EAT DRINK AND BE STRADDIE
Tales and Tastes from an Island in the Sun
So much more than a cookbook
It’s a tribute to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), a place we called home for many years. This 200-page book features 100 recipes made with local ingredients—from fresh seafood to bush tucker—and stories about the island’s people, history, and culture.
This wasn’t just a passion project for Stu and me—it was something we led from start to finish. From the moment we captured those incredible photos of mullet fishermen, we knew we had something special. We managed every aspect of the book: brainstorming ideas, working with local producers, hiring a top-notch team—including an editor, designer, and chef—testing recipes, organising photo shoots, and handling printing, marketing, and distribution.
SELF PUBLISHED SELF MANAGED
PASSION PROJECT
Since its launch in 2016, the book has found its way into libraries across Queensland, onto coffee tables in real estate listings, and into homes both in Australia and overseas. It’s even been gifted to international visitors by the Redlands City Council. To this day, it still sells, and I’ve had the pleasure of speaking at events and book signings, sharing the stories behind it.
This is what we love to do: take an idea, collaborate with great people, and turn it into something meaningful. Eat, Drink and Be Straddie remains one of our proudest achievements, and we hope it resonates with everyone who picks it up.
Over 100 Island-Inspired Recipes:
From mullet tacos to Quandamooka honey panna cotta, each recipe highlights the best of Straddie’s fresh, local ingredients.
Stories of Local Producers:
Dive into the lives of Straddie’s personalities, from the mullet fishermen who keep age-old traditions alive to the passionate beekeepers producing unique local honey. Each story captures the heart of island life, celebrating the people who shape its vibrant community and bring its incredible produce to life.
Also Includes
- Historical Insights: Includes a timeline of key historical events that shaped the island.
- Foreword and Welcome: Features contributions from Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden and Quandamooka Elder Dr. Aunty Joan Hendriks.
- Community Recipes: Locals favourite eats made from locally sources food.
Printed Edition
You can find Eat, Drink and Be Straddie at a few select suppliers both on and off the island. For those further afield, Jess at Starfish Studio makes it easy—she’ll post a copy straight to your door.
EXPLORE OUR THREE MINI E-BOOKS
On the back of Eat, Drink and Be Straddie we produced three mini e-books. They are available to download through Amazon (the devil, I know – sorry about that, but we were young and needed the money) Click on the image to the link to buy.
