One of the questions I get asked all the time from friends, relatives and clients visiting Sydney from overseas is: "What can I buy as a gift to bring back home, that's typically Australian and not too cheesy?"
With Christmas only a couple of weeks away, and many visitors coming to town for the end-of-year celebrations and Sydney Festival, I thought now was the perfect time to share some of my favourite local gift ideas.
So from books and edible goodies to designer jewelry, cosmetics, sustainable design and theatre subscriptions - here are some top picks from my little black book...
Part 1: My Top-5 Cookbooks / food books
Bentley, by Brent Savage
For whom: the keen amateur cook, the food blogger, the bartender
In a nutshell: highly talented and creative young chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt are the dynamic duo behind one of Sydney's hottest restaurants – Bentley Restaurant & Bar in Surry Hills. This informative and gorgeous coffee-table book includes step-by-step photography so you can replicate some of the restaurant’s cutting-edge recipes in your kitchen.
The Songs of Sapa, by Luke Nguyen
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For whom: the gourmet traveller, the Surry Hills foodie, the photography lover
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In a nutshell: travelling on a personal and culinary tour through Vietnam, Luke Nguyen – of Surry Hills Vietnamese restaurant Red Lantern fame – visits his family and friends, and is invited into the homes of local Vietnamese food experts and cooks. Be tempted by more than 100 recipes and stunning photographs bursting with colour and texture, capturing the beauty of Vietnam.
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Crown St Cooks
For whom: the budding Junior Masterchef, the philanthropist, the sustainable food advocate
In a nutshell: a beautifully photographed community cookbook showcasing the recipes of talented home cooks and world-famous chefs such as Mark Best, Kylie Kwong and Bill Granger, all based on iconic Crown Street in Sydney’s Surry Hills. A gift that keeps on giving too: all money raised goes towards the Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Support Program and buying much-needed equipment for the historic Crown Street Public School and its Kitchen Garden project. Available online at
www.crownstreetcooks.com.au.
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Quay, by Peter Gilmore
For whom: the proud Sydney-sider, the high flyer, the dessert geek
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In a nutshell: superstar Sydney chef Peter Gilmore is one of the top 50 chefs in the world. His beautiful photography and nature-based signature recipes, including the famous snow egg of MasterChef finale fame, will take you on visual and culinary journey like no other.
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Cravat-a-licious, by Matt Preston
For whom: the aspiring food writer, the MasterChef fan, anyone thinking of moving to Melbourne
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In a nutshell: the very best food and travel stories from MasterChef judge Matt Preston. This book will take you from the best restaurants in the world to grungy hole in the walls on the wrong side of town; from Granny’s jam-making recipes to lunch at a Sikh temple in the suburbs. Witty, informative and actually quite moving.
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So tell me dear reader, do you like offering and/or receiving books for Christmas? Which other Australian cookbooks will be under your Christmas tree this year?
