A Sydney Scorcher and a Gorgeous Book Giveaway
Organic Lamb Cutlets Marinaded in Mint, Garlic and Lemon ~ Recipe here.
Served with Pomegranate, Crunchy Chickpea and Toasted Almond Cous Cous, Spiced Greek Yoghurt Dressing ~ Recipe here
Ponzu Soaked Beef Fillet Salad with Crunchy Soba Noodles, Edamame Beans, Rocket and Chilli ~ Recipe here
Summer has officially arrived in Sydney, it’s currently 42˚C ~ I’m not kidding… it’s a day for not doing much and trying to stay cool. It also makes for a perfect day to get new recipes up on the blog and these are ones which I cooked recently for some new friends which we had over at the house just after Christmas (more about them a little later on in the post).
I love this time of the year here as like with anywhere in the world during summertime, it offers you great opportunities for outside eating and entertaining, plus it’s so much easier to eat a lighter and more healthy diet I find. Anyone who has my book or has followed the blog for a while knows that I love experimenting with salads and seeing what does/doesn’t work. Today I’m sticking up two new salad recipes ~ one of which I made for this aforementioned dinner to pair with some simply marinaded organic lamb cutlets (I always find it best to not muck around too much with beautiful, organic meat) and the other is a new recipe I tried out over the past weekend. Both can be served on their own, although the cous cous one does really need to be paired with a meat or fish as it’s not quite substantial enough to serve fully out-right, if you did want to turn it into more of a weeknight or weekend ‘meal’ you could add some sliced chicken. Simply marinade the chicken in some oil, lemon juice and harissa paste for an hour or so, then BBQ and slice, the flavour of the chicken will pair with excellently all the other ingredients.
The other salad is a sort of ‘Asian-style’ beef noodle salad interpretation. It’s got amazing texture and very tasty and light. Perfect to serve as an outdoor Sunday lunch dish with some chilled white wine or cold Japanese beer.
Before Christmas I was invited to a dinner party at the (gorgeous) apartment of my friend and publisher; Julie Gibbs. Julie was throwing a pre-Xmas dinner for some friends and authors and I was delighted to have been asked to join them. It was a superb night, great, great fun, amazing food and wonderful company. Julie cooked everything herself and it was all divine, especially her show-stopping dessert ~ a towering blueberry pavlova featuring layers of meringue with lemon curd and caramelised hazelnuts, it was incredible.
At the party I met the author of one of the most beautiful books I have seen this year ~ My Greek Island Home which is written and photographed by the most exquisite Claire Lloyd. Claire ~ is a virtual walking creative powerhouse ~ she’s a creative director, film maker, photographer and author. Claire moved to London from Sydney in 1983 after two and a half years at Australian Vogue. Since then, she has enjoyed a career in magazines, film, books and property. She has worked either as art director or contributing editor on a variety of magazines; fashion, lifestyle, and interiors.
Now Claire lives what most of us would consider an ultimate dream life ~ in a beautiful house on the Greek Island of Lesvos with her partner Matthew who is an artist and more importantly a super warm, incredibly funny and friendly guy. Together they are some of the most super people I have met in recent years. Sadly they are back to Greece in January so I decided I had to invite them over for a casual Friday night dins at our place before they left. We had a ball along with lots and lots of great Aussie wine. I am sad to see them go. But there will be a next time. You can read all about Claire on her blog here and website here. And not forgetting also on the Penguin website here. Matthew’s site is here.
My Greek Island Home is really so very beautiful. I haven’t been able to put it down since Julie handed me a copy in early December. The photography is really stunning and Claire writes in such a gorgeous manner that you really to know her as she is so open are warm in her writing and tone. The photos are raw and real, natural and candid, there’s no pretension in this book, it’s a subtle and elegant look at Claire’s life over the years and now with Matthew in Greece, and all the rescue pussy cats and dogs they have opened their home to 
If you can get your hands on a copy I promise you won’t regret it, it would make for a beautiful gift too. Of all the books I have come across this year (and there have been a lot!) this is without a doubt one of my most treasured.
You can purchase the book here, here and here.
I’m giving away one copy of Claire’s book, to win simply leave a comment by Feb 1st below telling me:
If you could pack up and live anywhere in the world on your own little island, where would it be?
I’ll pick a winner at the start of Feb and get the book out in the post by the end of Feb. On the topic of book giveaways, the winner of the current giveaway – Valli Little’s Delicious Cookbook is listed here, and the winner of Kate Gibb’s After Toast is announced here. Also to all the winners who have contacted me re. the WKA giveaway which I announced in November, as promised your books are all going out this week.
On an end-note and just quickly I thought I’d add, on Sunday just gone I did something I’ve been wanting to do for years ~ go on a tall ship on Sydney Harbour… For ages this is something I’ve had a hankering to do and God it was worth the wait. Utterly amazing! If you ever find yourself visiting Sydney or live here do yourself a favour and get out on one of these stunning ships on a gorgeous sunny day, it’s a wonderful experience. My husband Mick organised this for me out of the blue the other day and the two of us headed down to Campbell’s Cove on the harbour on Sunday morning and boarded the ‘Soren Larsen’ tall ship for a 2 hour champagne brunch cruise. It was fab! Such an amazing way to spend a gorgeous day out on Sydney Harbour. The ticket price included food and unlimited beer, wine or champagne. The food was basic but perfect, very tasty and was free-flowing as were the drinks at the bar. You never wanted for anything. The staff were wonderful too. Info is all here if you’re interested in doing the same or going on one of their evening dinner cruises.
My own little island in the Swedish Archipelago, please. Picking wild mushrooms, and blueberries in the forest. It would be magic!
Mi Isola,
I’d take a bit of Venice and place it on shore within easy reach of mi isola, which is set out in the southern warm waters of the N.J. coastline [ recently destroyed by hurricane]. The water here is so bathtub warm and teal blue in summer, the sand is soft and fine not pristine white but sandy hued. The sea shell population has ebbed away but there is plenty of horizon to swoon in..
Oh, I don’t have somewhere specific in mind, but somewhere on the Italian coast where I can get fresh seafood everyday, and produce from the surrounding farms!
Is Byron Bay an island!? My dream is to live there in foodie and weather heaven with my hubby and dog enjoying the chill time and lots of visits from loved ones.
Hands down, I would head to Sardinia, Italy. My husband and I drove around the island for five days as part of our honeymoon. The breath taking views, crystal clear beaches and fresh foods made with seasonal produce were exceptional. Definitely a highlight of the trip.
Gorgeous post as usual! It’s freezing out here in Montreal today and these dishes bring a little warmth and summer heat
My own little island would be in the Maldives. I’d spend the day snorkelling, lounging on the powdery sand and eating amazing seafood.
I am really feeling for you Sydneysiders today, and anyone else feeling the heat. Lucky down here in Melb it’s only in the low 30s
Thanks for sharing the boat pics, they look wonderful – I arranged something similar when visiting Broome a few years ago but unfortunately the organisers cancelled on us as we went out of peak season so there were not enough people to run it at the time. I’ll keep it in mind if I see something similar that’s for sure.
I think you’ve also solved my dinner dilemma for later in the week, thanks muchly!!!!
Today I regret not choosing a iceberg in a refrigerator, but another scorching island – Palawan in the Philippines. Snorkelling with turtles, sardines, incredible fish… Almost enough to say, what heat??
Very summery, happy photos Katie, I love it! I got that book for my birthday, it’s so beautiful and is also the reason I’ll be visiting the Greek islands on my upcoming trip.
xx
I’d live on a little island in the Caribbean. Ever since I saw these photos from a Tortuga Beach house, I have dreamed of spending time in that very beach house.
Anywhere around Italy
but I do love forests and tropical…it’d be so hard to decide because I love so many places
Island of Korcula in Croatia – amazing, amazing place with crystal-blue sea, old stone houses, fantastic locally grown organic & wild produce, beautiful red wine (Plavac Mali!!!), incredibly tasty & pungent olive oil, inebriating smell of pine, lavanda & sea salt in the air… And most friendly, generous & proud people; old women dressed in black selling fig jams & walnut liqueurs, children playing inside the old town walls eating mussels straight from the sea, men sitting under fig trees drinking ‘bevanda” (1/2 red wine mixed with 1/2 water)… I can imagine my family living a simple life – making goat cheese, drying & preserving the intensely sweet wild fruit, growing olives, catching fish, spending those few winter days of bora in front of the fireplace, making ‘pole’ (potatoes sliced in half, skin on, topped with fatty local bacon, slowly baked & eaten with fresh raw sour cream) & keeping warm with home-made visnjevaca…
Wow. What a beautiful book. The video made me smile!
I think I would have to find an island in the Pacific. Close enough for all of my family to visit from NZ or Australia.
It’s the video gorgeous! It made me smile too, I love seeing all their mates seeing themselves in print in the book, it’s so cool. I hope someday I’ll be able to travel to Lesbos and take lots of shots of Claire and Matthew’s house and all the gorgeous cats and dogs they have adopted.
!!!! Truly, I’d pick up everything (Hubs and kittycat included) and move us to the mountains. I’m def. a mountain over beach kind of lady.
I would definitely live in the BVI, I love the relaxed island vibe of the British Virgin Islands, especially Virgin Gorda.
It’s a toss up between Capri or Ischia in Italy I think…
Inis mor the Aran islands ,Ireland
Interesting… Last time I was there I was about 16 and on a school tour and have some funny memories of us all chasing boys from another school tour on the island at the time..
Photos and recipes look amazing as always. Can’t wait to try that salad
If my island was in such a location where I could wake to the fresh smell of salt floating on the warm breeze, where the sun bronzed my skin as I surfed on my own perfect right-hand break that was out the front of my treehouse abode, where coconuts fell from trees, abundant fruit and vegetables grew and my friends could row over regularly for dinner parties that consisted of the most delicious, exotic, fresh and healthy ingredients that I had hand picked and prepared and I had my loved one by my side, I would very happily live out my days…
The book looks gorgeous! Such a hard question you ask… The Maldives look like the most gorgeous islands in the world. I would like to live right off the coast of Europe though, so I could travel around frequently! P.S. I’m still dreaming about the dessert from your Christmas post. Most beautiful dessert I’ve ever seen, hands down.
Thanks Charlotte! That chocolate cake dessert did get indeed a lot of ‘likes’ on Facebook – I think the most of any photo I have shot so far!
I am planning a trip to Europe in either June or September this year so all these comments are brilliant for hearing about where everyone considers their idyllic locations…
My pack up and move to an island home would be to Brac in Croatia.
Simply gorgeous.
I wanted to say that I’d like to live on Necker island as I think Richard Branson would inspire me to be a better person. But I’d also really like to live in the Whitsundays.
P.s. Katie, as a fellow photographer I just wanted to say how much I loved your book. Not just the recipes and amazing photography but the actual physical book. The matte pages are silky and lovely the touch and I love the texture of the cover too. It’s inspiring me to cook and be inventive in the kitchen again.
I went on a tall ship in Sydney Harbour when I was a kid in the early 90′s. It was the Bounty replica which had also visited Perth during the bicentennial. Sadly it was lost during Hurricane Sandy, but we have fond memories of it.
an island off Queensland any will do, gotta love Australia 40 degrees and all
True QLD is fab! This 42˚C heat is starting to bug me now, I was doing ok all day and now I’m like “It’s too hot, it’s to hot x 10,6758″
I would love to live on the little fishing island Burano which is located in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy. The brightly coloured houses, beautiful green/blue waters and amazing traditional Italian food abundant with fresh seafood.
I’d choose Kauai. It’s beautiful, has yummy places to eat, and plenty of outdoor activities.
As always, thank you for sharing! I’m excited to get my hands on a copy of this book. If I were to pack up and move to an island I would go to one of the islands in the Archipielago los Roques in Venezuela. It’s a goal of mine to lie on this beach and have my picture taken…
http://cache.virtualtourist.com/15/4163537-Los_Roques_Paradise_Islands_Isla_El_Gran_Roque.jpg
From rainy Vancouver,
Lauren.
My favorite island I would want to live at is New Zealand
. Beautiful book, I hope I win!
Santorini, Greece, hands down. I’ve been there many times and it’s bliss. Very cold and rainy in winter, though, when I’d have to decamp to Australia and pray we don’t get too many more of these horrendous 40+ degree days.
Love your book, your blog, and wish I had that lamb and salad right now.
A Greek Island doesn’t sound too shabby to me…
Hawaii… awesome part? I’m moving there in April!!!
I went up to Killcare / Putty beach over Christmas….I know it isn’t an island, but still a gorgeous piece of Australia… and close enough to escape for a weekend from Sydney. The water and National Park (Bouddi Bouddi) were absolutely world class, and not crowded. There were lots of yummy local restaurants as well. This would be my pick for a realistic “island home”!
Tassie is an island. Ok, it’s part of Oz but surrounded by sea
Brilliant food, clean air, gorgeous scenery. I’d happily pack up hubby and kitty and move to Tassie!
My dream island would be any of the islands in Japan, preferably in a small town in the countryside with summer festivals and hot springs. I have an obsession with Japanese food and culture, so this would suit my taste perfectly. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Katie, I know it’s not technically an Island but I would love to live in France on the Lot River in the Mid-pyrenees region, visiting markets every few days and cooking up a storm on a jetty out to the lot river which would be the backyard to my house and I would have all the neighbouring farmers and family and friends constantly over for meals at a big long table under the trees. I think I would have a few pigs and spend Autumn searching for truffles that I would shave into organic free range eggs made into a scrummy omeltte and served with a freshly baked bagette from my local boulangerie- still warm from the oven! Doesn’t that sound like a kind of Island?? I flicked through my Island home recently in a bookstore and it is really beautiful- I must say your book is up there too! xxCorrina.
I would move to Sardinia, Italy. Great place, beautiful scenery and fresh seafood, herbs, lemons and everything you would ever need.
A few years back when planning trip to Greece I had originally planned a trip to Lesvos. A family that owns a Greek restaurant here had a hotel there. I never heard back, plans changed and I spent my 5 weeks elsewhere in this beautiful country. I ended up spending 8 days at a cooking school on the island of Kea. My dream island at the moment is here in Canada…Vancouver island in the Cowichan Valley.
An island off the Queensland coast looking out over the waves-although airconditioning would be a must at the moment ! I love the Greek islands(and would love to read the book) – but they would be too far from family .
Thanks for another gorgeous giveaway Katie – you are such a star!
I would LOVE to run away to Mnemba Island – a wee slice of heaven on earth just off the northern tip of Zanzibar. I would be more than happy spending my days indulging in my favourite past time – snorkeling. I can think of nothing more magical than swimming with the local tropical fish, Green Turtles & Whale Sharks. It would be just magical……I know exactly what I’ll be falling asleep dreaming about tonight
I’d be over the moon if I could escape to the Turks & Caicos Islands (I won’t be picky – any of the 4o islands will do!) I’ve always dreamed of visiting, but have never been able to afford it!
I am an avid diver so i’d pack my bags and head to Fernando de Noronha in Brazil. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the underwater life is quite something – over two hundred species of fish, dolphins, sea turtles!!
My ideal place would be Malta i would love to discover the family my grand father left behind He had two sisters, When he ran away to sea aged 14, after selling his mothers table to buy his first pair shoes. I would cook local sea food, wash it down with good wine, watch the sun go down, meet the relatives.And listen to their stories. Perfect.
If I could nestle in a little island right off Italy, I would be in complete and utter lemon-and-olive-oil–and-carbohydrate bliss. I’m trying to learn Italian right now–romantically, foolishly–and although Italy seems like a far-off dream, I’m trying to make it come true by studying abroad in Rome this summer! But an island sure would save a lot of money. Buona fortuna a mi!
anywhere in French Polinesia would suit me!
Thank you for this neat giveaway Katie – I would love to win this lovely book for my mum.
If money grew on trees I’d be on the first plane out of Auckland to The Maldives – I quite fancy installing myself on the island of Vaavu in particular……pristine isolation where I can marvel at nature at its finest.
Hi Katie, there’s a gorgious little Island in France (Morbihan’s gulf in Britanny) named “Ile d’Arz”. To reach it we have to take a boat. There are no cars. Landscapes are incredibly wild and such various. I love going there with family
Your pictures are sublimes.
Cheers
Oh how I love summer! and your recipes!
Instead, here in this moment there is a thick fog: (
To answer the question of the giveaway … I want to live in Shikoku, the smallest islands of Japan.
I love Japan culture(and food, of course) and Shikoku, which is quite isolated from the rest of Japan, and then has preserved as long as the original characteristics of Japan especially in relation to vegetation and even some construction techniques.
I love it’s many temples, especially one on Mount Konpira: it has a long and impressive staircase, flanked by thousands of stems, leading to a temple dedicated to travelers.
Thanks for giveaway XX
I spent a day in the island Aegina, not far from Athens. It’s a beautiful place where I would love to live!
If I were to pack up and move to an island I would go to Capri….and I would like open a little restoran there!….
It might make me completely unoriginal, but my choice would actually be the Greek Islands, hands down! The culture and the beauty and the lifestyle just excites me. And the food. Oh, the Greek food…
Taormina, Sicily. Where history and rugged terrain fall into the beautiful mediterannean sea. Also where I got married.
Awesome post !…as usual it all looks so tantalising!…and as far as which Island to run away too has to be.. hands down HAWAII !! {Family tradition that I’ve never done} always wanted to go!
What a beautiful book!
Honestly, anywhere would be fine as long as I was with the people (both two and four-legged) that I love. However somewhere warm with fertile soil would be great!
In France! Or maybe in Bali or Thailand… somewhere warm, sunny, and beautiful! Merci!
I would be on a floating island, so that I could travel the world, but always travel with the spring weather!
Ever since studying abroad in Greece, I’m been in love with the country. Living on a little Greek island like Hydra or Naxos would be a dream come true!
I would love to pack up and live in a little house in Greece, like in Santorini. You know the ones where you have to travel by donkey to get to. Pictures from there are always so breathtaking.
Gorgeous Katie!
I would LOVE my own private island off the coast of Ireland. With a castle please?
Anywhere … as long as it’s hot, quiet and has access to lots of yummy cocktails – count me in!!
I would love to live on an island near Sicily. So I could enjoy all the delicious fresh food and the relaxed culture. Sicilians know how to cook well and live life to the fullest!
If I could live on my own little island… definitely the Florida Keys. I grew up in FL and never went, so that would be my choice!
P.S. I got your book for my boyfriend for his birthday – he’s going to be so excited when he gets it! He’s a sucker for food photography.
I may be crazy. I love islands. I love the sun, the sea, and the calm. But I”m not sure that I could live there year round. I wonder if I might become complacent and lose an appreciation for and a love for the getaway. I’m am not as traveled as some, but love the barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina in the U.S. (Hatteras and Duck in particular).
oh my God! I skipped the video.. hilarious!
The woman with the red fly swatter is my favorite ever.. this could have been filmed everywhere in Italy!
Genius!!
i would fly away to malta with my beloved — roam the dusty hills and beaches by day, and indulge in fish and wine in the island breeze by night
I haven’t been in any island so I can’t tell the name, but I can tell how I imagine that island of mine: I would like to live in a small one, with a forest in one side and a meadow on the other side. So I could go pick blueberries, raspberries, cranberries and all other good things that is possible to find in the forest. Mushrooms… maybe, but I am not fan of it, so if in that island there are no mushrooms – I wouldn’t mind. Meadow would be for picnics and parties. Where all my friends and loved ones could have fun, play games and just have a good time to remember. We would have a boat for an evening swims. And in that island would be only one house – my house…wooden, with pretty swings. That is my dream island
Manhattan would be my island of choice. I chose the big city over the quiet beach, plus it’s so easy to get anywhere else from there, so you can have both!
I’d love to set up shop in a little bamboo house in Bali.
I think I would go with Bali. I love Southeast Asian food and having all of those fresh ingredients at my fingertips is so tempting…to be surrounded by rice fields and lemon grass…one day!
hmmm probably somewhere with meditteranean water! Gorgeous summers, beautiful waters and seafood
I am from Greece so i would choose something more tropical haha like Bora-Bora islands …close to u right ??? I want to bake there all day cupcakes and preparing foods for my family when i look the amazing view outside my window… Doorsnwill open all day for sure… Thats a big dream…
I’d live on one of the little islands in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, near Yamaguchi or Hiroshima prefectures.
It’s so gorgeous there, and there is plenty of amazing food! (It also helps that it’s not too long of a trip from there to Korea.) I’d just need to travel out of the country every so often, since I’d miss cilantro… and cheese.
My move onto an island would be somewhere randomly in the Mediterranean coast, far from civilization as possible. Maybe an Italian or Croatian island. Maldivas are overrated!!
Great funny and interesting post, keep up the good work and your great photographies!
I would live in Ubud, Bali.
The mountain are is misty fresh, the food is so delicious and it is closer to my in-laws who live in Sydney Oz. I visited Ubud several years ago and it got my husband and I dreaming of packing up everything here in Canada and head way, way south to that warm and romantic oasis. I would design hand bags made with locally printed fabrics and build my eco empire like John Harding! ahhhhh.
Am crossing my fingers and toes to win your fabulous offer. I lived in Cyprus for 3 years and it reminds me of the seas and foods I miss from that place the most.
Anne
FLORENCE! In a heartbeat. I know it’s not an island, but if it’s a little one-bedroom walkup, does that count?
)
(PS – LOOOOVE your blog so much. Well done, Katie. Telling everyone about it!
PPS – this is not a ploy to get you to choose my posting, BTW. REALLY do love it.
Phu Quoc Island – a little island between Vietnam and Cambodia and the home of fish sauce, that would be my dream island.
Oh good question Kate, koh Tao in Thailand or an island in maldives or maybe cape clear island off west cork slightly different climate but has the most amazing home made ice cream made with goats milk…
If I could pack up and move anywhere it would be New Zealand!
I am dreaming for quite some time to leave in a old stone house on the small island Vis/Croatia. My fav place to go, untached and beautiful.
Such an amazing post as usual! But we wouldnt expect something different
Being Lucky living in Greece and coming from the beautiful greek islands, It would be a dream come true for me to live in Bali, French Polynesia or the Federated States of Micronesia.. Those exotic pure virgin islands seem like paradise and heaven on earth! Breathtaking beauty!
Keep up inspiring us…;)
maybe King Island so I can eat lots of cream!!
Caye Caulker Belize. A beach shack. My camera and notebook. Heaven.
Hi Katie,
Love your blog! if i could live anyway it would probably be in a little town in Italy with my own bee and goat farm and a huge garden. i would grow m own fruits and veggies all year round, and i would want to work as an editor. So basically drinking tea and reading!
thanks so much
San Juan Islands seem perfect!
Hi Katie recieved your beautiful book as a xmas pressie and it is already well thumbed! Even after the horrendous bushfires at the moment I cant think of anything better then Tassie, the beautiful scenery and fresh produce.
Zanzibar!
Hi Katie
It would have to be the beautiful island of Kerrera in Scotland, just next to Oban, where I met and fell in love with my husband – He followed me back to Newcastle Australia. The island has a population of 35 people, enough for everyone to attend the same dinner party!:)
Love the look of the book, and also your fab salads which are making me salivate.
My island would have to be Lord Howe Island – low key and relaxed, stunning natural beauty and Ned’s Beach with the fish biting my toes. Happy days!
Thanks
I’d pick Tahiti.
I’d live in Pantelleria, off the coast of Sicily in Italy. They have beautiful wines! I’d just grown my own veggies and drink their wines and eat their fish!
NZ would be my island home – the tranquillity, friendliness of the locals and the raw beauty of nature always inspires and reinvigorates me. It’s the perfect island for solitude and adventure.
Hey Katie,
NZ would be my island home – the tranquillity, friendliness of the locals and the raw beauty of nature always inspires and reinvigorates me. It’s the perfect island for solitude and adventure.
Happy new year to you!
Arti
I’ve already had that lifetime chance to live on an island! I, like Claire, packed up and left London to head to the Med, a decade later than her. I live on Malta, a dream place for one of you commenters above I see. It’s not paradise – islands have their own peculiar paradoxes and parochialisms; it’s real life though – very down to earth among salt of the earth people in my village; and also very urban – Hilton marinas, yachts of the mega rich. The haves and have nots cheek by jowl, the sea nearby, the urban sprawl too! I’ve often wished to move elsewhere, away from the tiny-ness, the confines of that blue horizon all around. But, you know what, nearly 20 years on I am still here! With husband, son and cat! Be warned if you do find that island – you won’t leave! But it won’t be a dream nor paradise either! It will be, well, just a different life. We all deserve several lives though don’t we?
Dear Katie, I’ve just discovered your work, blog and book and am hooked as a source of inspiration, for your images are beautiful and yours is one of the few blogs where I actually read the text too. Kudos to you.
My dream island is Utopia
Mel x
Somewhere on the beach of Costa Rica. Then I can hike in the morning and walk on the beach in the evening. Perfection. Plus the fruit is amazing
I’d love to live on the San Juan Islands in Washington State’s Puget Sound. Why? Well, these stunning islands in the Pacific Northwest have a long history of fishing and organic farming. There is easy access to saltwater shoreline, tide pools, lagoons, native prairie, forest, lake shore, and mountain summits. Also, a bounty of wild food to forage from land and sea: fiddle ferns, prawns, oysters, asparagus, sockeye salmon, morel mushrooms, seaweed and berries galore. These serene islands away from the hustle and bustle are only accessible by ferry, yet they are just a hop, skip and a jump from the vibrant cities of Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, B.C., Canada — each with a flourishing and fun culinary and beverage scene!
I would want to live in New Zealand…for sure : )
There is a small town in Provence, Isle Sur la Sorgue, that is a small island between branches of the Sorgue river. It is charming. We spent a week there in an apartment in the Old Town and I want to go back. It is a good base for exploring all of Provence. Thanks for this lovely giveaway.
My island would have to be Halkidiki in Greece…thank you!
I would move in a heartbeat to the island of Tasmania, particularly the Tasman Peninsular which is like a little island in itself as it is connected via a narrow isthmus. I have visited this spectacular area twice now, to visit a dear friend who made the brave move from mainland Australia 5 years ago. She lives on a 50 acre protea farm, high on a hill, with majestic views of to the Tasman Sea. The area is most famous for its historic convict ruins but sadly has been in the news this past week due to disastrous bush fires.
I would pack up and call Samoa my fabulous island home
I was able to visit the island of Mykonos in Greece this summer and it was pretty thrilling. the views and the food and the small winding streets were amazing. There were an awful lot of cats there, but they just added to the charm
Halibut Cove right across the bay from my hometown in Alaska and/or one of the Summer Islands in Finland where I used to live – Such beautiful places full of amazing culture and traditions!
somewhere with four seasons, with a body of water (does not matter what kind) and forest nor far away. i would leave in wooden house, that is warm in winter and cool during summer. winters have lots of snow and summers are hot. and the sun is all year around.
This may be cheating as this place is fictional but what the heck–the Summer Islands in the Song of Ice and Fire series. Cause they sound AWESOME.
My island home would be somewhere in Hawaii with beautiful sweeping views and an abundance of fresh seafood!
My island, technically not an island, but Manhattan!!!!!!!!
Not quite the peaceful idyllic island that a lot of dreaming of, but my idea of paradise. I love New York
Me too Chris, it’s an amazing place, like nowhere else on the planet!
Not so little, but without a doubt, Kangaroo Island. Where winters are winter and summers are summer! Conservation Parks with unbelievable scenery and abundant and varied wildlife in an unspoilt environment, a rich cultural history, great produce and seafood abundance (can’t go past King George Whiting!).
Dear Katie,
Also I once was told by the big love of my life that my eyes are the color of Iceland – quite a good reason to by biased 
first, thank you for sharing the great things of you life with us! It is so great to know that there’s your blog – the place where I’ll see a work full of love and beauty.
As for the place to live – I’ll live in Iceland. Though I’ll freeze easily there this would be a dream place: harsh Nordic beauty, huge open spaces, unbelievable colors in nature and polar lights – I always wanted to see it. Easy to dream about all that comfortably placed in the unending summer of Texas
Its really hard to live far away from home, but after 7 years in Adelaide I can admit that Australia is my favourite Island.
Capri…with its gorgeous Faraglioni, squares, ville, sun and gardens. and food!
maybe i’d like staying in Capri during the winter or spring…
There was an island on the Danube in Europe called Adah Kaleh (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ada_Kaleh) this is the island my heart always longed to… maybe a similar one exists somewhere else…hope to find it one day.
Mmmmm… My island house would have to be on one of the Ireland’s islands ♥
Thats a tough one. I already live on an island, albeit a large one…England…. And love it here, especially the seasons, but if I had to pack up and move to my ‘own’ little island I’d have to say an island in the Swedish archipelago.
Anywhere with my sweet husband of 40 years
Makes one want to visit any Greek Island. I remember Crete where I spent six weeks and hiked the Samaria Ravine. Lovely places.
I wouldn’t want to be too isolated, so somewhere close enough and accessible enough for family and friends to visit. I have had a fascination for Fort Denison in Sydney Harbour ever since I was a little girl, so that would fit the bill nicely. Just have to make it a private island first.
The book looks and sounds amazing. Can picture myself curled up reading it on my island paradise.
I love would to live on an island in the Mediterranean.
One of the Greek Islands or in the Bahamas! Somewhere warm
That salad is gorgeous!
My island home would be anywhere with beach and warm sun. I have not travelled much but I am dreaming of Greece, Italy, and Portugal.
Katie thank you so much for your kind words about my book. It’s a real pleasure producing a book like that and a privilege to be living in such a beautiful village surrounded by such warm and open people, a tonic for life. I wish everyone entering the competition luck and hope they all get to realise at least some part of their dreams. As for you young lady your blog continues to inspire and your photos are wonderfully delicious and sensual. Don’t ever stop cooking!
Claire x
Crete- definitely Crete where I lived for a number of years in the 80s and 90s. I am desperate to go back! Love your blog and recipes – can’t wait to try the Cous Cous and pomegranate.
It looks like delicious!!!!
Greece….or maybe Okinawa!
When we were in Thailand last year, off Koh Samui there is an island well known for its full moon parties. We were with our girls, so that wasn’t our bag, but I did fall asleep looking at it during a 4 hour body treatment at Six Senses on the mainland and I’d be happy to call there home.
Oh! Hawaii- fresh fish and coconuts? Yes please!
My perfect island getaway would have to be Green Island on the South Coast of NSW – 3 hrs south of sydney. You can only walk out to it when it is low tide, absolutely nothing there except the sand and crystal clear blue water.
It would be in the rough but extremely beautiful archipelago in Bothnian sea between Finland and Sweden. I would pack a library of books, enjoying the complete silence under the Polar star. The four completely different seasons would be my perfect company!
If I could pick up and move anywhere? It would be the island of Santorini, Greece. I am Greek and I have been lucky enough to have visited this gorgeous island 3 times. Sometimes I drift out, and daydream about being there and watching the amazing sunsets…….. Thanks for the giveaway!
mmalavec(at)med(dot)umich(dot)edu
I would pack up and live on an island like Hawaii. Still close enough to fly home to visit family and friends, but still civilised with great shopping and gorgeous tropical weather to enjoy the beach and resort lifestyle!
l would live in Tassie the people are friendly the air is much cleaner and so much to do and see.
San Cristóbal Island (one of The Galapagos Islands), for its natural beauty and ruggedness that reflects upon the wonderment in the world.
I live on an Island called Tasmania
and i would not leave here for anything .It is the best place in the world .
I would love to live on an island in Nha Trang, Vietnam, eating seafood right from the sea and tropical fruits all year long.
I would definitely love to have my very own paradise island in Bora Bora! Absolutely breath taking.
Rottnest Island … a half an hour from WA mainland and a world away from city lights. I’d grow my little vegie patch and while away my time beachcombing and swimming in the turquoise waters.
Can I get a deserted Island somewhere in the Caribbean?
Tresco, Isles of Scilly, UK
Not as exotic as most of the other suggestions, but familiar – I have been going there on holiday since I was 5…
PS I love your blog and spend far too much time gawping at it
I’d choose the Galapagos!! I’ve always wanted to go there, and hopefully it’ll happen in the next year or two…
Maldives. I want to live in hut on the ocean with glass floors. That way I can roll out of bed and into the water!
Hawaii! I hope to at least visit someday soon.
Zanzibar, the Spice Island! My husband and i planned to go to Tanzania followed by a week on the island of Zanzibar, nineteen years ago, but before we could book we discovered i was pregnant. Three children later, we still haven’t made it to Africa.
my dream is Baja California Mexico with its wonderful scenery, between cactus deserts and sandy colored powder. But not being an island choose any part of New Zealand
this is also a country of great beauty and variety of landscapes. Good Giveaway 
Île Saint Louis, in the middle of Paris, which I’ve been longing for. Beautiful blog you have here!
I would move to an island off the coast of Maine. Pure paradise!
I would choose Smith Island, Maryland, USA. The night sky is so clear at night, I can view all the meteor showers I want! The air is fresh and so is the seafood! Blue crabs and oysters galore! Plus, lots of tame stray cats wander around to cuddle and pamper.
I think somewhere off the coast of Italy would be wonderful. But really anywhere with my husband would be alright with me!
Hvar – Croatia. Crystal clear waters, amazing food, warm sunny days spent discovering small beaches with my other half & best friend in the world. Take me back!
Is there a little island in the middle of the Seine…with a little boat to row to Paris for Berthillion salted caramel ice cream, Laudree macarons, Gelleries Lafayette, the eiffel tower and the cutest little parisian strets, cafes and bars!!!!
I think I’d live in Hawaii, hey I do live in Hawaii. Someone’s gotta do it!
I have never seen such sparkling aqua blue waters as in Bora Bora in French Polynesia – stunning! Any island paradise would be ok by me(along with lots of fresh seafood)!
I would definitely definitely go to the island of Sardinia… It is the most beautiful place in the world (in my limited experience). Fresh seafood… beautiful views… and having my very large very awesome extended familia, whom I rarely see, being able to visit often.
Just look at it: http://www.lookon.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/sardinia.jpg
I would pick a place where i could get fresh produce in my back yard, fresh seafood off the dock, and have plenty of garden space. I would live in a modest home with my husband and dog and make everything from scratch. A place where I could really learn to homestead.
Cuba! What can I say, the music and the dancing in the streets, the cigars, the cool retro cars and the spicy food and lime infused drinks. Then you have the beaches, sun and easy way of life. Sounds like a great option to me – someone book me a ticket!!
I already do! Kangaroo Island! I wouldn’t live anywhere else for quids, you should come visit! Dinner with fresh Whiting + salad from my garden!?
Goodness, I have to pick just one island?! It would have to be Isla Ometepe in Nicuargura- twin mountains rising out of a fresh water lake nestled in an extinct volcano crater. Stunning, natural, refreshing, artistic, laid-back and freshly caught fish to boot! I’m heading there on a long overdue holiday in 3 months and simply can’t wait.
Back in New Zealand at the top of the Sth Island there is a place where all the grapes grow. Endless Wine to share with friends and fun afternoons hand picking in the blackberry bushes and Cherry Trees. Some of my fav memories!
Sicily for me-I’m already dreaming about it.
I’d pick Fraser Island! I’ve never seen such beautiful water!
If it HAS to be an island I’d love to live somewhere in the Mediterranean. But if it could be anywhere, I think I’m pretty much in love with where my family and I packed up and moved to a year and a half ago; Portugal.
It’s gorgeous here with the ocean nearby, green grassy hills and mountains. An abundance of fresh seafood, some of the best cheese and wine, and beautiful produce. There are even old Roman, Moorish and Celtic architecture and ruins throughout the country. So Portugal would be my ideal place
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On a side note though, I MUST make that Asian beef noodle salad you have, it’s Gorgeous with a capital “G”!
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about going to France. It sounds like paradise for a food-lover like me!
This book as absolutely stunning! I work at Anthropologie in the US, and am keeping my fingers crossed that they will carry it someday!
I have had the marked pleasure of visiting 10+ different Greek islands, and can say without a doubt that “my” little island would have to be Hydra. Not a motor vehicle in sight, their only transportation are donkeys. Wonderful little bakeries and cafes, the sweetest people, and the most picturesque harbor. Anyone who visits Hydra leaves a bit of their heart there… which I think is true of Greece in general, actually.
I’m not sure I could pack up and move somewhere else even if given the chance! I would love to go visit a million different places though including France, Italy, and Germany!
If I could live on Capri, minus all of the tourists, that would be quite lovely indeed.
I would choose live in France so I could be a part of the culture that embraces quality food and fashion. I’ve been admiring from afar for too long now, I just have to get there…
I would love to have to be an island off the Italian coast or Maui. So beautiful!
I have to choose Koh Rong – a tropical paradise island in Cambodia – and I would live in the treehouse bungalows they have there!
If it had to be in Australia, I would choose Kangaroo Island, a beautiful island with delicious food!
174 replies! Wow – the most for any book giveaway. Replies are fab! 14 days left for comments before I pick a winner
I would love to go to Italy.
Thanks for the giveaway!
phillip island! i have wonderful memories of a family holiday we had there at christmas a few years ago.
I have already got lost dreaming about where my dessert island would be…”My Greek Island Home” looks like an amazing book. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. My friend spent many summers on the Greek Islands, I loved her stories about the culture, food, wine and of course the summer romances! She is now happily settled in Ireland (another pretty amazing little island) and when I see her for the first time in two years this May, it will make the perfect gift! I think I would be happy living in Cuba. It’s like going back in time, an escape from our hectic modern lifestyle here in Sydney. A diet of simple foods, rice and black beans, freshly caught seafood and tropical fruit. All healthy until you wash it down with a rum and cola!
Bantry bay in Ireland. Brown bread. Kerrygold butter. Barry’s tea. Taytos. That soft lilac Irish light. The mountains. the sea. Perfection.
Hey Katie, i just looked up the Champagne brunch cruise, just curious how did you arrange it so that you got unlimited beer? The website doesn’t say anything about this.
Did you guys climb the mast? It looks exciting!
Hi Rachel – you’re right, on the site it does say there is a charge for beer or wine (http://www.sydneytallships.com.au/champagne-cruises.html) weird as that wasn’t the case on the day for us or anyone else. My husband booked the tickets originally so I did think it was just champagne too but on the day when we went up to the bar, they offered sparkling, beer or wine (red or white) totally as an open bar. Maybe we were just super lucky or something. Give them a call maybe and ask.
Mick was going to climb the mast and pre-paid the $25 to do it but when we got on board the girl announced that if you wanted to climb the mast you were not allowed to drink beforehand, which Mick thought was fine but when he asked how long it would be before he could climb it she told him she wasn’t sure and would get back to him on it, which she never did, and seeing that he wanted a relaxing 2 hours drinking beer in the sun (! LOL) he decided to not bother having to wait around for God-knows how long, so felt it a better idea to crack open a beer and not bother with the climb. Others on the cruise felt the same, they announced at the start of the cruise they would like to climb it too but I didn’t see them doing it either. A girl who works on the ship or looked possibly like one of the deck-hands girlfriends or similar, did climb it (in a dress LOL) they put a good harness on you and it looked very safe, I was a bit worried at the start about Mick climbing it, as it appeared a tad high and very awkward to get up there climbing up ropes which are right on the side of the boat. She and another girl scooted up no problem. There would have been zero chance of me climbing up there as I’m a total chicken when it comes to anything like that! LOL
Oh thanks for replying! I’ll give them a call this week and find out about the alcohol dealio, it’s something I’d like to do with my boyfriend. Good to know about not drinking before climbing – I know my boyf would feel exactly the same as Mick and just want to relax in the sun with a few beers. Although if they aren’t going to offer unlimited beer instead of the champagne I’m not sure he’ll want to go – not a chance he’ll drink it!
Thanks again for your help!
“Unlimited drinks including beers, wine, soft drinks, juices and champagne are available from the bar at no added cost for the Champagne Brunch Cruise. The price per person is $99 which also includes live entertainment, a two hour harbour cruise and a substantial finger food menu.”
Sounds good – totally booking! x
For me it would be Venice. For the weather, the food, and the beautiful location!
Exhuma Bahamas
I can’t decide between Martha’s Vineyard, where there are four seasons, and an Italian island where there would be just warmth year-round. At my age, I think I would rather have warmth, but living so far from home would be difficult. Very hard choice.
It’s not very tropical, but I would have to say Tasmania. Gorgeous produce, cheeses, seafood and wine – yum!
Either Italy or Greece. Both are stunningly beautiful and full of culture!
I would live in the San Juan Islands. More specifically, Orcas Island. The unbelievable beauty of the pacific northwest comes alive in these islands. There is a huge focus on local farming and all natural ingredients which make it a cook’s paradise!
What a beautiful book!!!!
I think I would live in Tremiti islands – Adriatic Sea.
Hi Katie, I’m learning Greek so I would love to practice my greek in Greece!
I’d move back to Australia, to Noosa I think. We’ve been visiting our friends and family in Sydney for a month and it is going to be so hard to leave and return to Canadian winter! Noosa is lovely for kayaking, food and car tripping the surrounds.
I would want to live in Italy or in Sicily!! For it’s beauty, food and simpler living.
If I can choose a place to live, that’ll be Grenoble, France. I’ve never been out of my country – Vietnam, but I’ve heard that France is incredibly beautiful. The life there isn’s as fast as the USA, as expensive as England,… Not only it has a facsinating scenery, it also has a culture of food. French is the language of love – that’s what my French teacher told me. You can ask me that France has many cities, why do I choose Grenoble? Becuz my parents went there 2 years ago, and when they came back, I was announced that I would have a brother ^^ Je suis content
Hello! And thanks for this contest.
I would now choose Crete, Greece because, at the age of 21, I had two choices… to go discover the world as a nanny. Choice A was Montreal, Canada and choice B was Crete, Greece. I came to Montreal for one year, from France and settled here since… 28 years ago. Even though Montreal is a city on an island, but not really exotic, nowadays I would not mind living closer to the ocean, closer to the sun, for another 28 years
This week, contrary to yours, our weather was arctic & glacial… with for the full week, temperatures around minus 20, and minus 34 with the wind factor. Not fun. Or… go back to France and live on an island in Brittany. Still the attraction of the ocean… I miss it here, a lot.
Best regards from Montreal, Canada!
Sylvie G.
My Island Home, my island home……I think that I have the best Island home….Australia….land of the sunburnt country. If I could dream and I could be taken anywhere, it would have to be the Greek island of Skopelos, no sorry, I’d be happy with any of the Greek Islands!! Beautiful crystal clear blue water, old world buildings, beautiful food, people, what more could I ask for!
Any of the cook islands – we went there for our honeymoon. Just gorgeous, beautiful friendly people, laid back!! simple!
but really any island would do!!!
love your photography – just brilliant!!! makes me hungry!!
thanks!!!
I would love to go to any of the Islands of Scotland, especially the Shetland Islands. The older I get, the more interested I become in my family’s history and heritage, much of which started in Scotland around 150 years ago. There’s just something romantic and beautiful about the thought of visiting the place where my family once was (and where very distant relatives still are).
Hi Katie, I was given your book for Christmas and have already made almost all the salads from it (I have a bit of a salad obsession at the moment). All are delicious even with my near-enough-is-good-enough cooking style! Our favourites are the potato and chorizo one and the lentil and quinoa one. Yum!
Being an islomaniac (obsessed with islands – with thanks to Robert Drewe’s new memoir), I’ve been to many but when I read the giveaway details my first thought was for my first island love – Rottnest Island, off Perth. Not really known for its foodie culture, Rotto is close enough to Perth for me to buy and make my own foodie heaven there. And it holds all those ethereal childhood memories of going to the bakery early in the morning to get the freshly baked bread and eating cream buns and apple turnovers amongst the heady perfume of the fallen Morten Bay figs when the shadows were still long and the cool easterly breeze was still blowing and before the day heated up so that it was essential that you spent it in the ocean. There are no cars and not a lot to do besides swim, relax, cook and eat with friends (I’d imagine if I lived there, there would be no end to the stream of visitors!). Of course the most tantalising part of this being the place I’d love to live is that you aren’t allowed to live there. How special would it be to be one of the few who could!
Ahhh, thanks for the little moment to dream
Jen
Hmmm, difficult to choose a place. My Island must be a fresh place, even better if it’s cold, must have amazing landscapes to waste my time taking pictures. I like quiet places, not overcrowded, with tasty food and easy access to fresh ingredients, and lots of spices. If it also has an internet connection, I’d leave my house right now. ¿Do you know of such a place?
Any island in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s always so blue and being a little protected it’s fairly calm. I could spend my days fishing, swimming and reading. Back to reality! The shopping, ironing and many other errands await!
I would love to go to Santorini island!! On our first ever trip together, we wanted to go there so badly was super expensive!!! So I would love to go there!!
Hey Katie,
I’m thinking the rather large island of Tassie! Lots of local produce, seafood and paddock to plate culture. Laid-back vibe, real 4 seasons weather and all a stones throw away from friends and family (and the bog city lights) in Melbourne. Whats not to like? Cheers
Robben Island as it not too far away from the city of Cape Town.
Insanity.. I’m on the verge,
Want crystal blue waters for me to submerge,
Would love to escape like a migrating bird,
Only one answer… ”Greece” is the word!
My dream island would be in Island.
That’s the only place I imagine myself in. Surrounded by steamy geysers mountains and moss in all the possible colours. A little wooden house that would smell like a fresh pie and mulled wine and dogs cuddling by the fire.
We a hoping to finally go there this year and I wish we could leave to remain..
My dream island would be in ICELAND.
That’s the only place I imagine myself in. Surrounded by steamy geysers mountains and moss in all the possible colours. A little wooden house that would smell like a fresh pie and mulled wine and dogs cuddling by the fire.
We a hoping to finally go there this year and I wish we could leave to remain..
My dream island would be Tenerifa or Mallorca, Spain on some days and on others Hawaii.
Socotra Island–I’ve always been drawn to unique and mysterious places and Socotra is described as having the most alien landscape on Earth. The umbrella shaped Dragon’s Blood trees with their red sap and the bulbous trunks and bright pink flowers of the bottle trees dot the land, and there are stunning beaches with pristine blue water and beautiful coral reefs. And of course, lots of fresh seafood and yummy dates!
Any island in the MALDIVES for me!… Warmth, snorkelling with turtles and curries by day, warmth, brilliant sunsets and curries by night!
I think any mediterranean island would do ! The azure waters are so spectacular and the food, wholesome and healthy.
I’d escape to an island that only exists in my head right now, because such a perfect place doesn’t exist right now and I would love to find a place that is free from worry, where I can do what I love to do uninterrupted… Cook fresh food, inspire other people and smile everyday!
It would be Amorgos, in Greece. my favourite island in the world!
After living in the arctic, I’d pick ANY island in a tropical place, but if I had my druthers, it would be some tiny island near PNG with volcanic beaches and great scuba diving! Tropical weather, exotic fruits and spices, delicious fish…. that’s paradise in my book. I have been lucky enough to have lived in the Caribbean before, so I think I want to be in a different body of water in my fantasy world and away from the Americas.
The food and the plates are both beautiful. Where did you get the plates from?
Hi Carmen, thanks, the plates re from anthropologie.
it would be here. http://witanddelight.tumblr.com/post/36611113913/clubmonaco-take-me-here-photo-by-lee-rentz.
and inside there would be roaring log fire and big warm armchairs with fur blankets. Many hot toddies would be drunk, and marshmallows roasted with dark chocolate and gram crackers. Perfect for daydreaming while being stuck in the middle of another Perth heatwave.