Is it just me who loves staring at food?
A couple of weeks ago, I attended Food Blogger Connect in Chiswick.
My favourite session was also the first one when I got there on a chilly Friday morning: a Food Photography and Styling workshop with William Reavell and Tara Sura. For a couple of hours, we learnt how to create appetising photos of food. It was hands-on and fascinating to hear the train of thought of a professional food photographer as he is creating the perfect image. The focus was on taking photographs (good ones at that) and I am now desperate to attend one of their courses in London.
What do you think of my first shot?
Feeling hungry?
Not only did I get to catch up with talented food bloggers like Vicki (‘The Freefrom Fairy’), Ceri (‘Natural Kitchen Adventures’), Sarah (‘Taming Twins’), Julie (‘Julie’s Family Kitchen’), Lucy (‘supergloden bakes’) and Emily (‘A Mummy Too’) but I also met a lot of people who shared my love of food, and I highly recommend you visit Hélène’s blog (‘Croque Maman’) as well as Susan’s (‘Mess in the Ness’).
Enough of my ramblings! I gorged myself with food that weekend, determined to try absolutely everything that was available. I thought it would be rude not to share my top ten London Street Street Kitchens so in no particular order, here they are:
My first taste of food at FBC was a vegan curry by Rupert’s Street. Oh my goodness, the chutney on top of the cashew curry was quite simply sublime!
My favourite pop up kitchen of them all was Colombian Street Kitchen. Their patacones con todo (photo below) were scrumptious, so were their beef and onion empanadas. The beauty about their food was that it was all free from wheat, egg and nuts, which makes it safe for my little Jumpy!
During FBC, I got addicted to their mini-desserts inspired by Colombian salpicón and natilla. These vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free beauties are addictive! Vicki and I kept going back for more!
The guys from Crazy for Pasta were shaping their pasta in front of us before cooking it and adding a creamy sauce. They can be found in Camden Lock Market.
Mamasitas also gave us a great taste of Mexican Street food.
I have a sweet tooth, so I enjoyed the churros by Churros Garcia.
I loved Quirky Bars. Their vintage bicycle pop-up bar was rather unique and beautiful. More to the point, their Bloody Mary was spiced to perfection!
The bread-lover in me was relieved to spot The Slow Bread Company. All their breads are made with flour, water and salt, nothing else.
Coconut Chilli served exquisite Indian food. I would highly recommend their microwaveable meals.
I also tried (and loved) delicious and healthy Bol.
Last but not least, I loved my Vietnamese spring roll by Rollnrock. Just thinking about it is making me hungry!
On the Saturday evening, Vicki and I headed to Leon for a feast with our friend Reneé (Mummy Tries).
We had some great ‘free from’ fast food!
Coffee and cake, anyone?
Sounds like you had an amazing time – I’m very jealous!
I did! I’ve got to go to one of William Reavell’s workshops. x
Yep, super hungry now my lovely! So intrigued by the vegan cashew curry and Quirky Bars, but it all sounds amazing. Our little catch up at Leon was great wasn’t it!
Beautiful shots as always, your photography gets better each time I visit. Can you come to my house and take all my food photos please? I’ll pay you in cake 😉
I would love to come to your house and take some photos for you. I’ve offered, haven’t I? I never ever say anything I don’t mean. x
We sooooo need to collaborate honey. Maybe one weekend day the dads can take all the kids out and we can cook and take photos. Could make it Christmas themed… that would be awesome wouldn’t it xx
That would be epic!!!
I really wanted to go to that event but I was booked to work. Next year I’ll book it waaaay in advance.
Your photos are fantastic. They look professional! I love it when you pic up hints and tips from the pros that make a big difference. I want to go on that photo course now.
Maybe we could try and book together! I’ve asked them to add me to their mailing list so I can go to their level 2 course in January (that would make such an amazing Christmas present!). x
Stunning shots. If you do attend one of their courses I might join you. I too want to improve my food photography as I am very interested in this type of photography. Must look out for these street food vendors, they all sound amazing x
I’ll definitely be going to their level 2 course. The dates haven’t been released for January onwards yet, but if you get added to their mailing list, we could book together. I’d love to meet you in the flesh. x
Will take a look – would love to meet you too. I’m wondering if I need to do level 1 first? Will have a look and see what it says. xx
Your photos are stunning! Level 1 is more basic I think, and level 2 has a food stylist there as well. x
Thank you lovely. Sounds pretty good. Will add myself to the mailing list xx
xx
Oh Mel, your pictures are amazing as always. It was so lovely to see you there too, shame I missed the Friday food styling photography workshop. x
If you fancy it, we could go to one of their workshops together. I’ve signed up for their mailing list. x
Such beautiful pictures Mel! I think Leon’s my favourite fast food actually, great choice 🙂
I went to William’s workshop at Leiths, it was fab, I wrote about it there if you want to have a sneak peek: http://www.croque-maman.com/food-photography-course-william-reavell-leiths-cookery-school/
Thanks for the link to your post, lovely. I’ve just read it and it makes me want to attend their courses (all of them!) even more. I really want to learn more and improve my photos. x
You get to go to the BEST events!! We don’t have anything like this in Australia – damn I want to change that! I think this is the best blogger event I’ve ever read about. Possibly it is the FOOD that’s gotten me so excited as well as the photography workshops. That meringue and pasta you styled look incredible!!!
It certainly is the best event I’ve ever attended when it comes to variety of food on offer. I must have put on a few kilos over the weekend, but it was all too good not to try! Go on, you could come next year. I’d love to meet you!
Tu me mets l’eau à la bouche Mel! J’aimerais gouter tout!!