreamy Doulton Show Home
Metricon’s dreamy Doulton show home is open for viewing seven days a week in Burwood East. And boy is it packed with breathtaking design inclusions.
The five bedroom home features multiple living areas, a large outdoor room, a sweeping staircase to the front of the property and so much more.
Click here to see more of the kitchen and other stylish spaces in this show home.
This post includes images and/or videos of Metricon display homes and events, reproduced with permission. © Metricon Homes Pty Ltd 2016.
