Kerry Heaney loves to write about food and wine but enjoys partaking in them even more. She has travel

Kerry was a judge at the Queensland Cheese Awards in June and at the Ambiwerra Festival in August. In September she was invited to Fine Foods Australia by the Spanish Federation of Food and Drink Industries (FIAB).

Natascha Mirosch interviewed Kerry for the Courier Mail's Food Truths column in March 07.

Q          What’s your foodie background?  

A          It all started with my parents who shared their love of food and my dad's expense account which took us out to the best restaurants when I was a child. I've been fortunate to be friends with some great foodies, including Mark and Narelle Tognini, who have taught me a lot.

Q           Why were you involved in compiling the Food and Wine Atlas?  

A          I've travelled a lot throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory travel writing and that means eating out as well. I really enjoy exploring regional areas and meeting the people who make their lives there.

There are some fantastic places outside urban areas, particularly if you are looking for something a little different. The trick is not to expect it to be exactly the same as city dining and enjoy the difference. Toowoomba is a great example - Oxygen Cafe in Ruthven Street serves local organic produce in interesting ways. The Left Bank at Kilkivan has wonderful local red claw, but for some really unusual flavours stop at the Bunya Forest Gallery and Tea Rooms in the Bunya Mountains and try the bush food seasonings.

Q          Favourite food trail/food experience? 

A          I've just returned from a trip to Cairns and I loved the Hinterland Food Trail through Mareeba. Great coffee, interesting fruit wine and fresh fruit to die for. I could live on red papaya sprinkled with lime juice! And the seafood in Queenslander class on the Sunlander back to Brisbane was some of the best.

Q          Do you prefer inside or al fresco eating?  

A          I love to eat outdoors - it just seems right!

Q          What’s your recommendation of restaurant/café with the best view?  

A          Hard to choose - in Brisbane I'd pick the new city view from Siana in the Riparian Plaza (make sure you sit opposite the mirror), Q1 has fabulous Gold Coast views and cool cocktails and the views  to the Condamine Gorge  from Spring Creek Mountain Cafe at Killarney stretch forever.

Q          Do you see much difference between regions in terms of produce, service in restaurants etc?  

A          Outside urban areas the service is sometimes less sophisticated, but genuine and friendly, however the produce is often fresh and superb. Local flavours now feature strongly on most menus and are a wonderful way to enjoy regional differences.

Q          What’s your fave cook at home meal when alone and do you have a speciality you can whip up or guests?  

A          I've been seduced by Jamie Oliver's Thai Watermelon Salad from "jamie's dinners". It's so light and full of flavour and just great with seafood. Pair it with a bottle of Robert Channon’s Verdelho from Stanthorpe or a First Grid Chardonnay from Barambah in the South Burnett. If I have more time Kylie Kwong's "Simple Chinese Cooking" made me buy a wok last year. Love her Sauce Chicken, Soy Sauce Eggs and Bean Sprout Salad. "Mum's Fried Rice" has become a family favourite.

Q          Fave type of cuisine?  

A          Modern Australian - low fat, light food with intense flavours that blow your mind.

Q          Fave city/town to eat in?  

A          I've eaten my way around Vancouver and Vancouver Island in Canada - that was an experience! The food in Sydney is wonderful but how can you go past Brisbane's top restaurants - they are up there with the best!