VENETIAN REPUBLIC

Nino Zoccali, Murdoch Books, $55

The four regions that make up the Venetian Republic – Venice, Veneto, Adriatic Croatia and the Greek Islands – are the focus of this mouth-watering collection of gorgeous dishes. There’s the sublime – Venetian-style Renaissance Oysters with Mixed Caviars; Spicy Lobster Linguini. There’s the hearty – Ithacan Slow-roasted Island Goat; Cyprian Slow-cooked Calamari Stifado. There’s the classic – Squid Ink Risotto; Venetian Carnival Fritters. All exude a strong sense of place. Sydney-based Zoccali – who owns and runs much-feted Italian restaurants The Restaurant Pendolino and La Rosa The Strand – fell under Venice’s spell aged 21, and this ‘jewel of the Mediterranean’ has inspired him ever since. History book, travel guide, geography lesson, culinary masterclass and much more, this is a fitting tribute to the romantic floating city and a surrounding region transformed by its influence.