A surprise to those unfamiliar with the Philippines is the great geographical diversity of the Islands and their six major culinary regions. Gerry Gelle's contribution to our understanding of this diversity is his knowledge of these regions. His recipes include the mountain and coastal regions of Northern Luzon and the many islands of the Visayas and the island of Mindanao. We learn of the rich mixtures of people, from the Pangasinans of Luzon with their speciality of "cultured" fish, to the Tagalogs, who use vinegar and fruits to give their dishes the preferred sour taste. He explains the use of guinamos, a paste of fermented shrimp or fish in the Visayas, and the use of hot chiles and spices to make curry in Mindanao. After cooking with these recipes, you will know the aromas and tastes of Filipino cooking.

Over 270 recipes included.

"Although he gives a culinary geography lesson of the spread-out islands that make up the Philippines, Gelle says 'the book was written from a Filipino-American point of view, not a Filipino point of view.' Thus, the recipes sometimes have been modified to fit both American ingredients and the Americanized tastes of those born and raised in this country. The recipes are no less authentic for being adapted."

-- San Francisco Chronicle

 There are far too few Filipino cookbooks on the market; most competitors appearing in non-durable paperback which may not survive the rigors of library lending. This solid hardcover is perfect for a library's ethnic cookbook collection: over 200 recipes complete with a selection of fine color photos embellish an in-depth reference to the cuisine of many Philippine islands. Included are an index and glossary, plus plenty of cultural references.

--The Bookwatch