New Writing Conferences Offer a Window into the Publishing World for Culinary Professionals

The world is moving at an ever faster pace, in large part thanks to the explosion of information on the Internet and the impact of the digital technology. As a result, culinary professionals in every market have to now struggle with the new task of writing about their profession as well as being part of it.

Many chefs, who spent a lifetime mastering the skills of the kitchen, are extremely uncomfortable with this contemporary trend. However, where there's a need, there's an answer, thanks in large part to the insight of creative companies, such as Amazon, that deal daily with writers, editors AND the new world of digital publications. 

These state-of-the-art firms are most easily located at conferences, saving the attendees both time and money as the availability of the information offered is focused and concentrated.

The Northwest Bookfest is one such conference, where the topics range from an exploration of Amazon Kindle's Direct Publishing programs by Thomas Kephart to understanding how to manage a writing project using Evernote by Viv Ilo E Veith. Other workshops explain how to conduct a successful interview as well as how to protect one’s legal rights in the digital world.

And the list goes on and on. ThisNovember 2-3 Conference is just another reason why many creative culinary professionals enjoy calling the Northwest home.  If creativity is about being ready to learn new skills, here’s your chance. See you there!

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2013

How to Feed 100,000 People a Day

In a world that seems unable to work together even to solve the simplest of problems, Valerie Berteau and Philippr Witjes have produced a stunning documentary film, entitled Himself Who Cooks, that follows the efforts of hundreds of volunteers at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India as they feed up to 100,000 people every day. 

Yes, that’s correct -100,000 meals in a day from the Temple's Langar Kitchen.  Bertau and Witjes capture in beautiful imagery, frame by frame, the spontaneous choreography of hundreds of hands moving in unison to the pulse of a spiritual expression found through the creation and sharing of food for all. 

The Golden Temple is itself as unique as the film, because it is not only a central religious center for Sikhism but also serves as a shining symbol of brotherhood and equality for all people. As a result, everyone, regardless of creed, race, sex, nationality or social status, is welcome without hindrance or restriction to dine respectfully together in peace and fellowship.

What makes this documentary even more unique is that Philippe Witjes, who worked with Berteau as co-author and film maker, is himself a professional chef.  As a result, many images of everyday beauty, that others might have overlooked, are captured and presented as moments of meaning within food service.

Many thanks to this creative team for reminding us all, that between the plates and pans, food, when all is said and done, is about fellowship with others and so, hopefully, with the world around us.

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2013