Cookbook: Small Bites, Big Nights

the appetizer:

Small Bites, Big Nights by celebrity chef Govind Armstrong will have you entertaining in no time with recipes like Breakfast in Bed, New Zealand Scampi, and Kona Coffee Kicker.

Cookbook

Small Bites, Big Nights
Seductive Little Plates for Intimate
Occasions and Lavish Parties

by Govind Armstrong

Click to buy Small Bites, Big Nights

Govind Armstrong is a rising culinary star who entertains A-list celebrity clientele at his Table 8 restaurants (Los Angles and Miami) and Hollywood hotspots RokBar and L'Scorpion.

A culinary prodigy, Armstrong began his career at the age of thirteen working with Wolfgang Puck at Spago, later perfecting his skills in Europe at three-star Michelin restaurant Arzak. Having enjoyed phenomenal success in the States, Armstrong has made lounge-style dining part of his signature, turning small plates into an art form.

For parties at home, small plates are the perfect way to allow guests to explore, be inventive, enjoy a feast of complementary flavors—and a perfect way to liven up the party. Armstrong is known for his fresh, inventive, and contemporary combinations, and in his debut cookbook, Small Bites, Big Nights: Seductive Little Plates for Intimate Occasions & Lavish Parties, he draws readers into his world with a dynamic collection of recipes hosts can use to create a menu of small, sophisticated, sexy dishes paired with a happening cocktail.

Whether firing up the grill in a relaxed outdoor setting, turning a living room into a late-night lounge or charming a date with breakfast in bed, breaking bread with friends is one of life's pleasures. The menus and recipes in Small Bites, Big Nights were conceived so that hosts can relax and have fun, rather than fussing in the kitchen.

With Small Bites, Big Nights the home host will:

Wow a crowd with hors d'oeuvres

Arugula, Dates, and Parmesan (a salad that's finger food)
Rare Tuna Crostini with White Bean Puree and Tapenade
Seared Kobe Beef on Mini Yorkshire Pudding
To drink: Black Martinis. (Armstrong always suggests creative signature cocktails rather than an entire open bar.)

Make dinner for 8

Tender Bean Salad and Prosciutto
A deceptively simple Foie Gras-Stuffed Quail
Luscious Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis

Warm up a cool night

Mini Onion Soup
Braised Chicken Oysters Piccata
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Mousse

Prepare a sexy dinner with the object of your affection

Truffled Gruyere Fondue
Kumamoto Oysters with Champagne Granita

With Small Bites, Big Nights as the party guide, guests wiil never decline. So send out those invitations, pump up the music, bring on the cocktails and prepare for a home kitchen revolution!

About the Author

Govind Armstrong is the executive chef and co-owner of Table 8 Restaurants in Los Angeles and in Miami. He began working at Spago at the age of 13 under the tutelage of Wolfgang Puck. His experience in the kitchen includes a turn at Puck's Postrio restaurant and at L.A.'s famed Campanile; learning from Juan Maria Arzak at his three-star Michelin restaurant in Spain; and opening Chadwick restaurant with future Table 8 partner Ben Ford (son of Harrison). He served as the celebrity chef for Crystal Cruises and Cunard's Queen Mary II.

He has appeared on The Today Show, Iron Chef America, Simply Ming and Celebrity Cooking Showdown. He has been featured in Gourmet, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, the Los Angeles Times, US Magazine, USA Today, and was chosen as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in People's 2004 issue. Armstrong lives in Los Angeles.

Small Bites, Big Nights
Seductive Little Plates for Intimate Occasions and Lavish Parties
by Govind Armstrong
Clarkson Potter 2007
Hardcover, $30.00
ISBN 978-0-307-33793-1 (0307337936)
Information provided by the publisher.

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