Gmail. Google Maps. The new verb “to Google.” We’re familiar with Sergey and Larry’s “little company.” Not many people, however, know of Google employee #53, Charlie Ayers, and his own legacy at the Silicon Valley giant. Ayers created the eclectic, healthy menus served up to employees on the Google campus. His healthy, free offerings became the stuff of foodie and techie legend. Now, Charlie is dishing up ingredients to success with the publication of his Food 2.0: Secrets from the Chef Who Fed Google.
The book is broken down into simple, user-friendly, bite-sized bits of knowledge (“Keep it local,” “Appreciate the source,” “Be curious”) mixed generously with brain- and soul-nourishing recipes: Dragon Breath Noodles, Hawaiian Kitchen Sink Smoothie, and the breakfast treat known as Charlie’s Mystical Granola. Ayers’s smart way of cooking has graduated with flying colors from the Google kitchen labs and, just like Google.com, you’ll find yourself using this book regularly.