Cookbook Neighborhood has amassed for itself a cult-like fan base over the years. The celebration of creative salads is the concoction of former Surry Hills resident Hetty McKinnon, who now lives stateside and is about to expand her business into a permanent space with the launch of the Neighborhood Studio. The new Brooklyn space is intended to expand both Hetty and business partner Jodi Moreno’s passion for community activities, and will act as a home for a range of communal cooking, dining, and photography events. To launch the studio opening, the duo partnered with fellow Australian talent textiles house Utopia Goods for a pop-up brunch on Saturday, August 26. Hetty’s flavoursome dishes were matched with Utopia’s bold fabrics, with the event itself inspired by the natural and untamed beauty of wild flowers.

Hetty McKinnon and Jodi Moreno are the brains behind the Neighborhood range of cookbooks and new studio.

The finished table showcased the latest collection of Utopia Goods textiles.

Utopia Goods co-creator Sophie Tatlow styled the event.

Edible flowers were naturally a part of the event menu for the day.

Hetty was on hand to help bring the menu to life, including the hibiscus rose which was served to guests.

The event menu was designed around Hetty’s passion for creative vegetarian cuisine.

Alongside the Utopia Goods prints, Sophie sourced a selection of flowers from the local markets to dress the tables.

Dessert was of course included in the lunch, which was specially designed by Hetty and Jodi.

Each of the Utopia Goods designs is illustrated and hand-screen printed on a premium linen, with prints a celebration of Australian flora and fauna.