What's cooking: Lauren Murdoch

Nothing's a bother for Potts Point head chef Lauren Murdoch.

Lauren Murdoch, head chef at Sydney's Potts Point eatery Lotus, loves working in an environment where people come to have a good time, relax, and enjoy themselves.

"I also like being able to do what I love as my job."

Murdoch is the kind of chef who does not regard customers with dietary restrictions as a nuisance - quite the opposite.

"I do enjoy a challenge. I would have trouble myself with any restrictions, so I don't want people to feel like they're missing out. If I have the time during service I do what I can. I once tried a sugar free chocolate icecream for someone who could not have sugar. He was happy even if it was a bit far from the real thing. I used vodka to help with freezing."

What's the first thing you ever cooked?

Pommes duchess (creamy potatoes) from Margaret Fulton (Australian cookbook writer) but I didn't have a piping bag or smooth mashed potato, so I couldn't see what the big deal was. I think I was about 12 years old. I also used to cook a rice pilaf with peas and cashews - I found the recipe in a Hare Krishna cookbook.

What is your favourite meal?

My favourite meal is a whole roast baby barramundi, or flounder. I like to pick at the gelatinous flesh around the bones, it also slows me down a bit.

What is the best meal you've had overseas and why?

Bouillabaisse in Arles, France. A huge bowl of mussels, small fish, potatoes, rouille and croutons. I was so full but I managed to finish it. It really was perfect.

What do you eat at home when you can't be bothered to cook - an easy meal or takeout?

I usually have Lebanese pita bread in the freezer for emergency pizzas - garlic, parmesan and fresh tomato, rocket, anchovies or anything else that's around.

What is always in your fridge and pantry?

I always have butter, parmesan, anchovies, capers, garlic, chilli sauce, and some parsley or basil in the fridge. The pantry has virgin olive oil, sea salt, balsamic and other vinegars, tuna, rice, spices, some canned beans, and crackers for cheese.

Is there anything you refuse to eat and why?

There isn't anything I wouldn't eat. I'd probably not eat a meal of dog or cat, but I might have a taste.