We took a stroll down to Bracher Arcade for a chat with long-time Market Trader, Stella, from D&J Poultry, who shared with us a little bit about how she started working at the Market, how to cook the perfect roast chicken and her favourite poultry dish.
D&J Poultry is a family business. How long has your family owned the shop?
I started out as a part-time employee when I was 13, while I was in school. In 1987 I bought the business with my siblings. Now it’s me and my hubbie Peter who run it together. Sometimes our kids help out too.
What do you enjoy most about owning D&J Poultry?
Working with my family and interacting with my customers.
What is the most common question you get asked?
How to cook the perfect roast chicken. Luckily, our Butterfly Chicken comes in an oven bag so customers can simply cook it in that. It makes it super easy and no mess! Just cook in a 180-degree oven for 45-55 minutes and you can serve it with the traditional roast potatoes and veg or rice for a lighter meal.
What is something people may not know about you?
I love to cook and try new dishes. Recently I tried soaking chicken tenderloins in buttermilk before coating in a garlic infused crumb. I then twice fried them and served them on waffles drizzled with maple syrup. We ate the leftovers here at the Market for lunch today!
What is something people may not know about D&J Poultry?
It has been in the family for 35 years.
What’s the top three products you sell?
Chicken breast fillets, thigh fillets and our crumbed products, such as chicken schnitzels, mini chicken schnitzels and garlic kievs, are our top sellers.
What is your go-to poultry tip?
If you want to freeze chicken mince, it is best to freeze it flat. This also helps it to defrost quicker when you want to use it.
What is your favourite poultry dish?
Anything involving chicken schnitzel. It is super versatile! My favourite thing to do with them is to turn them into a parma; served with a simple salad it’s delicious.
What do you love most about being at Prahran Market?
I love all the lovely people I get to meet and talk to.
What is your favourite thing to eat at the Market?
There are so many great things to choose from. One of my favourites is the sushi from Claringbolds.
What is your earliest food memory?
My earliest food memory would have to be enjoying the burgers and steak sandwiches from an old Market cafe called Stella’s takeaway. Unfortunately, she is no longer at the Market as she retired.
What do you love to do on your day off?
On my day off I love catching up with my kids and my friends.
