When I started working on my first cookbook,Cooking Disasters, I didn't realize that the project would grow into a series. But when you have traveled as much as I have, and your focus is on people and murals rather than resorts and spas, you gather stories along the way. InCooking DisastersI shared some of the spectacular events that required a bit of divine intervention in order for me to survive. But, in this second cookbook, Cooking Wonders, there are no close brushes with death or violent wrecks, no more rogues with knives or angry witch doctors, and -- thankfully -- no more bouts of malaria. And, happy to say, I have had as many -- or more -- wonderful events to share as I have had disasters. You know, when you watch the news, they want to focus on disastrous events? I can do that, but my wonderful events have just been unusually spectacular as well. So, I felt that I had to write Cooking Wonders -- Extraordinary Events and the Recipes that Remind Me of My Wanderings.
Abdelhadi, long ago in Casablanca, MoroccoYes, I have several stories that don't require any guardian angels. They're the ones I could write home about. Honestly, I've had some remarkable moments in my journey. One of the tales that you'll read about happened in Namibia. I describe how one unexpected little email changed the course of my life. My first mural, in Nambia, was the start of what now is 64 murals in 27 countries. (And, of course, I always want those numbers to change.) When I told my friend Abdelhadi that I was going to Africa for a mural project, I said, "It's a once in a lifetime event." He was quick to correct me. "No, this is another in a series of Phillip Martin occasions that happen to nobody else but you."
I think he was right. So right, that I dedicated the book to him!
I have been blessed everywhere I wander. I've met the most gracious of people who have opened their doors and hearts to a wandering artist. After you read these tales, you may also agree with my friend Abdelhadi.
Cooking Wonderswill take you on a trek around the world as I revisit Morocco, the Galapagos Islands, Philippines, Malaysia, Albania, Namibia, France, Romania, Mexico, Honduras, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Belize, Brazil, and even make a surprising stay back home in the United States. It includes tales woven through National Geographic, the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, and the Kalahari Desert with a blow gun, Dracula's castle, and my art discovered at a Maya ruin. There's a little something for everyone! And, while I wrote this book, I realized that a third cookbook was needed to complete the trilogy -- Cooking Along My Path -- Memorable People and Recipes I've Encountered on My Journey.
