Brunch King: Eats, Beats, and Boozy Drinks

As brazen, bold, and bejeweled as the chef behind it, this book brings the brunch—and the booze—from Maggiore’s Arizona restaurant group to the masses, with recipes that he claims will set the vibe. From hangover helpers and hash browns to decadently nostalgic cereal drinks that will appeal to any grown-up’s inner Flintstone fan, he’s dished up meal components that are elaborate and excessive, which is precisely the point of brunch. There’s nothing everyday or ordinary about his donuts, and the s’mores French toast might induce a sugar coma, so home cooks may want to look at the book to inspire special events rather than daily fare. Still, there’s room at the table for brunch beginners: Maggiore has a chapter on brunch basics and an overview of his approach to brunch that may inspire cereal-and-milk eaters to venture outside of the box.