FCC Photoshoots 11-19 recap
We are halfway into the photoshoots with a total of 72 recipes photographed. It has been a very long and exhausting journey, but seeing it all gradually coming together is what keeps us motivated! Here is the recap from days 11-19 at the McKaskell Haindl Design Build Showroom.
Day 11:
Ricardo Cavaco
Today was a short one, but the aromas of Ricardo's recipes took us on a little trip to Alentejo, South-central Portugal. A region of vast open countryside with fertile soil and unique gastronomy, characterized by its simple but creative flavour combinations!
Day 12:
Scott Wesseling and Dave Ripley
We had chefs Scott and Dave back in the studio this week. We couldn't photograph two of their recipes the first time due to a shortage of ingredients. Remember, this book is about seasonality, so we had to adapt to our producers' schedules. Their recipes included cherry tart, Romanesco cauliflower, and a mighty sandwich that will help you find purpose within chaos.
Day 13:
Vijay Naraine and Dave Lamers
We started the day out with Sous Chef Vijay Naraine from Abruzzi, followed by Dave Lamers, also from Abruzzi. You will find the right balance between traditional and adventurous in their recipes, with a good punch of colours and textures. Recipes that will leave you with a strong desire to eat them again the next day - and the day after that too!
To wrap up the day, we had Culinary Professor Wade Fitzgerald from Fanshawe College. Wade exemplifies why studying and mastering culinary techniques is the key to success in the kitchen!
Day 14:
John Pacheco, Tim Drew and Joel McMillan
The day started with Chef John Pacheco, from The Tasting Room. The first recipe was fresh, colourful and inspiring. The second, authentic comfort food that pairs perfectly with a blanket and a book. And lastly, a decadent dessert that paid homage to Canada's iconic maple syrup.
Soon after, we had our favourite "veggie butcher," Tim Drew. Unplugged, eloquent, and always making us laugh, Tim's photoshoot was a delight. His recipes were all binge-on material to get the best out of Fall ingredients. Think pumpkin everything!
To wrap up the day, we had Mr. "LOVEEEEE," Joel McMillan from Hasbeans Coffee. If you thought coffee was the solution to all of life's problems, you must try his chocolate coffee cake inherited from his grandmother!
Day 15:
Brian Sua-An and Jill Wilcox
From high end to cozy and comforting! We started the day with chef Brian Sua-An, from the soon to open Reverie Restaurant. Originally from the Philippines, Brian refines his technique and learns new tricks in high-end restaurants in Toronto and Denmark. Now in London, he's ready to bring something different to our city, focusing on quality ingredients and impressive technique.
We don't have the words to describe how honoured and inspired we are to have Jill Wilcox from Jill's Table in the Forest City Cookbook. As Julia Child's once said, "Anyone can cook…" and in that same strain, Jill has been encouraging Londoners to jump into the kitchen for years. Food has been a big part of Jill Wilcox's life, and her passion for it honestly shows. We share Jill's beliefs at our very core; food connects people and draws them together!
Day 16:
Chad Stewart and Dacha Markovic
When you source your ingredients from the best farmers around, you know you'll have outstanding flavours. Food is not just something you chew on. It involves nutrition, emotion, passion and dedication. It's one of the most personal connections we experience with our surroundings, and it's often one of the best memories we treasure over time. Chad and Dacha cook to create memories–leaving their mark on everyone that sits at their table.
Day 17:
Justin and Gregg Wolfe
The Wolfe Pack, the two brothers that are reshaping the culinary scene of London. Their philosophy is pretty simple, "if something is missing, we build it!"
That's precisely what they've been doing for several years, taking inspiration from many great chefs and restaurants nationally and internationally and creating unique spaces with the distinctive Wolfe stamp. Places that they enjoy going to themselves, where the food is unpretentious but outstanding, and the drinks are not meant to blur your vision but to expand your imagination!
Day 18:
David Chapman, Rick Hunt, Tabitha Switzer and Dave Coulter
David Chapman is back in the kitchen! His charisma, energy and sense of humour are one of a kind. He has a fantastic ability to light up any room with laughs and joy, and it is why he has earned the city's love and respect over the years! From his humble beginnings as a cook, he has come a long way into owning his own restaurant, London's landmark David's Bistro. Now he enjoys greeting guests, cracking jokes and sharing stories.
Rick Hunt was in for his second round at the studio. One of Rick's many qualities is that he fears nothing. He enjoys experimenting with new things and never gets tired of learning new tricks in the kitchen. Our last photo shoot was with Tabitha and Dave from La Noisette. They both are wonderful people; humble, authentic and with big hearts. They enjoy every step of the process, from mixing and baking to eating. Next time you stop by the bakery, make sure to thank them. They start baking before the sunrise to make sure everything is freshly baked for you to enjoy first thing in the morning!
Day 19:
Mike Anglestad
This shoot involved a lot of storytelling, as Mike told us everything about his journey into cooking. He has always been grateful to be in Southwestern Ontario and have access to an abundance of quality ingredients. Mike also enjoys spending time outside growing his own vegetables and flowers in his home garden.
Mike has a great personality, contagious smile and big heart, and his extensive career in London’s culinary scene has rightfully made him an icon amongst his peers of Richmond Row.
We also shared some food styling tricks with him, to make his burger recipe look like a million bucks! The secret is in controlling the cheese’s melting point and avoid overcooking the meat, so it won’t stink too much.
We’ll be back next week with the last batch of photoshoots, as we get ready to jump into the editing room!