LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

When you want to uncover the perfect espresso, biggest brekkie or scrumptious sausage roll in a regional town, you need the help of an insider. The lucky residents of Wollongong, NSW, and its surrounds have that in The Illawarra Cookbook (Quicksand Publishing, $39.95), which includes recipes from the best chefs and cooks in the region, accompanied by stories about the farmers, makers, shakers and growers who supply them. Publisher Stefan Posthuma has succeeded in his mission to seek out the very best dishes. One example is this buttery crumble cake (left), which you can order when visiting Eat at Sandy’s in Bulli or make at home using the recipe in the cookbook. quicksandfood.com