I was excitedly anticipating the Food Styling 101 seminar for the media I attended 2 weekends ago at CCA Podium in Ortigas. It was my first to be in a food styling class.

Chef Gigi Angkaw of CCA

As a food blogger who often takes photos of what I eat, styling food and angling my shots has always been a challenge as the thought process involved in presenting a dish sets the first impression and somehow tease the readers into wanting them.

Our lecturer was no less than renowned chef and food stylist Chef Eugene Raymundo. He has worked with several big brands for print and TV including Red Ribbon, KFC, and Nestle Ice Cream, to name a few. He is also currently associated with Five Cows Resto and Ice Cream Bar in Trinoma and Kitch’ Cafe, among others.

He started with defining what food styling is and proceeded with the goals and what it takes to be a food stylist.

Introduction to Food Styling at CCA Podium

Chef Eugene Raymundo

Chef Raymundo shared that food styling is not just about making the food attractive in the way it is put together, it is an art that requires skill and knowledge.

He surmised that one should at least have some basic knowledge about cooking so you would understand more about the dynamics of food.

Dishes without Food Styling (top) ; dishes WITH Food Styling (bottom)

Food Styling Tools

Food Styling

In the latter part of the afternoon, we proceeded with the actual styling and the tools of the trade. We were exposed to propping, and using mock-up ice creams, syrups and flans.

Nonetheless, Chef Eugene Raymundo encouraged the use of actual products in foodstyling as much as possible. In the case of ice creams, it is highly understandable why using the real ones would be impractical. It would have already melted even before the cameras are rolling. 🙂

Food Styling Demo

Sample of Food Styled by Chef Eugene Raymundo

More about Food Styling at CCA

Artificial Ice Cream

Center for Culinary Arts Podium recognizes this increasing interest and delivers a project that focuses on teaching food styling as well as food photography. Through the Continuing Education Programs, they welcome individuals interested or passionate to learn about food styling and techniques in food photography. Taught by a top notch food stylist and noted food photographer, participants of the course will acquire skills in preparing food for editorial materials. The course aims to develop the participants’ style, creativity, and ingenuity particularly in food styling.

So if you want to learn how to creatively style food and photography, you may get in touch with CCA Podium Culinary School Market Café at the 5th floor of The Podium along ADB Avenue in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. You may also call CCA Podium at 696-9083. They still have 3 more Saturdays to go for the whole course for the month of July.

NomNom’s Baked Dory Lunch at CCA Podium (somewhat food-styled) 🙂

Thanks to Chef Gigi Angkaw for inviting us at CCA Podium’s Food Styling 101

Thanks to CCA Podium for the gracious invitation and Chef Eugene Raymundo for the insightful introduction to food styling 101 seminar.

With the Valentine season just around the corner,  Valentine’s Day promo are everywhere. And this article will serve to confuse you all the more – haha!  (just kidding).

Valetine's Day Food Spots

I actually posted a little survey a few weeks ago through a NomNom Club social networking thread and one of the resulting recommendation was Chateau 1771.

The Chateau 1771’s Lunch Box is available even on weekdays for lunch. The price is about 500+ according to the suggestion. This is actually a good deal given that it’s Chateau 1771 and it already includes appetizer and dessert.

Jozu Kin, Burgis Circle in Fort Bonifacio

Melo’s along Jupiter street in Makati and Florabel in The Podium were also mentioned. The Podium is a small upscale mall located at  the back of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong.

Jozu Kin along Burgos Circle at Fort Bonifacio is another. They serve Japanese dishes with a contemporary twist. The tranquil ambiance is also suitable for a private Valentine’s date. 🙂

Lolo Dad's Brasserie Valentine Music

Another alternative for those in Makati would be the Lolo Dad’s Brasserie at 6750 Ayala Ave. near Shangri-La Makati Hotel.

Although the price range is above average, food quality and ambiance matches it. Lolo Dad’s will also host live string music on the 12th, 13th, and 14th entitled “Strings Attached on Valentines.”

Check out Lolo Dad’s Australian Lamb dish as well where upon ordering two, you get a limited edition “All You Need is Lamb Planner“.

Lolo Dad's Australian Lamb

Reserve now in your favorite romantic restaurants! With the Valentine’s colliding with the Chinese New Year, I hope there are still slots/spaces for your dates. 🙂