a snooped pleasure: "morning mood : caffeinated and slightly smug"
a conversation with chef and all-around creative Denise Tan
Two things dawned on me a while back. First, that I am surrounded – absolutely swarmed – by incredible, talented, creative individuals who themselves are these distinct pleasures in my life. Second, the part of my former work I miss the most is asking quickfire questions and gaining inspiration via their in-the-moment answers. I love to know what people eat and drink, where they go for a tipple, who their favourite artists and authors are. Basically, I’m a snoop.
This is my way of re-filling this hole. A Mad Libs-ish approach that I hope becomes regular. I hope this becomes a way for you to embrace your own quirks and desires. Because that is the most exciting part of all – no two sets of answers will ever be exactly the same.
When I think of Denise Tan, I think of the utmost dedication to creating the perfect doughnut, throwing the best hot dog party, and a willingness to see the world through inspired eyes. Our meeting was inevitable but almost accidental. I happened upon a birthday beverage and shared in the cake she had decadently crafted and lovingly made before we’d even had a proper conversation. And our friendship has been a lot like that ever since – often spontaneous and unplanned, bumping into each other at Small Town Provisions and sitting for a wine or an amaro. Indulging our girlhood and creative fantasies one sip and one early morning dip at a time.
Thanks for joining me x
Give me your 3-sentence spiel (please)?
Denise Tan Li-Min or 陈丽敏 pronounced as ‘chén lì mǐn.
I’m the 2nd child in the family and my younger siblings call me 二姐 ‘èr jiě’ also known as 2nd sister. It may sound silly but in (Chinese) Malaysia culture we call our siblings by their birth order or rankings.. They’re sort of a polite alternative to calling your older family members by their name as it’s considered disrespectful.
I cook for a living, I’ve been in the industry for 9 years now… woah typing it out seems unreal but I’m just low key someone who enjoys sensory pleasure, colours, feeding others and perhaps I just can’t sit still and constantly need to move. :’-)
Pleasure is waking up in the morning on my day off, no alarms.. just my circadian rhythm doing its magic woo woo. The moka pot whistles as rich, dark, floral notes of coffee aromas perfume the air and into my now unclogged nostrils.
Morning mood : caffeinated and slightly smug
I'd spend my last $50 on ....... oooft tricky one… I’d say organic pomegranate juice and dark chocolate pepitas! What a deal >:-p, I love a mindful healthy snack!!
The best thing I've ever bought is the SENGER cuddly animal Goose which comes with a removable heat/cook pack. I’ve named mine Goose Willis, after Bruce Willis… get it..?? Hahah 🫣
A perfect companion for all stages of my menstrual cycle!
And the best freebie I've ever found is creatives on the internet.
A moment I'll remember forever: My first morning ocean dip with you Miss Hannah Rosé 🍷 truly magical 🌀
(Same, girl, same)
A meal I always look forward to: Yum cha : where the tea flows endlessly until it’s basically hot leaf water, and no meal is complete without those glorious, gelatinous chicken feet - because true dim sum warriors know the magic’s in the toes.
My dream day looks like: A calm sunny 19 degree day, 6.30am morning dips with my mates and a debrief of where everyone is at emotionally and mentally.. followed by a good ol’ cup of cup of coffee as we linger on together a bit longer just before we part ways. Scrambled eggs, avo, kiwi fruit and papaya for breakfast and maybe a cheeky little power snooze before 10am hits.
Three small things I noticed today:
1. My plants need more love and care :-(
2. I should eat at the dining table on the patio more often, the sun on my skin and mindfully nourishing myself with breakfast and a freshly brewed long black.
3. My yoga mat definitely needed the scrub..
The last photo I took:
A glorious sunny winter morning called for ‘a winter spring clean’… I love hand washing delicate pieces (when the sun is out), and much needed sun for my boots.
On my desk or in my most creative space, I'm surrounded by coloured pens, highlighters, a bottled water, a cup or tea or juice and a notebook. Oh and books scattered everywhere!
A scent that transports me to The 86 Cabaret Bar (Drag show Thursdays) is Hendrick’s G&T.
When I’m lost for inspiration, I look at MOLD Magazines, VICE (FOOD) videos or go to the beach for a dip.
I listen to Edgar the Beatmaker Baby London (FULL EP) & Darkest Shades of Blue (FULL EP) on YouTube while I clean the house whilst channeling - my melancholy wrapped in cigarette smoke (even though I don’t smoke), teenage angst.. almost like a slow-burning storm.. SKINS UK type of feeling.
To ’touch the grass’ I flip through cookbooks and pick a recipe I’d like to test out, head to the shops for ingredients, get home, most likely Mac Demarco playing behind the scenes and start cookin.
Connecting with others means creating a space where people feel safe to be their true selves - with you , occasional mutual existential dread and sometimes with a little too much eye-contact.
The highest point of my day is to effortlessly remember to take my daily supplements.
MY TOP 5 PLEASURES
1. STRAWS, in coffees, teas, juices, wines, turmeric stained soups and beverages.
2. Yummy unisex fragrances (spicy, leathery, bergamot, floral.. the list does go on)
3. Being snugged in my bed after a long work day, fresh sheets and binaural beats playing in the background while the incense is burning.
4. FaceTiming my mom on a Saturday evening while she’s at my grandma’s and all my relatives and cousins are in the background with chaotic chatters in Hakka and the sound of clicking tiles of mahjong
5. Reading indie magazines and strolling websites like VICE & The Creative Independent
xoxo