New cookbook from Belfast duo puts a five star plate on every neighbourhood table

Chef Jonny Taylor and his wife Christina, who took over Shed Bistro in 2018 and launched Blank in October 2021, have quickly established their two restaurants as among the most popular and unique in Ireland. Blank won Restaurant of the Year at the 2022 LCN awards just one year after it opened.

Jonny, from Belfast and Christina, from Slovakia, created the book because of their desire to help home chefs across the UK and Ireland bring 5 star cooking to a plate on every table.

The book contains over 40 recipes with a range of vegetarian and kids options too, including meals from Shed Bistro as well as some of Jonny’s own favourite dishes. All can be prepared in the home with local ingredients available in good local shops and supermarkets.

Cooking local food since he was a teenager, Chef Jonny Taylor said: “We’ve published Neighbourhood Cooking to help home chefs across the UK and Ireland put five star cooking on their family dinner tables.

"I’ve been cooking since I was a young teenager and want to help every home enjoy top tasting meals. The quality of food and produce across Ireland means we have access to premium quality ingredients – anyone who buys this book can bring these ingredients to life on a plate for their family, friends and loved ones. What better gift can you give someone close to you than a meal prepared with care and attention?”

The book’s title - Neighbourhood Cooking - recognises Jonny and Christina’s commitment at Shed Bistro to make the restaurant a place for everyone to enjoy. The book aims to bring the neighbourhood closer together through the joy of food prep and cooking.

Offering wine pairing as well as a range of recipes to suit both taste and budget, Christina Taylor, who manages both Belfast restaurants successfully, added: “We’re very excited to publish Neighbourhood Cooking - our first ever cookbook - including over 40 delicious dishes that, under our guidance, are straightforward to make at home.

"During the pandemic we offered customers ‘Heat at Home’ kits which allowed them to enjoy restaurant quality food while we were forced to close. We aren’t able to do that this year, thankfully because our doors are open and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back, but we also wanted to provide an alternative which enabled people to continue enjoying quality cooking in the comfort of their own homes.

“That’s where the idea for our book came from. We’ve even included suggested wine pairings for many of the meals, and a range of options for vegans, vegetarians and kids too.”

“Shed is a restaurant at the heart of the neighbourhood and we want this cookbook to be in the heart of every kitchen.”

Neighbourhood Cooking will be able available at Shed Bistro on Ormeau Road and a number of local bookshops across Northern Ireland.