BOOK REVIEW: Death By Burrito by Shay Ola

Shane | 3 October 2014 | 1 Reply

BOOK REVIEW: Death By Burrito by Shay Ola
Hatchette Australia, August 2014, rrp$35.00
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
8/10

Shay Ola runs a Mexican grill and tequila bar in the heart of East London called – naturally – Death By Burrito, as well as being the founder of the Rebel Dining Society, a group who push the boundaries of fine dining events, and here he compiles his recipes for the food that has made the bar such a hit with Londoners.

Helpfully dividing the book into simple to follow chapters, starting with Essentials (tortillas, chillis, herbs & spices, garnishes, cheese), Ola leads us on a culinary adventure into modern, funky Mexican cuisine.

Small Bites, Salsas and Moles, Burritos & Tacos, Sweet Things, Sides and – essential – cocktails, usually of the tequila variety, are all covered in detail and with a loving hand.

It’s enough to make you damn hungry indeed, and even though he’s not attempting to reinvent the wheel with this food, it is a refreshingly individual take on the traditional, and there’s plenty of glossy photos to help get the taste buds tingling, from Ancho Chilli & Chocolate Ice Cream to Drunken Beans, Lobster Tacos to Plantain Burritos and – super dude food du jour – Sliders, Tostadas, Crab Cakes and Ceviche.