Today we’d like to introduce you to Jermaine Corpus.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jermaine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Can you believe that I could’ve possibly coined the term “Foodporn”? I don’t have any solid concrete evidence to back that up, but I do recall back in 1998 I discovered a passion for photography. And with a dinky 35mm camera, I would always find myself snapping photos of food and beverages.
Shortly after so many prints, I was like, “This is FOODPORN!” and stuck to my guns ever since. As far as origins of Forking in Public, I originally posted tons of food pics on my personal IG account @whopianomedia. But, when people started taking notice of my food pics, they kept telling me to just start a new page which would be separate from my personal space and that it would strictly focus on food and bev lifestyle.
Coincidentally, at that time in my life a little over 3 years ago, I received a job offering in Southern California. Quick to jump on the life-changing opportunity, I left East Oakland, CA and the Bay Area behind me and within 3 months I found myself in sunny San Diego!
I arrived down here not knowing anyone except a handful of people. So I figured what would be the best way for me to discover SD? And I thought to myself, well we eat every day. What better way to discover San Diego than through the cuisines the city offers. Thought of catchy name ran with it and started making connections from there.
Fast forward to today, I feel that Forking in Public plays a vital role in our San Diego Food Community. I feel respected in a way that people can utilize my photos and reviews as a reputable hub for ideas of where to eat and what to drink. How can you bridge the gap from restaurant to the community without the Unofficial Food Mayor?
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Ultimately, it’s been a fairly smooth ride. San Diego, Restauranteurs, Owners and PR’s have all been genuinely taking care of me and have been really easy going and efficient to work with. I can’t say I’ve had any major hiccups except for when I ate those tacos too fast!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Forking in Public / @Forking_in_public story. Tell us more about the business.
San Diego has willingly accepted me as the Unofficial Food Mayor. I specialize in bridging the gap from restaurant to the community. Simply put, I eat here, you see it, now YOU eat there!
I’m proud that people look to Forking in Public as a resource on where to grub. One of my proud moments: Eating at Cross Street Chicken & Beer, randomly meeting one of my followers who brought 19 guests to eat there all because she has seen a photo on my page.
Instead of just visiting a restaurant to enjoy some food, post photos and rave about it, I like to know the story behind it all. The history, the process of how it started, the inspirations behind the dishes, the spices were chosen, the ingredients used, the chef’s background, the owner’s visions and the ultimate future of the establishment. If you can believe it, I’m more about building relations than building an appetite.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I honestly don’t believe in luck. But, I am a firm believer that whatever you communicate to the universe, the universe will respond. Speak it into existence.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://forkinginpublic.wixsite.com/mysite
- Email: @forkinginpublic@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forking_in_public/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/forkinginpublic/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/forkinginpublic
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=5SyMqaZaGLWj_gcLamFyUA&utm_source=ishare
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
