EDIT Book Club | Winter 2024
The EDIT Book Club is a celebration of the meaningful exchange of ideas, where the enduring power of books is the point of inspiration.
Hosted in the EDIT Kitchen at Cosh Living, this series of seasonally curated events bring together those who enjoy the beauty of longform.
Images
Diana Risteski
Event Planning
The Project Agency
Special Guests
Meni Valle Stephanie Stamatis
Author
Aleesha Callahan
With the senses heightened by the delicious smells emanating from the EDIT Kitchen, a group of friendly faces gathered in Melbourne for the second edition of the EDIT Book Club.
The intimate and inviting atmosphere created the perfect backdrop where refined design was met culinary art, which set the stage for a free-flowing dialogue about the power of food to build community.
The event was gracefully hosted by Kylie Forbes, Creative Director of Cantilever, who candidly interviewed the two special guests – Meni Valle, a respected Greek food writer and cookbook author; and Stephanie Stamatis, a long-time collaborator of Meni’s, and art director and photographer.
Meni and Stephanie, both of whom share a rich heritage from the region, took the stage to divulge the tales behind their collaborative efforts on various cookbooks.
Attendees were treated not only to engaging storytelling but also to a live demonstration by Meni, who skilfully prepared a chocolate tart straight from the cover of her latest cookbook The Mediterranean Cook.
Over the course of the conversation, the idea of food being a conduit for community and joy came up again and again – themes that are also at the heart of their work. Meni shared her insights and recipes from another of her cookbook’s Ikaria, which is both a place in remote Greece, and the title of book. Now in its second print run, the book is a culmination of Meni’s research into the "blue zones" – areas known for their high number of centenarians living with minimal health issues. Discussions delved into the Mediterranean diet, which has been a significant part of Meni’s publications.
“What I discovered when researching and creating the cookbook Ikaria, is that in these communities, it’s not just about eating fresh, healthy food and produce (although they do that also), but there is a real sense of community. They all help each other, there is a deeper purpose, and I believe that is the secret to living a long, healthy life,” Meni shared. The relaxed setting echoed the essence of Mediterranean life, emphasising the importance of community as a cornerstone of longevity.
Vulnerable and relatable, both Stephanie and Meni shared anecdotes, personal stories and behind-the-scenes antics that went into producing such exquisite books. Stephanie shared insights into her Macedonian heritage and how on one of the recent trips, they visited the town her family are from, which is now part of Greece. The notion of disconnection and diaspora from a place that holds so much history was a poignant reminder again of the value of community.
The discussions also touched upon the personal evolution seen in Meni’s journey through each book, showcasing her growing personal connection to her heritage and her craft.
The event concluded on a note of rest and reflection, elements that are integral to the Mediterranean lifestyle and were vividly brought to life. The Winter 2024 Book Club was a sensorial delight, further enriching the experience through the activation of the senses with aromatic baking, all within the comforting aesthetics of Cantilever’s kitchen.
