Đặc biệt An extra-special Vietnamese cookbook

Dac Biet, meaning "special" or "distinctive," applies as much to these beautiful dishes from Vietnamese American and New Orleans--born chef Nguyen as it does to her exploration of an immigrant community in the Big Easy. Nguyen shares the deeply personal story of turning down Top Chef to tend to her brother while he battled cancer (she later competed in two seasons) alongside the history of NOLA's Vietnamese community, like the Vietnamese fishermen whose work the city relies on. Bright yellow mango slices dipped in chili sauce showcase both succulent produce and the intricate nail art of the hands holding it, a nod to the talented Vietnamese women who found jobs and community in the U.S. nail industry. Another spread features Nguyen's grandmother peeling dozens of baby white eggplants, driving home the importance of family in the author's culinary narrative. Dishes ranging from fish-sauce caramel chicken wings, rice salad with clams, fried shallots and lemongrass, and Southeast Asian jambalaya (featuring Dungeness crab, Creole seasoning, and jasmine rice) will leave readers salivating and wishing for a warm plate to appear immediately before them. Nguyen captures the attention of both palates and minds in this superb blend of food, memories, and history.