In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, when life seemed uncertain and staying at home became the new norm, something remarkable was happening in the culinary world. Bruce Thongsack, known as @hoarse_radish on Twitter and @shticky.rice on Instagram, found solace and inspiration in his kitchen. Little did he know that his witty musings and mouthwatering food photos would pave the way for an extraordinary collaboration and the birth of a unique publishing endeavor.

 

It all began when Julie Tambussi, a keen observer of online content, took note of Bruce's Twitter account. Captivated by his humorous takes on current events and his culinary creations, she couldn't help but wonder, "Who is he tweeting this for?" Alongside Nate Pieprzyk, they embarked on an ambitious project: transforming Bruce's tweets into a coffee table book that would capture the essence of his quarantine cooking journey.

 

In a stroke of creative brilliance, Julie and Nate chose to keep Bruce in the dark about their book project, allowing his content to flow naturally. Behind the scenes, they worked in secret, preserving the authenticity of Bruce's culinary journey while capturing it in the pages of their book. After months of dedication and countless hours poured into the project, the duo presented Bruce with the first copy of the book in August 2021. The sheer shock and awe on Bruce's face were a testament to the impact his culinary adventures had made.

 

But this was only the beginning. Inspired by the success of their secret project, Bruce, Julie, and Nate decided to take their endeavor to the next level. They envisioned sharing their creation with a wider audience and set their sights on one of the most renowned booksellers: Barnes & Noble. However, life had its twists and turns, causing the project to be put on hold for a while.

 

Then, in January 2023, Julie resurrected the passion project that had taken root within her. Fuelled by determination, she brought their shared dream back to life and established Laburnum Books—a book publisher that would become the vessel for "Khoy Hew Khao in #ElBarrio” and future literary adventures.

 

Laburnum Books, named after the Charlotte, NC street where Julie and Nate resided during the conception of their publishing venture, embodies their vision of providing a platform for indie authors and self-publishers. With a focus on diverse voices, creative freedom, and unparalleled support, Laburnum Books offers a range of services to help authors bring their literary dreams to fruition. From editing and design to marketing and copyright assistance, Laburnum Books aims to empower authors to focus on what they do best — creating captivating stories.

 

The highly anticipated coffee table book, "Khoy Hew Khao in #ElBarrio", which encapsulates Bruce's culinary exploration and humorous commentary on current events, will finally be available for sale online on June 8, 2023, exclusively at Barnes & Noble. Readers can immerse themselves in a world of delectable dishes, cultural exploration, and the resilience of the human spirit.

 

As the launch of "Khoy Hew Khao in #ElBarrio" approaches, Julie, Nate, and Bruce are already working on a sequel, eager to delve deeper into the realm of home cooking and continue their celebration of food, laughter, and community.

 

Meanwhile, Bruce continues to tantalize taste buds and entertain followers on his Instagram account, @shticky.rice, with his culinary creations and infectious humor.

 

In a time when the world faced unprecedented challenges, "Khoy Hew Khao in #ElBarrio" and Laburnum Books stand as testaments to the indomitable spirit of creativity, collaboration, and the ability to find inspiration even in the most unexpected circumstances.