San Diegans are well aware of the abundance provided by geography and climate, as well as our diverse population, but you might not be aware of the breadth of eateries from Oceanside and Escondido down to Chula Vista — and perhaps you’re a home cook who’d like to make some of the dishes you’ve enjoyed in these restaurants in your own kitchen. Writer Ligaya Malones and photographer Deanna Sandoval have just published “San Diego Cooks: Recipes from the Region’s Favorite Eateries, Bakeries, and Bars”, a book that invites readers to explore the variety of culinary talent we have in San Diego County—and then cook from it.

I interviewed Malones and wrote a piece on the book (including recipes) for The San Diego Union-Tribune. If you love to eat and love to cook, this is a book worth exploring.