A British Comfort Food Invasion

Death by Burrito: The Cookbook

London's Death by Burrito restaurant has been called revolutionary for its lethal tequila-based cocktails and its authentic Mexican street food. With the introduction of "Death by Burrito: The Cookbook" (subtitled "Mexican Street Food to Die For") (Mitchell Beazley, August 2014, $19.99), owner/conceptual guy Shay Ola brings his spicy and creative dishes to the home cook.

You might be thinking, "Mexican food? From England?" Oh, s�. Ola and his head chef were deeply inspired by the cuisine of California and Mexico. With no American Tex-Mex influence, they have been free to adapt and innovate in unique ways. Some really intriguing combinations sizzle, like the Beef Short Rib and Sweet Potato Burrito, Lobster Burritos and Quinoa, Pumpkin and Mushroom Burritos.

The cookbook also includes great descriptions and photographs of ingredients as well as detailed, step-by-step instructions on technique, such as the finer points of burrito rolling.

The Ginger & White Cookbook

Coffee shops are quite the thing in tea-stained London these days, and one of the best is Ginger & White. Since opening the first caf� in 2009, the team at Ginger & White has gained a devoted following for delicious coffee and British-centric food, using local purveyors whenever possible.

Founders/owners Tonia George and Emma and Nicholas Scott recently introduced "The Ginger & White Cookbook" (Mitchell Beazley, August 2014, $19.99), with 80 of the caf�'s trademark recipes. Ranging from breakfast items (Banana and Wheat-germ Smoothie or Spiced Plum and Almond French Toast) to their trademark naughty-but-delicious sandwiches (Fish Finger, Lettuce and Tartar Sauce Sandwich, using frozen fish sticks!), Ginger & White delivers with a punch and saucy side. The simple recipe for Roasted Peanut Butter caught my eye, with its description of how to tell when the peanuts are cooked: "When the peanuts are deeply bronzed, as though just back from the Caribbean, they are ready."

Plus, there are plenty of delicious baked goods (Lemon Polenta Drizzle Cake, Stem Ginger Loaf), and a primer on brewing the perfect cup of coffee.