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The Empty Plate

When it comes to coffee orders, make mine a double and keep it simple

Cafe menus are overflowing with speciality drinks, but nothing beats a basic cup of black gold.

  • Terry Durack

When the chips are down, you can count on potatoes – plus the greatest spud dish of them all

The world belongs to potatoes – and we’re just living in it, writes Terry Durack.

  • Terry Durack

You might think you’re ‘helping’, but leave the plate-stacking to the professionals

When empty plates disappear without you even realising, you’re in good hands. However, we don’t always make it easy for waitstaff.

  • Terry Durack

How hot does it need to be to fry an egg on a car bonnet or cook a toastie on an engine?

From fancy cars to dishwashers, there’s no end to human ingenuity when it comes to unusual cooking methods.

  • Terry Durack

Why you should throw some money at your favourite food shop, right now

Good cooking is 80 per cent good shopping. Great grocers and markets are your support team, writes Terry Durack.

  • Terry Durack
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Don’t try this at home: Why you should leave these dishes to restaurants

Pastries, Peking duck, parfait ... some foods are better outsourced.

  • Terry Durack

Don’t like cabbage? This sweet, buttery and beautiful variety might change your mind

How does a simple fruit or vegetable emerge from nowhere to build its own niche brand, asks Terry Durack.

  • Terry Durack
The Two-StepLow-FODMAP Diet and Recipe Book by DR SUE SHEPHERD.
Braised beef cheeks with creamy polenta

Fed up with dry and stringy meat in your stew? This cut is ‘impossible to ruin’

For Terry Durack, slow and steady cooking wins the race, and there is one cut in particular that he likes to turn to.

  • Terry Durack

End of the line: Why are we queuing for food in-person (and online for reservations)?

Is it just social media hype or are some restaurants worth the long wait, wonders Terry Durack.

  • Terry Durack

Pork chop for $160 per kilo, $15 mineral water… who can afford to dine out these days?

We are living in the age of the $90 steak and $30 cocktail. What’s next?

  • Terry Durack