Editor's letter

This month, our In the Neighbourhood feature focuses on western Sydney’s Punchbowl. This suburb has had its fair share of trouble in the past, however we found that it’s also full of the most wonderful food, much of it hailing from the Middle East – turn to page 36 for the secret recipe for Jackie Chahine’s vividly hued sfouf (turmeric and aniseed cake). Another must-read is our Eating Out feature, where we go into the kitchen of Holy Basil, a hugely popular Lao and Thai restaurant in Sydney’s south-west. After a terrifying escape from Laos in 1984, the Inthavong family have found their place creating delicious meals to enthusiastic locals in the suburbs. Turn to page 134 to learn more about their story and check out our new iPad edition for a bonus video from the Food Safari series.

A sense of family and community was something I felt very strongly when I visited Morocco last year. Family was at the centre of everything, and our travel group was lucky enough to meet with locals who were happy to share their experiences and recipes with us. See page 112 to read about the medina of Fez and discover Moroccan cuisine beyond tagine – we recommend mechoui (slow-roasted lamb) and the green capsicum salad with goat’s cheese (recipes page 123).On our iPad version of Feast, you’ll also find video footage that captures the intrigue of this ancient north African culture.

Finally, if it’s late autumn comfort you’re after, don’t miss the enticing apple recipes from Gourmet Farmer Matthew Evans – catch series three on SBS now. I know I’ll be baking the spiced apple teacake before too long.

On our iPad version of Feast, you’ll also find video footage that captures the intrigue of this ancient north African culture.

Finally, if it’s late autumn comfort you’re after, don’t miss the enticing apple recipes from Gourmet Farmer Matthew Evans – catch series three on SBS now. I know I’ll be baking the spiced apple teacake before too long.