Keep it zesty A celebration of Lebanese flavors & culture from Edy's Grocer

When Massih, founder and owner of Brooklyn restaurant Edy's Grocer, emigrated as a child from Lebanon to Boston, food was one of the primary ways he remained connected to his homeland, he explains in this appetizing and authentic debut collection. Massih conceived the volume as a deeply personal tribute to overcoming the many challenges he faced in his new country as well as an homage to the women who influenced his career path and life's journey. For those new to Middle Eastern cuisine, he offers a useful primer on techniques and ingredients and makes menu planning and portioning a cinch with a handy guide. There's enough variety to satisfy just about every palate: appetizers, breakfast and lunch options, and quick weeknight meals headline a stellar lineup of recipes including a summery fattoush salad, lemony chicken orzo soup, and salmon with sumac and everything seasoning. Chapters on entertaining, Lebanese staples, desserts, and beverages showcase everything from herby falafel fit for a feast and traditional kibbeh prepared three ways to Turkish coffee tiramisu and spicy sumac margaritas. Massif's no-nonsense approach makes it easy for home cooks to dabble with a dish or two or go all-in with a full menu. This versatile collection is as practical as it is heartfelt. (Apr.)

Private chef, caterer, and now owner of Edy's Grocer (a Lebanese market and deli in New York City), Massih celebrates his family's Middle Eastern roots--and recounts his own culinary journey--in this splendid collection of 115 tempting recipes. After thoroughly schooling readers about the ins and outs of stocking a Middle Eastern pantry, Massih delivers a plethora of tasty treats, from dips (such as the store's perennially popular toum) to breakfast items (za'atar shakshuka) to dishes like fasiola ou riz that make for fast and easy weeknight meals. Suggestions for menu planning and instructions for building one's own version of Massih's signature "brown paper board" are also included. Threaded throughout are moving essays by Massih on topics such as his beloved grandmothers and how they shaped his cooking, as well as how Oprah became a lifeline for Massih when he immigrated to the U.S. from Lebanon. VERDICT Written with a wonderful sense of humor and a great deal of heart, this cookbook debut is a first-rate introduction to the vibrant and appetizing world of Lebanese cuisine.--John Charles