Taste of Mexico

Having had the unique opportunity to sit in the kitchen of Patricia Quintana and watch her turn simple ingredients into savory gourmet cuisine, this book was like revisiting her table. Her recipes are concise and easy to follow; though some of the ingredients may be a challenge. My own experience recreating a few of her works was very successful and any cook who is seriously seeking the true flavor of Mexico would be well advised to get this book. Patricia is a national treasure in Mexico and her legacy will be preserved in the recipes she has collected.

For those who aren't already familiar with authentic Mexican cuisine, you should know that it has been long regarded as one of the world's five great cuisines...along with Chinese, French, Italian & Spanish (of course more recently Turkish has cracked the top five...and depending on who you ask either Italian or Spanish leaves the list). It has earned its billing as a great cuisine through its 6,000 year history of creativity & complex, sophisticated development of flavor. As such, don't expect these recipes to be simplistic, effortless solutions to a quick weeknight dinner....these are for serious foodies who have grown tired of repeating their French & Italian recipes...and who are looking for a cuisine that is equally gourmet, but a lot healthier, with a greater reliance on colorful produce rather than cream, butter & cheese. For those who aren't already familiar with Patricia Quintana, you should know that she was Mexico City's premier cookbook author for many years, and in the last decade she has become the most celebrated Chef & Restarateur. This is one of the must have books for a serious Mexican foodie. However, I must agree with the editor...if you don't know how to make a basic seared Mexican sauce, or dry roast garlic then you will be a little lost. In that case, I wholeheartedly recommend purchasing Bayless' Mexican Kitchen first, then buying this book once you have exhuasted his recipes.

I purchased this incredible book while living in Mexico for two years. Bringing it back to the U.S. presents a challenge when trying to find the right ingredients, but the hunt is half the fun. This is not a book for people looking to whip up a quick meal, the recipes are complex and detailed. One concern is that since it was originally written in Spanish, some details are lost in the English translation, so be prepared to figure stuff out along the way. My favorite - Filete al Chipotle!

This is the bible of authentic Mexican cooking. I lived 12 years in Mexico, immersed in a family food business, so I feel I can vouch for its authenticity. It is a refreshing divergence from what many Americans think Mexican food is all about. The photography is beautiful, and the book is a visual feast, providing a tour of Mexico's ceramics, textiles, architecture, art and culture as well as its culinary coverage. I have used this book for years and will continue to do so. If you have only one Mexican cookbook this is the one to have!

Absolutely delicious and authentic recipes. Beautiful photography! Some of the ingredients may be a little difficult to find but substitute as little as possible because it will make a difference in the auhenticity of the flavour. One exception, the oil! In Mexico the dishes are traditionally prepared with the amounts referenced in the book, but then you're on vacation and its less of an issue but if you eat the dishes regularly, YIKES! No favorites...I like them ALL so far.