I recently had the pleasure of meeting a longtime virtual friend in person just as he is self-publishing his epic travel book, Forks: A Quest for Culture, Cuisine and Connection. Allan Karl is a naturally vibrant explorer of roads, continents, people, and cuisine. His full-color book reflects this vibrance with photos of the people he meets and the food he is offered. You’re going to want it! And you can preorder a copy now for $45 and help Allan raise funds to print the book via his Kickstarter campaign. Never mind that the campaign is fully funded only ten days into the month-long campaign… the more money he gets the more books he can print.
But how did it become a travel and food book? Allan says, “I never set out to write about food or a cookbook. Yet, when I returned home, I struggled to find the best way to share my journey with others. It finally hit me over a dinner with friends: I thought about the connections I made with new friends and the meals and stories we had shared—together.”
I met Allen the day he got his print proofs and I can tell you, it’s gorgeous! Allen’s photos and stories are accompanied by recipes and professionally photographed dishes that he cooked himself. It made me hungry – for food and for travel! And of course, as is the way with any good travelogue, you’re likely to learn something new on each page. For example, did you know that in the 1800’s the Peruvians imported Asian mine workers and that’s why some “traditional” Peruvian dishes, like Loma Saltado, are Asian-influenced? Hear Allan tell the story himself in this short YouTube video shot in a parking lot of Mission Bay after we’d enjoyed a night out exploring the San Diego micro-brewery scene.
And here’s that Loma Saltado we were talking about – just a taste of Allan’s three-year journey of 62,000 miles exploring five continents on a BMW 650GS.
Think of it as combining the best of Anthony Bourdain with Paul Theroux and National Geographic Adventure in a full-color, high-quality book that will bring the splendor of the world into your home and on your table.
I’ve already pledged, so my book will be on its way as soon as it gets back from the printers. Pledge $45 and get the book delivered to your home… pledge more and you might even get Allan to cook for you!
I am so happy and honored that you shared this story with your readers, Carla. Even more, I am so glad you are backer of FORKS, I cannot wait to hand deliver this book and share some of the great food with you! You’re awesome Carla!