“There’s something incredibly soul-restoring about a bowl of pasta,” Elizabeth Hewson tells Broadsheet. “For me, there’s nothing more joyous.” And that’s exactly why she’s the captain of Saturday Night Pasta, which began as a self-care ritual, evolved into a cookbook, and is now a pantry supplies label.

Saturday Night Pasta spans two pasta shapes (pipette and trottoloni) and three jarred sauces designed to be your “midweek workhorses”: Home Base, Dirty Martini and the flash new Red, Red Wine. The new sauce is richer than the rest, with peppers, smoked garlic and Adelaide-made Fiasco cool red (available from Drnks in Alexandria) joining the toms.

“It's so nice that there’s an Aussie drop in the jar,” Hewson says. “I wanted something rich, robust and Aussie, and a fun, easy-drinking wine. My sauces are all manufactured down in Adelaide so using Fiasco was a perfect marriage.”

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The home cook shares her picks for Sydney, and issues a warning: “All pantry staples should watch out – Saturday Night Pasta is coming for them.”

Lizzie, what’s your go-to if you want a quick takeaway dinner?
Maggie’s in Erskineville, hands down. Maggie and Kai are local legends, serving some of the best Thai food in Sydney. It’s always fresh and offers something unique. We love dining there on Tuesdays (along with every other local) because Maggie and her mum are in the kitchen. I always go for Maggie’s prawn omelette with her secret chilli sauce. I don’t even need to order – Kai knows exactly what I want when I call.

What about lunch on the go?
VN Street Foods in Marrickville. When I’m not working from home, I like to set up at Marrickville Library, and then I wander down for lunch. I usually go for the bun cha (grilled lemongrass pork with rice vermicelli and salad), their ginger chicken with sticky rice or my favourite: bot chien, fried rice flour cakes with fried eggs and papaya salad.

What’s your favourite snack in Sydney?
The scallop stuffed potato scallop at Cafe Paci – is it still on there? I don’t know but I dream about it. In fact, all of Pasi’s snacks are so, so tasty. His beef tongue tacos need a mention while we’re here. It’s one of my favourite restaurants in Sydney (along with Firedoor, Bar Vincent and Ante if you asked).

Where's the ideal spot for a first date?
I haven’t been on a first date in a very long time! I’ve been married for nine years, and with my partner for 18. But if I had to choose, I imagine it would be somewhere like Gildas. It’s vibey, casual and offers delicious snacks – perfect for a relaxed atmosphere. The staff are excellent, which I think is crucial for a first date – they can really help break the ice. I also like that while its sister restaurant Firedoor is very well known (for good reason), Gildas has a slightly under-the-radar edge to it, which could be impressive when you’re taking someone out.

If it’s a special occasion, where are you booking?
Bar Vincent. Dining out in general for me – with young kids, running my own business – is a special occasion. From the warm welcome to the simple but perfectly executed menu, I love, love, love dining there. To start it will be the crudo or buffalo mozzarella starter. Then they’ll make a multi-course menu of pasta for you. If it’s really a special occasion, we’ll add a secondi like the fish or steak. And for dessert, it must be their custard tart. All washed down by Sarah’s always lovely wine recommendations. I’ve never had a less than perfect meal there.

Where can you find the best coffee in Sydney?
One Another in Newtown. They use Sample coffee, and my favourite oat milk. I have a long black with hot milk every morning. I don’t think they have it in them to make a bad coffee.

Do you have a go-to for a long lunch?
Otto at Woolloomooloo Wharf. It truly defines the experience of a long lunch, especially on a sunny Sydney day. Yes, it’s a bit of a splurge, but with kids, a long lunch out is a rare treat we all definitely deserve from time to time. I usually start with a plate of oysters – half natural, half with the signature cucumber dressing. Then I typically get a bowl of the house-made pasta, usually with seafood. I always finish with a cocktail, which makes the task of putting the kids to bed after a long lunch a bit more colourful.

How about a meal with a big group of family or friends?
Fontana, I love it so much. It’s warm, welcoming, approachable and so tasty. They offer a fantastic group menu that suits everyone, and really excel at accommodating large groups without making it feel like a hassle. You know how some restaurants can be less enthusiastic about big groups? At Fontana, everyone feels well taken care of. Every time I leave, I think, “I can’t wait to go back”.

What’s your bucket-list restaurant?
Oh there are so many but I’m going to go with two small, intimate Australian restaurants – Tedesca Osteria in Red Hill, down in Victoria, and Annie Smithers’s du Fermier. I’d be a very happy pig in mud dining at either of these extraordinary, female-led restaurants.

If you’re after something sweet, where are you heading?
Emperor’s Garden custard puffs window in Chinatown. Oh boy, those hot little puffs of custard are so dreamy. I could polish off 12, no problem.

Is there a hidden gem in Sydney that you think is great?
Cut Lunch Deli for their Korean mushroom sandwich and chocolate-chip cookie. I’m sure Clovelly locals are well aware of how good this place is, but I’d gladly drive across Sydney for it. I’d argue there isn’t a better cookie in Sydney.

@saturdaynightpasta
@elizabethhewson