January 2009
14 posts
Final Days in Lyon
Well, like it or not, our time in Lyon is drawing to a close. Our group is scattered to all points of the compass, many of them off to a new stage of life without the relentless focus of the Bocuse d’Or.
Getting to better know this diverse group of passionate, talented people has been a great treat for me. They are each as special as they are unique, and unique is what they are. Our...
Results!
WiFi seems to be challening in EuroExpo, so this post will be a summary of the notes from throughout the competition day in Lyon.
5:00 am
The group departs to the school to pack up the food and travel to EuroExpo. The start is a little earlier than anticpated - there are rumors of a train strike in France that are fuelling horrific rush hour traffic.
6:00 am
Unloading at EuroExpo. David...
SIRHA
This show is bigger than you can imagine. When they say Europe’s largest food show, they’re not kidding. I still haven’t made it from one end to the other yet - although I have to admit I spent a bit more time over lunch than I’m accustomed to. The French take lunch time seriously, and it was in that spirit that I started with the Foie Gras, continued with the Filet de...
Euroexpo
I’m in the middle of Europe’s largest food show, SIRHA. This is where the actual competition for the Bocuse d’Or is held, and the number of people here is overwhelming. Just to move people from the train to the expo site, a constant stream of double lenght articulated busses move in a constant stream to handle the crowds.
David and Grace are busy with last minute preparations...
Sunday & Monday in Lyon
6:00 am
Well, it’s early morning and I’ve had a few hours sleep to catch up on the last whirlwind 40 hours or so. On a plane by 8:00 pm on Saturday, then nine hours to Heathrow. A brief layover, then on the plane to Lyon at 3:00 pm the next day. Into Lyon by about 5:00, quickly followed by a 70 euro cab ride (a little over a hundred dollars) to the hotel. The Bocuse group was in the...
Last Minute Packing!!
It’s two hours until I leave for the airport. I’m the last member of the support group headed to France, so I’ve fielded a few calls for last minute supplies. Somehow I’ve managed to fit a recirculator (a pricey piece of specialized kitchen equipment) into my carry on luggage, and pack a big box with two goose neck heat lamps to replace items missing in France. I’m...
Countdown to Bocuse!
It’s Wednesday evening, and there are just Thursday and Friday left to get everything else done before I head off to France on Saturday. The days keep getting busier as the date gets closer, and there’s plenty to do both at home and at work. My 15 month old daughter has just gone to bed, and I’ve got a few minutes to regroup, so yes it’s about as busy as it gets, but the...
WELCOME!
A brief introduction is in order. My name is John Humphreys, and I am the Executive Chef for Moxie’s Classic Grill, a Canadian Premium Casual Restaurant Chain with just about 60 locations across Canada. We have had the privilege of welcoming over ten million guests this year, and I am delighted that our hospitality and my food keeps them coming back! Moxie’s is the proud Title...