Review- How to Make Your Food Famous by Kimberly Espinel

As a food blogger, I'm always on the lookout for resources to enhance my food styling and online presence. Receiving a copy of Kimberly Espinel's "How to Make Your Food Famous" was a delightful surprise, and it has truly been a gem of a find.

Kimberly, an award-winning food photographer and stylist, shares her wealth of knowledge in this comprehensive guide. The book is thoughtfully divided into chapters, each focusing on a crucial aspect of food content creation. 

These are just a few of the chapters; the book encompasses many more topics, each offering valuable insights into different facets of food content creation.

1. Tell Compelling Stories

Kimberly emphasizes the power of storytelling in connecting with your audience. She illustrates how sharing the narratives behind your dishes can transform a simple recipe into an engaging experience.

2. Celebrate Your Roots

Drawing from her own multicultural background, Kimberly encourages readers to infuse their heritage into their culinary creations. This personal touch not only adds authenticity but also distinguishes your content in a crowded digital space.

3. Find Your Style

Kimberly guides readers through the process of discovering and honing their unique style. She provides practical exercises to help identify what resonates with you and your audience, fostering a consistent and appealing brand identity.

4. Learn from Your Mistakes

Sharing candid anecdotes from her journey, Kimberly highlights the importance of viewing mistakes as learning opportunities. She reassures that setbacks are natural and can lead to significant growth and innovation.

5. Persistence

Kimberly discusses the challenges inherent in the competitive world of food content creation. Through her experiences, she underscores that dedication and persistence are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

6. Plating to Perfection

With her expertise in food styling, Kimberly offers insights into the art of plating. She shares simple yet effective techniques to present dishes attractively, enhancing their visual appeal in photographs and videos.

7. Play with Your Food

Kimberly encourages a playful and experimental approach in the kitchen. She believes that trying new ingredients and techniques not only keeps content fresh but also sparks creativity and joy in cooking.

8. Be Yourself

In the concluding chapter, Kimberly emphasizes the importance of authenticity. She shares personal stories to demonstrate how being true to oneself fosters genuine connections with the audience and builds a loyal community.

If you want to take your food photography to the next level and make your dishes stand out, having the right props is essential. The right setup can enhance textures, colours, and overall presentation, making your food look more appealing and professional. Thoughtfully chosen props add depth, character, and style to your shots, helping them capture attention and tell a story.

Here are some must-have items for stunning food photos:

• Plates & bowls – Mix different textures and colours to create contrast and visual interest.
• Wooden boards – Perfect for adding a rustic charm and a natural, cozy feel.
• Napkins & linens – Help add depth and warmth, making your shots feel more inviting.
• Vintage cutlery – Brings character and a timeless touch to your compositions.
• A sturdy tripod – Ensures sharp, professional-looking shots by keeping your camera stable.
• A daylight lamp – Provides consistent lighting, especially on darker winter days.

With these essential props, you can elevate your food photography and create mouth watering images that draw people in.

My thoughts on the book:

Content: 5/5

Kimberly's blend of personal experiences with professional advice creates an engaging and informative narrative. Each chapter is rich with actionable tips, making the content both practical and inspiring.

Illustrations: 5/5

The book is adorned with vibrant photographs and illustrations that beautifully complement the text. Each image is thoughtfully selected, enhancing the reader's understanding and providing visual inspiration.

In summary, "How to Make Your Food Famous" is more than just a guide; it's a heartfelt journey through the world of food content creation. Filled with wisdom, encouragement, and stunning visuals, it's an invaluable resource for anyone looking to elevate their culinary presence online.

This is definitely a must have book and it has taken prime position on my kitchen shelf where I do all my photos and content creation.

These are a couple of my photographs that I have taken of my food creations.

If you enjoy taking food photos and would like a chance to win a copy of the book, head over to my Instagram page to enter the competition for a giveaway.

Enter the giveaway here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGlCWrNIF6T/

The Cake & Bake Show ticket Giveaway.

Get Ready to Bake, Create, and Celebrate at The Cake & Bake Show! 

Five days of baking magic at The Cake & Bake Show! From November 27 to December 1 at Olympia London, immerse yourself in a world of creativity, deliciousness, and festive fun! This year’s theme is “All Things Musical,” bringing the magic of musicals to life through baking. Whether you’re a budding baker, a seasoned pro, or just love a good treat, this event is packed with everything you need to get inspired, learn new techniques, and get into the holiday spirit!

Why You’ll Love the Cake & Bake Show

• Get Up Close with Baking Stars: Rub elbows with some of the biggest names in baking! This year’s line up includes 2023 Great British Bake Off winner Matty Edgell, fan-favorite Sandro Farmhouse, and celebrated Bake Off: The Professionals judge Cherish Finden. And don’t miss Emma Wills (Ems Foodie Fix), known for her wildly creative dessert mash-ups with big brands like Whitworth’s Sugar and M&S!

• Level Up Your Skills in Hands-On Masterclasses: Ready to take your baking to the next level? Join interactive sessions with influencers like Simone Taylor (Sims Sweets), Rebecca Honeywell (Honeywell Bakes), and Jessie Marsden (Jessie Bakes Cakes). Learn how to ice festive Christmas cookies, decorate show-stopping cupcakes, or create a Christmas Bento Box with buttercream techniques that’ll wow everyone.

• 

• Discover Unique Baking Gifts & Essentials: Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect holiday gifts, you’ll find everything you need to stock your kitchen. Browse cookie cutters, sprinkles, festive toppers, and more from top brands. Don’t miss KitchenAid’s showcase of their new Espresso Collection and the chic Evergreen Design Series—perfect for holiday gifting!

• Marvel at Spectacular Cake Displays & Enter Themed Competitions: Get inspired by this year’s competition themes: “All Things Musicals” and “Gingerbread House.” Show off your baking skills, or simply admire the jaw-dropping entries from bakers of all levels. With categories for everyone, there are prizes for first, second, and third place—and a “Best in Show” cash award!

• Taste, Watch, and Learn with Live Demos: Experience live baking demos and taste samples that’ll inspire your own kitchen adventures. You’ll learn techniques, discover new recipes, and head home with tons of ideas to try out!

• Don’t Miss the Showstopper: A must-see centerpiece, this year’s “Wicked”-themed showpiece, crafted by Fabulously Fondant, is inspired by the musical’s upcoming movie release. It’s a magical display that’ll leave you inspired and ready to bake up something extraordinary.

Event Details

• Dates: November 27 - December 1
• Time: 10am - 5pm
• Location: Olympia London
• Tickets & Info: Visit www.thecakeandbakeshow.co.uk

Kick off your holiday season with a fun, festive, and flavour-packed day at The Cake & Bake Show. Bring your friends, family, or just your sweet tooth, and enjoy the ultimate baking adventure!

I’ve teamed up with The Cake & Bake Show to bring you an amazing giveaway! One lucky Simplyf00d reader will win a pair of tickets to this year’s Cake & Bake Show in London, running from November 27 to December 1. 

Imagine spending the day surrounded by incredible cake displays, baking demos, and festive goodies, plus the chance to meet some of the biggest names in baking! It’s the perfect event to find holiday inspiration, learn new techniques, and pick up unique baking gifts. 

To take part in the giveaway follow these instructions:

How to Enter:

·         Simply complete the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries

·         Entries can be via blog comment, Facebook, Twitter etc

·         Please read the rules they form the terms and conditions of this Giveaway

·         Closing date –Sunday 17th November 2024 12.00 AM

How Rafflecopter works:

1. You will need to complete the mandatory entry first usually making a blog comment. You can do this by clicking on leave a comment at the bottom of the post and leaving your reply in the comment box. Please note your comment will not show immediately as it needs to be moderated however rest assured it will appear on the site, so carry on with rest of entries.
2. Login to Rafflecopter click to see what the question is. Make a comment answering the question on the blog.
3. Go back to Rafflecopter and click the green button to tell me you have made a comment, this will unlock all the other options. All entries are checked to see that the mandatory question is answered, if its not all bonus entries will become void. 
4. Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf.
5. For bonus entries you can return to this page and enter the daily bonus entries. 

      Rules:

• This giveaway is open to all readers over 18 who live in the UK.
• The winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter (which uses random.org) and announced on this page.
• Prize:  2x Cake and Bake Show Tickets
• simplyfood is hosting this giveaway with the Cake and Bake Show.  Their decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. They reserve the right to withdraw the competition at any time should any unforeseen circumstances arise, in case that the prize is not available a similar prize of same value will be substituted.  No monetary compensation will be given.
• Cake and Bake show will be provide the prize for the winner, by entering you are **consenting** to share your address for the prize to be sent and be contacted by email to notify you if you have won the prize. 
•  Please note to be compliant with the new GDPR rules by entering the giveaway you are consenting to allow simplyfood to contact you if you win the prize. Your data will NOT be used for any other marketing purposes.
• All entries will be verified, failure to follow instructions correctly will result in participants being disqualified. Please do not cheat.

A Perfect Sunday Walk and Brunch

 

A Perfect Sunday Walk and Brunch

Do you enjoy a lovely Sunday morning walk followed by a cosy brunch in a warm, rustic setting? If so, you're in for a treat! We love exploring new walking routes in and around Middlesex and Hertfordshire, and after a long walk, hunger sets in. However, finding a great place for a vegetarian or vegan brunch isn’t always easy. That’s where the Eat Drink Meet website comes to the rescue.

Discovering Vegetarian-Friendly Spots

Eat Drink Meet covers an ever-growing list of pubs, restaurants, and bars across the UK, helping you find the perfect venue for any occasion. Whether you’re craving brunch, afternoon tea, or a lively pub quiz, this platform makes it easy to search by location. It’s the perfect tool for finding nearby pubs or restaurants in any area.

Our Favourite Brunch Spots

Some of our regular spots include the charming Ye Olde Greene Manne in Northwood. This historic country pub offers a cosy, welcoming atmosphere and plenty of character. It is a local favourite for centuries. Its picturesque setting has made it a popular film location, featuring in movies like Genevieve (1952) and also Withnail & I, and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

The pub’s menu is perfect for post-walk dining, offering hearty classics, seasonal dishes, and a variety of vegan and vegetarian brunch options. You can relax in the garden on a sunny day or cosy up by the log fires during cooler months. With cask ales, fine wines, and British gin available, Ye Olde Greene Manne in Northwood is a wonderful spot to unwind after a long walk.

The Gate in Chorleywood 

The Gate in Chorleywood is a premium pub, bar, and restaurant, perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Set in a charming village, it offers a relaxing escape with stylish indoor and outdoor dining spaces. Known for its inviting atmosphere, The Gate serves freshly prepared dishes, including vegan and vegetarian brunch options, alongside a great selection of wines, real ales, and lagers, making it an ideal spot for a cosy meal or drinks with family and friends.

Nestled amongst the charming village setting of Chorleywood, The Gate offers the ultimate retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to relax, mingle, and dine in style and comfort.

The Coy Carp

The Coy Carp, a charming country pub in Uxbridge, has everything you could want from a local watering hole. Once called The Fisheries, this pub in Harefield has a history that stretches back to before the Grand Union Canal was built. Nowadays, The Coy Carp offers a lovely garden setting where you can enjoy stunning views over the Pynesfield Lakes while you relax and unwind. It’s the perfect spot to drop by for brunch, especially with its fantastic vegetarian and vegan food options!

In conclusion, the Eat Drink Meet website is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking the perfect dining experience whether it is for a leisurely brunch after a scenic walk or any other occasion such as lunch, dinner or casual drinks. With its extensive and continually updated list of pubs, restaurant and bars across the UK, it simplifies the process of finding delicious cuisine tailored to your dietary preferences. No matter where your travels take you, Eat Drink Meet ensures that you can easily discover charming pubs, restaurants, and bars that cater to your needs, making your culinary adventures as enjoyable as your explorations. Happy dining.

 

**Collaborative Post

An Evening at Ottolenghi's New Bicester Village Restaurant

 

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Ottolenghi's new restaurant in Bicester Village, Oxfordshire, to sample their summer menu. It was a lovely evening, filled with delightful surprises.

A Warm Welcome

As we arrived, we were greeted with welcome drinks. The drinks were a refreshing apple and hibiscus gin with Amalfi lemon and strawberries, and St. Germain with sparkling wine. Alongside these, we enjoyed an array of delicious canapés. The restaurant buzzed with excitement, and the ambiance was perfect for mingling with other guests.

Delectable Canapés

The canapés served were a treat for the senses:

• Spiced potato samosas with apricot chamoy
• Herby feta and walnut dip with pomegranate and chicory leaves
• Beetroot pkhali filo cups with olive salsa

For the non-vegetarians, there were:

• Cured-crusted salmon with peanut gochujang
• Ricotta and beef meatballs with tomato sauce

Stunning Decor and a Deli

I fell in love with the décor of the restaurant. The deli, offering Ottolenghi products and cakes for purchase, added a unique touch. Now, you can enjoy Ottolenghi’s staple dishes at home or at events in the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire.

Ottolenghi Expands Catering Services

The Ottolenghi Group is thrilled to expand its catering services to the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire. Previously exclusive to Greater London, these services are perfect for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events, making each occasion special and memorable.

Catering for All Occasions

Ottolenghi's catering service suits any event, from intimate dinners for two to large celebrations for five hundred. Their offerings include bountiful salads, breakfast spreads, celebration cakes, and full sit-down dinners, all radiating abundance, color, and generosity.

Expert Team for Unforgettable Events

Their team of fantastic chefs, bartenders, and waiting staff ensure unforgettable events. They can present your food, cook at your event, arrange waiting staff, or deliver your food anywhere in Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. For a simpler option, you can collect your order from their new Bicester Village restaurant and serve it yourself. With no minimum spend requirements, their services fit any budget and occasion.

Diverse Menu Selection

Sample catering menus feature a wide selection of dishes, including canapés, salads, mains, and cakes. There’s something for everyone, ensuring a delightful experience.

A Journey of Flavour

Ottolenghi began in a small shop in Notting Hill in 2002. Chefs Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi developed a unique style rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions, incorporating diverse global influences and ingredients.

A Growing Family

Over 20 years, Ottolenghi has grown into a proud family of nine delis and restaurants across London, and now in the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire.

A Vegetarian Delight

After the appetizers, we enjoyed our main meal, served family-style. As vegetarians, my partner and I were pleasantly surprised by the excellent options:

• Lentils and pickled shallots with berbere-spiced croutons
• Roasted cauliflower with pumpkin seeds and barberries
• Roasted aubergine with saffron yoghurt and pine nuts

For the non-vegetarians, there were:

• Seabass fillet with caponata and green peppercorn
• Herby leek, hispi cabbage, and feta borek with caraway seeds
• Lamb kofta with bulgur and caramelised onion

All the food we tried was tasty, beautifully presented, with the perfect balance of textures and flavours. The chef made good use of seasonal produce, and the variety of choices suited every palate.

Irresistible Desserts

When we thought we could eat no more, we were tempted with a trio of desserts:

• Passion fruit meringue tart
• Flourless pistachio, lemon, and polenta cake with orange blossom
• Raspberry and white chocolate pavlova

All these delightful treats were served with our coffee of choice, ending the meal on a perfect note.

Conclusion

My evening at Ottolenghi's new Bicester Village restaurant was a delightful experience. The warm welcome, beautiful décor, and delicious food made it a night to remember. Whether dining in or catering an event, Ottolenghi's offerings are sure to impress.

**I was an invited guest at the Ottolenghi summer tasting menu event, all views and opinions shared are of my experience of the food and drinks.

Refreshing mocktail and cocktail ideas for your summer party and a giveaway

 

Photo by Dave Lastovskiy on Unsplash

Summer and Garden Parties

Summer is the perfect season for garden parties. The warm weather, vibrant blooms, and long, sunny days create an ideal backdrop for outdoor gatherings. Hosting a garden party allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature while spending quality time with friends and family. To elevate your summer soirée, consider offering a variety of refreshing beverages. From invigorating mocktails to classic and creative cocktails, the right drinks can enhance the festive atmosphere. Here's a guide to some delightful drink ideas that will impress your guests and make your garden party unforgettable.

Mocktails: Refreshing and Alcohol-Free

Mocktails are delightful non-alcoholic beverages. They offer a perfect alternative for those who prefer not to consume alcohol. Bursting with flavors, these drinks are both refreshing and sophisticated.

Fruit-Based Mocktails

Fresh fruit juices create vibrant mocktails. For example, mix orange juice, grenadine, and a splash of soda for a Sunrise Surprise. Garnish with a cherry for extra flair.

Herb-Infused Mocktails

Herbs add depth to mocktails. Try a Basil Lemonade: blend fresh basil, lemon juice, and simple syrup with sparkling water. Serve it over ice for a cool, refreshing drink.

Cocktails: Classic and Creative

Cocktails combine spirits with mixers for flavourful, spirited drinks. They can be simple or complex, catering to diverse tastes and occasions.

Classic Cocktails

Classic cocktails remain timeless. A Martini, made with gin and vermouth, garnished with an olive or lemon twist, exudes elegance. Similarly, a Mojito, with rum, mint, lime, and soda, offers a refreshing choice.

Creative Cocktails

Creative cocktails showcase innovation. Mix vodka, elderflower liqueur, and grapefruit juice for a Floral Bliss. Add a rosemary sprig for an aromatic touch.

Here are some amazing mocktail ideas:

Lychee Mocktail

Indulge in a refreshing Lychee Mocktail, bursting with sweet, juicy lychees, vibrant pomegranate arils, and topped with lychee juice. Enhanced with a hint of mint, grenadine syrup, and the effervescence of sparkling water, this non-alcoholic drink is perfect for any party or occasion. Enjoy the ultimate summer refresher!

Virgin Strawberry Mojito

Luscious strawberries, aromatic mint muddled to create this refreshing strawberry mojito.

Sangria (alcohol free)

Non-alcoholic Sangria is a refreshing drink that beautifully captures the essence of summer. Made with a blend of fruit juices, it’s infused with an array of fresh summer fruits like oranges, lemons, and berries. The fruit soaks up the juices, adding bursts of flavour with every sip. Often sweetened with a touch of honey or sugar and a splash of sparkling water, Sangria is both delicious and invigorating. Serve it chilled over ice for a perfect summer party beverage.

Hosting Tips

When hosting, offer both mocktails and cocktails. This ensures all guests have appealing options. Use fresh ingredients and experiment with garnishes to enhance the presentation. Mocktails and cocktails can transform any gathering into a memorable experience.

With the celebration of summer I am giving away a 8 Piece Cocktail Shaker Set with recipes and Ice Ball Mould so you can also create some delicious cocktails and mocktails for your party.

How to Enter:

·         Simply complete the Rafflecopter widget below, and make sure you complete the mandatory options

·         Please read the rules they form the terms and conditions of this Giveaway

·         Closing date – 7^th July 2024 12 am GMT

Rules:

This giveaway is open to all readers over 18 who live in the UK or have a UK postal address.  Closing date – 7th July 2024 12 AM GMT

The winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter (which uses random.org) and announced on this page.

Prize:  1 x 8 piece Cocktail Shaker Set with recipes, and ice ball mould. 

simplyfood is hosting this giveaway  Their decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. They reserve the right to withdraw the competition at any time should any unforeseen circumstances arise, in case that the prize is not available a similar prize of same value will be substituted.  No monetary compensation will be given.

Simplyf00d will be responsible for sending out the prize to the winner, by entering you are **consenting** to share your address for the prize to be sent and be contacted by email to notify you if you have won the prize. 

 

Please note to be compliant with the new GDPR rules by entering the giveaway you are consenting to allow simplyfood to contact you if you win the prize. Your data will NOT be used for any other marketing purposes.

All entries will be verified, failure to follow instructions correctly will result in participants being disqualified. Please do not cheat. Good Luck