Small Bites, Big Nights: Seductive Little Plates for \t\t Intimate Occasions and Lavish Parties

Celeb chef Tyler Florence writes in the foreword that "Govind \t\t Armstrong [the executive chef and co-owner of Table 8 restaurant] is the new \t\t king of Los Angeles and I want to tell everybody about it." Armstrong's big \t\t personality certainly comes across in the pages of this festive book; his \t\t passion, dedication and playfulness are evident from the first lines of his \t\t intro to the last recipe, and he never gets pretentious about it. After a \t\t discussion of the well-stocked pantry, there are chapters—somewhat \t\t sporadically arranged—on cocktails and hors d'oeuvres; grilled dishes \t\t (Grilled Squid with Green Garbanzos and Bruschetta, for example); dinner party \t\t food; comfort foods; "Sexy Savories," such as Heart & Sole and Breakfast in \t\t Bed (an omelet with asparagus, morels and goat cheese); and "Lounge Foods," \t\t like Scotch Quail Eggs with Chorizo, Smashed Spuds with Sliced Beef and Blue \t\t Cheese, and Krispy Kreme "Coffee & Doughnuts." Even recipes that sound \t\t intimidating are approachable (although readers will have to get used to the \t\t somewhat unconventional recipe format in which ingredients are listed on the \t\t left and amounts on the right). But that's a quibble, for the 125 color photos \t\t are simple and striking enough to make up for that. (Apr.)