This stunning hardback follows the golden hour of dusk, with that magic moment when the sun sinks towards the horizon, around the world. It goes from Samoa, through Australian, Japan, India, Europe, Morocco and Brazil, to the USA and Mexico. Along the way, it showcases a range of contemporary cuisine: tapas, antipasti, mezze, ceviche and aperitifs, that are perfect for enjoying at dusk.
‘The approaching dusk starts with a unique light, when a golden evening glow gradually blends into slowly darkening blue skies. A mild breeze might make its way through streets, alleys and gardens, gently cooling roofs and terraces still hot from the day’s sun.’
The photography and text in Dining at Dusk sets the mood – elegant, laid-back, relaxed and comforting. And the recipes are creative but simple, delicious but relatively easy to produce.
There are many standout recipes in this handsome cookbook. Oka I’A form Samoa is simply sensational. Baklava from Turkey is delicious, as is the Greek Salad with Feta Saganaki and Feta in Butter, Chickpeas with Spiced Chocolate and Oranges from Italy, and the Briouat Pastries from Morocco. I’d also recommend the Bitterballen Croquettes from the Netherlands, the Pasteis de Nata from Portugal and Chilaquiles from Mexico.
Dining at Dusk is not just a cookbook; it creates a feeling and a mood. This is a book to be savoured.
Reviewer: Iain McKenzie
Murdoch Books, RRP $45.00