Phileas Fogg, the gentleman adventurer of Jules Verne's famous book, rushed around the world in 80 days ...with intrepid Nan Lyons following him---at a distance of only 138 years. She dines, nibbles and noshes her way from Great Britain through France, Italy, India, China, America and back again to the Reform Club just as Fogg did. He won his wager with club members; our bet is today's readers will savor her notable food trip. Armed with a map, a fork and a pair of chopsticks, she guides us through some of the world's most bizarre bazaars, reveals secret snacks of Asia, exposes several of the Old and New World's best kept treats and much more. One of America's most treasured food and travel writers follows Phileas Fogg's famous route with her fork at the ready and her wit at the fore. Nan Lyons stops in each place Jules Verne sent his hurrying hero but she lingers long enough to enjoy both its most special sites and its very best meals. Her food adventures also lead her to some luscious detours. Lyons, like Fogg, is a traveller which means most of her memorable meals have been in restaurants although some were provided by sidewalk (or floating) food vendors.
Those of us who do some of our most far-out travel while planted in our armchairs will especially appreciate the famous restaurants chefs who've provided recipes we can prepare (or at admire) at home.