John Newton (2)

John Newton is clearly a writer who is passionate about food which is just as well as it's the basis of his livelihood. He writes well on the topic and even better about history, travel, food politics and the food industry both in Australia and internationally. He is an erudite travel guide and particularly in regard to Spain (his "soul home") which is a strong focus of the book, he brings the country, the people, the culture and the food to vivid life.

The book is made up of various pieces he's written over the years, along with the relevant recipes, and as he explains is not intended to be something read from start to finish, but picked up and enjoyed at random. A similar philosophy applies to one of his Spanish culinary loves - tapas. The section devoted to tapas, entitled "Eat Like a Spaniard" is wonderful and a convincing case for other cultures to dispense with their three course dinners and embrace this Spanish way of eating, which is really a way of life. Indeed "grazing" as well as being a good title for the book is possibly the best way to enjoy food - trying a little of this and a little of that and not over-dosing on any one thing. An absorbing and inspiring read, and if you've ever been curious about Spanish food, there's lots to whet the appetite here.… (mer)