Julia Banter was born in Sydney to Ukrainian parents, the first-born Aussie in the family. She grew up near Bronte Beach and, in her late 20s, moved to Amsterdam and London on a working holiday visa. When visiting a friend in NYC, she met her now-husband in Brooklyn (something not on her bingo card).
Three words to describe New York?
Diverse, unique, magical.
What do you like/dislike about living in NY?
It truly is the greatest city in the world, but it’ll also kick your butt.
What do you do for work?
I am Senior Director of Marketing at POLYWOOD, the leading brand of sustainable outdoor furniture. Before that, I was head of marketing at Fulton Fish Market, the second-largest fish market in the world (just ahead of Sydney’s). My background is in food and lifestyle marketing, but I chose to enter a different industry, which has been hugely rewarding. It also allowed me the time and space to focus on my passion project, writing a cookbook, The Martha’s Vineyard Cookbook: 100 Recipes from the Island’s Restaurants, Farmers, Fishermen & Food Artisans (Rizzoli).
What are the main differences between working in NYC and Australia?
It’s very much a ‘live to work’ mentality in the US. Of course, there are careers in Australia with similar levels of intensity, but I see much more balance back home. Hustle culture is real here, which comes with the good and bad. It pushes you to be your professional best, but the burnout will get you. I’m at a place where I’m prioritizing my well-being above all else, and I urge all women to focus on their emotional and physical health and tap into their joy.
What inspired you to write the cookbook on Martha’s Vineyard?
When we started visiting the island together, I fell in love with the culinary community. From the restaurants championing local producers to the artisans creating world-class ingredients like the most incredible sea salt, honey, and cheese. The island is also very different from people’s perceptions. A friend once asked if we sit around eating chowder and lobster rolls all day, ha! I wanted to pay tribute to the year-round community and the diversity of cultures you find here. There are residents from Brazil, Jamaica, Lebanon…even Australia. This book is my love letter to this very special island, with 100 recipes and stories from the restaurants, farmers, fishermen, and food artisans.
Have you moved permanently to Martha’s Vineyard, or is it just a summer location for you?
After living for a decade in Kensington, Brooklyn, we rented out our apartment and now live on Martha’s Vineyard. Brooklyn will always be home, but we are very grateful for our island home. We moved knowing that NYC is only four hours away, and we visit throughout the year for work and fun.
What are the differences between Brooklyn and Martha’s Vineyard?
In Brooklyn, we lived in a lovely apartment building close to Prospect Park but surrounded by hundreds of neighbors. My husband and I reached a point where we needed space and to be immersed in nature. We found that on Martha’s Vineyard, we have our veggie garden, are close to the beach, buy fresh produce, bread, meat, and fish directly from farms, and have a connection to those farmers and fishermen. Living here is our medicine.
What’s your favourite New York spot?
Union Square Greenmarket. It’s my happy place at any time of year. I love the produce, I love the vendors, I love the dogs, and I want all the flowers.
Hidden gem of the city?
The Museum at FIT.
When you need retail therapy, where do you run to?
Sephora or Ulta. I’m a skincare junkie.
Where are your favorite NYC cultural hotspots?
Any museum on a quiet day.
Favorite NYC cocktail spot?
Dive bars > cocktail bars. Shout out to Shenanigan’s in Kensington.
What are your top 3 tips for friends visiting NYC?
- Scrap your itineraries and walk! Just follow your feet wherever they take you. There is something weird and wonderful to discover around every corner.
- Ignore Yelp or any “best of” lists. Get curious. Eat, drink, and explore what looks good to YOU!
- Take the subway to Astoria, Jackson Heights, or Flushing and spend the day exploring worlds of cultures and flavors.
What do you miss about Australia?
Apart from family, it has to be the abundance of nature so close to the city. The sound of kookaburras. Chicken shops! And the tropical fruit! Passionfruit is $4 in NYC, so I gorge on fresh fruit every day when I’m home.
What things do you do to keep homesickness under control?
Reading the SMH every morning, Vegemite toast on weekends, and snacking on Haigh’s chocolate bullets.
What are your favorite ways to connect with Aussie culture in NYC?
Through my stomach: Bourke Street Bakery and Boomerang Bites instantly revive.
What do you like about being part of AWNY?
I’m constantly inspired by the women and their experiences in NYC.
Any advice for people moving to NY?
NYC may be huge, but it’s a city of villages, too, so focus on your community. Get to know your bodega, get a library card, volunteer locally, see if your local school needs help, and buy a coffee for a neighbor. Bring that wonderful Aussie energy and jump into everything the city offers. It’s a gift to live here, so make the most of it.
You can follow Julia on Instagram and purchase her book, The Martha’s Vineyard Cookbook: 100 Recipes from the Island’s Restaurants, Farmers, Fishermen & Food Artisans, here.
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 