Gordon at the Media conference
Forgive the deliberately provocative title if you will but I was literally waking up with Gordon Ramsay this cold Winter’s Friday morning. Thanks to the lovely Johanna from Stellar Concepts, at 8:30am several members of Sydney’s press including myself and Helen, assembled in the LG VIP Lounge to have breakfast and to meet Mr Ramsay himself. Walking in and looking tanned and fit in a blue tshirt, he’s nursing a cup of coffee before he gives us a little speech letting us know about the higlights in his Australian visit including a holiday with the family on Hamilton Island and a memorable dinner at Quay. It’s all very cordial and rehearsed and doesn’t really sound like the Ramsay we know and love with none of the edge normally associated with him. At the end, an eager Channel 7 reporter jumps up and asks him “Is your publicist keeping you on a tight leash this time?” which he pointedly ignores. We’re left to ponder what happens next which is Gordon’s first cooking session for the event along with our very generous goodie bags (containing a copy of his book “Healthy Appetite”, LG cooking utensils, a wine bag and some rosemary and oregano olive oil.
We’re seated in row B seat 30 and after the obligatory warm up from Alistair McLeod (beware, don’t put your hand up unless you want to get up and dance in front of everyone!), Gordon and his offsider Stuart Gillies (executive chef at Boxwood Cafe), come out to much applause. Gordon has a strip of tape over his mouth. Yes he knows he needs to behave to avoid another Tracy Grimshaw incident (although that was about as bad as what he said about Lisa Wilkinson and Dannii Minogue at the show last year which passed without controversy so he must be confused as to how far he can take things).
Gordon chats to onstage guests
Unlikely cougar!
He invites two women and two men onto the stage to dine on the food. And more mature women aren’t immune to the charms of Ramsay with one woman beside herself with glee in a Cougar-like moment on stage.
His show is amusing and he makes some amazing sounding (and smelling!) food including a simple blue eyed cod dish on vegetables (championing the use of underused vegetables such as radish) and some spectacular looking red wine and spice poached pears decorated with flaked almonds. But his overall demeanour is very toned down in comparison to last year’s – there’s no reference to Lisa Wilkinson’s male body part or Dannii Minogue’s excessive plastic surgery although Matt Moran does get the typical barb thrown his way about not being able to fill a theatre but this too is tempered by a “I’m joking!”. The point that the audience is full of journalists is not lost on him with some predicting that he will return to his old self as the days go on.
He gives tips on how to get kids to eat their vegetables (although I don’t know if I’d necessarily recommend them as they involve boys learning to grow a certain appendage by eating carrots) and gristles good naturedly with Gillies when Gillies tells us that he beat Ramsay in the London marathon by about 2 minutes. It’s a great show and worth seeing although the auditorium wasn’t as packed as it has been in the past. Perhaps it’s the early hour and the fact that it is a Friday.
The book signing outside is less frantic than last years and the queue for this morning’s session actually seems doable. After watching some lucky ladies get a kiss and an autograph, I join the queue but time has run out and just when we have almost reached the front, he has to go but he does sign the remaining cookbooks. I get a brief exchange with him and I am reduced to a semi blathering fool mesmerised by his bluer than blue eyes *swoon*. Just be warned, they will not allow you into the queue unless you have a book to sign.
The autograph
Manu Feildel
Walking around all afternoon I check out the stalls and am glad to see some new and unusual stands which are different from the usual suspects. I spy Manu Feildel, the chef from L’etoile wandering around. I take some photos and he pirouettes and poses. I also bump into several NQN readers who stop me and say hello! It was lovely to meet all of you 
Gary Mehigan
After wandering around for almost 3 hours, I then head back to the LG Lounge where my sore feet and shoulders are aching and sink down into one of their lounges. If there’s one perk to being part of the media pack, it’s access to this lounge. There’s a good range of food and drinks and I have some fruit salad and a smoked salmon wrap. Then who do I see behind me but Gary Mehigan from Masterchef! He’s drinking a cup of coffee and chatting and rumour has it that the Masterchef guys actually sold more tickets than Gordon Ramsay (although tickets to Gordon are an additional $20). Gary is very friendly and we chat for about half an hour in between eager photo and autograph requests. He warns me not to mention the word blogger to George as he has no love for our kind. Gary is particularly proud of the impact that Masterchef has on the younger generation and how children are expressing an interest in becoming a chef and the passion that people have for food. He also appreciated Adriano Zumbo’s enthusiasm and support for the contestants during the croquembouche challenge. At one point, Adriano didn’t think they’d make it but when he realised that they would he was right behind them and when Julie’s croquembouche was stuck he reacted with anguish as if it was his own. He says that the upcoming show session with he and George is mostly ad libbed but he doesn’t appear nervous. And yes I asked for an autograph-in my black moleskine of course and I tell him to look out for us-in row Z!
George then walks in and when I tell him I’m a blogger he says “Oh yessss bloggers” suspiciously. I then ask him if I can have a photo and his demeanour changes instantly. “Yeah no problem, you’re going to be in it right? Let’s get Justine too!” and he hastily calls Justine from her meal for the photograph. Yes Justine from Masterchef is here too! It’s a Masterchef fest. The winner of course is a secret with the final being filmed last night.
It’s a hub of activity and I see Gordon whizzing past, Matt Moran stays to talk to people for a while and wine expert Matt Skinner sits amongst the star struck crowd consisting mostly of LG employees. Alistair McLeod whizzes back and forth and when I ask him if I can take a photo he shakes his bottom.
Alistair McLeod
Did George write the presentation? 
The 2:30pm show with Gary and George is about to start and I’m seated with Suze and Helen. A film starts comparing English (Gary’s) and Greek (George’s) cuisine and then each culture’s contribution to the world. Gary starts off charming everyone by praising the look of the front row crowd” and then asks about how Row Z looks. Then George sets about antagonising people by saying “Are there any bloggers here?” and we remain quiet having being prewarned. “Can you please leave then?” he asks and when Gary questions him why he says that he is sick of bloggers blogging about how he shouldn’t eat off his knife etc. The truth hurts George 
He also asks the Italians in the audience to leave.
George on the naughty chair
Gary had mentioned that it was all adlibbed and if so, they have an amazing natural chemistry. For George, there is the obligatory butchering of the English language (e.g. enrichening) and several turns on the naughty chair for using the “F word”. Chips are made and Gary asks if anyone would like to taste one. After rousing the crowd a few times, he bolts up the stairs to distribute the chips and I manage to just grab one. It’s delicious – crunchy in the outside and fluffy on the inside. There is also talk of how a radio station did a remix of soundbytes which mention the liberal use of butter at seemingly every turn.
Matt walks in bearing butter
And with that cue, who appears but Mr Cravat-Orange Pants-Cowhide Boots, the third part of the trio, Matt Preston bearing a box of butter. There is one block of butter missing which he says he used to rub between his thighs for lubrication (the imagery conjured up is graphic at best). They then ask for the audience Masterchef favourite who ends up being Justine. She then emerges from the wings to sit next to Matt and later helps make the jam filled donuts (which turn out slightly soggy as Gary has forgotten to check the temperature of the oil in the deep fat fryer).
From left to right: Gary, George, Matt and Justine
After Matt tries some of the food they stop for a Matt Preston moment. He waxes lyrical about the food after licking it with his finger Nigella style. George then enlists the help of a similarly statured audience member so that she can demonstrate how daunting it is standing next to the extremely tall Matt Preston and how George gets tucked under his arm (which Matt claims smells like beef). It’s a hilarious show with all of the personalities working very well together.
Anyway I know you are probably sick of all this celebrity chef talk and want to know what the stalls are like so without further ado, here is the range of stalls which I thought had the best on offer and others that just looked interesting.
Pasta Italia’s Pancetta Agnolotti is to die for…and even better if you can nab a sample!
One of the better organised stalls, Tassal (Tasmanian Salmon) offers mini classes and sampling.
The happy team at Tassal show us how to make a delicious and healthy smoked salmon wrap.
Cookie Couture’s cookie packs $35 for 10 cookies – adorable!
And their carousel cake!
Bum Burner sausages from Barossa Fine Foods. Deliciously spicy, these are only $2 each.
Authentic Turkish Delight with generous samples
Fabulously addictive, I snapped up this macadamia toffee straight away from this little stand tucked away.
If you remember my visit to the Easter Show, one of the best purchases we made was the Providore Best of Show bags where they gather a variety of award winning produce. They have a fabulous one here for just $50. We loved everything and I mean every single thing in the Easter Show one so this is a great purchase.
The pies were also included in the pack we bought at the Easter Show and these too were fantastic.
The Green and Black’s organic chocolate stand is generous with their samples with the butterscotch being particularly good with tiny flecks of butterscotch.
And others that I didn’t try but looked interesting… Absinthe!
Butler’s Hot Chocolate drink (samples 50c). I like the tagline “Purveyors of Happiness”.
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Love a Duck stand selling little boxes of cooked duck. And a man who is very proud of his shirt!
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The Kitchenaid stand with pasta made by their pasta maker attachment
Fabulous sausages from Tender Value Meats – the Lamb and Raisin are a favourite.
True Organics cheese samples-I would’ve loved to have tried a butter sample!
The Riedel Decanter Bar
A Taste of the Bush spice packs starting at $7 per packet
The pretzel guy!
Let’s not forget Suze and the Biscuit Tree stand – thanks for stowing my bag!
And these are just some of the lovely celebrity chefs you might bump into if you keep your eyes peeled. Manu Feildel and the lovely Sonja (who is also a blogger) at the Campbell’s stand.
Ben O’Donoghue demonstrating his muscles…
Just after getting a woman to open the bottle for him! At the Barbeques Galore stand.
Matt Moran and Simon Sandall. Matt tells me to tell everyone that Simon is his boyfriend. Sure, well here you go…
And everyone’s favourite Sexy Beast, Matt Preston at the Delicious stand! Check out the pic of Matt and I on my facebook page.
So tell me Dear Reader, are you a Gordon Ramsay fan or not?
Good Food and Wine Show
Sydney Convention Centre, Darling Harbour
Held from the 3rd July-5th July, 2009
http://www.goodfoodshow.com.au/
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69 Comments | Add your own
What a day! Lucky you Lorraine. I have always admired Gordon Ramsay for his culinary achievements. And the Masterchef team all looked like fun. A great review and write up!
Definitely a Gordon Ramsay fan – we’re going to his last session on Sunday. Hoping he lets loose by then!
Just wondering what they do when you buy bags with fresh produce and meats – do they keep them for you until it’s time to go or should we wait until we’re ready to go before we buy them?
Oh my gooooodness lorraine all these photos and stories about meeting celebrity chefs and food and food and more food are making me excited! Too bad I have to wait til tomorrow but ahhh I can’t wait now! Really great write up (I wonder what time you woke up this morning to write this? I thought I woke up early at 7am!)
oh man, I am SO jealous. I hope if I’m well enough I might steal away and go on Sunday.
Lorraine, you need to stop picking on George – it’s obviously having an effect on him hehe.
So is anyone else suspicious of Justine’s appearance? Do you think she’s won Masterchef?
The stands, wow. My love affair with kitchenaid continues – I simply must have one!
Cookie Coutures’ offerings look amazing, I’m so impressed by the workmanship in those – a good price I think too.
Thanks so much for sharing, I really hope I get to go!
You’re a machine. I honestly cannot believe that you’d gotten this post up as quickly as you have. It gives me the poopies.
It seems like you had quite an active and fulfilling day.
Awesome report NQN! A great taste of what I have to look forward to later today.
Terrific feature…I now feel as though I’d been there myself! Thank you
)
Oooh it looks like you had a wonderful time at the show! I enjoyed it last night, and was glad it wasn’t too busy – it was easy for us to taste lots of stuff. Did you go to the restaurant? We had dinner there. The serving sizes were good, which we were relieved about because it wasn’t cheap. The big winner was Matt Moran’s chicken, chorizo and chickpea dish.
AWESOME POST!
Oh it makes me want to fly up and experience it all again! oh those pretzels!
You guys got Matt Preston & Justine! lucky ducks =D
Awesome Ramsay photos too!!
x
I was one of the fans that came up to you! =) Thanx for being so nice and friendly! I was so excited when I saw u cos I wasnt sure if it was u or not!!! =)
I am so bummed that the Brisbane show is not until November. And even then, it does not look as great as the Sydney show.
The things I am most jealous of?
The sweets! Cookie couture, turkish delight, green and blacks chocolate and Butlers.
I also am so jealous you got to meet Manu. He is my fav celebrity chef.
I also lol’d at the giant pretzels. I used to eat them all the time when I went to High School in California, but they are so hard to find in Australia. I also love the bush spices: I would love to make an australian dukkah with macadamia, almond or pistachio and some of those interesting bush spices. Yumm with turkish bread
Looks like a fun/exhausting day. Wish I had been there!
that’s a great event. i didn’t realise they gave out so many samples. will have to try and go next year. congrats on getting to meet all the celebrity chefs. such a fantastic opportunity.
You have just made me even more excited about going tomorrow!! Are they selling mixers at the Kitchenaid stall? Would love to get one.
I’m spewing I couldn’t make the Melbourne show.
The Luc-A-Duck stuff looks fabulous. We just did a shoot of some of their new products which will be (are already?) available in supermarkets – they are par-cooked microwavable duck dishes like Peking duck, duck confit etc. I’ll let you know how I go when I take them home hahaha I love freebies from work
The Masterchef guys look funny – It would have been great to see them.
As for Mr Ramsay – I do like him…I think some people just get offended too easily. I worry that he’s not going to think highly of Australia now after this years debacle. Though I’m still convinced it was all a Channel 9 stunt!
Wow looks like you had a great time!
Will have to see if I can sneak off there this weekend.
Definitely a Gordon Ramsay fan, though I wish he wouldn’t take stabs at the media so blatantly looking for coverage.
Fab post. I always feel both a little hungry and full after reading one of your posts. I have to think that Justine has won Masterchef, since none of the other contestants are mentioned or photographed.
Fantastic post! Lucky you getting to be part of the media pack! I would’ve loved to meet the Masterchef guys – they seem really friendly (even if George isn’t a big fan of bloggers!). Justine’s appearance is a bit suss and makes me think that she might be the winner of the series. Definitely going to try to go next year
You are so lucky! Fantastic post. Great photo of you and Matt Preston! I’m looking forward to visiting the show tomorrow. That story about Adriano and Julie’s croquembouche is so cute that it’s squeal worthy!
Thanks for the excellent coverage of this event especially for those (that includes me) who can’t attend. I have the slightness suspicion that Justine might be the masterchef winner…
“George doesn’t like bloggers?” IMHO, he said it to get reactions from us – the bloggers. And he did get all the attentions he was looking for!!
I’m 100% NOT Ramsay’s fan. Even before Tracy Grimshaw’s incident. Always love your site and your foodie experience, thats for sure
oh man…Gordon is like my hero…while my friends drool over Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt, I drooled over Gordon. This sounds like one show I would pay hundreds to attend!
Excellent coverage of the show! It’s a shame that Gordon Ramsey was holding back a little bit – I do love him! Can’t wait to go tmrw
I always seem to get sick around this time of the year
Great pics you have here!
Love to read about it all on your blog!
Great report and yes I agree, I think Justine might just be the winner! IT does seem a little suspicious that she was around with the judges!
Great photos and looks like you had a good time too!
Love the review, Lorraine. We just got back and had a great time. My husband really loved the Riedel masterclass. We saw Matt Moran at 10.45am and got a photo with him when we bought his book.
The standard at the Lindeman’s Early Harvest Restuarant was impressive. The Gordan Ramsay and Matt Moran dishes we had were great considering the numbers that were being served.
I was there today and the Gordon Ramsey set was the same, almost word for word. I was also surprised that the auditorium was half empty, but was completely full for Masterchef. Justine wasn’t there today, but Chris, Poh, Lucas, Michelle, Julia and Melissa were all on stage, with Poh winning the audience applause competition to be allowes to cook the donuts
Great review NQN, I just lurve Matt Preston (gaydar alarm bells ringing!), something about his jowly-face and deep-set eyes makes me think of the word PORCINE whenever I look at him. A coup to get all 3 judges and Justine – perhaps she’s the winner?
I think people need to put aside the publicity-grabbing antics and appreciate Gordon’s career/Michelin accolades instead.
Errr, did Gordon fall asleep on the sunbed?
As i told on twitter
Im very jaleous!
As well, Australia got a good food culture… Should be more in Holland!
This looks so much more fun than the Good Food Show I went to a couple of years back!!
I’m so pleased that you got to meet Gordon and that he was on his best behaviour
Nice to see Ben O’Donoghue there—I’ve got a real soft spot for him.
Wow, fantastic coverage. I am just exhausted reading what you got up to.
so sad I didnt see your post before i went there.. just came back from the show.. I arrived there since 10 am walked till 5.30 pm.. Exhausted ! I ate a lot (of course samples..haha) and I met Jenius and suze aswell.. wah..I didnt got chance to take photo with Ramsay, George and Gary T_T but got to take with Manu Feildel.
Also wanna try to many things but too full and put on weight already ^ ^”
I was there too! Had a fantastic time. My friend was one of the ‘lucky’(?) ones who danced on stage.
Mmm. I suspect I am one of the bloggers George is pissed with. I think I started one of my blog posts with …
“I was gobsmacked and slightly revolted when MasterChef Australia judge George Calombaris licked his knife..”
Wow – thanks so much for your comprehensive post. I live in Canberra but would love to make the trek to the food show one day, now that I know how much fun it is and what great stalls (& celeb chefs) they have! I can’t get over the divine Cookie Couture biscuits and cake. Your site is so inspiring – and addictive!
I love the pasta drying rack. I must admit to laughing at Gordon’s reason for little boys to eat carrots too.
Thanks so much for the great update! I like Gordon Ramsay, but booked to see Matt Moran instead (2nd last row, boo!)
Looks like you had a great day, though it must have been exhausting!
sounds like you had a great day at the show! went to the show today and after 5 hours, I have to say that i’m completely buggered! and lol, i went to the masterchef show and same question about foodbloggers was asked and i kept quiet!
Great report from the show – and Justine must have won Masterchef; surely others would have been there as well otherwise?? I’m very suspicious!
Great coverage of the show Lorraine, feels like I was there so thank you for sharing , unfortunately I won’t make it this year.:(
Gordon Ramsay, the man can cook so why does he overstep the mark sometimes? I suppose it takes all sorts of people to make up the world.
Loving the Cookie Couture Carousel cake, how superb , might order one for my granddaughter Meira who turns one on the 21st July.
Envy my name is Deeba…beautifully covered Lorraine!! I’ve had a wonderful time here!
What a fun experience! Thanks for sharing it!
Great write-up – I feel like I was there, even though I didn’t actually have time to!
I envy you:-) Thanks for sharing & for all the pictures.
You make it look SO great – I simply must go next time.
My children are addicted to MasterChef and it’s really inspired Miss 10 to get active in the kitchen. It’s fantastic.
Great review Lorraine. I went yesterday and saw similar shows and tasted the great range of food on offer. I’m envious of how much you remembered from the shows and they sound very similar to the ones I saw
Hi Peter-It was such a fun day! Having eaten at his restaurants, I’d have to say that they’re well worth it. thankyou so much!
Hi Katy-hehe here’s hoping! Please do report back if he does
Some of the places will keep them for you but others might sell you some cooler bags. Have fun!
Hi Trisha-Thankyou so much! I wrote it on the Friday night so I didn’t stay up all night (I had an early morning the next morning hehe). hope you had fun and I can’t wait to see what you thought of it!
Hi Liss-Oh yes do try to if you can. I hope you’re feeling better?
Haha I was only nice about George on NQN but I have to say his attitude doesn’t exactly endear him to me anymore 
I heard that they had the rest of the contestants on the other days although it does look rather suspicious! 
Yes the cookies are a great price I think and such a gorgeous gift! 
Hi Simon-haha it gives you to poopies? As in the sh8ts and you’re angry? Dude calm down!
Hi Robert-Thankyou so much! I hope you had lots of fun
Hi Elaine-Hehe that is very cool! you’re more than welcome!
Hi KT-I did
Yes the chaos of last year’s show was terrible but this Friday was much better.I hate to battle crowds! I didn’t but it sounds great! 
Good to know that that was a goodie 
Hi Iron Chef Shellie-Thankyou!
You should! 
I think the other MC contestant were on the other days 
Thankyou!
Hi Brianna-So nice to meet you! Hehe yes I only have a few photos up so points for recognising me!
Hi Tara-Aww but something to look forward to? Will Gordon be there?
Manu was so sweet and lovely posing for the photos. They looked really good I have to say 
I wish I had tried one! Yes the bush spices are a bit hard to find but they’re great and so unusual.
Hi Barbara-Yes you must plan your next Sydney trip around this-or October which is good food month here
Hi Simon-Yes this event has the most samples out of all of them. Thanks!
Hi Brenda-Oh cool! I hope you had lots of fun?! I don’t know but I would guess they might only be demonstrating one (only because they’re such heavy and huge buggers).
Hi Esz-Aww no-what shame you missed the Melbourne one
I’ve heard a lot about them but I’ve never actually tried them, only the samples but they do look good! hehe yes he must be confused! Because he says things like that all the time but this time it was really picked up. I hope he comes back!
Hi Bill-I did!
Hehe yes I think his publicist must either love or hate him! 
Have a great time!
Hi Theresa-Thankyou!
Hehe that’s quite a compliment! I think the others showed up on the other days but if you just went on the Friday and didn’t know that you’d certainly feel like she had probably won!
Hi Jacq-Thankyou so much! I felt very lucky indeed!
Gary was lovely as was Matt but George was very suspicious at first! Definitely do, it’s lots of fun and thankfully they made it bigger so it was much less squishy.
Hi Steph-thankyou!
Hehe yes it was nice of him to ask someone from behind the Delicious counter to take the pic 
I know, as if we didn’t know already how lovely he was!
Hi Ellie-You’re more than welcome! I think the final is 2 weeks away so we won’t know for sure for a while! Hmm perhaps-I don’t know….
Hi Liny-Ahh fair enough! He does polarise people
Thankyou so much! 
Hi Sophia-He’s a foodie pin up boy that’s for sure!!
Does he ever visit your neck of the woods? 
Hi Betty-Thankyou so much! I think he is on his best behaviour
You guys have fun!
Hi Carolyn-aww no, I guess because it is Winter
Thankyou so much!
Hi Einna-Thankyou so much! Yes I think they had the other contestants but the people that went on the Friday aren’t necessarily going to know that so they should have had her and someone else to keep us guessing! Thankyou-I did!
Hi romaverona-Thanks so much
Oh great to hear! Aww that is great to hear that you got a photo with Matt Moran. I wish I had tried those, they did sound great! 
Hi Annie-hehe really! I think that happened last year too
I think the extra $20 put some people off. A shame as it is always great to see his show. Ahhh thanks for the confirming that! they really brought out so many of the MC contestants for your show! 
Hi Teena-Thankyou! Hehe hmmm yes well there was a crowd of thuggish boys and they said quite loudly “Oh yeah he’s SO gay dude!”. Honestly some people! yes it was thrilling to meet all 3 of them and Justine. Who knows! Although it wouldn’t be a surprise! Yes the fact remains, he is a brilliant chef.
Hi Ridves-I think it was a result of his Hamilton Island holiday?
Hi Jordy-Australia does have such a foodie culture so it’s great to live here. Perhaps you should visit for a holiday?
Hi Angela-Oh really? haha I was hoping for a bit more spice at the media briefing but ah well. Yes he’s big overseas isn’t he? I saw him on an English cooking show.
Hi Julia-Thankyou so much! Haha imagine me at the end of the day
Hi Ja-Aww what a shame! Wow, great stuff, you really went all the way!
That sounds great! Hehe yes there was so much food there wasn’t there! 
Hi Liv-Oh very cool! Hehe really, which one was she?
Hi Reality Raver-haha I did think that the knife comment might have been related to yours. Although it shows he reads your blog!
Hi Candi-you’re more than welcome!
It’s definitely worth a trek here for it 
Aww thankyou so much, you are too kind! 
Hi Arwen-It was so eye catching! Hehe yes I wonder if other parents use that same reasoning
Hi Belle-you’re welcome! Aww no, but I think sometimes the seats free up so you can move ahead. it was exhausting but fun so I didn’t mind so much
Hi Panda-I did!
Hehe yes it does that to you doesn’t it. I had to change to ballet flats after a while. Haha good move! 
Hi Suzie-Thankyou! I think they put the other contestants on the other days but still it does appear very strange!
Hi Matilda-Thanks so much! Ahh what a shame
I think that’s his “thing” and it has worked for him up until the Tracy grimshaw incident although there are plenty that still love him. Yes it was adorable! 
Hi deeba-hehe thankyou so much!
Hi Marta-you’re more than welcome!
Hi Y-hehe cool! Thanks so much! Maybe next year!
Hi Soma-You’re welcome!
Hi SydneyGal-Yes you must! You must! Your kids are the ones that Gary was talking about!
Hi Anita-Thankyou!
Hehe I have a good memory for food related things 
Looks like you had a great time.
I bought the Gordon Ramsay pass and went with my wife Friday night – got up on stage and won the Gordon Ramsay Royal Dalton collection for doing the YMCA! Gordon did start a little stiff but loosened up by the end!
Lined up for signatures but didn’t make the top 50 so just got a quick signature as he walked past.
We went back Sunday determined to get a photo, first in line at 9am for 10-15 signing – he got there at 10-35 and was a little overwhelmed and forgot to ask my question about HElls Kitchen Australia but got the personal autograph and photo!
Gordon was great with the punters, taking the time and interest in each, even if organisers were trying to push them through – he even pulled some small kids out of the crowd (who weren’t in line) for photos and autographs. Class act is Gordon Ramsay
Nah, I’m calm. Just expressing the feeling of being aced by someone far beyond your own calibre
Loved your post! Didn’t realise Matt Preston is so huge.
wah! how did i not notice you in that tiny lounge? lol. It was a fun morning though! I think I’m now completely in love with Manu…
Great post and coverage of the event! But George’s comments are a little inflammatory aren’t they? And what’s the deal with picking on Italians?
Lorraine, was wonderful to meet you on Friday. And what a brilliant coverage of the show. Thank you for the lovley shot of me & Manu, I feel very privelaged to be included! As working on the Campbell’s Real Stock Kitchen stand all weekend, I didn’t manage to get to see the other stands, so reading your blog has filled in the blanks and made me realised what I missed. I will have to be more diligent to ask for some ‘time to peruse’ next year.
I did get a sneak in to Gary’s & George’s show on the Sat which was a delight.
Also saw Gordon on sunday morning as they offered exhibitors free passes to fill the stands with more bums on seats. What I got to see was a rather ‘dusty’ Gordon trying to present after a large night out at the Ivy, which I thought very dissapointing. Not only because of his tired performance, I wasn’t overwhelmed with his recipe selection as was expecting something more inspiring from someone of his calibre. Although looked delicious (couldn’t smell it from the cheap seats!) the menu was rather simple: blue eye cod soup (however he did call it a chowder…I thought a chowder needed to be a milk or cream based soup not a tomato/stock base??), salmon with wilted spinach (though did like his technique of pre-heating the pan,and finishing the dish the pan in the oven, before searing the salmon and the inclusion of radish….a very undervalued vegetable) and red wine pears.
Guess if appealing to the everyday cook he did fulfil his aim, but I just felt he could have done something more creative for although simple it missed out on being simply inspirational!
So guess I’m not a Gordon fan!
Just a question how did everyone feel about not receiving copies of recipes from the chefs??
Personally I feel the aim to should be for people to perhaps ‘cook’ their dishes not just watch?? This year I made sure we had copies to hadn out of all the recipes that Manu Fieldel and Dominque Rizzo created on the stand. Everyone was so appreciative, and I felt learnt so much more….guess that’s the home economist in me!
Anyway better get onto writing the foodnutzz view!
Oh wow! and you say I get to go to cool events and meet exciting chefs? hehe…looks like you do too
What a nice event! Perfect day out for crazy foodies like us 
What a great and interesting event! A perfect way to spend the day when you are a foodie! I really like Gordon Ramsay. Lucky you!
cheers,
Rosa
Lucky, lucky you! I wish we had some events here. Love how you’ve covered it, I could almost imagine myself walking through the place. Lots of eye candy, I must say
Hi Lorraine,
What a great post! You certainly got the most out of your day. Really enjoyed reading your take on the show, and glad you enjoyed yourself. It was great to meet you!
Johanna
Great to meet you on the Friday. The hardware (camera) caught my eye and then I saw you behind it which was a nice surprise.
Hi Cakelaw-I certainly did!
Hi Chief Plonker-OH wow, that a great prize! Congratulations!
Yes I was impressed at how he took the time to have a little chat to everyone. Although I missed out on the pic, I thought that he was fantastic.
Hi Simon-Aww! Your coverage was great-v detailed!
Hi Lorinda-He is! He’s ginormous!
Hi Vic-Hehe you were there too! It was a great morning which stretched out to a great afternoon. Manu is a sweetie indeed
Hi Forager-Thankyou! I know, I think it’s a Greek/Italian rivalry thing. Who knows?
Hi foodnutzz-It was great to meet you too! Thankyou so much. It was a great shot
Ahh yes what a shame you didn’t get the chance to walk around but good that you saw the G&G show. Aww I have to admit I love Gordon (until he insults bloggers perhaps 
). I think with the time limit it might have been hard to do fancier things but I would’ve loved some super 3 Michelin star stuff too.I would’ve loved a copy of the recipes! That would have been a great idea. I think last year there was a booklet given out with some recipes.
Hi Alexandra-Hehe but you do though! It was a great day
Hi Rosa-Yes it’s something to look forward to in Winter! Thanks, I felt very lucky!
Hi The Purple Foodie-Thankyou so much! Oh no, there’s nothing like that near you? What a shame! Hehe yes lots of eye candy!
Hi Johanna-Thankyou so much for the tickets and it was lovely to meet you! I was exhausted but very, very happy at the end of the day-which is the best way to be
Hi Mike-Great to meet you too! Hehe everyone notices the camera!
Hey, does anyone else think Gary Mehigan is flirting with you NQN? Perhaps he’s discovering his way with the ladeez after years of long nights in sweaty kitchens. I will not be at all surprised if Justine wins Masterchef, I’m sure she’ll get our Gaz’s vote!
Hi Ridvez-Haha I don’t think so, he was just being friendly. Haha well as they say the kitchen in a restaurant is a very male dominated environment!
OMG,
I probably was standing next to you when you took Ben O’Donoghue’s photo. He was cooking pizza using pizza stone at BBQ Galore stand..
Should say hello to you
Hi Jessica-How funny! Were you there on the Friday? Yes next time say hello!
I was fortunate enough to meet gordon and got him to sign my book twice,and the second time i asked him if he could write “Fuck off” he looked at me and said its your book mate and wrote it.How cool is that!!
Hi Lorraine great shots of the GFWS sydney, i went to the melbourne show and the Tassal stand made a broth with Soy ginger and fresh salmon, did you by chance get the recipe?
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[...] Not Quite Nigella has a great report from the food show, giving a great recap of the Gordon Ramsay show. Also she got to speak to Gary Mehigan, and saw his show with George. She said Justine also joined them on stage. [...]
[...] for a while here and I recall a near stampede when they were giving away little bars at the Good Food and Wine Show. My first package of this went missing and I can only guess that there’s a very, very happy [...]
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