Mood Food: Bookshop - Review

Sri Owen's Indonesian Food

"Cooking is a creative act; a cultural statement as significant as writing or reading books.

I hope that my readers enjoy this book, but it will fulfil its real ambition only when they take it into the kitchen".

Sri Owen

In this landmark book, renowned author Sri Owen provides a unique insight into the ancient, exotic and varied cuisine of the Indonesian archipelago.

Including almost all the "classic" dishes of Java and Sumatra, with others from Bali, Sulawesi and Kalimantan; there are over 120 mouth-watering and easy-to-follow recipes, taking us from staples and basics to food for festivals and special occasions, and with fascinating introductions that place the dishes in their regional and cultural settings.

Sri offers enchanting recollections of the food and cooking of her youth, while delving into the historical role of food in the region's culture and society. The recipes are accompanied by detailed explanations of ingredients and techniques, as well as notes on availability and substitutions.

Filled with beautiful photography by Gus Filgate, this captures all aspects of Indonesia's diverse culinary culture and represents a lifetime's research into both traditional and modern cooking methods.

Born in Sumatra, Indonesia, Sri Owen moved to Britain in 1964 and is an internationally renowned author, lecturer and cook. Since she was first published in 1976, Sri has become the foremost authority on Indonesian food in Britain - her book The Rice Book was the winner of the André Simon Award.

Published by Pavilion, an imprint of Anova Books
9781862056787 Hardback £25.00

New Book Brings A Taste Of Italy Back Home

It started with a personal journey of discovery that led to the backstreets of Italy. It continued with two young men driven by a dream, and turning up unannounced at the home of one of Italy's most famous names. And it continued with the birth of the phenomenally-successful, Nonna's, now firmly established as the best-known Italian restaurants in the north.

Now the story is told in 'Strada della Nonna - Passion, Parmesan and a six-foot rolling pin,' a new 160-page book by Gian Bohan, restaurateur-turned-author. Although food and wine features large in the new book, this is far more than just a cookbook. Gian sums up the Italian experience beyond the kitchen with insights into the country as rarely seen by outsiders.

Beautifully-illustrated with photographs by Jodi Hinds, with additional contributions from Maurizio Mori, the book goes on sale at £14.95 on November 20th 2008.

Gian said; "The title of the book reflects one of the greatest influences on my life, my grandmother. From a small deli in Modena she generated an enthusiasm for good Italian food that lives on as a family tradition today.

"Among my earliest memories are my grandmother making pasta with what seemed the longest rolling pin in the world, which is now on display in our deli in Sheffield. Impressions like that are stamped forever, and help shape my direction in life. It's a story I have always wanted to tell, and now the ambition has been realised".

Strada della Nonna reveals the secrets of classic cooking with a series of easy-to-follow recipes and is a gift any lover of food and wine would cherish. Copies will be on sale at Nonna's, on Ecclesall Road, Sheffield and major bookshops everywhere.

TAPAS by Joanna Farrow published by Hamlyn £12.99

A very smart 128 page book with Hamlyn's usual top class photography and a wide range of tasty sounding 'light bites' to tempt and attract. From soup to quails eggs, there is something for everyone and it is a very handy book to dip into.

Joanne Farrow has worked as a freelance for several food magazines nad has written Easy Celebration Cakes, Simply Cadbury's Chocolate, Fish, Sauce, Meat, & Cake.