Here at Frankie the Creative, the only thing we love more than eating food is photographing it. So naturally, when the Woodville Town Hall reached out to culinary enthusiasts and live show lovers who were also Adelaide Photographers, we were given the unique opportunity to indulge in an exquisite experience within the gorgeous walls of one of our under-appreciated heritage buildings.

This year, Adelaide Fringe brought us 'SBS’s *The Cook Up with Adam Liaw* LIVE', which was more than just a cooking show or a dinner party. It was a grand celebration of food as a uniting force, a medium of storytelling, and a source of joy. The event was filled with delicious meals, engaging conversations, laughter, learning, and memorable experiences. The overwhelming success of this event, marked by lip-smacking dishes and passionate chefs, left an indelible impression on the attendees.

Upon stepping into the venue, we were promptly welcomed by enticing cooking aromas that wrapped around us like a warm blanket, filling the air with a sense of comforting familiarity and heightened anticipation. These scents were reminiscent of a hearty, home-cooked meal waiting for us after a long day, a meal that not only satisfies us, but also does so with love.

Adam Liaw and his special guests, each of whom brought their own unique perspective and experiences to the event, included personalities such as Costa Georgiadis, a strong advocate for sustainable living; Callum Hann, who gained fame through his appearance on MasterChef Australia; Maggie Beer, a beloved Australian cook known nationwide; Jennifer Wong, a comedian with a peculiar interest in food; and Myf Warhurst, a popular radio announcer and television presenter. Their involvement in the show added diversity to the conversations and introduced unexpected culinary surprises, endowing the experience with an additional layer of charm.

The atmosphere within the hall was positively electric, with the audience's excitement palpable as they eagerly participated in the dialogue and joined in the shared laughter and camaraderie.

The audience wasn't just sitting back and watching — they were truly part of the show! They got to ask questions, share their kitchen wins and oopsies, and even swap recipes. You could seriously feel the sense of community in the air, as food lovers who started as strangers bonded over their passion for cooking and the happiness it brought them.

Adam’s infectious enthusiasm and passion for food captivated the audience by imparting onto them his deep-seated love for all things gastronomic. The event was much more than a mere cooking demonstration - it was a delightful communal experience that dissolved the barriers between the audience and the performers, creating a shared space of joy and discovery. Every dish that was prepared was a celebration in itself, a celebration that featured not just food, but also laughter, camaraderie, and shared experiences. This vibrant event was a clear demonstration of the often-understated role of food in uniting people and crafting unforgettable experiences.

The spectacle continued to unfold as the evening wore on, with each segment serving a testament to the power of food as a universal language. Adam, with his natural flair and culinary mastery, unveiled dishes that were not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor, texture, and history. Each dish was a story in itself, taking the audience on a gustatory journey that spanned continents and cultures. The energetic dynamic of the guests, combined with Adam's talent for hosting, resulted in an unforgettable experience. The camaraderie among them was energetic, their shared passion for food, infectious. The evening was not only a masterclass in cooking but also in storytelling, connection, and the simple, often overlooked joy of sharing a meal with others.

Furthermore, the event was not solely about the delicious food served, but also the heartwarming stories that came with it. From Costa Georgiadis cheerfully advocating sustainable farming practices to Maggie Beer's earnest commitment to using local produce, each guest opened up about their unique journey. They revealed how their love for food is deeply connected to their personal values and life experiences. It was a gentle reminder that food is more than just fuel for our bodies - it is a mirror of our identity, beliefs, and traditions. Here at Frankie the Creative, we totally get it. As enthusiastic plant-based Adelaide Photographers, the choices we make about our food and the types of cuisine we champion plays a big role in how we add our own *flavor* to our industry and the wider world.

Adam Liaw and his guests proved to be not just chefs but also engaging storytellers. The audience was treated to a feast of humor, wisdom, and inspiration as the speakers shared anecdotes from their culinary adventures. The laughter that echoed in the hall was as hearty as the food on the plates, and the words of wisdom shared were as nourishing as the ingredients used. As the event drew to a close, the attendees left with not just satisfied stomachs from the tasting portion, but also enriched minds. They carried with them new recipes, newfound knowledge, and memories of a delightful evening spent in the company of fellow food lovers - and hopefully from all this, a new lease of life for cooking.

This testament to the magic that happens when people come together over good food will be cherished by those fortunate enough to attend for a long time to come.

Woodville Town Hall approached us to showcase what it is that their wonderful venue can do and host. And I think, I think we just helped them to achieve that. If you’re in venue management role, feel free to reach out to us, and chat about how we can help showcase your space.