The Power of Pasta: A Celebrity Chef’s Mission to Feed America’s Hungry Children

In this combination of memoir and cookbook, Serato, a California restaurant owner and philanthropist, shares his story of immigrating to America and working with his charity, Caterina’s Club, which feeds hungry children. He also provides recipes for 40 of his signature dishes. Serato grew up in France, the child of Italian immigrant parents, and at age 20 left for Orange County, Calif., with only $200 in his pocket. He worked in restaurants, eventually opening his own. Most important to Bruno, as he explains, are his humanitarian efforts, including his Chef Bruno Hospitality Academy, which gives at-risk teenagers experience in the food industry. The recipes that make up the second half of the book reflect dishes that he serves in his restaurant, such as duck legs in potato nests and poached salmon served with white chocolate mashed potatoes, as well as simpler fare such as penne amatriciana and stuffed calamari with béchamel sauce. The dishes and their presentation seemed to have changed little since his 1987 restaurant’s opening, but readers may forgive their datedness as they’re charmed by his feel-good message. (Oct.)