Ostro

'My approach to food favours intuition over strict rules and is about using your hands, rushing a little less and savouring the details. It's not food that needs to be placed on a pedestal or admired from afar; it is food that slowly weaves its way into the fabric of your daily life - food for living and sharing.' Since launching Ostro online in 2014, Julia Busuttil Nishimura has gained a strong and loyal following for her generous, uncomplicated, seasonal food. As an Australian of Maltese descent and a fluent Italian speaker, who is married to a Japanese man, Julia and her food represent everything that is good about modern Australian eating. She deftly brings together a broad range of cuisines and culinary influences using the very best produce on offer. This truly is good food, made by hand. Julia guides us through the uniquely satisfying experience of making pasta or pizza dough from scratch, clearly explaining the processes and demystifying the reasons behind them. She also shares plenty of simple, flavourful salads and one-tray bakes for days when time is scarce. Baking and desserts, too, needn't be overly complicated - as Julia shows us, some of the best go-to recipes are the ones passed down the generations. But we also need the odd show-stopper on standby for special occasions! This is simple food that is comforting and generous in spirit. Slow down, take your time and enjoy it.

Long-listed for Indie Book Awards Illustrated Non-Fiction 2018
Long-listed for ABIA Illustrated Book of the Year 2018

Julia Busuttil Nishimura is a Melbourne-based Italian teacher and food writer, and the creator of Ostro - an online space where she shares her recipes, images and stories. Since launching Ostro in 2014, Julia has gained a strong and loyal following for her generous, uncomplicated, seasonal food. Julia is a regular contributor to Australian and international publications, such as The Design Files, Design Sponge (USA), Assemble Papers and Yen Mag, teaches sell-out biannual cake workshops at Tamsin's Table and is regularly commissioned to create cakes for stylists and makers, such as Megan Morton and Maryanne Moodie. She lives in Melbourne with her husband Nori and son Haruki. julia-ostro.com @juliaostro