Nobu Miami: The Party Cookbook

Duck “sushi,” foie gras croquettes with yuzu marmalade, octopus carpaccio—such elaborate yet playful creations from Nobu Matsuhisa's Miami outpost would fit in at any trendy party. Matsuhisa and his Miami executive chef, Buckley, offer this thoughtful interplay of cuisines, with Latin American ingredients incorporated into Japanese dishes and vice versa, all executed with Buckley's European precision but infused with the colorful, fun approach that always inspires chefs in Miami. Chapters divide the book into finger foods, such as stuffed cucumber and sliders made with Kobe beef and daikon radish “buns”; larger dishes for luncheons and dinners (amped-up fish and chips; spicy marinated grilled short ribs); and, of course, an array of exotic desserts like banana harumaki with dulce de leche. Overall, most recipes have relatively few steps, but preparation methods and the multitude of unusual ingredients required are likely to daunt home cooks without a big budget and a kitchen full of assistants. Still, this gloriously photographed book will attract readers interested in the genesis of these dishes and ways to think about their flavors. (Nov.)