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Foodies rejoice with this selection of delicious new titles

MAGGIE’S HARVEST

One of Australia’s most influential food personalities, Maggie Beer, presents 350 of her signature recipes. Penguin Books, AU$125. ISBN 9781920989545.

THE FOODIES’ GUIDE: MELBOURNE, SYDNEY

These two handy directories will guide you to the best gelato, fishmonger, Thai provedore and more in both Melbourne and Sydney. Hardie Grant, AU$29.95 each.

THE COFFEE GUIDE…: MELBOURNE, SYDNEY

St Ali in Melbourne versus Single Origin in Sydney, A Minor Place versus Kafenio – these listings of more than 100 coffee joints in both cities allows you to decide which has the leading café culture and where the best baristas are. The Coffee Guide, AU$16.95 each.

THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD GOOD FOOD GUIDE 2008

The guide to eating well, not only in Sydney but in regional New South Wales. We love the Ten of the Best lists for breakfast, high tea, hidden gems, pizza, late-night dining spots and even cheese plates. Fairfax Media, AU$26.95. ISBN 9780143005872.

Book of the month
HANDMADE IN MELBOURNE

Melbourne is not known as the handmade capital of Australia for nothing. This book profiles 80 artisans in what is a fascinating journey into the handcrafted side of the city. Meet button-maker Kate Boulton, lampshade-maker Barbara Richards and recorder-maker Joanne Saunders. They’ll lead you to their own inspirational stores. Geoff Slattery Publishing. AU$39.95. ISBN 9780975796498.

INTERVIEW - SIMON RICHMOND

Simon Richmond is one of the editors of Lonely Planet’s Bluelist 2008, which highlights the travel trends for the coming year. He compiled the page on Peninsular Malaysia, identified as one of 2008’s coolest destinations. We chatted with him.

Malaysia is one of 30 countries on Bluelist 2008’s GoList. What makes it so cool?
It offers an ideal mix of new and old Asia. Kuala Lumpur (KL) is home to some stunning architecture, great shops, hopping nightlife and has a splendid food scene. You don’t have to travel far to trade the urban buzz for the traditional homes and crafts of a kampong (village), a relaxing beach resort or a trek through ancient rainforests packed with wildlife.

How do you make the most out of a destination?
I always research a place before turning up, checking what the latest things to see and do are on the internet, in magazines and rival guidebooks. But most of all, I try to meet up with in-the-know locals (or just interesting people) when I get to a destination – no one knows their own city like a savvy local.

What is the most powerful culture shock for first-timers to KL?
Apart from the sinus-clearing aroma of the durian [fruit], it was swapping my usual Western breakfast of cereal and toast for roti prata (pancakes) and curry.

What do you never leave home without?
I’m addicted to my electronic gadgets, so the laptop computer, mobile phone and iPod always get thrown in. A sarong comes in handy – apart from wearing it, it can also double as a sheet and towel.

Tell us about a great memory from your travels in KL and Bangkok.
Coming across a Bollywood film being made in KL’S Kampung Baru, with the dazzling Petronas Towers as a backdrop. A year later I saw the movie (Don) in Bangalore while researching Lonely Planet India.

In Bangkok, I love visiting the beautiful home of Jim Thompson, the American expat who promoted Thailand’s silk industry and who mysteriously disappeared in the late 1960s in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands. Lonely Planet. AU$34.95. ISBN 9781741791952.