An inspiring list for the weekend

ricotta and lemon cake from Acquacotta

I’m about to embark on the Australian book tour for Acquacotta, my second cookbook. I’m guessing this is maybe what it feels like to have a second child, you’re just as excited, and a tiny bit more confident because you have been through it before, you promise to yourself to do all the things better, but the universe will likely throw in some surprises just to keep you on your toes!

I’ll be on the road a lot over the next couple of weeks, dragging my four year old daughter with me as I go — she has become a good travelling companion, my constant side kick, even my manager. My first port of call is Orange, New South Wales, where I’ll be doing a workshop with Sophie Hansen whose Friday Lists have always been a favourite of mine (and have obviously inspired this one!). With all the road-tripping I’m doing, I’m using the travel time to do something I have always loved about travelling — time to read and let my mind wander. I thought I’d put together a list of things I’m reading, excited about and inspired by during this trip in Australia, along with a few of my favourite photos so far — as you can see, it’s been all about beaches, the best flat whites, a kangaroo here and there, homemade food and family.

Sydney sunsetThe Boathouse, Balmoral beach, SydneyHomegrown eggsBalmoral beach -- summer in Sydney

  • I will miss this beautiful Long Table Lunch with Lean Timms by a week, but I’m very tempted to postpone my flight back to Italy just to go! Lean is one of the photographers (and friends) who I admire the most, keep an eye on her space for other exciting events and her new print shop!
  • Panettone never lasts long around me, but if you are one of those that has them lying around long after Christmas, Anisa Sabet has this wonderful panettone ice cream recipe to rescue that last panettone.
  • Valeria Necchio‘s debut cookbook, Veneto, is possibly the book I’m most excited about this year (together with the cookbook of Kate of The Little Library, which was photographed by Lean Timms, and Rachel Roddy‘s second cookbook inspired by her two kitchens in Sicily and Rome). Veneto will be out halfway through the year, I’ve had a sneak peek and I’m pretty sure it’ll be a fixture in my kitchen.
  • Speaking of cookbooks, another one I want to nab as soon as it comes out is Sarah Glover’s. The evocative photographs taken by Sydney-based photographer Luisa Brimble have been the biggest teasers on instagram (I mean, look at this and this and, oh my, this) — check out their Kickstarter campaign that they have started to fund the self-publishing of this unique, very outdoor Australian cookbook.
  • I’d love to do a workshop this year and one of the those that I have my eye on is Valentina’s workshops — based between Le Marche and Emilia-Romagna, I find her story, her food and photography always inspiring.
  • The necklaces made out of carefully broken vintage plates in Emilia-Romagna are all on my wishlist.
  • Lens and Larder have a dreamy food and travel workshop coming up in late March. Such a dream team.
  • More workshop talk, but if you’ve ever thought you’d like to run away to Italy and open a B&B, American expats, Ashley Bartner and her chef husband Jason Bartner, know all about it. They are hosting a workshop in April at their beautiful agriturismo in Le Marche.
  • Andrea Brugi’s wooden boards are not only my favourite chopping boards/platters at home, but now that I’ve seen his home in the Maremma the latest issue of Country Style Magazine, I want to move in.
  • Loved this thoughtful piece in the NY Times on whether restaurants should offer guests that first taste of wine. Being married to a sommelier this is something we often talk about. What do you think, is it unnecessary if the sommelier does their job or do you like to be part of the process?
  • The story and the recipe behind Emma Galloway’s nectarine and pickled cucumber rice paper rolls. She gets me every time.

Happy reading and browsing! x

Vietnamese rice paper rollsKangaroo, CanberraONA Coffee, CanberraBraidwood, The Fickle PickleFrangipaniJervis Bay, AustraliaFlying over Ayers Rock

Comments

  1. Emma says:

    Your photos from your trip home have had me longing for Australian summers! Such a beautiful collection. Thanks for including my post, I’m honoured. Wishing you all the best for the launch of your new book! Much love xx

  2. Valeria says:

    Oh, Emiko, thank you so much for this, all this – the mention and the very inspirational list. I’m also dreaming of a workshop and that Lens & Larder sounds just wonderful.
    Good luck with the book tour – wish I was there again this year! xx

    • Emiko Davies says:

      You are welcome! Was just telling Mickey at Glenmore House about your book, we were talking about you since this time last year we were there together. I truly can’t wait. xx

  3. Enjoy your trip Emiko!! Thank you so much for including us in your roundup! You’ll be missed while away- but it’s fun to travel with thru your photos & posts!!

  4. Aaaaw Emiko, thanks for the mention!! Why don’t we do a workshop together?? It would be awesome!
    Best of luck with your book tour! I can’t wait to get my copy 🙂

  5. Christine says:

    Your photos here are inspiring, and your little one looks adorable.
    I’m new to this idea of blogging and I haven’t had the chance to take photos myself, which I hope to remedy in the future.

    Thanks for sharing. ^_^

    • Emiko Davies says:

      Thanks so much. These photographs were only taken with my phone camera, as that’s the easiest thing for me while traveling! Could be a good way to start! 😉

  6. Sukyi says:

    Hi Emiko! I love your blog and have been referencing Italian recipes since I found it two years ago. I’m wondering what camera lens do you use? Thanks! 🙂

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