Robbie Burn's Birthday Event

Visited Glendale's famous Tam O' Shanter restaurant to experience their 2-day Robbie Burns (Scotland's Famous Poet) birthday celebration.  I wanted to say "thank you" to my dear chef, Ivan Harrison, who took me under his wing when we worked together in 1977 at Lawry's Foods.  He's been retired for 13 years however The Tam requests his artistry in making The Haggis for this annual celebration.  I was honored to meet Dr. McCloud who "addressed the Haggis" with Scottish flare, piper, whiskey and song.  I will definitely go back next year!  

Dr. McCloud, Alice, Chef Ivan Harrison, cute laddie, Piper Cindi & singer

Dr. McCloud attacks The Haggis

New NatureMade VitaMelts

New VitaMelts Dietary Supplements from Nature Made.   Labels styled by myself.  Photography by Ryan Beck.   Found in most drugstores, Walmart, Target, Walgreens, nationwide.

Food Advertising

Food advertising uses photography (still or moving) for the sole purpose of selling a finished food product, an ingredient, a savory or dessert mix, a cookbook, recipe booklet/card, cooking tool, catalogue, restaurant menu, or food event.  A sales strategy is formulated by the business owner, brand marketing, graphic designer and or advertising agency to determine the photograph's positioning or use.   A team consisting of a professional product photographer, experienced food stylist and prop stylist are hired to execute each photo to the precise measurements, ingredients, client's dictates/whims  and appetite appeal to satisfy the truthful representation of the item being sold.

Here is an example of food advertising /packaging. The photo below, taken by product photographer, Ryan Beck,  styled by myself of Wild Tuna Bake for Organic Bistro.    The tuna, noodles, peas, etc are exactly the weight and recipe of what the consumer will find in this frozen entree.   No "faking" or "artistic enhancing".   The second shot is the completed package thanks to the talents of the graphic designer.

Wild Tuna Bake

Finished Package of Organic Bistro Wild Tuna Bake.

Gorge, New Sunset Strip Hang Out

Spent a delightful evening at Gorge, a Charcuterie and Wine Bar at 8917 Sunset Blvd. W. Hollywood (gorgela.com, 310.657.MEAT. Great ambiance, tastefully created plates by passionate Chef Elia Aboumrad (Ecole Lenotre and Joel Robuchon Paris/ Las Vegas alum).

Finally a chef that speaks my culinary language! She get's it and so does her French style terrines, tartines, salads, homemade sausages and fromage. Husband Darius, Master Sommelier is charming, knowledgable and excited to pair wines. Five flavors of French pastry classic St. Honore dessert are fantastic created by pastry chef, Uyen Nguyen. This talented trio is on the right track to a successful future.   Will definitely return.

Lychee Raspberry St. Honore

New NatureMade Gummies Vitamin Labels

Check out the new NatureMade Adult Gummies packaging that I styled with food photographer, Ryan Beck.    The shots of fruit corresponding to the taste are called Flavor Cues.   Excellent product.

Joel Robuchon's Best of the Best signing

 Attended a fantastic book signing at Skylofts MGM Grand for JR's new "Best of Robuchon" book.   A step by step photo recipe volume of Chef Robuchon's top 10 dishes.  Included are great everyday tips and suggestions for any level cook.

Me, Jeanette Seng, Chef Eric Bouchenoire, Rose Seng

Ariccia Market owners, Bobby & Stephanie

Chefs Kamel Guichida, Francois Benoit, Philippe Braun

Rose Hills 2011 International Rose Trials

What a wonderful time we all had at the 10th International Rose Hills Trials in Whittier, CA.   I was honored with an official badge and title of "International Rose Judge" representing the USA by W.F.R.S. Judge's Chair, Ed Griffith of The World Federation of Rose Societies.

Here are the award winning results of this year's Rose Trials.