A Culinary Oscar? How to Win Top Marks for Culinary Excellence

A view of success with Chef Seann Pridmore

WE WON! I am thrilled to announce, a new culinary showcase at the Marin County Fair, was just awarded FIRST place at the prestigious Western Fairs Association’s 48th Annual Achievement Awards Program. I was involved, representing Standards of Excellence and The Marin County Fair in the Global Kitchen. The Marin count Fair is an innovative five day event packed with eye-popping events, green technology, ideas and exhibits, along with the requisite rides, games, food and fireworks. With an outrageous 42 awards, including 19 first place awards, the Marin County Fair just cannot be beat!

In honor of the 2010 theme, “Going Global, Connecting Cultures”, we created the “Global Kitchen”  which won First Place for Best Promotion. The Global Kitchen was a five-day, five-chefs-a-day cooking demonstration show and tasting event. Yes, that is 25 chefs back to back with thousands of samples served each day to a standing room only crowd. The week was a whirlwind of planning, communicating, chef wrangling, food handling, crowd control, promotion and media. After one 12 hour day, I got an opportunity to go do a morning news segment, which I gladly accepted. I found out it was in San Jose (1 1/2 hours away) and I needed to shop and prep, pack my equipment and be there, TV ready with food, props and a big smile at 4 am for a 6 am live shoot! I did a great live segment, packed it up and drove back. When I got back to the fair, before the next shows began, confused guests kept saying, “Wait a minute, didn’t I just see you on the news this morning…. IN SAN JOSE?!” Why, YES, you did! What a riot!

So, what made our event so special? How did we win, in YEAR ONE, for Best Promotion? I have several insights relevant to any chefs, demonstrators and anyone who works with live promotion.

“Breakaway Cook and Writer” Eric Gower appreciating the top appliances and huge crowd

1. Great Partners/Sponsors: Standards of Excellence, my beloved company set up a top notch culinary experience with incredible appliances for the chefs to use. With double convection ovens and induction burners, chefs were roasting and searing in style!

2. Choose and Support a Diverse Lineup: Our talent included top caterers, personal chefs, specialized chef-educators, cooking school owners, fine dining chefs, corporate chefs, non-profit chefs and local mom and pop restaurateurs. While being much harder to facilitate, this diversity of experience was a true showcase of our local food culture.

Lion Dancers join P.F. Chang to promote Chinese culture

3. Connecting Cultures and Ideas: With all events, it is best to look at the big picture, such as what else is happening nearby, what are the sponsors focusing on? How can we promote chefs, food and our passion for appliances with relevance? Straus Family Creamery shared samples of their new yogurts and gave each chef cream, butter and yogurt to use and gift certificates! I timed the P.F. Chang’s Chinese demonstration to be in line with the Dragon Dancers performing across the building. When they came in and danced, it was pure magic. Whole Foods brought in new vendors every single day. Our SOE associate Chuck Terra rocked the “mic” to a thrilled and captivated audience!

SOE’s own Chuck Terra announcing the raffle!

4. Food Sampling Done Right: With full access to a commercial kitchen, a rocking prep crew and chefs who exceeded my stringent food sampling rules, we were able to share thousands of generous food samples to our standing room only audience with a big “thumbs up” from the vigilant health department.

5. Follow Up and Build on Relationships: Each chef donated their time and many were very nervous and did not know EXACTLY what to expect. They all had a BLAST and I am now friends with many of them on Facebook. I follow their careers and share relevant appliance and cooking event information with them.

Our “Global Kitchen, Connecting Cultures” theme worked its powerful magic right here at home.

Culinary Students Kevin and Danny preparing incredible samples

What do you think of this event? What other ideas would you add? Share your thoughts here!

A week of Love and Chocolate: Two gourmet Valentine’s Events priced right! Join me on Tuesday and Saturday!


Come join me in my upcoming culinary adventures:

Celebrate Wine and Chocolate on Feb. 8 from 7-9 pm-- Learn to make delicious hand-rolled chocolate truffles for gifts and parties in a special class at Fresh Starts Cooking School, 1385 North Hamilton Parkway, Novato CA.

The evening opens with Mexican hot chocolate and churros while Chef Luis Realpozo, artisan for Homeward Bound's famous Halo Truffles, demonstrates how to make a simple chocolate ganache and roll it into gourmet treats. Guests will make a pound of their own truffles to take home with guidance from Chef Luis and Chef Rachelle Boucher, who will share her tips and chocolate lore. To cap off the evening, enjoy a Mexican chocolate mousse with a pairing of wines from Novato's own Starry Night Winery. Tickets cost $45, including dessert, wines and take-home treats. For reservations, please visit Fresh Starts Cooking School online or call 415-382-3363 x243.

Pure Romance, a Hands on Valentine’s Day Cooking Class, Saturday, February 12th at 2 pm, Macy’s Cellar at Union Square

Make this a simply delicious Valentine’s Day with help from Chef Rachelle Boucher

Let top culinary educator, Rachelle Boucher, show you and your sweetie how to prepare an unforgettable Valentine's Day feast together. Chef Rachelle will provide recipes and inspiration in shades of red. Alone in the kitchen? Stop by for tips for impressing your dates. Don’t miss this hands on cooking class! Event is $15 at the door, and RSVP is strongly encouraged. To reserve your spot today,
RSVP here.

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