Most folks have never heard of Chef Dominique Macquet’s homeland, the tiny African island of Mauritius, but that doesn’t stop them from enjoying the savory tropical dishes he serves up in his New Orleans restaurant. The author of Dominique’s Tropical Latitudes and Dominique’s Fresh Flavors: Cooking with Latitude in New Orleans, Macquet creates dishes that draw on his island past, the kaleidoscope of New Orleans food traditions and tidbits he picked up on his travels through Africa and Latin America. They’re exotic concoctions that are still within reach of any novice chef — try his Caribbean stew pepperpot, key lime crème brûlée or jerk-marinated roast leg of lamb. Meet Chef Macquet during today’s book signing at 2 p.m. Border’s Books, 570 Meyerland Plaza. For information, call 713–661–2888 or visit www.bordersstores.com. Free.

Tue., Feb. 5, 2 p.m., 2008

This article appears in Jan 31 – Feb 6, 2008.