July 2010 “Breakfast Bulletin” from Bacon and Eggs Press

Greetings! Sometimes writing a book — much less trying to build a Vast Multi-Media Breakfast Empire — is like going on a hike. You trudge along, not noticing much progress, and then suddenly you get a view and say to yourself, Wow, I did all that?

That’s kind of where I’m at right now. I look around, and all of a sudden I’m out of the First Edition of the book, working on the second, up to 33 podcasts, and making my national TV debut next week. What a view!

I hope you’re enjoying summer and many fine meals!
Sincerely,
Paul Gerald

“Breakfast Special” on OPB July 14, 8 p.m.

Perhaps you recall the breakfast documentary I played a small part in? If not, here’s the story of it, and here’s a sample from it.

Well, it is playing on public television everywhere on Wednesday, July 14, at 8 p.m. I spoke to the producer the other day, and he said I make appearances in three areas: talking about breakfast in Portland, talking about my favorite breakfast ever, and (ugh) in the blooper roll!

For more information on the show, check out its website.

Book Report, and Other News

I still think the second edition of Breakfast in Bridgetown will appear around October 1. That’s like saying, in the middle of a long hike, “I think we’ll make the summit by lunch.” That is, it’s easy to not believe it, and easier to wish it was coming sooner. And yet, I trudge along.

At this point, my editor has received about two-thirds of the book, the map maker has created samples that I’ve signed off on, and my designer is sifting through photos and cover ideas. I also met with a print broker the other day to talk about some options. So it does feel like I’m working on a book!
I also have somebody working on an iPhone app, which will come out with the book, and will then dive into the exciting world of eBooks. Just imagine opening your iPad and having the whole book at your disposal, with links to the web and menus and pictures and audio files and Twitter feeds. That will happen.

Second Edition Sampler Platter

Sometimes folks like to read what I’ve been turning out for the book, so here are a few draft chapters:

Brunch at Beast is an over-the-top, in-your-face experience.
Brunch at Accanto is a taste of Italian cafe life: part fancy, part casual.
Brunch at Berlin Inn is, well, the best darn German brunch in town.

Also, in the new edition there will be an out-of-town section, with short write-ups on each place. One of them is the Charburger in Cascade Locks, out in the Gorge. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind place, and I thought I’d share the longer version of the chapter I wrote on it.

Podcast is up to 33 Shows!

I continue to crank out podcasts over at PDX.FM, and I occasionally get evidence that people listen to them. It’s a lot of fun, and not just because I like so much to hear myself talk.

By the way, it’s been moved to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays.

These episodes have come along since the last Bulletin:

#28: Original Hotcake House on SE Powell.
#29: Kat Vetrano, food writer of the Daily Vanguard
#30: “Random and Semi Solo”
#31: Futurist Mick Mortlock
#32: Mindie Kniss
#33: Po’Shines, Cafe de la Soul

There are links to all 33 shows here. Upcoming shows include two members of the Breakfast Crew (7/16), author Liz Crain (7/23), Brett Burmeister of FoodCartsPortland.com (7/30), and John Gorham of Tasty N Sons (8/6). The July 9 show is a repeat.

And Finally, a Little (Okay, Big) Ego Trip

The photo, taken on July 7 at the downtown Powell’s, says it all. Amazing. I thank Portland for your support. If you can’t make it out, click here.