Lorena Garcia's New Taco Classics

Starred review from August 17, 2015
Television personality and restaurateur Garcia’s follow up to 2011’s New Latin Classics is much more than its titular topic. Yes, there are tacos (including the classic hard shell with ground beef and cheddar cheese), but Garcia offers much more in this mouthwatering collection of over 100 Mexican dishes for all tastes. Once readers have their vessel of choice—tortillas, sopes, reinitas, etc.—they’re ready to create grilled Meyer lemon chicken on soft corn tortillas, blue tenderloin tacos with blue cheese slaw and crispy onions, or roasted tomato and cheese telitas, an inspired riff on the classic BLT. That type of outside-the-box thinking informs the book. Garcia isn’t out to wow with dishes that are impossible to source or create, but those tired of the same old tacos will appreciate her ceviche-like take on shrimp cocktail, grilled avocado tacos, and fried chicken with a zippy guacamole. Traditionalists will appreciate the inclusion of tamales with green tomatillo and pulled chicken and tostadas al pastor, as well as tips on making the best chile de arbol sauce. This book is approachable enough for the novice, and packed with must-try dishes for everyday dining as well as special occasions. Readers might want to buy two copies, since the first one’s going to be stained and tattered in no time.