The Basque Book; A Love Letter in Recipes from the Kitchen of Txikito

Reflecting both the earthy and maritime flavors of the Basque country, this handsome collection of traditional food comes from the chefs at a trio of NYC restaurants: Txikito, La Vara, El Quinto Pino. Simple ingredients are treated carefully to coax out their best flavors, and once in a while the chefs offer a thoughtful riff on a classic dish. In addition to the likes of the hearty fisherman’s stew known as marmitako and creamy croquetas de pollo, you will discover periwinkles dressed in a vibrant sauce of garlic, ginger, jalapeños, and cilantro inspired by a visit to Manhattan’s Chinatown. There’s also a sardine “lasagna” in which the fish are layered with blue cheese and tomato sauce, invented on the fly to satisfy a customer. It’s great to see such an authoritative book with so much personality.

Color photographs throughout. Hardcover.