In recent years, books about entertaining, in a never-ending quest to sell as many units as possible, have wandered away from their true mission. Now, nearly every title focuses on making it quick and effortless, with easy-this and store-bought that, and the specious promise that you needn't work to throw a great party. But, in fact, working is what makes a great party, and there are a lot of people who love to do it - as proven by the entire career of Martha Stewart. Some readers may want to get dinner on the table as quickly as possible; this book is not for them. "Fandango" is about making it memorable: making it big, making it participatory, and making it cohesive. Sometimes the food is rustic, inexpensive, and simple to cook: a fiesta luncheon of Mexican dishes, or the Summer Day barbecue. Sometimes it's downright indulgent - a truffle dinner, or a romantic supper. The 125 recipes run the gamut from traditional American and Mexican food to exotic Indian, rustic Italian and Spanish, and even a wee bit O'Scottish. In wine-country style, every course is paired with a wine - both a general varietal suggestion and a specific bottle. Sometimes beer. Or watermelon margaritas.
