A less-formal style of eating is certainly the go in our cafés and restaurants with small bites, shared platters and snacks undoubtedly the thing, while street food has definitely wandered inside to sit happily at the table. Although meze and street food differ they make for an enticing book, which centres on the Middle East but blurs the edges a bit to include some dishes from further afield. London-based Sally Butcher has earned her stripes as the proprietor of Persian- inspired grocery, Persepolis, and with  an Iranian husband and a family full of recipes it is authentic enough for me. It’s unpretentious fare, with one chapter titled ‘meat on sticks’ and another, wait for it, ‘meat not on sticks’ – techniques are straight-forward and it’s presented with a warm and inviting writing style. So get ready to invite a crowd with loads of different kebabs (the Baluchi Chapli are my favourite), Tunisian brik fish pies and dozens of other ‘want-to-eat-it-right-now’ dishes. TRACY WHITMEY