NEW YORK CAPITAL OF FOOD

Lisa Nieschlag and Lars Wentrup, Allen & Unwin, $45

Both cookbook and appetiser, New York Capital of Food leaves you with a distinct craving for a big juicy bite of the Big Apple. The collection draws inspiration from Duke Ellington’s song ‘Take the A Train’, about New York’s oldest subway line, whisking you off on a morning-to-night gastronomic tour – from breakfasts through to evening drinks at a rooftop bar. You’ll be tempted by the likes of Jewish Espresso Meringues, and iced Blueberry and Cream Cronuts so glistening they might have been buffed by a sidewalk shoeshiner. You’ll lick your lips over Tuna Pretzel Bagels and a multi-storey Pastrami Sandwich stack. You’ll drool over Colombian arepas, Asian risotto, Shakshuka and Pierogi. Nothing groundbreaking here… just good, hearty food with a lot of escapism thrown in. Bon appetit… and voyage.