Having the pleasure of seeing Mr Ramsay cook doesn’t always come cheap. I was lucky enough to get some Front row centre tickets as I made sure I was online the second they went on sale but looking at ebay just a couple of weeks before the show, I saw that a pair of tickets had sold for $350 (plus the book but lets face it, they weren’t after the book). So I hung onto my precious tickets and guarded them with my life. It’s a good year for me, I’ve already met my favourite female cook Nigella and now I am meeting my favourite male chef.
Crowd waiting for Gordon to arrive for his 1.30pm book signing
We met friend Gina, Teena and Philippe at noon and slowly made our way around the show. The crowds were thick and in a lot of cases unmoving. Gina vowed to visit next year on a Friday such were the crowds around some stands.
The line is large for Gordon and everyone is excited. They’ve expanded the size of the theatre due to demand for Gordon’s shows (they put up the price of the second wave of tickets to cover the cost of expanding the theatre).
We have brilliant seats, front row centre left, right in front of him cooking. There’s a bit of a warm up and prize giveaway prior to Gordon entering with his right hand man from Claridges Mark Sargeant whom I remember seeing on the F Word. There is a lot of clapping signalling that the crowd is restless and doesn’t want to hear any of the preamble, they just want Gordon. And after several “Here comes Goooordon Ramsay!!”, the man finally appears. He looks exactly like he does on the show and women everywhere swoon.
Two fans run onto the stage holding Gordon masks
It’s like a culinary version of Beatlemania with two girls running up to the stage with Gordon masks on sticks and declaring him their idol and asking for hugs. Several girls stop him during the show when he walks into the audience area and demand hugs to which he happily obliges.
Another fan wanting a hug
Gordon on stage is exactly what he is like on tv, except with a little less swearing and if you watch Hell’s Kitchen or Kitchen Nightmares, a lot less anger. He does manage to insult (in his charmingly blunt way) a slew of celebrities: Dannii Minogue for being plastic and melting in front of the oven and for having body parts less than 6 months old, Lisa Wilkinson (host of the Today show) whom he says has a penis, Anthony Worrall Thompson for winning the ugliest chef award 35 years running, Jamie Oliver for being a “fat tongued fat git” who makes fattening food and Matt Moran for having a poor turnout to the show (”They moved the curtain 4 rows from the front so Matt thought that it was full of people”) and of course the Diners Club sponsor when he whipped out his Black American Express card.
“Is this the size of your bush?”
He even makes fun of the audience and recalls falling in love with a French woman when he lived in France and asks if there are any French women in the audience. There is only one and he picks up a bunch of herbs and asks her “Is this the size of your bush?” to which she declares that hers is actually bigger.
Matt Moran with the fire extinguisher pounces on an unsuspecting Gordon and Mark
During the show Matt Moran bursts on stage with a fire extinguisher which sprays both Gordon and Mark, probably as revenge for his earlier comment.
Gordon’s little exchange with me
“I feel bad now”
I even had an exchange with Gordon himself while he was on stage. He pretended that he’d left copies of his cookbook under our seats but hadn’t so everyone got excited for a second then realised he was taking the piss. My friend was quite vocal in her “Awwww no!!” so he said to her “Did you think I’d put 2000 copies under everyone’s seat?” and she shrugged so I yelled out “Oprah would have!” and he laughed and touched his heart and says “Oh shit, really yeah I feel bad now”. Then he said “Where’s your husband?” and I pointed at my husband sitting next to me behind the camera and he said “Well he’s a lucky man”. Aww I feel touched by god!
Hand on his heart feeling bad that he hasn’t given us the books, Oprah style 
While he is cooking, he gets a little more serious and explains tricks and rules to perfecting the dishes. He makes three dishes, a chorizo and bean soup, a lamb dish with a balsamic sauce which looks delectably luscious and a Pain Perdu (french toast) all intended to be dishes that you could make everyday from leftover ingredients.
Entree: Chorizo and bean soup
Main-Lamb
Dessert-Pain Perdu
After all of the cooking is done, he gives away items from the set to lucky audience members.
After this, he is off to his last book signing of the day where I tried to get my DVDs signed but they had cut the line off after a certain amount of people. As Gordon took time to chat and shake the hand or kiss and take a photo with every person in the line, the amount of people was relatively short but well rewarded. Whilst I would’ve loved a kiss and my DVDs signed I was happy with my small brush with Gordon!
Gordon signing one of many autographs
The crowd taking pictures of Gordon signing
And of the stands on offer, there were plenty of delicious morsels to be had, loads of samples and lots of great bargains.
Organic Times chocolates
One of my favourite stands, and the site of a big purchase was the Organic Times Chocolate stand where they were extremely generous with samples. We tried at least 8 of their varieties (and we could have tried more) before settling on dark chocolate coated licorice (mild), chocolate coated ginger (gorgeous large chunks of candied stem ginger enrobed in dark chocolate), dark chocolate coated macadamias and dark chocolate coated coffee beans. 3 boxes were $20 or 4 for $25.
Yumi’s dips
Another favourite stand of mine every year is Yumi’s dips which I adore. I especially like their olive dip, tuna mousse, smoked trout mousse, egg salad, pumpkin and Mediterranean eggplant dip and we buy up big here. As it is the last day, they offer us 7 dips for $12 which is a huge saving. I would have bought more except I know that I will be away for a month so I won’t be able to eat the fish dips.
Hillier’s chocolates offering is a huge bowl of wrapped chocolates. Despite his sad expression, the caramel ones were especially good 
Pama Liquors
Pomegranate seemed to be the juice flavour of this year’s show with a couple of Pomegranate juice manufacturers as well as this Pomegranate liquor. I didn’t have time to try but I did love the bottles!
There were also whole hibiscus flowers soaked in Vodka. They had an interesting texture, much like beetroot with a sweetness from the flower itself and kick from the Vodka.
For those interested in eating lunch in a non bite sized sample portion, there were celebrity chef eateries churning out dishes.
I would probably have this expression if I had to wear the hat. Perhaps my husband was mocking him when he took the picture, hence the rather fierce expression.
We got to the Lindt stand a bit too late and missed out on the Lindor ball bags. Ah well, we still had lots of Organic chocolate.
All in all, it was another great show this year, made 100000% times better by the presence of Mr Ramsay. I don’t know how they will top that next year. After all, there is just one Mr Gordon Ramsay.
And Dear Reader, whilst you are reading this, I will probably be on a plane on my way to Tokyo, probably eating a dodgy airline meal (and of course photographing it). I shall have limited access to the internet for the first 10 days that I am away but will post stories every day so please feel free to make comments, I’ll approve and reply to them when I get more internet access, probably somewhere in Finland, our second destination. After Finland we will go to London to stay with my sister (where I will have unlimited internet access) and then a few days in Paris. Rest assured this will be an eating tour of these wonderful cities so once I am back in London, the tales of the bizarre, kitsch and delicious will flow.
Love Infrequent Flyer,
NQN
xxx
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39 Comments | Add your own
This looks so exciting, and what fun. Gee, if Gordon thinks Jamie cooks fattening food I can imagine what he says about mine. I feel a tug of shame. Good for you that was a great one-liner, sounds like you had him stumped.
Hi Kim-haha I know what you mean, I bet he thinks Nigella cooks fattening food too! OK so she does
I was really glad that he didn’t get annoyed and send me back a rude comment-I’ve watched enough Hell’s Kitchen to know that he can!
Have fun in London. If you are in East London then you will be close to me. If that is the case then you should definitely check out Brick Lane for Indian food or some of the markets that make London a nicer place to live.
Email me if you want some more food suggestions for your time in London.
And I can recommend Brasserie Flo in Paris, bloody marvellous.
Hi Andrew-Thankyou so much!
And for thoserecommendations too. I actually recently saw “Brick Lane” the movie so that’s a great recommendation.
Off to catch a plane now!
Have a wonderful holiday NQN!
Ah, Gordon! I saw hime on Saturday and it sounds as though it was the same show almost verbatim. I must say, he looked much younger in person, and was far more attractive than I had imagined!
As for the food show. Excuse the language but what a s*&t fight! By the time I went in to see Gordon at the 1pm show, it was a total struggle to move around. In comparison to my Friday visit last year, which was so calm in comparison!
aw dude you didnt come visit me! i had some cake waiting for you!
Ohhhh I can’t wait to see picture of plane food! I hope you have an awesome trip!
Very jealous you got to see Gordon Ramsay!
I wish I was on holiday =( haha
x
Aw! I’m so upset I missed the Good Food & Wine with Gordon Ramsay. It really sucks to be sick again. But I’m so glad to be able to read about it on your blog
Oh how I wish I could’ve been there!!
Japan sounds great. I’m looking forward to see more food…. drools!
Such a witty line - I never would have thought of a comeback like that!
Sounds like you had a fabulous time at the show - I really wish I had gone now, even if jsut to try the pomegranate liquer and vodka infused hibiscus flowers. How divine!
I hop you have an enjoyable and safe holiday.
Great work, your photos and description make me feel like I was there. Enjoy your trip, can’t wait to read more from your travels. Please eat a Parisian macaron for moi!
Hi, we went on Saturday and were lucky enough to see Gordon (for the cheaper price too). I absolutely loved him, although didn’t think the show itself was as good, maybe because of the amount of people there. One of the stallholders actually said Friday was worse than Saturday so Sunday must have been terrible.
Bon voyage Lorraine! Don’t forget to get some Beard Papa’s in Shibuya! I look forward to reading the posts and becoming insanely jealous.
love your post, made me smile by just reading what ramsay (and you!) said
first of all, the look on that hillier guy’s face is priceless.
secondly, i love that you bantered with gordom ramsay–what a terrific memory! i’ve no doubt you’ll remember this trip for as long as you live (and maybe even then some!).
NQN, I just watched TV and there are lots of people queue for Gordon’s signature then I read your blog. Maybe you did get a shot in TV camera and a bit famous for a second.
Have a great trip in Paris. I was lucky to be in Paris for first time with free plane tickets, free accommodations, shopping in Zara + Galleria Lafayette, get on TGV train, going to free rugby game match in Montpellier and even free fine dining in both Paris and Montpellier while exploring both cities as a courtesy of Heineken from Lion Nathan last September 2007.
That trip made me fell in love with European fine dining, good thing that France put a smoking ban in Parisian cafes and restaurant from end of 2007. Bad thing that I was still in the middle of that smoke when I was there.
I fell in love with Paris on first time even though it is crowded, lots of dirty and old buildings, lots of small cars and no round about at all! That’s why the cars seem got confused here and there at intersection around Arc de Triomphe (I heard it it got 12 intersections). You can see those cars from above the Arc, kinda funny.
Also, I saw a pasta made look like Eiffel Tower in one of Eiffel souvenir shop up there in level 2. Maybe you want to scoop these pasta into someone’s mouth…
lorraine, have a fabulous trip…it sounds lke a great itinerary! wishing sunshine all the way for you and please eat many mouthwatering macarons in Paris for me
Oh, I love this man. Love him! I could raise his 4 children if he asked me to.
Delicious post, Lorraine. And Oprah would have, definitely.
A highly readable post NQN! Here’s a crackpot idea from Gordon Ramsay. He wants restaurants to be fined if they use out of season produce on their menus. He wants produce to be in season and locally sourced. He is quoted as saying he does not want strawberries from Kenya in December and asparagus from Zimbabwe in January. He is evidently in talks with Prime Minister Gordon Brown about it.
Initially I thought well, yes, go along with that in that I try to only buy seasonal. But, we are such a global food economy how would such a move affect the farmers in Kenya and Zimbabwe? And what about the food we can’t grow here such as avocados, aubergines, lemons, oranges, etc?
I suspect this is some ill thought out media spin for his new restaurant.
Haha looks like we were in the same session of Gordon Ramsay. I was also sitting in the front row, but more left than you were! I was wondering who he was speaking to in the audience!
Man he gets around - he was in Toronto not long ago for a book signing and the place was mobbed.
Although he can get a little crass sometimes on the show, he does know what he’s talking about. He’s got good entrepeneurial skills.
I meet Gordon too at his book signing…was way cool!!
Hi Nic-Thankyou so much! I will
Hi Reemski-Yeah I think he used the same lines in all shows, not that I can blame him, it would be impossible to be as entertaining off the cuff. We went to the 3.30pm show. I know, it was crazy on the Sunday, I felt like I was in a Tokyo train
Hi chocolatesuze-I did pass your stand but your mum (I think it was your mum) was there and she looked really bust. I would have come back but I have such a terrible sense of directions-sorry!
~~arrrgh I just lost a whole lot of my replies! Now to type them out again…~~
Hi Iron Chef Shellie-Thankyou so mcuh! I’ve definitely taken pics of the plane food so fear not
Food porn on the way!
Hi carolyn-so sorry to hear that you are sick
If it makes you feel any better, it would have been no fun as it was rather claustrophobic there!
Hi melissah-I figured I’d better say it now or never. He seemed to like people shouting things from th audience at him, the people near us did so and he happily intereacted with them. Thankyou so much!
Hi belle-Thankyou so much! I will definitely eat one (or more) for you
Hi Cass-We went to the 3.30pm show. I think he used a lot of the same material, not that I can blame him, it’s impossible to be that entertaining off the cuff
Interesting that friday was worse, it’s usually better as a lot of people are at work!
Hi SydneyGal -Thanks! I’ve yet to see a Beard Papa here-yet! But I will definitely be reporting on everything I eat
Hi Isla-Thankyou so much for your lovely comment, that’s such a sweet thing to say!
Hi grace-I know, isn’t it just hilarious! I will definitely remember my interaction with Gordon Ramsay, even if he doesn’t!
Hi Lilia-Who knows! That would be funny, although I am probably one of so many people. Our Paris trip won’t be quite as exciting (or free lol) but I am really looking forward to it. I am glad about the smoking, the last time we went to Paris it was Winter and there was smoke everywhere and I got quite sick. I’m hoping it will be much less smokey now!
Hi airy fairy-Thankyou so much. The weather so far is amazingly gorgeous, perfect actually! So your wishes worked indeed!
Hi patricia-Lol that’s so funny
I suspect there are a lot of women who would love to step into the role of Mrs Ramsay! I felt bad at making him feel bad but you’re right, Oprah would have 
Hi R.A.D. Stainforth -Interesting idea, whilst I agree in principle, there are greater repercussions for other countries as you’ve outlined. He is very quotable indeed and a great businessman so perhaps you’re right!
Hi SoRMuiJAi-Ahh cool! You were probably sitting near my other friends. You weren’t they lady that got the frypan were you? If so, lucky you!
Hi giz-He sure does, it seems that everyone wants a piece of him! He can get a bit angry or passionate about things but as you said, he’s more than a chef, he’s also a very talented business man. I’m just glad he included Sydney
Hi Sascha-Cool! You were one of the lucky ones!
I was at Gordon’s 10.30am show and 8.00pm show on 20th June. I was called up on stage (8pm), as Gordon wanted to meet the person from New Zealand whom had emailed the organisers of the event for the past 72 days! I also had a tour of “Black Jackets” in blk chefs jkts; NZ Silver ferns and our flag. He snogged me on stage in front of 2500 people and gave me everything he could to give away, incl the Doulton crystal glasses. Would you like to swap pics? As I have amazing close ups, and unfortuately, my SD card ran out when trying to take pics of the ‘overall’ impressions, which is what I would like too. love K
PS: The Lindeman Early Harvest Restaurant was a RIP OFF. We arrived (6.50pm) just before they were to close at 7pm. I’m guessing we had enough time to order and eat before Gordon at 8pm. I went to the counter and asked for $200 worth of buying vouchers, (everything had to be pre-paid, regardless of whether you looked at the menu or not, and in my case, a couple of people hadn’t decided/nor looked at the menu; so I decided to buy vouchers to cover all aspects), and I HAPPENED to enquire (as I was buying such a large amt before closing); what would I be able to cash my unused vouchers back in???? AND THEY SAID NO!!!!!!!! ha ha. Four of us just kept walking. What losers!!?? People wanting to spend are just not welcome.
Oh! Just another word, about the FRONT ROW buyers and SECOND ROW buyers for the Gordon sessions in SYDNEY. My husband and I were split up across an asle when in fact we had purchased tickets ROW B in the middle. Our front row tickets (A) in the first session, has been shunted to left-stage. My party of New Zealand Black Jackets were all over the place. Not a good look, and one for a Brick Bat than a kindly and much appreciative gesture. Anyone else with this issue??
Sorry, just looked at the past posts: yes I too look for seasonal and local produce. In Alice, I ate Camel which is better than beef; just as Kangaroo in the structure and texture of Lamb is better. Camel has the same structure of beef, but is sweeter. Try it! I’m only a NZder, but each state I visited, I eat local, and seasonal. (giggles) Streets “The Heart” is no longer made….(which I had on the Murray River when 10yrs)…I went looking for the Heart in central Australia and never found it. One guy said it was only avail in WA. I doubt that also. I found a Streets Factory Shop in Coolangata..and she said..they stopped making it 2yrs ago. No one knows anything. Do Australians know anything? I was told by a cogger at Lassaters Casino in Alice that I would find them anywhere. I lost my heart obviously at the Murray River in 1978, but never got it back in any of the states of Australia.
Hi Karen-Wow, you are so lucky! A snog and a visit upstage with Gordon! I’m sure you are the envy of women everywhere. He didn’t take anyone upstage although some did run onstage.
Pity about the Lindeman’s restaurant
I was too full from the samples to contemplate more food!
Yes the shifting of the theatre meant that our party was broken up into two. We were supposed to be right centre in front of him but two of my friends were left of him which was a bit disappointing for them
My friend has eaten camel at Voiaj and recommends it to me, it sounds lovely. I don’t know if they still make “heart” ice creams here. I’m sure I’ve seen some somewhere. It’s disappointing when lovely foods disappear!
Ooooh I can’t believe he took more time to chat and have photo’s at his book signing on the day you went. I went on the Saturday and the lines were massive and we werent allowed photo’s with him and it was so rushed
I lined up for 3 hours to get my book signed, though I did get a kiss so that made it all worthwhile!
Oh forgot to mention that we came all the way from Brisbane just to meet him!
Hi Bria-Ah that is interesting! You were very patient waiting for 3 hours and must be a huge fan to come all the way from Brisbane! but yes a kiss makes it all worthwhile, lucky you!
“Awww, everything happens to Lorraine!”
*Wow* post of 2008?! Winter, 2008 at least?!! You keep coming in contact with my fav British chefs.. A pattern is forming here, I could now never de-friend you ;-D Hahaha!
Again, this year I didn’t get to the Good Food and Wine show though it was a tentative plan. In the end I’d had a very huge week.. was only going to be able to go on my own.. and was too tired and not cashed up enough to take it all on with the gusto it deserved. Next year!!? I’ve never been… I have to go one of these days! I was aware that Gordon was only going to be appearing in Sydney too
I love that you’ve shared this with us Lorraine. How about those bargains?! The Lindt and Organic chocolate prices were great and $12 for 7 yummy YUMI dips! I usually get the egg salad and spinach.. so mayonnaisey and Mmmm! The tuna and smoked trout mousses aren’t available here anymore in supermarkets.. though they used to be. Not my local one’s anyway.
What an experience - loved all the photo’s!!
Hi Maria-I love the show and the chance to see Gordon Ramsay was only 100x more motivation to go
I wish we’d made it in time to buy the Lindt chocolates. But I made sure we got the Yumi dips, they’re so good! Oh wow, I wonder why? Perhaps they didn’t sell so well although I can’t imagine why not!
Thankyou!
aww…i cant believe u got to see him AND talked to him too
i do envy u A LOT now. lol
Hi angel-I was so excited when I got the ticket,s I think the whole building heard how happy I was
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