<div><p>For the first time in 40 years, renowned master chef Helene An of Crustacean Beverly Hills and the An Family restaurant dynasty is sharing the delicious dishes that got her inducted into the Smithsonian Institute for her culinary contributions to America, and the incredible stories behind them.<br></p><p>Along with her favorite recipes (which brilliantly marries traditional Vietnamese fare with French and farm-fresh Californian), An chronicles her personal transformation from pampered &quot;princess&quot; in French Colonial Vietnam, to refugee to restaurateur. It's a fascinating peek at a lost world...From Indochina's lush fields to family kitchen gardens in California, An tells of her harrowing journey and how it has influenced her cuisine.<br></p><p>Why is it called <i>The Secret Kitchen</i>? As An built her restaurant empire, she wanted to protect her family's legacy and keep corporate spies at bay, so she constructed a completely separate kitchen within each of her restaurant kitchens - only family members were allowed access. After a lifetime of perfecting her signature dishes, she has decided it's time to share her experiences and favorite recipes with everyone. Now every home cook is welcome to try her cuisine!<br></p></div>