World Chef Showcase Re-cap Part II

It's been a whirlwind of a couple weeks and I realize that this is long overdue, oops.  When there aren't any deadlines to meet, this is what happens and my draft sat there waiting to be finished.  It became one of those to-do things you spend more time thinking about than the actual time that it would take to actually do it.

Moving on, sometimes I get people asking me, "Why do you volunteer?"  What they're trying to say and sometimes bluntly ask is, "Why do you work for free?"

Volunteering is not just an extracurricular activity in the past.  I'm not here to preach about it but rather, outline my experiences from it and share the outcome.  I volunteer to give back: whether it's for a certain cause, to give back to the community, or even simply just the passion for it.

Being a part of the Crave Sydney International Food Festival, especially the World Chef Showcase, was a truly remarkable experience I wouldn't trade for anything.  Hard work and long-hours (nothing compared to the staff who actually work the entire festival) was worth it and it became one of those reaffirming moments where I just knew that my involvement with the food community and culture was only just beginning.

A few months ago, I started reading MoVida: Spanish Culinary Adventures, then eventually went to MoVida Next Door for dinner in Melbourne.  Fast forward some time, then I was watching chef-author Frank Camorra give his demonstration on Spanish cuisine and working alongside the wonderful writer and TV producer Richard Cornish.  It's funny how things work out sometimes.

Others included:

• Alex Atala of D.O.M. in Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Francis Mallmann of Patagonia Sur in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Willie-the-chocolate-man-Harcourt Cooze of Willie's World Class Cacao in the U.K.
• Check out this video of him preparing a chocolate feast

Okay, no more name-dropping!  Wherever you guys live or if you're traveling to any of the places mentioned, I'd recommend to try the restaurants.  There's a reason why they were out here and chosen to represent various countries.  

Done and done.  

World Chef Showcase Re-cap Part I

A few weeks ago, I had the fortunate opportunity to volunteer for the World Chef Showcase for the Crave Sydney International Food Festival.  It was the big 2 day kick-off event to the festival filled with chefs from different countries (Peru, Brazil, Argentina, the US, the UK, France, Sweden, and of course, Australia..just to name a few) giving demonstrations, tastings, and talks.  Here's a few of the chefs that I was able to meet up and work with and snap a quick photo with:

From top to bottom, left to right: David Lebovitz, Gaston Acurio, Ricardo Zarate, Adriano Zumbo (sorry Zumbo, I couldn't resist throwing in a silly face)

If you're an avid reader of food blogs (you know, apart from mine..), then you'll have to check out David Lebovitz: living the sweet life in Paris.

If you're a lover of ceviche and Peruvian food, then you'll need to:

• a) head over to Lima itself to check out Gaston Acurio's Astrid y Gaston (named one of the S. Pelligrino World's 50 Best Restaurant) and La Mar (also in SF and NYC for my readers)
• b) stay local for my Angelenos and head to Ricardo Zarate's Picca and Mo-Chica

If you've got a sweet tooth and are in Sydney, then stuff your face silly with some of Adriano Zumbo macarons and other pastries.  

WOW.  I am just full of (even more) links today!

But really, WOW!  Looking back and reflecting on the event and experience, I met and came across so many wonderful people that inspire me to continue growing and do more with this passion of mine.  There's more chefs and writers and people I want to mention but in keeping with my "short posts", I may have to save it for a Part II re-cap.

Until next time, enjoy Friday! 

Pre-festival: calling those in and around Sydney

T-minus 2 days until the Crave Sydney International Food Festival officially kicks off on Saturday, October 1st for the entire month.

This one is the BIG one of the year.   My expectations are high, I've been reading and following it for the past couple of months.  It sounds like a great event so I sit here blogging about my excitement as the month of October will be packed with food-filled events.  Here's a preview of what's to come:

Good news is, I've been fortunate enough to get involved and will be helping out with the World Chef Showcase.  Chefs from many parts of the world will be showing what goes on behind-the-scenes and this year's theme is across South America!!!

If you're in or near Sydney and a big foodie or simply want to attend, I would definitely recommend going to this event.  It sounds like one not to miss!  More to come from me later :)

Rise to the occasion - the bread that is

It's no secret that I love my carbs.  We see each other quite frequently, whether it's the rice, noodles, and/or the bread.  Lately, I've been fortunate to get some fresh baked goods from some of my Italian friends.

Pizza (dough) from Margherita

Fresh-tomato focaccia from Lorenzo

Rosemary focaccia, also from Lorenzo

Sydney Fish Markets

Hello blog, hello folks!

I know, I know...I've been M.I.A. for awhile so my apologies for the lack of posts.  It's nice to know that people are wondering when your next post is going to be, so thanks for that motivation and little reminder that I need to keep this updated.  It's been a busy couple of weeks but let's move forward as I've got some appetizing photos to share with you.

In the next couple of days, I'll start posting more regularly rather than having one major post.  Little tidbits are probably better for everyone so think of this as a small taste and nibble.

Below are some photos from the Sydney Fish Markets, a great catch (no pun intended...) for warm, sunny days to sit outside with your plate of fresh seafood:

Magazine covers that scream my name

I'm SO excited! That's all.  Have a lovely, delightful weekend!

Black and white photography set

After twiddling my thumbs for a couple weeks deciding what to write about next, it came to me last minute.  Back in June, I attended a Food Styling & Photography Workshop led by Dario Milano of Food Pixels.  He also holds regular food photography contests to challenge, inspire, and motivate us food bloggers/photographers/stylists.  Anyone can submit a photo as long as it fits the theme, which is chosen by the previous contest winner.  The most recent theme was a Black and White Food Photography.

To eliminate all the vibrant and beautiful colors of ingredients really leads you to focus on other elements like textures, shapes, light and contrast.  So on the last day and last couple of hours, I rummaged through the kitchen and ended up submitting the almonds photo below (2nd photo).  In the process, I also snapped a couple of other photos keeping in line with the B&W theme.  Hope you enjoy them!

I love how the cheese knife connects with the white of the table in this one.