Charlotte – Presentation • Recipe Tasting • Book Signing

ADVENTURER AND BESTSELLING AUTHOR TO SHARE STORIES, PHOTOS, AND FOOD FROM HIS THREE-YEAR SOLO MOTORCYCLE JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD AT ATHERTON MARKET IN CHARLOTTE

Join Allan Karl and the good folks at Atherton Market on August 12, 2014 from 5pm until 7pm.

Meet bestselling author Allan Karl as he shares stories from his new book FORKS — A Quest for Culture, Cuisine, and Connection. Allan will present video, photography and share stories from his three-year solo journey around the world on his motorcycle. Executive Chef Rochelle Baxter of Queen City Pantry will prepare one the signature recipes from Allan’s book for all attendees to taste and sample.

Author, adventurer and inspirational speaker Allan Karl will present stories, photos and videos and sign his new book FORKS on August 12, 2014 in Atherton Market from 5pm to 7pm
Charlotte, N.C.–August 1, 2014 — Why does someone sell nearly everything he owns and then pack up to travel for three years—alone—on a motorcycle? Karl will answer this question, and many more, on Tuesday August 12, 2014 at Atherton Market in Charlotte. From 5pm to 7pm, Karl will discuss his three-year global adventure and his new and unique oversized, full-color, hardcover book. FORKS—A Quest for Culture, Cuisine, and Connection . The book oncludes more than 700 original photographs and 40 recipes from all over the world to complement Karl’s stories of discovery and human connection.

Karl is teaming up with local Charlotte and Atherton Market Queen City Pantry to provide a sampling and taste of some of the recipes from his bestselling book. “The best way to experience the world,” says Karl, “is to see it through photographs, to feel it through stories of connection and culture, and to taste it in the real local food.” Queen City Pantry will use local ingredients to create global recipes from Karl’s book.

For three years Karl rode his BMW motorcycle more than 60,000 miles over five continents, through 35 countries. As with any adventure there were highs and lows. While in Bolivia he crashed and broke his leg, in the Colombian jungle he was escorted to a remote waterfall at gunpoint, and the governments of Syria and Sudan had to be pleaded with for passage through their countries.

Faced with unexpected changes in his life, Karl found himself at a crossroads. His marriage had ended in divorce and his job at the company he founded was unfulfilling. Karl looked at these forks in the road of his life as an opportunity to follow a life-long dream and pursue his passions. So Karl set out on a solo journey to search for truths and to explore the world, photographing and writing about his discoveries along the way.

“Though I set off on this journey alone, I quickly learned I was never alone,” Karl shares. “If I was ever lost, lonely or hungry, I would turn around always find someone there. It’s easy to connect with people—humanity—even in the most challenging and dangerous circumstances.”

Karl’s visit to Charlotte and Atherton Market is one stop on a tour of places in the United States that he never truly visited or experienced in any depth. “Though I’ve been all over the world,” Karl says, “it’s time I explore America and share my experiences with the local people from the cities and towns of my own country.”

Karl will be signing his book at Atherton Market. The book is also available for purchase online and at book retailers. Karl debuted FORKS at BookExpo America and BookCon in New York City, May 29-31, 2014, where he previewed, signed and autographed books for industry professionals.

Karl hopes that FORKS—A Quest for Culture, Cuisine, and Connection will inspire readers to be open to new experiences. “Every photograph, story, and recipe from this journey embodies the importance of connecting with people—humanity—to overcome obstacles and conquer our own personal fears”, says Karl. “This book presents readers an opportunity to try something new. perhaps to taste flavors of a new food or to journey into dangerous or unknown territories. Every experience is an opportunity to connect with others.”

ABOUT FORKS
FORKS is published by WorldRider Publishing and Press and is distributed by Independent Publishers Group. Copies of the book are available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and www.forksthebook.com, and at independent bookstores, fine gift and culinary boutiques everywhere. More information can be found at www.ForksTheBook.com/media-kit. Watch Allan share stories and preview the book in the FORKS book trailer here: http://worldri.de/r_forksbook-trailer

ABOUT ALLAN KARL
Allan Karl has never been able to sit still. With an insatiable passion or travel, culture, people, and food, he has explored more than 60 countries, photographing, writing, and blogging about them along the way.

Allan is an author, photographer, entrepreneur, professional keynote speaker, and committed adventurer. He is principal of WorldRider Productions where he focuses on speaking, publishing, coaching, and creating content that brings to life his stories and experiences around the world—demonstrating again and again how the discoveries he has made and the lessons learned can help all of us lead more rewarding lives. He also founded a top-50 digital agency and currently works as a digital branding consultant for clearcloud digital. Follow Allan Karl on Twitter @allankarl

ABOUT QUEEN CITY PANTRY
Queen City Pantry is a one stop shop for locally sourced ingredients. With a focus on supporting small dairy farms, we offer a variety of artisan cheeses, milk, meats, pantry items and prepared foods. Catering and private chef services are also offered, focusing on modern, healthy cuisine with ethnic flare. Queen City Pantry is located in Atherton Market at 2104 South Boulevard in Charlotte, North Carolina.

ABOUT ATHERTON MARKET
The Atherton Market is a community hub in the South End neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina showcasing the best that the Piedmont region has to offer from small local farms and talented chefs and artisans. In addition to produce, meat, seafood, eggs and a variety of dairy products, you can now get sophisticated coffee drinks, meals to go, plants and garden supplies, home and bath care products, and many specialty items. Follow Atherton Market on Twitter @AthertonMillMkt