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Monday, November 8, 2010

2nd Annual FoodBuzz Blogger Festival: San Francisco,CA


If I could sum up the 2nd Annual Foodbuzz Blogger Festival that occurred this past weekend in one word it'd be... commercialized. I attended last year's festival and the vibe this year has a definite big push on branding. I felt bombarded by all these signs and product give-aways instead of focusing on enjoying food which is what I came here for. I thought the vendor options were a little disappointing compared to last year as well. I was looking forward to parking in front of the Hog Island Oyster Co  booth again and gorging on Kumamotos but they were missing!!! I settled for gorging on RoliRoti's Porchetta sandwich instead... delicious and satisfying like I remembered. However it wasn't enough to erase the disappointment of so few vendors for the first night of the festival. 

The second day we decided to hit up the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market which turned out to be the highlight of our trip. We had a blast sampling the various offerings the purveyors offered and made quite a dent in our wallets picking up luxuries we had been wanting to bring back home (post on these items to follow). 

Saturday's afternoon event was when we got the brunt of branding overload. We felt like there were more sweet offerings instead of savory which wasn't what we had hoped for at this time of the day. We also collected quite a bounty of swag which is fun to tote and sort through but I honestly don't need any of it. I totally understand that this was a very expensive production and sponsors were needed to make it relatively little out of pocket for featured publishers but I just thought the amount of flashy banners and "brought to you by..." and "thanks to..." statements were excessive. I think I'd be willing to dish out a little to attend the next festival in exchange for less advertising and more emphasis on the food. 

Dinner was definitely different from last year's Outstanding in the Field hosted event. I much preferred the family style fare presented last year compared to Cooking Channel's plated spread. The one awesome improvement was the venue change. Last year was in a dreary cold produce warehouse and this year was under the glamorous strung lights in the Grand Hall of the Ferry Building. Ok I'll give props to the sponsors for this venue change.

 I did get to meet many bloggers this weekend including the people behind Kirbie's CravingsKAT'S 9 LIVESThe Ms. Lin GuidejustjennrecipesCute Pigthe princess gourmetThe Catty Critic and Food Practice to name a few. I had a wonderful time trading stories with them and picking their brains for must eats. Hopefully we'll have an opportunity to meet up in person again.

Below are photos from the event on the first night, the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and part of the second day. The camera died right before the second night's events so I have no photos. However, I'm sure the bloggers I've listed above will have photo's from Saturday's dinner and Sunday's brunch. Enjoy!


































12 comments:

  1. The commercial aspect was another reason I decided against going (the first being that I was nervous about hobnobbing with people I've never met before!), but I'm sorry to have missed you and Kirbie! Think you'll go next year?

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  2. I'm sorry I missed seeing you. I *thought* I saw someone that looked like you but didn't want to assume since I only met you once before. :(

    As for branding, I agree with you in all aspects. Another thing that bothered me was the amount of food everywhere -- most it untouched. I hope that it was donated to a homeless shelter.

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  3. Love the photos! I'm just starting on going thru mine right now.

    I didn't attend last year so I have no basis for comparison but I enjoyed the tasting though I avoided most of the sweets too.

    I wish I had gone to the Ferry Building for some shopping...

    It was great meeting you guys! :)

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  4. Hi M,

    Aww you should have still come. I know you! I think I'll have to check out proposed itinerary to make a call about going.


    Hi Darlene,

    Same here... I thought I might I have seen you too. I was a little disappointed also with how bloggers were leaving partially eaten food around or failing to notify staff if they tipped and broke wine glasses. I found myself trying to find a staff member the second day... broken glass on the floor is so dangerous.

    Hi CC,

    Thanks! It was great meeting you too. Check out the Ferry Building next time... so worth it!!!

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  5. "El Gigante" is HUGE! Is that just going to be for display or is someone going to try cooking with that giant?

    Love the pics from the welcome reception, I came really late and most of the cupcakes/food were gone. I might have to borrow your pictures and link it to your blog when I do a recap for that night (that wasn't for me).

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  6. It was great meeting you too! I agree it was commercialized! Last year was better. Although this year's gift bag was better, I still miss the oysters freshly shucked by Hog Island's Executive Chef! =D Can't wait to grab sushi together sometime!

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  7. oh that sucks that it was more commercialize this year, but at least you had an excuse to go to SF and hang out with friends. mm ever since that food truck race show, I've been wanting to try that escargot. Hope it was great!

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  8. Ooh what a fun festival! Wishing I was there! We're heading to SF in January are there any events then? When does the farmer's market happen?

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  9. everything looks sooo yummy!! great pictures!

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  10. Hi Lea,
    Imagine how many pumpkin pies you could make with El Gigante!


    Kat,
    I'm actually jealous that you live in the OC. So much closer to awesome food. I'm going to have to pay you a visit.


    Hi SC,
    The escargot pops weren't as awesome as you'd think. A lot of pastry and little snail.


    Hi Ann,
    Is this for Nhu-Chi's B-day? It'll be close to Lunar New Year so there may be festivities involving that. Farmers Market is Tu/Th/Sa morning. Its a must go... sample everything!!!!


    Hi Nhu-Chi,
    Thanks! I need Ann's camera. I'm debating on whether or not to upgrade to a D-SLR.

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  11. It was great meeting you too! I agree it was commercialized! Last year was better. Although this year's gift bag was better, I still miss the oysters freshly shucked by Hog Island's Executive Chef! =D Can't wait to grab sushi together sometime!

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  12. "El Gigante" is HUGE! Is that just going to be for display or is someone going to try cooking with that giant?

    Love the pics from the welcome reception, I came really late and most of the cupcakes/food were gone. I might have to borrow your pictures and link it to your blog when I do a recap for that night (that wasn't for me).

    ReplyDelete

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