I just got back from Australia where I purchased a number of books. Shipping costs to USA are very expensive so whenever I head down under I like to buy a number of titles and ship them back with me in my checked luggage. Some (probably most?) of these are likely available online. I prefer to buy books soon after I see something inspirational at a gallery, read about a new exhibition in a magazine/newspaper or dine at a restaurant.
The first title is an oversized book featuring the artwork of John Olsen titled John Olsen: Journeys into the You Beaut Country by Jenny Zimmer and Ken McGregor.
I picked up this title at a bookstore in Ballarat: Pier by Greg Doyle, Grant King and Katrina Kanetani. Pier is arestaurant located in Sydney. I ate here recently and it was definitely one of the best meals I’ve had in the city. Their approach to seafood is very light and very Sydney. I am looking forward to trying some of the recipes and techniques from the book.
This is a beautiful book all about Thai cooking from David Thompson of Sailor’s Thai: thai food. I ate at theSailor’s Thai canteen — the one with the communal table — great curry.
Head chef and co-owner of Aria restaurant Matt Moran’s self titled book: Matt Moran. I haven’t eaten at Aria yet however I’ve read nothing but good things about the place. Maybe on my next trip to Sydney!
Maurizio Terzini has a number of restaurants to his credit in Sydney … this is his book titled Something Italian. I bought this after a meal at Icebergs in Bondi.
While at the Art Gallery of New South Wales I bought this book: Brett Whiteley Art & Life.
I have more books to post but I’ll save those for another entry (or two!).