Alana's Delightfully Silly Slambook Entry!
The Unicorns, A Big Plate of Sashimi, Considerate Neighbours – Curious Yet?
"Pretty Silly Slambook” - a profile series where we ask our favourite artists, scientists, musicians, and more. It's a bit of a cultural time capsule project.
The idea is to move away from the usual Spotify playlists and Netflix recommendations, and instead, let everyday people like us share their favourite discoveries without any fancy algorithms or influencer stuff.
Meet Alana Dimou!
Alana Dimou is a food, lifestyle, and travel photographer from Sydney who brings a little colour and a lot of heart to everything she captures. She first started taking photos while documenting her home cooking as a uni student — and now her work spans generous tablescapes, quiet portraits, and the joyful chaos of everyday life.
Her style is bright, affectionate, and always curious — guided by the energy of the spaces and people around her. Whether it’s a fridge shelf or a dinner party, Alana has a way of noticing the small things that make something (or someone) feel special. She’s also a self-described serial hobbyist, and if you look closely, you’ll spot her ice cream lamp making an appearance too.
You can find her work at alanadimou.com and on Instagram at @alanadimou.
ACT I
What's your favourite ice cream flavour?
Anything with tang ie, yoghurt or citrus (I’m a real zest pest), or gelato with wet cake mixed in, or just about anything to ease the relentless humidity of Sydney summer. I recently made Luke Powell’s coconut sorbet with watermelon granita which has become a straight-to-the-pool-room recipe for despicably hot days.
What would your last meal on earth be?
A big plate of sashimi, my Egyptian mum’s stuffed tomatoes followed by vanilla custard cannoli and a pink donut with sprinkles.
What’s your hot take?
Lasagne is not so good. Flat pasta in general is not so good. Bakeries should be open until late.
You’re at a bar, what’s your drink of choice?
Suze and soda because I love sipping on the scent of men’s cologne, or a gin and tonic if I’m trying to appear well-adjusted, or a Bloody Mary if I’m craving soup.
If you were a tour guide for a day in your city, what are the top three must-visit spots you would recommend?
Valentina's for generous, syrupy morning pancakes if I'm up early enough, Kakigori Kaiji for a globe or two of shaved ice and the Cooks River for serenity.
ACT II
What’s your favourite item you would like to carry with you in the grave.
The metronome I’ve owned since I was 5, it’s rarely used but is too sentimental to consider obsolete. The perfect entombment companion (??) – prudent tempos in the afterlife await.
What’s a green flag in a person that makes you think, ‘We’re going to be friends’?
Self-deprecating humour, similar (but not identical) interests in music and a willingness to travel to experience new things. Oh and perhaps a passion for charcoal chicken. I rarely feel closer to a person than in a moment of shared "mmmmHmmmm"s while enjoying a plate or bowl of something delightful. Lovers of brine times (olives, anchovies etc) are enormous green flags too.
What are you currently watching?
I usually watch reruns of Seinfeld 24/7 (all good shows begin with S), but I’m heaps into Severance now. As a result I’m attempting to enjoy answering all of these questions equally.What are 3 songs that are definitely on your road trip playlist.
Queens of the Stone Age - Go With the Flow
Bonus track: Shostakovich’s Jazz Suite no. 2
What has been the highlight of this year (I know it’s only been a month)?
My birthday, also I ate some really good prawns earlier this year.
ACT III
What's your favourite nostalgic TV show, song cartoon, or video game from your childhood.
I’m a millennial so nostalgia is an elemental force for anyone in their 30s, we will die without memories of Nintendos and fairy bread now that house prices are exorbitant and the world is on fire. Rocko’s Modern Life, Banjo Kazooie and Rock Lobster by The B52’s.Finish this sentence: "The world needs more _______.”
Self-awareness and considerate neighbours.
Be an influencer - give a shoutout to a product you genuinely adore.
Nail art stickers are my new thing. I’ve always had short nails, a requirement for learning to play the piano to omit further percussion. These gaudy sticky bits are a way of showing my natty, non-acrylic nails some adoration.
What’s in your bag?
A very flat water bottle that is often mistaken for a flask, lipstick I forget to reapply, my keys bound by a keyring of pancakes and a Suica card from Japan because I’m big stupid wanker.What brings you joy?
Impromptu hangs with friends, water views that aren’t the beach, coloured glass and ducks.
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P.S. Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! Give the gift of humour, and get credit for your sense of taste.