Pernot and Castro tour the island, collecting dishes and stories that reveal a vibrant contemporary cuisine. Each dish has been adapted from the best private restaurants from Old Habana to Santiago de Cuba and the author's own celebrated restaurant, Cuba Libre, marrying traditional foundations with modern influences.

Divided into chapters for fresh seafood (Mar), meat (Tierra), vegetables (Granja), delectable desserts (Postres), and handy Basics (Esenciales), Cuba Cooks includes recipes for Arroz con Bacalao, Charred Snapper in Coconut Sauce, Oyster Ceviche, and elegant Stone Crab Mojito; Ajiaco (Cuban stew), Cuban Fried Chicken, Duck Ropa Vieja, Honey-Glazed Lamb Ribs with Cachucha Vinaigrette, Pork Belly Fried Rice, a traditional whole pig-roast, and a legendary smoked chicken from the side of the road; Black Bean Gnocchi with Culantro Butter, Green Plantain Soup garnished with Popcorn, and Malanga Tacos Stuffed with Eggplant; Old Habana street vendors' roasted coconut and almond Cucuruchos, Guava Ice Cream, Cuba Libre's Chocolate Tart with Caramelized Bananas, and Bonatillos, traditional sweet potato pudding balls.