Hello Lovely People,
It’s been really
Loooonnng time. How you doing? Well, you guys must be thinking that I am going
to review some restaurant today. But, nooooo‼ Time for a change. Let me keep
this post a lil more simple and friendly. Recently, I got to know how many
people actually read my blog, how many just have a look at the mouth watering
food pictures and how many point out my grammar! >.<
Well I was in Mumbai
recently. Many might know due to social media. Those who don’t know, let me
take the opportunity to tell you, I was at #IFBAatJW, an event organised by
Food bloggers association of India.
I was very excited to
be there from quiet a long time. Since it was planned a month back, I quickly
planned out my trip to Mumbai. Also, if some could notice many food bloggers
changed their name and used Hash tags regarding the event on Twitter. #IFBA2014
& #IFBAatJW.
Some questions that
were annoying me every now and then,
1. Why am I going there?
Ans. Dude, its food bloggers awards. How
can I miss this opportunity to be a part of it and meet people who possess the
same interest as mine?! I am going there! (Evil grin)
2. There are going to be so many food
bloggers. Some might be the Big daddies of food and beverages industry, how
would all react? How am I going to connect with the
Ans. FOOD. Connecting people. :D
3.What to wear??
Ans.
OMG! I am not a celebrity. Nor do I have some designers to get me a dress.
Well,
then there is my Mom, Sister, My best friend and her elder sis (Designer by profession)
and am all sorted! :D
4.What’s gonna be on the menu? :D
Ans. Something definitely mouth-watering for which
I had to wait for 2 Nov.
Okay
after all that Gyan about me and my inquisitive nature finally writing about
the #IFBA2014
Finally
the day came, 2nd November 2k14, arriving at JW Marriott, Meeting up with the
people in real after being virtual friends.
 |
| Mr. Sameer Malkani (Co. Founder, FBAI) |
It all started at 12’ Noon. The #IFBA
Dialogues.
First
session: “Social Media v/s Traditional Media”
Some
of the renowned people in the speaker’s panel. Now, it would be unfair to write about the
discussion in a few words and I might just miss out many things. So I am just
giving a glance of what was it all about.
Best
highlights that I jotted down worth sharing were:
- “Food bloggers becoming journalist and Journalist becoming food bloggers” – Kalyan Karmakar (Finelychopped)
2.“It
takes 8 secs for a human to grab their attention towards something, less than a
goldfish” – Nikhila Palat (PR, Taj
Mahal Palace)
3. “Power
of a PAN rather than the power of a PEN” – Nikhila Palat
.jpg)
4. “Same
potato Different names
5. Everyone is a FOODIE, Critic, and Master in their field
6. “When the waiter comes & dumps the
chaas on the table - WE REALLY LIKE THAT YAAR‼” :D :D - Annagh Desai (Do I even need to introduce him :O??)
(It started with, that even the waiters and hoteliers
can have a bad day and how bloggers give a critic on that. The dirty plates,
messed up tables and when the waiter comes & dumps the chaas on the table -
we like it yaar‼ :P How simple is that!)
(LOL :D Annagh Desai: You were
the Jaan of the session! :P )
After
a Brilliant First session and cake mixing ceremony came my favorite time “LUNCHING SESSION”. Lunch at Mezzo Mezzo, under the leadership
of chef Davide Cananzi.
OMG, I swear I loved it. Some piquant Italian cuisines were served to us that brought
a smile on my face! :)
Second Session, started
with “How restaurants and hotels are inventing new and interesting ways to
engage diners.” Some of the renowned chefs of F&B industry and
restaurateurs started the discussion.
 |
| The Brilliant Host: Chef Saransh Goila |
Best Highlights:
1.
People are more aware and know a lot these days.
2.
Create value for money
3.”Do
simple things right”
4.
Innovation
5.
“People don’t know what they want”
6.
“Everybody is a chef today”
7.
“Fusion is confusion” (For some)
 |
| The Selfie Ritual |
After
a High tea break came the third session of Home chef entrepreneur.
Some
emerging and famous home chefs were the speakers.
Rushina M Ghildiyal, Amrita Kaur Ramsinghani and Sneha caught my eye!
 |
| Home Chefs |
 |
| Presentation by Rushina |
Then
came a session hosted by Aditi Raghuwanshi who handles YouTube India.
A
quick session how food bloggers are using YouTube and some famous youtube
channels.
Last
but not the least one of my other favourite session on Mobile Food photography
hosted by none other than “THE BIG BHOOKAD” Adarsh Munjal. :D
What
an amazing time spent with people who belong to food industry.
Later
the day was the Awards night.
Finally,
the time came. :D
 |
| The Awards Night |
So,
the awards night was hosted by the youngest Chef “Saransh Goila” This guy needs
a big pat on his back, for the work well done. Keeping all the audience
entertained is a big task. To be honest, Shahrukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan have
got some serious competition now! ;)
 |
| The Awards Selfie (Ritual) |
I
myself was nominated in the Restaurant Review Category. But, to be honest I had
low hopes to win because I am still a fresher and being nominated with the person,
who inspired me to start up blogging, was a BIG ACHIEVEMENT for me. If you could
go in flashback, in my first post I wrote that I got inspired by one of my
twitter friend to write blogs. Yes, finally I got a chance to meet him. He
needs no introduction because his name is enough to describe him! :P
Meet
THE BIG BHOOKAD, Adarsh Munjal. :D
 |
| The Big Bhookad and The Super Chatori! :P |
Meeting
and greeting with some distinguished personalities of the food industry was
Bliss! :)
Here
are some pictures.
 |
| The Chief Guest, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor |
 |
| The Jury Members |
 |
| Selfie Selfie Everywhere. Chef Ranveer Brar |
Awards
night was followed by a scrumptious dinner. I swear, food connects so well that
you make friends with everyone so easily! :P
A
day well spent at #IFBAatJW. Totally different experience. Incredible Evening
and such lovely people.
A
Big Thanks to Sameer Malkani, Co. Founder of Food Bloggers Association of India
and Saloni M. Malkani for inviting me.
J.W.Marriott
Hotel, Mumbai, for such brilliant hospitality and divine food. Since I myself
was associated with Marriott Bhopal family I know how much they work hard for their
guests. :)
The
team of FBAI who were working on the event from a long time:
Jahan
Bloch (toxic baker), Mohit Chotrani (Hungry Bawarchi) and Agnishwar Banerjee
(Aye bee). Kudos for the good work‼
P.S.
The video showcased at awards night was extremely hilarious. Please upload it
on YouTube. I am sure you guys would get a good response! Hahah :D
So,
here it comes an end to a wonderful evening and my post as well.
Do
let me know how it was!
Connect
with me:
Twitter:
@Mudrakeswani
Instagram:
thesuperchatori
Facebook:
TheSuperChatori
Blogs:
thesuperchatori.wordpress.com
culinarychronical.blogspot.in
