Akila and Patrick have one of my favorite “food porn” (and travel) websites. They were one of the first travel bloggers I met when I started Twitter and they have always been incredibly helpful when I have asked any questions on locations or camera how-to’s or anything else. Of the long, long list of people I look forward to finally meeting in person, they are up near the top.
And I know it will be over a good meal.
They wandered around Africa for a few months this year and during that time, I distinctly noticed their absence from the Twitterverse. As a former Africa traveler (pre-Twitter for me), I can appreciate how hard it is to keep up with the virtual world when in the Dark Continent, but they are back now in locations with better internet connections, have promised to rejoin the virtual world more regularly (here is their Twitter profile) and most importantly, they have keep up some their string of truly amazing content on The Road Forks. Do not read when hungry.
They were the first couple to answer the Lucky 13 and I think you are going enjoy getting to know them a bit better:
1. You, unfortunately, have been condemned to die, but fortunately, you get to have any meal in the world before you go. What is your menu?
For Akila: Emmentaler & Gruyere cheese fondue to start with pumpernickel and rye bread; a side salad of creamy tofu with soy sauce from Tousuiro, Kyoto, Japan; Michael Chiarello’s recipe for lemon braised baby artichokes over homemade whole wheat pasta (made by me); and, for dessert, my very favorite cheesecake from the French Pantry, Jacksonville, Florida
For Patrick: Akila’s macaroni and cheese, Coca Cola Ribs from Agnes & Muriels in Atlanta, and a chocolate peanut butter torte from the Village Bistro in Constantia, South Africa
for Akila
for Patrick
2. Fill in the blank: I would be happy if all I had to drink was water and __________.
For Akila: Wine
For Patrick: Guinness
3. Chef that you would most like to have an entire weekend to cook with and learn from?
For Akila: This is too tough! Ina Garten (the Barefoot Contessa) or Dorie Greenspan
For Patrick: Alton Brown
4. What is your favorite lens for your camera? And what camera do you shoot with?
18-200 VR Nikkor lens and a Nikon D40 (though Patrick wants us to upgrade)
5. OK, even of reverence and relevance, back to our regularly scheduled programming; Which fictional character would you most like to meet and hang out with?
For both of us, Sherlock Holmes. His mind fascinates us.
6. Best hotel/hostel for under $25 a night you have ever stayed in?
Prohm Roth Guesthouse, Siem Reap. The owner made our stay wonderful.
7. Least favorite city or country in Africa.
Hmmm . . . we actually liked everywhere we went in Africa. Maybe we’re too easy to please.
any year... same craptastic actor
8. Worst actor/actress you have ever seen on the big screen?
Ack. Neither of us can think of one. Off the top of my head, Keanu Reeves though I did love Matrix. (Agreement with the Nomadic Chick on this one)
9. Democratically elected politician you wish had never been born.
Pol Pot (technically, he was democratically elected, but in reality, the Khmer Rouge forced themselves upon the country.)
10. What is your lucky charm or biggest superstition?
For Akila: Four leaf clovers are my lucky charm. I find them everywhere and keep several with me always.
For Patrick: Stays away from the number 13
(Interviewer Comment — WHOOPS)
11. Best present you have gotten for each other (to each of you, so two answers)
For Akila: Kitchenaid stand mixer (love!)
For Patrick: A completely awesome gas grill (that is now, sadly, sitting in storage)
12. You have an unlimited travel budget for 24 hours. Give me your itinerary.
Does Bill inhale?
Private jet with our dogs to a catered lunch picnic in the center of the Connemara, Ireland, with a stopover on the way back to see the Northern Lights, and dinner at Grimaldi’s (without waiting in line) in Brooklyn, New York.
13. You are able to ask one yes/no question to anyone in history and get a 100% honest reply — what is your question and to whom?
To Bill Clinton: Did you inhale?
Thanks Michael! That was fun.
I’m with Akila, love Ina Garten. Great interview, The Road Forks is one of my favorite blogs.
Ayngelina recently posted..The three best hostels in Colombia
Thanks Michael! That was such a fun interview.
Akila recently posted..unbelievably beautiful
And, yes, we need to meet you, too . . . over a very good meal!
Akila recently posted..unbelievably beautiful
I can’t wait!
I can second the Prohm Roth props (though it was Akila who sent me there!) – great place. And to the both of you, it was great to meet in Cambodia. Loved your Chinese food post of late too. Fun interview, Michael!
-Jodi
Jodi (legalnomads) recently posted..Passports with Purpose 2010- Help Build a Village in India
I’ve been keeping up since the Japan series. Made me seriously miss that part of the world. *sigh* Great interview!
Erica recently posted..For Love and Travel
I’ve been reading the Road Forks since before Akila and Patrick even left on their RTW trip, and I was so stoked to get to meet them in the flesh last month finally–and in, of all places, an IHOP in the middle of Alabama at that =)
Camels & Chocolate recently posted..Talking Turkey in Holland
Fun questions and answers! Love the Road Forks – always mouthwatering pictures and great advice.
Great interview Michael! I just stumbled upon this (literally) and am going to check out the rest of these. Very interesting questions!
Jeremy B recently posted..5 ways travel teaches your kids about the true meaning of Christmas
We love the Road Forks, great interview, guys! I love to see your food selection, so detailed and makes me wonder..
Dina recently posted..Manneken Pis- Brussels’ Underwhelming Icon
Reeves – he may not be able to act but he is sooo beautiful!