Taste: One Palate's Journey Through the World's Greatest Dishes

Host of the Food Network program's Taste, Rosengarten (Dean & DeLuca Cookbook) is known for his spirited personality, a zesty quality that informs his new collection of international recipes as well. Opinionated, enthusiastic and not afraid of being a little silly at times, he offers more than 100 dishes that touch many familiar bases. Among appetizers, he suggests Bruschetta (with recipes for six toppings), Simple Ceviche with Herbs, and Cold Noodles with Spicy Sesame Sauce. He also tweaks some standard recipes by adding twists to My Favorite Guacamole (North Mexican Guacamole with Tomatillo Pur e) and (despite his stated reluctance to make a dessert risotto) Strawberry Risotto. A few recipes are demanding, such as Terrine of Foie Gras with Sauternes Aspic, but he also has a remarkably easy Modern Version of an Ancient Paella. Throughout, Rosengarten recalls his first trips to Bangkok, Madrid and elsewhere and freely dispenses advice on topics from how to judge and eat caviar to how to clean a soft-shell crab. Some recipes call for special equipment: a stove-top smoker is necessary for Jerked Chicken and for Barbecued Dry-Rub Ribs, Memphis Style. Desserts include Mango Sorbet and Jean-Georges Vongerichten's famous Individual Molten Chocolate Cakes. A final chapter on potables covers everything from wine to coffee. Author tour. (Nov.)