TV presenter and celebrated baker Eric Lanlard – currently appearing on South African television – will make history next year by being the first chef to go into space.
He admits that he is scared and excited at the same time but says that a trip to outer space is the opportunity of a lifetime.
Lanlard, who will be one of the international chefs at the Good Food & Wine Show in Cape Town from May 23 to 26, says he signed up to travel into space with Virgin Galactic and is on a list of 30 people who’ll be undertaking five trips planned in 2014.
Lanlard, who is twice winner of the prestigious Continental Pâtissier of the Year at the British Baking Awards and recognised for changing the face of British Patisserie, said that he asked Buzz Aldrin for advice.
“Don’t have breakfast,” was the iconic American astronaut’s reply.
He said he decided to sign up for the trip after meeting Sir Richard Branson at an event where too much good food and champagne were consumed.
Lanlard has been hugely busy during the past 12 months. A crowning highlight of his career was creating a special chocolate cake for the Diamond Jubilee last year which he presented to Queen Elizabeth for the palace high tea.
He has just published his latest book, Chocolat as well as filming a new 10-part TV series for BBC, Baking Mad. This is currently airing in South Africa on BBC Lifestyle on DStv.
Lanlard will join culinary forces at the Good Food & Wine Show with other celebrated names including Gordon Ramsay, Bill Granger and the Bliss twins, Isabella and Sofia from Junior MasterChef Australia.
Since moving to the UK 26 years ago, he has been widely acknowledged as the man who changed the face of British Patisserie, earning himself a reputation for inspirational cakes and an A-list clientele.
Celebrities who have utilised his services include Madonna, the Beckham’s, Claudia Schiffer and Elizabeth Hurley.
“People always expect that a celebrity will be difficult or ask for something crazy,” he said, “but it’s usually completely the opposite.”
He conceded that some of the minor personalities were the most difficult. “I always try to keep away from them because they don’t want to pay anything. The top celebrities, like Madonna and Elizabeth Hurley usually know what they want and it is quite straight forward and is actually a pleasure to work with them. They pay on time and they often have simple requests.”
VIP PACKAGE TO CAPE TOWN’S GOOD FOOD AND WINE SHOW IN MAY TO MEET PATISSERIE GENIUS AND BAKER ERIC LANLARD
He’s one of the world’s best-known master bakers and patisserie chefs and those attending the Good Food & Wine Show in Cape Town will have the opportunity to meet him.
Eric Lanlard appears in the Checkers Celebrity Chefs Theatre in Cape Town on Thursday 23 May at 11am; on Friday 24 May at 12.30pm; on Saturday 25 May at 3pm and on Sunday 26 May at 3pm. He will also be on the Brilliant Baking Theatre.
Food lovers will have the opportunity to interface with the genial Lanlard by purchasing a Good Food and Wine Show VIP Package for R650
This includes:
• Admission to the Good Food & Wine Show
• Drinks & canapés in the VIP Lounge
• VIP Seating in the Checkers Celebrity Chefs Theatre for Eric’s demonstration and
• A signed copy of his newest book Chocolat
For those visitors who want to watch Eric demonstrate at the Checkers' Celebrity Chef Theatre without the VIP experience, the price is R150.
VIP packages and regular tickets are available from Computicket.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GOOD FOOD & WINE SHOW
DATES AND VENUE
Good Food & Wine Show Cape Town May 23 To 26 - Cape Town International Convention Centre
BOOKING AND TICKET PRICES
Tickets cost R110 for adults for R55 for children. This includes more free theatres than ever before. Visitors will also receive a coupon book that will allow for massive savings and specials.
CONTACT US
Ø Tel: 021 702 2280
Ø Tel 0861foodie
Ø Web: www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za or www.fieramilano.co.za
Ø Facebook: Good Food and Wine Show SA
Ø Twitter: #goodfoodSA
