Kelly Rogers, co-author of Cartopia will be in town Thursday for a book reading followed by a panel discussion on food cart culture. The event will be held at Kafka's Coffee and Tea (2525 Main Street) from 7-9pm. Josh Wolf of Fresh Local Wild and Amy Eagan from Vancouver Street Eats are the other panelists. The book not only covers Portland's scene from an insider's perspective, but also tells it's story through dozens of beautiful photographs. I can't wait to pick up a copy! We'll be taking Kelly on a Vancouver cart tour in the afternoon. Good thing the temperature is looking up later this week! (fingers crossed) From the press release :

Portland has over 500 food carts, some clustered into “pods” in parking lots and others staking their solitary claim on the sidewalk.

Artisanal, quirky, independent, and an exceptional value, these food carts are the perfect symbol of what Portland is all about.

As authors Kelly Rodgers and Kelley Roy explore the factors that have placed Portland in the street food spotlight, they also document the personality and character of the Portland carts, and by extension, Portland itself.

With photography by Andrew Burdick, Cartopia is a visual feast and celebration of food, architecture, creative entrepreneurship, and civic spirit.