Publisher's Weekly Review

Beronilla, of Epicurious's 4 Levels video series, offers 60 simple recipes for inexperienced cooks in his solid if sometimes cloying debut. His goal is to inspire and encourage home cooks to have fun, noting, "there's no need to be afraid to give anything a try." Presenting a range of recipes suitable for an array of occasions--from tapas and veggies to meats, seafood, noodles, and desserts--Beronilla covers a lot of ground without compromising flavor. Playfully named (sometimes too much so) dishes, such as Macho Nachos, Lumpty Dumpty Crab Dip, and My Oh My, Pizza Pie, punch up his tapas offerings, while main courses put an American spin on the Filipino recipes he grew up with, such as the Adobo-Wan Kenobi (braised pork "Americanized" with the addition of beer). A tempting Risottlo 'N' Seared Scallops (cooked "low-and-slow"), easy Ramen Nomadingdon, and lemon shorties with a Filipino-inspired buttery cashew crust lend a rich edge to the offerings. Appetizing as Beronilla's recipes are, the goofy names wear thin after a while, and his best dishes--such as the grilled carne asada, and pork and shrimp egg rolls--are those that leave the shtick behind and just focus on the food. While Beronilla's fans will no doubt find much here to love, home cooks can find similar recipes elsewhere in a less gimmicky package. (May)