2015 Dec 9
FOR the past ten years, he has travelled the world indulging his three passions of cookery, surfing and photography.
Jon Lewin’s lifestyle may sound an enviable one for many, but it has not been without its darker moments.
In 2004, while on a surf trip to Sri Lanka, the former Swansea Metropolitan University student was caught up in the tsunami which devastated the beautiful island. But the relationships he forged with locals in the aftermath have never been forgotten, and now, with the publication of his first travel and recipe book, compiled from the experiences of his globe-trotting travels, he is to give a little back to those who helped him during such a traumatic time.
“I have had a life long passion for food and was inspired by my mother from an early age,” he said.
“In my late teens I started working in professional kitchens here in the UK but decided to seek new flavours and techniques overseas. This was the start of my worldwide culinary journey.
“After deciding professional kitchens weren’t for me, I went on to do a photojournalism degree. My interest in travel, surfing and food inspired me to continue travelling extensively through Sri-Lanka and South East Asia. After 10 years of travel and tantalising my taste buds, I thought it was time to share the recipes and stories I had experienced along the way.”
His work has led to the publication of The Locals Cookbook, which aims to bring the true tastes of idyllic corners of the world to a wider audience. It is part of a series of travel documentary style cookbooks, combining local recipes, with images and first hand accounts of life immersed in far flung cultures. The books reflect on Jon’s personal journey through each country, documenting local culture, cuisine and people he has met on the way.
They include his fateful visit to Sri Lanka.
“I was caught up in the tsunami whilst on a surf trip with some mates,” he said.
“The locals gave up their own beds and shared what little food they had to eat.
“The kindness and warmth shown by the Sri Lankan people following the disaster was astonishing. They had so little to begin with, and following the tsunami they had nothing. And yet the genuine compassion and care that they showed taught me a lot.
“From that moment, I felt a strong bond with the country and its people. “I have returned to Sri Lanka every year since, and have built up some amazing friendships and family networks.
“I lived with local families, experiencing the country at a grassroots level, from playing cards with the local fishermen, to trekking through the highlands to find the perfect tea. The authentic recipes I discovered on the way really are phenomenal. It is a truly amazing culture, full of smiles, compassion and a general togetherness that I cannot find the words to adequately express”.
Inspired by his experience, when in the UK Jon lives off-grid in a caravan in Blackhills on Gower, with no running water or mains
electricity. It means having to collect water and chop fire wood every day, as he remains determined to be fully self-sufficient.
And he is donating ten per cent of profits from his book to help people living in Sri Lanka.
Self published by The Locals Cookbook Ltd, in collaboration with Bristol-based investors Sustainable Kitchens, they will launch a food truck tour of the UK early next year.
To order a copy, or try a sample recipe, visit: http://thelocalscookbook.com/
