Foodbuzz Festival 2011: Day 1 (Nov 4th, 2011)

This is definitely a back dated post. Whatever it is I'm still going to post it up for you. I'm finally here in San Francisco, and it has been a blast over the weekend having met so many new friends, and also it was really nice to finally meet Gina @ SPCookie Queen and Elisabeth @ Food and Thrift Finds for the very first time.

I don't quite know where to begin while I'm drafting this for you, as I have so much to share and it feels like I like to pour everything out right now. To keep it short, first day was really fruitful. From checking into The Grand Hyatt Hotel on Stockton and getting ready to attend the Foodbuzz Awards Dinner at Terra Gallery on 511, Harrison Street.

Snapshots of the Grand Hyatt below for you my friends. The rooms according to the front desk personnel, have been refurbished and upgraded. Neutral tones filled the room with Zen style which immediately gives you the sense of calmness and tranquility. It sure did transform my tiring hectic long haul flight to a relax mode. The beds were covered with crisps white lush soft linens. Talk about staying in San Francisco with style and comfort. Elisabeth and I were so thrilled that we got to stay on the 17th floor and we had spectacular view of the Union Square. Just in case I didn't mentioned earlier, I got to share the room together with Elisabeth.



2 Beautiful Ladies: Gina & Elisabeth

Moving on now.. My oh my! The cocktail session was definitely fun.. I've embraced my nerves and stepped outside my comfort zone and started looking out for foodie friends that I recognise and introduced myself to so many that I've not met.You guys have certainly welcome me to San Francisco. A quick shout out to Angela, Bonnie, Emily, Gina, Visda, Heather, Luna, Julie, Joshua, Cora, Devaki, Nam, Krissy, and so many more.

During the mingling session, Gina introduced me to Visda @ Eat, Drink and Just Be!. To my surprise; she said and I quote after her"Hey! I recognise you Joanna. You made Top 9 today (November 4th, 2011)." I was super shocked [in a good kind of way] cause I didn't even know I made Top 9 since I was in a plane flying to the United States the whole time; and felt really awesome for that moment. Come to think of it, I believed I felt that my head got slightly bigger. Never in my dreams that a stranger who's a super nice lady would recognise me. She's no longer a stranger to me now ;).

Everyone helping to themselves and loads of food photo porno here..LOL

As for the food, I have to say some are not bad especially the ones from the Small Plates Action Station. I truly enjoyed the Pan-Seared DayBoat Scallop. Just perfect, juicy, tender and could just taste every bit of the fresh herbs and ingredients used. Delish! Sadly I didn't get to try the Glazed Marin Sun Farms Pork Belly. However, according to Elisabeth, she said the pork belly was tasty as well.

The Buffet Station had an interesting menu. However, I do have mixed feelings on the selection on the Buffet Station menu. It's comforting but I suppose it could be better and taste great in my opinion.

Moving on to the dessert selection, it was not not too bad. As you might already know I'm a sucker for desserts. So it's nothing new if  I had more photos on desserts..LOL.

Desserts were all made in mini bite sized. So the portion was just right. As much I love my desserts, I thought that the macaroons were a tad too sweet. My favourite dessert had to be the Mascarpone Cheesecake. The cheesecake base has a twist to it. Instead of regular digestives, the base was substituted with Gingersnap Crumble [yummm]. Overall the combination of the Mascarpone Cheesecake was really good and strike a perfect balance.

That's Visda..playing paparazzi. ;p ..

Not forgetting, I met Heather @ Heather in SF  who introduced me to my very first Manhattan. I must say, I am not crazy over the drink and Heather know about it..LOL. Then again being a foodie, we must step out of our comfort zone and give everything a try.

Overall I think I did pretty good for my first day in San Francisco.. Stay tune peeps, more coverage of SF for you in the upcoming posts..

xx