Mina Holland | The Edible Atlas | London (UK) | By Lee Fleming

The Edible Atlas: Around the World in Thirty-nine cuisines, the first book by Mina Holland (Editor of Guardian Cook) is a full whistle-stop tour for intrepid cooks that perfectly blends together Holland’s passion for food and travel. Published by independent publishers Canongate Books and edited by Jenny Lord, the striking cartography and infographics were designed by London-based illustrator/graphic designer Liane Payne. The impressive art direction and design is thanks to Canongate’s own Rafaela Romaya and the symbols that pepper the book are from Peter Adlington.

The Edible Atlas tracks Holland’s exploration into various cuisines from across the globe alongside their culinary heritage. Demystifying the flavours, ingredients and techniques of 39 different cuisines, the book travels worldwide via South Indian coconut fish curry, zingy ceviche, yoghurty Jordanian mansaf, Danish dream cake, Spanish tortilla de patatas and Caribbean jerk chicken. Alongside snippets of anecdote, history and literature associated with the recipes, words of wisdom from some of the world’s most seasoned food experts also pop up across the pages- expect to hear from Yotam Ottolenghi, Jacob Kenedy, Jose Pizarro and Giorgio Locatelli.

'Materials Matter' 2014 Calendar by Labour & Wait | London (UK)

To complement their fondness for timeless, functional products for everyday life, East London design shop Labour & Wait has recently released their new calendar for 2014 aptly titled ‘Material Matters’. In cohesion with their shop, which since 2000 has dedicated its focus on sourcing the best possible traditionally crafted products for home and life, the self-published calendar celebrates the unique characteristics of twelve of Labour & Wait’s favourite materials: Wood, Ceramic, Glass, Cardboard and so on.

Appearing in a well-considered series of still life, the calendar features a selection of simple, utilitarian objects that are often overlooked but deserve further scrutiny in their design, function and form in daily life. The calendar, which includes the wooden clipboard, is a great office or home addition, be it to save a date or merely to keep ahead of each month as it passes. Available from Labour & Wait online or at their bricks and mortar shop on Redchurch Street.

Benjamin Edmonds of Blok Knives | Derby (UK)

Appreciating something’s value is a notion of individual taste and judgment, no matter its form, but appreciating its value often brings unity. Investing in a bespoke chef’s knife may not be something of recent consideration but nevertheless allow us to present Blok Knives. Designed and handmade in the heart of Derbyshire, Blok Knives are individually crafted by craftsman Benjamin Edmonds. Each purpose built knife is hand ground, finished and tested in Benjamin’s Crow Studio workshop (Unit 2, 29 Great Northern Road, Derby, DE1 1LR).

Born from a passion for quality and a love for all things handmade, Benjamin’s addiction to sharp edges has firmly grounded him in what he wishes for Blok Knives going forward. His obsession for fine finishing and attention to detail is visible with each and every blade crafted. Visit Benjamin’s Blok Knives for more information and knife enquiries.