If you are skilled in self defence moves and making rugby tackles you’ll be well placed to attend a food show. The crowds that swarm these events are there primarily for the free food, wine and beer. I can’t deny that I’m partial to a little tasting too but with a decent breakfast under your belt you can avoid the worst excesses and instead concentrate on meeting exhibitors and talking about their wares.
My primary purpose for attending The Food Show in Wellington this year was for my photography assignment which was inspired by food and culture photographer, Penny De Los Santos whose blog I have been following for quite some time. A few weeks ago she gave a free photography course on Creative Live and bingo I had my documentary photography assignment cracked.
Last night I had to present my final story edit at my photography class. Given the dreadful lighting conditions at the show venue I was pleased with the critique. If you’re interested in the background thinking to this you can pop over to my photography journal blog and read about it here, here and here with a side track here. It’s not quite Penny De Los Santos but it’s a start.
Amazingly there were few true foodie displays but rather more mass market producers. I was quite taken with the above tortilla wrap Scooby snack. I was also mesmerised by this barista who was demonstrating the latest in coffee making techniques including Chemex which was actually invest in the 1940’s and being revived for coffee connoisseurs. I have to admit he made some fantastic coffee which knocked socks off the often lukewarm cups you can be served.
I have to confess that I did rather indulge at the Gu stand which although not a NZ product is nevertheless some of the most sublime commercial chocolate and dessert treats I’ve had in a while. Also, I made a point of testing out the Hellers Sausages who make London Pride our preferred Saturday brunch delicacy.
Away from the madding crowds there was an equally fascinating activity – cooking competitions. A sort of Iron Chef meets master chef for hospitality students. This was my primary focus for my documentary project.
I wasn’t the only interested party in the competitions, there was quite a crowd of supporters with a remarkable number of people with cameras following all the action and taking photographs of the final dishes.
Dramatic photos of the competition… they are lovely. I really wanted to love the food show, but the text I sent my sister said it all: “I’d rather be at Moore Wilson.” It was very crowded on Saturday afternoon, but it seemed like all the vendors were brands that had already made it into the supermarkets, so there wasn’t much new. It did make me all the more grateful for our farmers’ markets, and the delis and Indian groceries in Petone and Newtown.
I know what you mean Sue. It’s not really a show for artisans but for producers who already have their lines in supermarkets. More for mass market foodies. First time we went 5 years ago it was a massive crush and way too unpleasant. Going on the Friday made a big difference but I wasn’t overly inspired by the exhibits – except Gu, cheesemaking kits and the retro Kenwood stand!