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 Trápaga, 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 Trápaga 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!