LA COMIDA DEL BARRIO
Latin-American Cooking in the U.S.A.

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, Aarón Sanchez introduces us to the diversity and excitement of Latin cooking with his delectable book, LA COMIDA DEL BARRIO: Latin-American Cooking in the U.S.A (Clarkson Potter/Publishers, May 5, 2003). At an early age, Aarón is already an accomplished chef, restaurant owner, and one of the cohosts of Food Network's wildly popular Melting Pot. The son of restaurateur and author Zarela Martinez, Aarón was born into a family where a passion for cooking is a way of life - and is the third in his generation to become a cookbook author. His passion led him to start working in restaurants at age sixteen in order to perfect his craft. In LA COMIDA DEL BARRIO, he shares the vast knowledge he gained from his experience in top-flight restaurant kitchens, and his dedication to the foods and traditions that bring out the vibrancy of every Latin-American neighborhood.

Melding tradition with innovation, Aarón takes a variety of Latin-American dishes that are popular in the lively and fast-growing barrios of the United States, from Miami's Little Havana to San Francisco's Mission District, and puts them together in a book designed to show even the most novice cook how to whip up an authentic, Latin-inspired meal - without the need for impossible-to-find ingredients or impractical techniques. LA COMIDA DEL BARRIO is broken down into different types of eateries - such as La Fonda (the market stand), La Taquería (the street stand), and La Jugoría (the juice stand) - with black-and-white photographs and extensive sidebars that explore the foods and heritage of the barrios.

For Cinco de Mayo, take your pick of some of the inventive recipes in LA COMIDA DEL BARRIO and make a truly diverse Latin meal. Aarón overlooks no Latin culture in this book packed with delicious alternatives to the standard summertime barbeque dishes. Turn your summer cookout into the ultimate Mexican-American fiesta with Tacos de Carne Asada (roasted beef tacos). For a Caribbean feel, try fish in coconut broth, or a dessert of guava and cheese turnovers. Arroz con Pollo is widely popular all over Latin America, and Aarón even offers traditional tricks on how to know when your chicken with rice is ready to be served. To satiate your sweet tooth, Aarón provides delicious desserts including the traditional flan - but adds a twist by topping it off with coconut shavings, and includes tips on how to make a perfect batch of toasted coconut.

Aarón's love of all Latin cultures creates an upbeat and exciting look at the eclectic combinations of meals you can make for any gathering. LA COMIDA DEL BARRIO gives readers a mouthwatering history lesson - from the origins of recipes to the Latin neighborhoods in the United States - and highlights the holidays and traditions of Latin American culture. As fellow celebrity-chef Bobby Flay says, "Let the prince of the barrio, Aarón Sanchez, guide you through his flavorful beat and Latin heat".

240 pages w/ 50 b&w photographs by Emmanuel Bastien

Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers
Publication date: May 5, 2003
ISBN: 0-609-61075-9
Price: $30.00