Christine Manfield is one of Australia's most celebrated chefs - a perfectionist inspired by strong flavours, and a writer whose successful books Spice, Stir, Christine Manfield Originals and Christine Manfield Desserts have spiced up the lives of keen cooks everywhere. Her professional culinary life started in the mid-1980s and has culminated to date in three ground-breaking restaurants - Paramount in Sydney from 1993 to 2000, East@West in London from 2003 to early 2005, and now back in Sydney with Universal Restaurant, which opened its doors in August 2007. Christine also continues to broaden her global food interests, working alongside respected chefs around the world and hosting gastronomic tours to exotic destinations including Morocco, India, Spain and Turkey.A note from the editor:An inveterate traveller, Chris Manfield leaves no stone unturned in her quest for new tastes and experiences. Her recipes are imbued with fire, spice and a sense of adventure.