Cindy Pawlcy is owner and executive chef of Mustards Grill in Yountville, California. Her previous book, Mustards Grill: Napa Valley Cookbook won a James Beard Award in 2002.
Big Small Plates is based on the current trend in dining of customers ordering a variety of appetizers (or tapas) and combining them to make a main meal. All the recipes in the book are sampler-sized and are meant to be passed around so everyone enjoys a bite or two from each dish. The book contains a wonderful assortment of original recipes like Chanterelle Arancini with Heirloom Tomato Sauce, Summer King Salmon Kebabs, Tuna Tostadas with Watermelon and Tomatillo Salsa, and Spicy Lamb Burgers with Vietnamese Herb Salad and Tamarind Vinaigrette.
Over 150 beautiful photographs by Laurie Smith complement the recipes.