Dozens of local eateries and producers will be showcased in Quicksand Food’s latest offering, The Illawarra Cookbook, with a variety of cuisine from across the region.

Publisher Stefan Posthuma said curating the 55 recipes was an incredibly hard task because there were so many cafes, restaurants and bars to choose from but one criteria they looked for was businesses that “embraced the local ethos”.

“The Illawarra Cookbook is a celebration of the people, produce and places that are driving the region’s increasingly modern – yet locally-focused – culinary landscape,” he said.

“We try to showcase the best of what the region has to offer.”

Read More: A taste of native Illawarra with hatted restaurant Caveau in Wollongong Central

Growers and eateries were hand-picked from Scarborough to Gerringong with a range of recipes from simple veggie burgers to bridetto – an Italian fish stew.

Mixed through the recipes and beautiful photographs are stories about producers, though these can be found via a podcast with a special QR code to be scanned by a smartphone.

Mr Posthumas said one thing which stood out while creating the book was the common theme of businesses drawing attention to sustainability and the environment.

Previous cookbooks released from the publisher highlight cuisine from the South Coast, Southern Highlands and Canberra.

Read More: Inside Wollongong's new Asahi bar and Japanese inspired Another Burger Joint