Paladares

The first book to tell the mesmerizing story of the new Cuban cuisine. A narrative and visual feast from James Beard Awardwinning writer Anya von Bremzen and photographer Megan Fawn Schlowwith more than 100 vibrant recipes. Cuba is experiencing a cultural and culinary renaissanceand its paladares, the private restaurants, are leading the way. Paladares is a fascinating culinary and visual journey through the new Cuba. Born in Soviet Russia in the era of shortages, award-winning writer Anya von Bremzen brings a unique perspective to the stories that Cubas chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and food historians share with her. She eavesdrops on passionate arguments about black beans and tamales; pries Daiquir secrets from legendary El Floridita (Hemingways watering hole); guides us to vibrant agros (markets) and visionary organic farms. We learn of Fidels obsession with cows, milk, and ice cream. We hear wrenching memories of the Perodo Especial, the years of terrible privation after Soviet aid vanished. We meet colorful expats who fell for Cuba and ended up opening restaurantsand local hipsters who obsess over global culture gleaned solely from foreign movies and magazines. Fawn Schlows evocative photographs frame it all with the ramshackle glamour of old Havana, Cubas stunning countryside, dishes that are earthy and innovative, and Cubas incredible people. The more than 100 recipes in Paladares are as intriguing as the characters behind them. Traditional Cuban bean pots, saucy picadillo, crunchy fritters, soulful tamales, Roast Chicken Stuffed with Black Beans and Riceand a Gulf Stream of cocktailsare all featured here. But the recipes also reflect the current aspiration of Cuban cooks to finally catch up with the world through dishes such as Pumpkin Soup with Blue Cheese, Ceviche with Mango and Black-Eyed Peas, or Coffee-Rubbed Pork. Cubas culinary culture is being reborn, and Paladares joyously savors this revolution.