Latin Grill: Sultry and Simple Food for Red-Hot Dinners and Parties

Nuevo Latino chef and restaurateur Palomino (Nueva Salsa, Viva La Vida, Fiesta Latina, etc.) expands his exploration of Latin into grilling territory in this colorful, if predictable, collection of ceviches, salads, mains and accompaniments. Though Palomino tries to keep his dishes consistent with his Latin heritage, they keep slipping out from under him: for every Peruvian tuna tartare (aka Toro Tiradito), Tostone, Arroz Con Pollo, Sangria or Arepas there's a focus-derailing panzanella, manchego-prosciutto-and-arugula quesadilla, Strawberry and Cucumber Cosmo or Grilled Maine Lobster Skewer with a Mango-Basil Relish. Still, the hits outnumber the misses, including simple, amateur-friendly recipes like Coconut Flan with Guava Sauce, chocolate and coffee brioche bread pudding, grilled lamb chops topped with a pomegranate-citrus glaze, and Grilled East Coast Oysters with Corn Jalapeno Salsita, all perfect for outdoor entertaining. With a clean and colorful layout, open-flame fanciers will find plenty of worthy inspiration.