‘My approach to food favours intuition over strict rules and is about using
your hands, rushing a little less and savouring the details. It's not food that
needs to be placed on a pedestal or admired from afar; it is food that slowly
weaves its way into the fabric of your daily life – food for living and
sharing.’ Since launching Ostro online in 2014, Julia Busuttil Nishimura has
gained a strong and loyal following for her generous, uncomplicated, seasonal
food. As an Australian of Maltese descent and a fluent Italian speaker, who is
married to a Japanese man, Julia and her food represent everything that is good
about modern Australian eating. She deftly brings together a broad range of
cuisines and culinary influences using the very best produce on offer. This
truly is good food, made by hand. Julia guides us through the uniquely
satisfying experience of making pasta or pizza dough from scratch, clearly
explaining the processes and demystifying the reasons behind them. She also
shares plenty of simple, flavourful salads and one-tray bakes for days when time
is scarce.
Baking and desserts, too, needn't be overly complicated – as Julia shows us,
some of the best go-to recipes are the ones passed down the generations. But we
also need the odd show-stopper on standby for special occasions! This is simple
food that is comforting and generous in spirit. Slow down, take your time and
enjoy it.
Author Biography
Julia Busuttil Nishimura is a Melbourne-based Italian teacher and food writer,
and the creator of Ostro – an online space where she shares her recipes,
images and stories. Since launching Ostro in 2014, Julia has gained a strong and
loyal following for her generous, uncomplicated, seasonal food. Julia is a
regular contributor to Australian and international publications, such as The
Design Files, Design Sponge (USA), Assemble Papers and Yen Mag, teaches sell-out
biannual cake workshops at Tamsin's Table and is regularly commissioned to
create cakes for stylists and makers, such as Megan Morton and Maryanne Moodie.
She lives in Melbourne with her husband Nori and son Haruki. julia-ostro.com
@juliaostro
