It's Hot represents two cuisines that are generally though of as spicy, or hot. A second meaning is that the two cuisines are the fastest growing restaurant theme openings in the world today, ''New Orleans'' and ''Thai''. Surprisingly they both rely on many of the same herbs and spices for their distinctive tastes, but with little comparison in taste. This book explores the history of the two cultures and spices and herbs through the centuries. Descriptions and illustrations of the herbs and recipes are numerous.