Say what? Pecha Kucha means chit chat. This event started in Tokyo in 2003 and the concept has spread to other cities worldwide. Presenters show 20 images and have 20 seconds per slide. The total presentation per presenter is 6 minutes and 40 seconds. According to the description of the event, “Pecha Kucha is a mix of show and tell, open-mic and happy hour.” I was expecting to sit back, relax, taste and learn about food in a fun atmosphere.
Here is a list of the Pecha Kucha presenters for the evening and a few points from each of their talks:
Brandon Plyler – Cicerone, The Charleston Beer Exchange
Brandon discussed women and beer. He discussed Casi the goddess of beer. He celebrated the female heritage of beer which seems to be a male-dominated field. So cheers to women and beers!
Amy Robinette – Baker, The Cake Farmer
Who doesn’t need a cake delivered? Amy uses all local and natural ingredients in her cakes. Amy’s message- Hunt for your dreams and pay it forward. Oh and ps her next idea for a future CSA, pot pie..
Frank Lee – Executive Chef, SNOB
Frank was obviously the home town favorite and received a standing ovation. Coming out with at tshirt that read Cuisine Commando, Frank rocked the Pecha Kucha. He started his cooking adventure in 1973 with a Natural Foods co-op. His talk focused on passing of the torch of cuisine and inspiring young chefs. I think he inspired the crowd when he ended his speech with one word, Peace.
David Thompson – Founder, David Thompson Architect
I loved to see the way David Thompson took old spaces and gave them a new life. His vision has made these great spaces to enjoy a meal and share stories with friends. He said he likes to create a restaurant that serves Italian food, not an Italian restaurant. His spaces certainly do that and helps to build the community.
Gillian Zettler – Executive Director, BB&T Charleston Wine + Food
Wow! What a great talk. Thanks for opening yourself up and sharing your story. It sucks to have the loss of appetite and I am so glad that Charleston and all of its goodness helped you get it back.
Rustin Gooden – Founder, Bulls Bay Saltworks
Rustin’s story was one of accidental good fortune. Because he smoked a pig with some salt and it turned out great, he became a salt chef. I am glad you didn’t use vinegar that day.
Martha Zierden – Curator of Historical Archeology, The Charleston Museum
We learned about the history of what the people of Charleston used to eat. The low country is very bountiful and the diet included various game and fish. The diet included bear, muskrat, beavertail, ducks, quail, turtles, alligator, beef, and chicken. I think this rich history set the scene for its culinary mecca that it is today.
Michael Shemtov – Owner, Butcher & Bee, The Daily
Michael pulled the curtain back so that we could see what a day in the life of a restaurant owner is really like. Everyone has this vision that owning a restaurant is glamorous but really it is very hard work. The work day starts at 4 in the morning and doesn’t end until very late in the evening. Why does he do it then? Because he just likes it. He encouraged everyone to find your passion project and to pursue it boldly.
Thibaut Fagonde – Filmmaker, Overalls & Aprons
Go check out the movie screening next week. Sounds like an awesome flick!
We really enjoyed the Pecha Kucha experience. It was a great evening to learn more about the food. Let’s try and bring the Pecha Kucha experience to Raleigh.
