The dream
People ask, 'Why Japanese food?'
People often say 'This is random! How did this come about?'
Raven Place Farm is a beautiful property that has been a long-time dream of mine. Raven Place is a deeply personal and meaningful place, built from years of dreaming, travel, and a deep connection to both food and community. My story is a beautiful blend of my passion for food, family heritage, and the desire to create something lasting. I have tied in my Japanese roots, the influence of my mother-in-law’s cooking, and my journey from Qantas flight attendant to farm owner.
I have been drawn to Raven Place since moving to Cabarita Beach in 2013. I dreamt of it one day being my home. I was drawn to its north-facing hill, the tranquil creek flowing through the property, and the stunning bamboo at the entrance. With a council-approved veggie shack already on the property, I saw an opportunity to create a hub for my passions in life....Japanese food, chickens, growing veggies, and the yearning to create a community where we could support local businesses, share our talents, share produce, and grow together.
In 2021, after 22 years as a Qantas international flight attendant, I took voluntary redundancy and made my dream a reality by purchasing Raven Place Farm.
Before flying, I lived in Japan for 4 years where I spent my time learning Japanese, teaching English, learning how to cook and ferment, and where I met my husband, Shinji. My cooking style and fermenting creations are influenced by my late mother-in-law. Every meal had an array of fermented or pickled dishes accompanying each meal that was made from scratch. Every meal required many bowls and each dish would be made to cross over a few meals. There is a Japanese saying, "ofukuro-no-aji" which when directly translated, means 'flavour of mum'. Sounds a bit odd, but I dreamt that one day when I had kids, they too would be able to yearn for mum's "flavours", like we did with my mother-in-law's cooking. I aspired to cook so well that my kids would always want to come home for mum's cooking, "ofukuro-no-aji".
Making food at Raven Place is not just about cooking; it's about passing down a legacy of care, tradition, and love through flavours that are both comforting and familiar. Raven Place Farm is a place where my flavours can flourish and continue through the community we are building.
My hope is that every visitor to Raven Place feels the same sense of tranquility I first experienced here. I envision it as a peaceful retreat in someone's day, a place where customers can escape the rush of daily life, find easy parking, a place they can eat out with their dog, and take a moment to pause — to listen to the soothing sounds of birds, cows, and horses while enjoying our food and drinks.
I dream that our guests feel greeted with the warmth and hospitality of our staff, and that they can sense the time, love, and care woven into each dish we create from scratch. It’s my desire that, through every bite, they feel not just the flavours, but the heart of what we do here at Raven Place.
