With Rice

Chef and recipe developer Chuck Cruz brings inventive Filipino-inspired flavors, streamlined techniques, and a playful spirit to 100 unforgettable recipes that show home cooks how to build big flavor—and have fun doing it.

In his debut cookbook, Chuck distills everything he's learned—from culinary school and restaurants to butcher shops and his Filipino upbringing—into wildly inventive, achievable recipes. Whether you're rushing on a busy weeknight or spending a leisurely afternoon in the kitchen, With Rice empowers you to cook with confidence, curiosity, and bold flavor.

Weeknight favorites include Fried Tofu with Citrus Soy Sauce, Chicken Adobo with Summer Tomatoes, and Corn Rigatoni. When you want to go all out: Steak with Coconut Au Poivre, hands down. When you’re having friends over, turn to Yellow Curry Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Coffee-Crusted Ribs, and Pandan Tres Leches. Chuck takes cues from his Filipino upbringing with Bagoong Carbonara, Pork Belly Sinigang, and Buffalo Chicken Lumpia (also inspired by a brief stint at the Cheesecake Factory…). And he shares his love of punchy condiments, from spicy Hot Honey Vinaigrette to savory Cheddar Furikake to cooling Fish Sauce Ranch, each one impossible to resist.

Alongside lively stories and vibrant photography, With Rice invites readers to try something new in the kitchen, enjoy the act of cooking, and make every meal one worth gathering around.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs