Did I say live blogging? That just shows that right in the middle of the pessimist there's a true optimist. As if anyone had time to do any blogging, all we managed to type were the 140 characters of Twitter and hardly even that now and then. I think I can safely say that the first Plate To Page Workshop in Weimar was a great success and that one of the main reasons to that were the fantastic people who decided to spend their time and money on coming to Weimar to hear us talk about food photography and food writing and how to make the two work together. Just look at all the people in the photo that we took on our way to a French/Breton restaurant with fabulous food, can't you see how they shine with passion, dedication and personality? Simone, Mona, Jenn, Astrid, Ken, Mitch, Deborah, David, Julia, Ishay, Jasmine and Arthi-all of them incredibly focused and talented and what else can you wish for when you are leading a workshop? I know that we - me, Jamie, Jeanne and Meeta, were completely delighted with these people and that we have all found new friends!
Well there was one thing - all these photographs that I had to be in, I don't mind when people take photos as long as I don't have to be in them but I couldn't avoid that and now I feel kind of depressed when I see myself-I want to live in this illusion I have of myself instead-where did it go?? Maybe you get the drift when I say that this is the best photo I have of myself. It tells it all. But I do love having the photos of the rest of the group though, they are all so beautiful as you can see in the first picture!
We had the incredible fortune of getting beautiful props from the Chicago based prop stylist Paula Walters, not only is she an incredibly talented prop stylist but she must be the nicest one too! See her blog here.
We had other sponsors too, Jamie, Jeanne and Meeta managed to get P2P really great sponsors. The main one is BoardBia that provided us not only with two fantastic participants (Mona and David) but also with a variety incredible food, just look at the beef in the photo above, I still dream about it! And they gave things for the 'goodie bags' that each participant were presented with. We had lots of great wines from Wines of South Africa as well, my only regret was that I had to keep my head clear to be of any use for the participants... Ergo knives gave each of us this incredible knife, it is a dream to use it in the kitchen! Hotel Chocolat gave us each a box with savoury chocolate 'things' for cooking, we had some really delicious Kouginettes from Chocolatier Georges Larnicol, and glutenfree salted caramels from Sweet Pete's! And as if that wasn't enough, we had two Lowel Ego lights from Prokit for two lucky winners (Jasmine and Astrid as it turned out). A big Thank You to all our sponsors who put all this trust in us and who generously gave all these things to us and the participants of the Plate To Page workshop!
All photos and original text copyright: Ilva Beretta 2005-2011. If you re-post a recipe, please give credit and link to recipe on this site. About photos, please contact me. (luculliandelights AT gmail DOT com)
Im so glad I met you Ilva...I have learnt so much from all of you and cant seem to stop myself from talking or tginking about P2P all the time to anyone & everyone and how fantastic it was..I miss you all so much...wish it just lasted a bit more...I absolutely enjoyed our time together on our train journey!!what a day that was LOL..
ReplyDeletehugs xxx P2P Italy is on my wishlist now ;-)
Mwah! xo It was truly an incredible weekend and experience. Fabulous sponsors who helped so much to make it possible, incredible, amazing, passionate participants and our own passion! Do you know how fantastic it was to meet you? And spend all that time with you? You are not only one of the most talented and generous women I know but you have got to be the funniest as well. What an honor to be a colleague and a friend. xoxo
ReplyDeleteWe met in Weimar!! After 5 fooking years of blogging we finally met. This was an awesome weekend and even though it was full packed with so many memorable events, for me being able to finally hug you in person was the most special moment. We finally made P2P happen and with all the ups and downs it was a massive success. Your post captures some of the moments so perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of you, sure you all would have a great time.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are looking good, kiddo! :-)
Can't wait to see more of your fab weekend,
cheers,
Merisi
P.S.:
ReplyDeleteLove your new comment section!
It was so wonderful to meet you Ilva! Thanks so much for all of your help and advice and the great times at P2P, I miss it all so much already and it's only been a few days. It was such an amazing experience, one I'll remember forever :)
ReplyDeleteSigh, what an incredible time, opportunity. Sure wish I could have been around! Love the photos of everybody.
ReplyDeleteOh Ilva, these pictures remind me that ALL THOSE YEARS AGO (!!) when I first started blogging, your pics (along with lovely Keiko of Nordljus) were the very first that totally inspired me and made me want to do better. Finally meeting you was wonderful - the two sweary, grouchy, grudgingly optimistic ladies on a train together for 3 hours was the best possible way to kick off the workshop. I don't think I will ever forget your shimmy-shake photo avoidance system (patented!) or your inspiring advice - and I wasn't even your target audience! Can't wait till we can grouch together in Tuscany in October ;o)
ReplyDeleteIt was so much fun meeting you in person Ilva. I think you are one of the funniest people and you actually look great in all the photos! I truly loved getting to know you and I just wish it could have lasted longer. Thanks for all your marketing tips too (am in contact with bikinilists as we speak) and I will let you know how it all turns out! Hope to see you again soon! (we might be travelling to Italy next year)
ReplyDeleteIt does look like you guys had so much fun. I love seeing the photos. The food looks quite amazing.
ReplyDeleteI think you look just great! I do know what you mean completely about not liking to see yourself in photos. I always HATE it when people take pictures of me. But we look the way we look don't we, and that's not why people like each other anyway.
Ilva, approfitto del fatto che sai l'italiano per commentare nella mia lingua :)
ReplyDeleteGrazie dello spendido weekend! E' stata un'esperienza indimenticabile e rivoluzionaria, come ho scritto ieri nel mio post.
Tu, Meeta, Jamie e Jeanne siete veramente delle donne straordinarie, una fonte continua di ispirazione.
Conoscerti e averti accanto è stato davvero un privilegio.
A presto, magari a Milano!
Un abbraccio,
Jasmine
I knew it was going to be a huge success, and wish I could have been part of it. Maybe one day... :-)
ReplyDeleteLoved to see everybody's photos, including YOUR photo too, Ilva...
Oh, this seems so amazing. Next time I must participate!
ReplyDeleteYou look great sweetie (I do relate to the hate me in a photo stuff though!). Can imagine you all had a wonderful time sans kids/husbands, however great they all are, it must have been fabulous to be with all these great women with passion!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all of you!!! May this be the first of many successful workshops together.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing better than being with those who share your passions, what a great team you are!
Personally, I think you look fabulous. And well done on the workshop. It sounds like it was wonderful!
ReplyDelete