Hands up if you have not fallen in love with the delightful Melbourne- based Julia Busuttil Nishimura yet? Her latest cookbook will soon fix that. Julia has received considerable and worthy praise for her practical and delicious recipes, designed for easy family meals and for occasions when all your friends visit. It all works a treat because Julia has pulled together influences from all over: recipes from her time in Italy and Japanese dishes she has learned from her husband, Nori. Around the Table is designed to be used all year round with treats for afternoon tea (ginger cake) or for family meals (herbed roast chicken). It’s the type of book you’ll grab because you want simplicity at mealtimes, but also because there is something about Julia’s capacity for joy that is infectious and generous. Around the Table is the best of Melbourne all in one delicious package.

Chris Gordon is the community engagement and programming manager at Readings