Bitton: A French-Inspired Cafe Cookbook

by David Bitton, Johan Palsson (Photographer), Jody Lee (Editor)

It all started with a jar of strawberry and vanilla jam, made from a recipe lovingly passed down from grandmother to grandson. Bitton Gourmet Cafe and Grocer is a Sydney institution, a sanctuary for busy city dwellers where they can grab a bite to eat, enjoy a great coffee or relax over a leisurely weekend breakfast before the bustle of the new week begins. More than a caf?this is a place where exotic traditions of food come together. David's French childhood and training, his grandfather's Moroccan heritage, his grandmother's Turkish history and his wife's South African Indian background are the influences behind David Bitton's cooking and menus. Bitton is about the stories that have shaped the philosophy of this much-loved Sydney cafe. As traditions and memories inspired David's love of food and passion for cooking, Bitton is a tangible way people can enjoy creating their very own memories of cooking for family and friends. More than a cookbook, Bitton vividly gives the provenance of each recipe, following David Bitton's amazing culinary journey.There is something for everyone, from simple rustic breakfast dishes to extravagant dinner party suggestions. Here's the chance to enjoy five-star food that is accessible, focusing on fresh ingredients and tantalising flavours. Filled with Bitton favourites and the dishes that David enjoys cooking at home, Bitton is a must-have for anyone who loves good food.

223 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2010

About the author

David Bitton began his apprenticeship in La Colombes, Paris in 1984 at the age of fifteen. His training took him to the glamorous setting of Cannes working in a number of grand dining establishments, including the famous Carlton Intercontinental. Meeting a group of Australians in Switzerland gave him a taste for travel to the other side of the globe, and while waiting for his Visa to come through, he returned to France and worked in one of the oldest fine-dining rooms in Paris, the two Michelin-starred Ledoyen. With $1000 in his pocket and no English, David arrived in Australia on Anzac Day 1991, making his way straight from the airport to his first day at work at The Treasury at Sydney’s Intercontinental Hotel. It was here that he met his future wife and business partner, Sohani. In 1994, David was Chef de Partie at The Sheraton on the Park in Sydney, quickly becoming Head Chef at the famous Gekko Restaurant in 1996. After three years, David and his wife Sohani turned their backs on their corporate careers to follow a long-time dream of running their own café. In 2000 this dream became reality when David and Sohani opened Bitton in Alexandria, the beginning of their amazing success story. From this now iconic establishment has come a product range under the same name, now sold nationally and internationally in over 600 fine food stores. In 2010 David wrote and self-published his first cookbook which sold an unprecedented 60,000 copies. Together in 2012 David and Sohani launched Bitton Consulting supporting other small food producers and businesses by drawing on their own experiences – good and bad. Their most recent growth has been with the opening of a second café in May 2016 – Bitton Oatley. Based on the same features synonymous with the Bitton brand, Bitton Oatley is already a bustling local café and bistro. David is committed to giving back not only to the communities that support his businesses, but also to many other larger charities such as the Chris O’Brien LifeHouse for Cancer Research at RPA and Ronald McDonald House Randwick. David has also been honoured with being an official Australia Day Ambassador for the past four years. Despite this outstanding success Bitton remains a family owned business synonymous with a warm welcome, great service and delicious food.