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Saturday, December 18, 2010

Book Review - A Fork in the Road: 400 Cities One Stomach

About the Book
Whether it be fish ice cream, kudzu tempura, or even sausage, Mark DeCarlo always wonders, “Who the hell thought to eat this stuff the first time?” We find out in this hilarious celebration of the genesis of America’s most creative and idiosyncratic food traditions, and the people who keep these food traditions alive.

Join the master comedian on his journey across the United States to visit these people and their foods in their natural habitats—places like the French Quarter of New Orleans, lush Maui resorts, and the Annual Road Kill Cook-off Festival in West Virginia. From the obvious and beloved (Buffalo wings, Boston clam chowder, hush puppies, and strawberry shortcake) to the bizarre and, well, beloved by some (Rocky Mountain oysters, fried rattlesnake, scrapple, and deep fried Twinkies), DeCarlo takes readers on a rollicking tour of the people and places behind America’s greatest food inventions.

Each chapter features the story behind a particular food (moosehead soup, anyone?) and the people who love it. Signature recipes, snapshot photos from the road, along with “Road Rules” on how to discover the real America all spice up the travelogue. It's a love letter to America’s culinary curiosities, providing armchair travelers with a tour of the wackiest and kitschiest food festivals, delicacies, and people this country has to offer.  

Mark is the hilarious host of the Travel Channel’s “Taste of America” and an expert traveler and cook. “AFork on the Road” features Mark’s travels to more than 400 cities in the U.S., exclusive recipes, unforgettable characters & stories, and was just released this September, 2010 by Lyons Press.

According to early reviewers, A Fork on the Road is Mark’s most hilarious work yet. Early praise from Mark’s colleagues and friends:

"I love to laugh, I love to eat —I'm Italian, what can I say ? Mark DeCarlo's book is the perfect recipe for those who like to do both, even if you're NOT Italian. I loved it ! "   -Joe Mantegna, Tony Award-winning actor, producer, writer and director. 
A delicious sundae of wit, charm and recipes… a guide to an epicurean America that is quickly vanishing.”  -Mark L. Walberg, Antiques Roadshow
“If this book doesn’t make your mouth water, you may be clinically dead.”   -Nia Vardalos, screenwriter and star, My Big Fat Greek Wedding




My Take on the BookThis book is a huge travelogue for the food gourmand. Filled with funny anecdotes, recipes and more this book will take you away from your existence to 400 cities (places you may have never been to or ones you go to every day). One thing for me that stands out though is that he finds great eateries, that are off the beaten path. He finds the locally owned ones that everyone goes to because they are so great, but the outsider would not necessarily know how good it was.

The book is a quick and easy read and it allows you to step away from your own life to live vicariously and try out some offbeat and unusual attractions and an amazing array of culinary delights. You are also provided with a number of the actual recipes which only adds to the overall book!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. 
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