Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/131975
Custom magazin of the ye e ar From the editor... So much of what you see on TV these days is about food and cooking. That's good, especially if you're into food, but today, cooking on TV is all about the competition, and that competitive spirit has spilt over into social media and the things people are eating everywhere, good or bad. It seems that everyone is competing about what they're putting into their stomachs. And it's peculiar how chefs have become celebrities. You only have to watch MasterChef to see people almost faint when Kylie Kwong or Matt Moran walks into a room. It's about time chefs were recognised for the hours and passion they put in, but chefs on TV have become reality stars, really. So has food. Food had no choice – it has just been, by association, thrust into the world of reality media, and now the food itself often supersedes social interaction. Who needs to talk to a friend when you could be rearranging your plate in your own little photo shoot with your iPhone? Food is stealing the limelight on TV and on every type of social media: blogs, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter … the list goes on. And a lot of what rises to star status with thousands of views isn't even great. "Here's my morning coffee, my hamburger, my salad … Here's what I made for breakfast, lunch, dinner … Here's my stunning spag bol …" Really? It's becoming ridiculous. I don't think I've been to a restaurant lately where someone at every table (or everyone) hasn't taken a photo of one dish, or all of them, to maniacally send out to all their friends – so their friends can remotely see what they're eating – while they're supposed to be enjoying the company of the friends in front of them. In fact, with the complete saturation of social media and smart phones, we are forgetting to enjoy what is right in front of us, and instead of actually getting into good food, we're becoming increasingly obsessed with showing it off to others before we've actually digested the situation or the meal itself. Self-validation through steak and chips. Now there's a blog. Editor Michelle Hespe Email: michelle.hespe@edgecustom.com.au deputy editor Emma Wheaton assistant editor Mitch Brook subeditor Liani Solari Senior designer Guy Pendlebury production coordinator Riley Palmer prepress coordinator Tarn Mount Printer SOS Print & Media Interns Simone Henderson-Smart, Kate Kunkel Contributors Melissa Rimac, Oliver Pfeiffer, Flip Byrnes, Christina Pfeiffer, Patrick Haddock, David Gilchrist, Jeremy Chunn, Oryana Angel, Jonas Bengtsson, Baldeep S. Gill, Mark Taylor, Sue Webster advertising enquiries Group sales manager: Nick Mason: 02 8962 2670 Email: nick.mason@edgecustom.com.au WA, SA and NT sales agent: Helen Glasson, Hogan Media: 08 9381 3991 Email: helen@hoganmedia.com.au Above: Soaking up the outback sunshine in Silverton, NSW. Don't get me wrong. I'm guilty of posting photos of wonderful food, especially when it's a work of art that tastes as good as it looks. But chicken and veg? Does that really need to be posted to the world for approval? "And guess what? I'm going to eat it!" Now there's news. The upside of social media is restaurants that are dishing up wonderful food, but are just covering their bills and can't afford to advertise, now have their creations blasted out to thousands. If they're good enough they'll reap the benefits, wherever they are in the world. So, there's a social media 'silver lining' on the restaurant scene. Conversely, bad photos and criticism on social media can potentially kill a business, but that's another story. Anyway, enjoy your trip and your next meal. Drop us a line some time – we love hearing from you. Just don't send me a photo of your spag bol, even if it is the best one you've ever had in your life! Michelle Hespe Qld sales agent: Michael Petersen, JF Media: 07 3844 5888 Email: michael@jfmedia.com.au Advertising coordinator: Kirsti Harju: 02 8962 2600 Email: advertising@edgecustom.com.au Chairman Chris Innis CEO Eddie Thomas operations Director Georgina Armour Director Sarah Willmott OUTthere is published by Edge 51 Whistler Street, Manly NSW 2095 Phone: 02 8962 2600 Fax: 02 8962 2601 www.edgecustom.com.au OUTthere is published by Business Essentials (Australasia) Pty Limited (ABN 22 062 493 869), trading as Edge, under license to MGI Publishing Pty Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of the Publisher. Information provided was believed to be correct at the time of publication. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. OUTthere cannot accept unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. If such items are sent to the magazine, they will not be returned. V