Julia Busuttil Nishimura is an acclaimed Melbourne-based cook, author and food writer– writing for the likes of Good Weekend, Good Food, The Design Files and ABC Everyday.
Having released her debut cookbook, Ostro, in 2017, Julia has never looked back - and has just published her most anticipated book, 'Around the table'.
Julia's work celebrates simple ingredients and seasonal produce, influenced by her Maltese heritage, Japanese family, Melbourne's distinctive seasons, and her years living in Tuscany.
Julia and her husband, Nori, and two young sons, Haruki and Yukito, shared their beautiful Fitzroy North home with us.
Our conversation revolved around food, family, and home–
Julia Busuttil Nishimura's Home, Photography by Joel Noon
Photography by Joel Noon
Photography by Joel Noon
Photography by Joel Noon
Julia, thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us. Could you start off by telling us a bit about yourself? Did you always know you wanted to pursue cooking and writing and, what inspired you to begin?
"I am a cook and author based in Melbourne. I have always loved cooking. From an early age, I would spend my weekends in the kitchen with my mum and wanted to be a part of the planning process. I loved shopping for ingredients and making special dishes for family lunches. In my teenage years, I would pour over cookbooks and I began to compile my own recipes.
I studied Italian and politics as a Bachelor of Arts. Through that, I was able to travel and live in Italy which is where my desire to do something in food was really reignited. I began blogging at Ostro, sharing family recipes and ones I learned in Italy.
I continued my studies and did a Master of Teaching, and taught Italian here in Melbourne. Slowly, I began to contribute recipes to various publications- most notably, The Design Files, and my following steadily grew. I couldn't have imagined my little blog would turn into cookbooks and the kind of following I have today."
Photography by Joel Noon
Photography by Joel Noon
Your newly-released book, 'Around The Table', has us so excited! What was the process like and where did you get your inspiration?
"Writing a cookbook is such a labour of love. For me, it takes around 18 months of solid work. From the initial ideas to the editing process before it heads off to press. I wrote Around the Table in 2020 during the lockdown and with a newborn in tow, so it was a very interesting process.
Usually, a lot of inspiration comes from travel. The stories, the food and the memories from travel end up on the pages so beautifully. This time I had to really dig deep for those. However, it was also a great chance to focus on our food and what we love to eat at home. There was a real sense of loss not being able to gather with family and friends, so that really inspired this book. It’s all about finding joy through food and cherishing opportunities to eat together."
What is your favourite recipe from ‘Around The Table'?
"They truly are all such favourites of mine. I can’t possibly choose one! The strozzapreti with tiny meatballs is a great example of the book though. Simple ingredients, generous servings, and absolutely delicious."
Julia's newest book 'Around The Table' is out now, Photography by Joel Noon
Photography by Joel Noon
What drew you to your Fitzroy North home and what do you love most about the neighbourhood?
"I love Fitzroy North! I lived here when I was studying, so I have lots of happy memories of hanging out at Edinburgh Gardens, late-night Piedemontes’ runs and plenty of takeaway dinners from the Moroccan Soup Bar.
Having so many parks and green spots in the suburb makes it feel like a little village. Now here with my children, it is even more beautiful. We are so inner city but it never feels overwhelming or too busy. We have our local bakery, wine shop, and grocer, and it’s wonderful."
How would you describe the qualities that make a house, a ‘home’?
"A home for me is a place I feel calm in and want to invite others into. It’s a place that is busy but also peaceful where I can be creative."
Photography by Joel Noon
What is a non-negotiable in the kitchen for you?
"An excellent oven and ample bench space!"
Where do you look for inspiration when styling your space, and how do you choose what you like?
"I feel like my style is still evolving and with little kids! I have lots of ideas of things I want to do to make it feel even more us. But overall I like things that are quite simple in design but made of good quality materials that will last a really long time."
When it comes to entertaining at home, do you find it enjoyable? What are your tips for the most memorable dinner party?
"I do find it really enjoyable! I like to keep it super simple and just go with the flow– I have a few pre-made things ready to go and then I will finish cooking. If it’s warm weather, we’ll fire up the pizza oven outside or Nori will cook something on the Japanese BBQ.
For the most memorable dinner party, I think it's all about the moment! Not being so caught up in every small detail and becoming so stressed you end up not enjoying yourself. Really good food, some delicious drinks and good company are all you need."
Photography by Joel Noon
It can be challenging to find time to cook - how do you manage this along with your work, being a busy mother to Yuki and Haruki, and being Nori's partner? What would be your most valuable piece of advice?
"There are definitely nights when I don't feel like I have time, and I just lean in I'm not trying to make something impressive then. In general, it's something I place a lot of importance on. My work is cooking so it usually intertwines really nicely. Nori also happens to be an amazing cook (he was a chef up until just recently) so we tag team a bit and usually, one of us feels motivated and prioritises it.
One of my biggest tips is to place more emphasis on the actual shopping for food. Shopping well makes you a better cook and can give you all you need to whip up something quite quickly. Especially a stocked pantry"
What is a pantry essential that you can't live without?
"Extra virgin olive oil. I am quite literally never without it in my kitchen!"
Photography by Joel Noon
Do you have a go-to meal for mid-week that you like to make?
"Pasta is a delicious go-to for mid-week dinners. Something simple with perhaps some garlic, sausage, cream, a dash of nutmeg and lots of pecorino. It’s a meal I know the kids will enjoy, so it’s often a reliable fallback."
What is your perfect spring meal?
"Definitely some grilled fish with a little aioli and served with a simple braise of fresh peas, broad beans and asparagus!"
And finally, if you could pick one restaurant in Melbourne, what would it be?
“It’s a bit out of Melbourne, but I love Tedesca so much!! To me, it is the perfect restaurant.”
Around the Table by Julia Busuttil Nishimura (Plum, $44.99), features recipes ranging from quick, flavoured meals for busy weeknights to simple indulgences for summer feasts and perfectly matches dishes to time and place.
Looking for some mid-week dinner inspiration? Try Julia's Julia's Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls With Cabbage Salad + Pickled Carrots.
