Simon Davis

Spring cookbook season is in full swing, and among my favorite new cover designs is Modern Australian Baking by Christopher Thé. What sets this cover apart from several of this season’s other noteworthy baking books is not just its undeniable beauty, but the way it so strongly evokes a sense of place. This design is a celebration of Australian nationality, seasonality, and local ingredients, and reflects the sentiment that Thé proclaims in the very first line of his introduction: “This book is a love story to the only land I have known.” The latest Headnotes post guides readers through the cover—from the unique ingredients in the show-stopping Geraldton Wax Cheesecake, to the long afternoon shadows, to the Australian red earth color palette—while paying tribute to the talents of the creative team that brought it to life (link in bio). Modern Australian Baking By @the_christopher_the Design @danielknew Photography @chris_chen_ Styling @vivienwalshstylist Publisher @simonpdavis @hardiegrantbooks #headnotes #cookbooks #bookdesign #foodanddrink #publishing

COOK SWEET & COOK GREEN The next chapter of COOK is here. After the incredible response to COOK, something new is arriving… Two new titles in the COOK series - Cook Sweet and Cook Green - are now available to pre-order 🎉 These books are a natural extension of the original, created in response to what readers asked for most: more imagery, more inspiration, more ways to cook with confidence and creativity. Cook Sweet celebrates the joy of dessert, from nostalgic classics to elegant, modern indulgences. Cook Green brings vegetables to the centre of the table. Bold, vibrant, and deeply satisfying. Each book is beautifully photographed and designed to be used, loved, and cooked from often. Pre-order now via the link in bio. And thank you, as always, to the brilliant team who bring these books to life; @hardiegrantbooks @simonnpdavis @meryl_batlle @celiamance @armellehabib @sass_watson Jasmine Chua

20 outtakes, 20 colourful reasons to love @nattywolf whose book was such a joy to work on, championed by @jamieoliver winner of @masterchefau published by @simonnpdavis with @vanessaaustinstylist @jimmycallaway & the gang, designed by @danielknew

I almost never post books here on the grid, but exceptions must be made from time to time and one of those is for this book from a truly exceptional author. I first met @missotama properly back in the depths of lockdown when restaurants were closed and I was trying to persuade her to write a little book for @somekind_press . I didn't have to try too hard it turned out, she already knew exactly what she wanted to do and how she wanted to do it. And it was brilliant. As is her way. And yes that book - with its spice story ending in that LFS dahl - was a beauty but what struck me most was the voice behind it; so strong and clear, yet also warm and wise, with a quite remarkable sense of self. It's the same voice that comes through in all of O Tama's food, in this new book that celebrates both her Lankan and Australian selves and in her (also exceptional) restaurant Lankan Filling Station, which shuts its doors in Sydney for the last time tomorrow. I am desperately sad I can't be there to mark the occasion but so happy for the many times I have had the chance to eat this exceptional food from this truly remarkable chef, author and friend. Until I can eat it again, the books will have to do... 🥲

Sesame Crumble 😍 on today's episode of The 5 Minute Food Fix *Finally* had some decent and thorough private time in the kitchen with @sami_tamimi 's cookbook 'FALASTIN' and it's beautiful, with recipes that will transport you. 📖♥️

TODAY'S EPISODE OF 5 MINUTE FOOD 🥑 FIX! Spinach pie with Ricotta and Sweet Potato! Lols! Unmatched smugness! Recipe in the podcast show notes

Want to experience a podcast that's happy chat about what to cook for dinner from two food nerds who love cooking? Try out @5minutefoodfix wherever you get your podcasts!

I FINALLY MADE THE CORIANDER CHUTNEY / PESTO 🥳🫙🍃 For more listen to today's episode on Tempeh and also the one from two weeks ago on Coriander goddamn Pesto!!

Finally, Pranzo, my new cookbook is available as of today. It’s been two and a bit years in my retirement time to put together recipes, photography, styling, design and to work with an incredible group of amazing people at @hardiegrantbooks books everyone has been so kind and supportive, the incredible head of editorial, @jasmin_chua , editor @martine_lleonart , creative director, Christine Thomas, typesetter Celia Mande, head of production, Todd Rechner and production controller Jessica Harvie. Pranzo would never had been born without @roxymayryan who was the first to open the black bag. Finally to my fantastic publisher @simonnpdavis . Your enthusiasm, support, generosity and love of food and design has made the project what it has become. Pranzo (lunch) Sicilian(ish) recipes and stories. #books #bookdesign #design #cookbooks #melbourneindependantdesign

Your usual Rocket and Pear Salad but I had leftover potato bread (yes, it's as good as it sounds) so turned it into crunchy croutons. Thinly slice, brush with olive oil and pop under the grill for 10 mins. 10/10 would recommend For more on the freakin easy and good potato 🥔 bread look for E276 in our feed. Recipe is there and more on the podcast!

This book, above any I’ve ever had the pleasure to work on, is always a testament to a mammoth collective effort and an incredible multi-team achievement. That it happens annually is still staggering to me. Huge congratulations to @winecompanion and all involved for @hardiegrantbooks - there’s never been a better time to drink Australian wine, and there’s no better guide to point you in the direction of the good stuff🍷

TOMORROW (Saturday) at Sydney Writers Festival! We will be taking a Very Voyeuristic look inside people's fridges and pantries and telling them what they're doing wrong! Or right! 🌶️🍗 Any thoughts on this one? I see tofu, 🥑🥑, Greek yoggut, soy sauce, cottage cheese... 👀 If you're at SWF come see us dissect the Daily Dinner Dilemma, do some demos and have some laughs -- 11am!! @simonnpdavis @yumichild @cornersmith @everynightoftheweek @sydwritersfest