A BITE OF THE BIG APPLE

New York, New York. It's Ella and Louis. It's Seinfeld and Woody Allen. It's the bright lights of Broadway, it's hot dogs at 2 a.m., it's bagels and doughnuts and pastrami on rye. It's also Mexican, Jamaican, Filipino, Puerto Rican and Chinese food, all thrown together in a cultural cacophony quite unlike anywhere else in the world. All of these influences come together when Monica Trapaga, one of Australia's most-loved entertainers, escapes to New York - and realises she has come home.

Join Monica on her journey of discovery as she explores her American, Hispanic and Filipino roots in a city on the other side of the world. She shares both the recipes she discovers there, and family treasures from the Trapaga vault, all illustrated with her beautiful collages, drawings and photographs. Monica shows you how to infuse even the simplest act with a little of her carnival creativity. Embrace food, embrace laughter, embrace life!

Monica and Lil embrace NYC with such passion and have so much fun doing so that you just want to be there with them at their dining table, browsing in the markets and getting to know the neighbours.
Monica Trapaga has delighted audiences across the nation as a jazz singer, MC and television personality for over 20 years, including stints on Channel 7's Better Homes and Gardens and ABC TV's Playschool. She is also a retailer of vintage furniture and homewares at Reclaim, in Sydney's Newtown, as well as a passionate and knowledgeable home cook, and a mother of two and stepmother of four. Monica loves New York and this is her second cookbook.

Monica's daughter Lil Tulloch also loves food. To satisfy her obsession for hosting, travel and adventure, she has found a home within the circus. Her love of flying high has led her to perform, teach and choreograph throughout the world and she constantly has a table of ravenous acrobats to try out and perfect her new recipes. This is her first book.