Read Chris Gordon's column on food and lifestyle books from the October Readings Monthly.
The Japanese Way of Whisky: Japan’s Whiskies and How to Enjoy Them
Dave Broom, photography by Kohei Take
Dave Broom has the right idea about leading a good, honest life. He is a Glenfiddich Award-winning writer who has spent most of his working life in the drinks trade, from cellarman to bar manager. He has written numerous books on the subject, including this fabulous tome on whisky, Japanese style.
This is more than a book about the drink itself, though: it explores distilleries and history, delves into recipes and the stories behind them, and considers the rhythms of seasonal change. All throughout, it is interwoven with beautiful pictures of the journey across Japan that Dave took with photographer Kohei Take, offering further insight into the country.
This is a gift for anyone who spends their evenings musing with a dram or two.
Lankan Filling: Sri Lankan Soul, Australian Accent
O Tama Carey
O Tama Carey first learned to cook the food of her Sri Lankan heritage at her mother and grandmother’s side, but began her cooking career quite by accident after landing a job in a restaurant kitchen in London’s Notting Hill. In 2018, she opened Lankan Filling Station in Sydney, and it very quickly became the place to be. (I’ve been and it’s brilliant).
This is her second book celebrating this heady, aromatic cuisine after Lanka Food: Serendipity & Spice. It is a playful and joyful expanse of Sri Lankan cuisine and features recipes such as dhal and hot-butter jaffles, black-spiced brisket, and devilled chicken livers. This cookbook is all about being bold and is perfect for those who want to spice it up. Suitable for all home cooks and chefs needing a delicious bite of inspiration.
Baking and the Meaning of Life: How to Find Joy in 100 Recipes
Helen Goh
Helen Goh, a trained psychologist, is also an acclaimed baking columnist and cookbook writer who is renowned for her innovative recipes drawing on global inspirations. She worked as the chief pastry recipe developer for the Ottolenghi group, and she co-authored Sweet with Yotam Ottolenghi himself. This is her first solo book, and it is utterly wonderful.
It is a celebration of community, connection and pleasure through baking, and showcases recipes that are accessible, adaptable and delicious. Yes, there are savoury dishes included, and yes Helen’s Champagne and Blackcurrant Celebration Cake will become your new go-to for special occasions. But it is more than that – it is an ode to living well. Truly, could we ask for anything more?
We tested out some of Helen's recipes – and had her judge the results! Find out how we went here.
The Madrusan Cocktail Companion: Every Drink Worth Drinking in the History of Modern + Classic Cocktails
Michael Madrusan & Zara Madrusan
I am gobsmacked by this encyclopedia of cocktails. This beautifully produced book contains close to 3,000 cocktail recipes!
The authors, Michael and Zara Madrusan, tested all the recipes and drew on their own extensive library of books that date back to 1862 to present the stories behind each offering, alongside all the best variations, categorised by origin and by ingredient, and with an emphasis on readily available products and minimal preparation. I had no idea that martinis could be so complex and alluring. This is the guide for anyone who works in the industry or becomes a mixologist in their spare time!
OPA! Recipes Inspired by Greek Tavernas
Helena Moursellas & Vikki Moursellas
Opa, meaning joy and delight, is the perfect description of this cookbook created by Helena and Vikki Moursellas.
These identical twins, chefs, authors, and content creators have turned their love of Greek cuisine into a thriving career. Their glorious cookbook delivers traditional taverna dishes alongside innovative recipes – expect to feel like you’re sitting at a sun-drenched table as you read. Expect your mouth to water as you imagine frying cheese and seafood and breaking open warm bread at your table. Expect to plan your next holiday as you meet the people behind the dishes and celebrate all the joy in the world.
Christian Petracca On Trac: Simple and Healthy Recipes to Keep You On Track
Christian Petracca
Christian Petracca is a professional Australian Rules footballer who plays for Melbourne (Football Club). He can play as a forward and a midfielder, both on the inside and outside. He can also blow our minds by creating recipes that are quick, healthy, and made with simple ingredients.
Petracca was taught to cook by his Nonna, and it shows in these Italian-inspired dishes designed to sustain energy over a very long period of time. This is the perfect cookbook for those who just want to keep it simple: no fuss, just joy and good, solid sense.
Thessaloniki: And the Many Kitchens of Northern Greece
Meni Valle
Melbourne-based Meni Valle has created this beautifully produced cookbook to invite you into the kitchens of her friends who live in northern Greece. Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city and a UNESCO-recognised epicentre of traditional culinary practice. Valle’s cookbook includes regional specialties and illustrates the historical influence that Sephardic Jewish people, the Ottoman Empire, and returning Greek émigrés have had on Northern Greek cuisine.
Reading this book is like having a love affair with sunshine and beautiful vistas, alongside glorious dishes I had not heard of before. I am completely smitten.
Vietnam: The Cookbook
Anaïs Ca Dao van Manen
Anaïs Ca Dao van Manen was just in town for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, where she cooked at Brico in Carlton. She has also cooked in Paris and London but now resides in Ho Chi Minh City, where she runs Yeshi Taiwanese Kitchen. This is her first cookbook, and it aims to take you from one end of Vietnam to the other, using techniques to illustrate the diversity of dishes in this tropical country.
With more than 400 recipes, it is perfect for anyone who knows that pho is just a drop in a glorious ocean of Vietnamese flavours. Beautifully illustrated with photos taken throughout the country, this book is the perfect gift for anyone who wishes to bring a taste of the menu in their local Vietnamese café into their home.
