MEET ELKA EIDELMAN
Elka has been part of the BLAKEAWAY family since the very beginning—she’s known Neredah and Kasey since she was five. Raised in hospitality, she has an instinctive love for good food and great service. These days, Elka is not only a valued member of our team, but a busy mum to two young boys. She juggles work and family life with incredible warmth, energy, and care—qualities that shine through in everything she does.
Tell us a little about your family — who’s at your table?
Three very fussy eaters in training: husband James, and our two little loves, Maxy (4 y.o.) and Freddie (7 y.o.). Usually all pining for something different at dinner time.
When it all feels too hard after a busy day at work and I cave to multiple meals at the table, it’s sausage rolls, popcorn chicken or lasagne for the kiddos, and Sri Lankan chicken curry with rice and paratha—washed down with a glass of Medhurst Rosé for James and me. I do a lot of entertaining for family and friends and there is ALWAYS a BLAKEAWAY lasagne at my table.
What does a typical day look like for you at the moment?
It’s BUSY! All systems go from the moment I open my eyes. First stop is school and kinder drop-offs, then I race off to work, where I hire, train, and develop our wonderful retail team at BA. Then it’s back to collect the kids, do the shopping, and prepare dinner in a hurry. If I want to fit in a workout or night off, it’s BLAKEAWAY to the rescue!
What do you love most about being part of the BLAKEAWAY team — especially as a mum?
Having BA as my pantry. I LOVE to cook but sometimes I simply don’t have the capacity.
Moreover, I adore meeting and connecting with so many fellow mums across all our stores. I really love making a difference in their day, be that caffeinating them or sorting them with a meal to lighten the load.
I feel very fortunate to work for two friends—and VERY busy mums—who understand the demands of the juggle… working mum life!
How does BLAKEAWAY make a difference in your life as a mum?
As a foodie, I feel like finally there is an easy, healthy, and delicious alternative to takeaway meals—and for the whole fam! But also, my creativity and passion for being in the kitchen is always reinvigorated by the incredible products and meals we produce.
Do you have a favourite BLAKEAWAY dish (or one the boys love)?
The Thai Pork & Basil Stir-Fry for me! The boys all love the Beef Brisket & Peanut Curry.
What does it feel like when dinner is already taken care of?
A slice of my sanity returned to me. Haha!
What would your dream Mother’s Day look like — even if it’s just a sleep-in?
Going slow & quality time... A sleep-in with brunch served to me in bed by my three favourite humans. Then out to yum cha for lunch with my mum and my sister or a bestie. x