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Zov: Recipes and Memories from the Heart

by Zov Karamardian

Blending contemporary Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines and cultures, this unique collection of over 100 recipes, was inspired by Zov’s favorite family recipes, her extensive world travel, and the people with whom she has had the pleasure of cooking and eating.

“Many of the recipes in my cookbook reflect dishes I learned from my mother, grandmother, and the many generous people I have met during my world travels.  My recipes fuse traditional techniques and flavors with modern trends in cooking in order to produce unique and delicious recipes.”

Zov’s cookbook represents her life’s work and cooking knowledge. Each chapter begins with a short story about Zov’s culinary inspiration — from Syria in 1955 to Beirut in 1959 to Morocco and Vietnam in the last decade — including memories of her Armenian grandmother and other teachers from around the world. Beautiful color photos illustrate finished recipes. Zov has also provided a chapter on cooking techniques and pantry ingredients, making 'Zov: Recipes and Memories from the Heart' an informative and easy-to-use cookbook.

In the first few weeks of the book’s initial release in 2005, more than 5,000 copies were sold. Since then, over 10,000 have been sold across the country, prompting Zov to launch a second edition, which includes updates and new recipes.

ZOV provides a complete dining experience with recipes divided into “Mezzas” (appetizers), Soups, Salads, Meat/Poultry, Seafood, and Desserts, many of which are served at Zov’s three successful bistros in Orange County, California.

ZOV is a treasure of easy-to-follow recipes that feature unique and sometimes exotic ingredients, always with advice about where to buy them.  The result is a cookbook with straightforward instructions for creating delectable and out-of-the-ordinary dishes rich in flavor. With the arrival of spring, fresh herbs and vegetables abound, making Zov’s recipes perfect for backyard gatherings or a Mother’s Day brunch.

About the Author
Zov Karamardian is the chef/owner of Zov’s Café/Bakery in Newport Coast and Irvine, California, as well as her flagship restaurant, Zov’s Bistro in Tustin, California. She was presented the “Woman in Business Award 2007” by the Orange County Business Journal, named Chef of the Year by the California Governor’s office, Business Owner of the Year by the National Association of Women’s Business Owners (Orange County), and Restaurateur of the Year by the Southern California Restaurant Writers. She received an Angel Award by the James Beard Foundation, and she also accepted the distinguished honor of serving as guest chef at the esteemed James Beard House in New York. Her recipes have been featured in Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Sunset Magazine, Orange County Register and The Los Angeles Times. You can learn more about Zov on her website, www.Zovs.com.