What can be more civilised than pausing for a moment in your day, taking the time to step into a bar for a drink and a little snack?

Emiko Davies’ book

Cinnamon & Salt examines the tradition of Venetian cicchetti, and in doing so explores the backstreets and lesser-known areas of Venice and encounters some of the city’s more obscure histories. Though intended as a quick punctuation in the day, cicchetti work just as well for more relaxed occasions – turn to page 100 to try some snacks with a cocktail to while away the afternoon or evening. It’s published by Hardie Grant Books, RRP $45.