Three Guys From Miami  Cook Cuban: 100 Great Recipes With a Touch of Miami Spice

(hardcover, Gibbs Smith publisher) by Glenn M. Lindgren

224 pages, 75 color photos

From simple Cuban fare like frijoles and tamales, to elaborate dishes like a rich, seafood-packed paella, this hot recipe book is packed with Miami Cuban spice and local color. If you can’t get to Miami for a Cuban sandwich, the next best thing is making your own-or maybe it’s even better. One thing is certain: the Three Guys will make the experience both fun and memorable.

Enter the sensational world of Cuban cuisine, which blends the spices of Spain, the tropical tastes of the Caribbean, a strong African influence, and some new-world spices to boot. You don’t have to be a professional cook to make these extraordinary recipes, and you definitely don’t need to be Cuban to cook and eat them. But don’t be surprised if you develop a yen to visit the Cuban neighborhoods of Miami as you savor the mouth-watering flavors of Cuban cooking.

The recipes in this book represent twenty years of experimentation, refinement, and a lot of trial and error to make them uniquely their own. Many of the recipes were created “from scratch” by the Three Guys after enjoying a meal at a restaurant and trying to duplicate it in their own kitchens. Some are long-time family favorites from Cuba, re-interpreted to take advantage of the abundance of food and ingredients in Miami. All the recipes include a special ingredient: a heaping tablespoon of humor. As the Three Guys say, “If we’re not having fun in the kitchen, we’re not doing anything in the kitchen!”

The Three Guys From Miami are all brothers-in-law. Brought together by fate, they became fast friends who share a passion for good food, good conversation, and a great party.

Glenn Lindgren first came to Miami in 1984 and fell in love with the city, the people, and Cuban culture. A freelance writer by profession, Glenn documents the antics of the Three Guys from Miami in books and on the Internet. When not in Miami, Glenn lives in Minnesota with his wife, two daughters, and a son.

Ral Musibay, born in Cayo la Rosa, near Bauta, in the province of Havana, spent one winter in New Jersey but has been a full-time Miami resident every since. He and his wife have two married children.

Jorge Castillo was born and raised in Cayo la Rosa, Havana. He came to the United States via the Mariel Boatlift in 1980. He now lives in Miami’s West Dade with his wife and two daughters.

(From Barnes & Noble website)

A review from Publishers Weekly

“The authors nicely cover savory snacks like Cornmeal Pancakes, numerous types of empanadas, and Plantain Chips. They also remain true to authentic Cuban cuisine by not skimping on the frying, though fat-phobic Americans will probably avoid the Fried Pork Chunks. Occasionally the recipes slip into a cutesy tone (one for Cuban Bread cheerleads, “it’s a little sticky, but you can do it!” then begins a later step with, “When you return from the pool…”). Overall, this effort stands out less because of its appeal than because it has so few competitors.”