Recently, The Sample Circuit asked me to be their super official Grand Poobah photographer for their 2010 season (okay, I embellished a bit there). Quite an honor and opportunity for me. If you love great food and beverages, and trying out new restaurants, The Sample Circuit is definitely for you. There will be 6 events this year to which anyone can buy tickets and enjoy.
Other than photographing the events themselves, each chef will be photographed beforehand. That's right, I get to harass, bad-mouth and boss around some of the best-of-the-best chefs in the Twin Cities. How cool is that?? I'm really excited about this project because it is perfect for what I love to do - photographing people and the things people do.
My first victim was the executive chef of Restaurant Max at the Hotel Minneapolis, Nick O'Leary. I'll spare you a poorly written bio of this young and talented chef who LOVES his mama! To learn more about him, check out the Sample Circuit's very own Katy Tepley's interview with him right......here.
Here are a few portraits of Nick, as well as a few from the event Tuesday evening. And Nick, I WILL take you up on the shot of Powers in the very near future. ....I had to bail early to make sure I got home in time to say goodnight to Isaac. I know, ahhhhhh right? Tell that to a chef who's in the mood to celebrate a terrific evening. And that guy's got some serious peer pressure abilities! You just can't help to agree, "you're right, I really should jump off this bridge huh?"
Nick wanted to be sure I had a chance to harass his sous chefs, Jess and Tom.
Kevin, owner of Minnesota Vine Partners/Meilleurs Vins de Provence, brought some seriously impressive wines. He's only one year as an importer and of the 7 wines he's working with FIVE have won Best in Show!
Like hard cider? Then you HAVE get yourself a bottle of Crispin Original or their Saint. In the words of the great Jimi Hendrix, "Oh so tasty." Chris was there serving it up to very pleased guests. They're a local company with their headquarters in NE Minneapolis.
Other than making Nick's portraits, this was the first time I'd been to the Restaurant Max. Not only were they able to provide a ton of space for the Sample Circuit guests, but they were also able to seat regular guests AND serve a busy bar without missing a beat. Wonderful service and excellent taste in decor to say the least.
..I about crapped my pants when Nick said he wanted a photograph with me. Nice work on the great shot Katy.
What a fantastic event! I would probably embellish just a bit too. :) The 3rd portrait is my favorite. And it's fun to note that I also have an Isaac.
Posted by: Leahmariaphotography.blogspot.com | March 12, 2010 at 06:18 PM
What a fun opportunity Noah! Since Rich went to culinary school he would be in HOG heaven meeting all those chef's if I had an opportunity like that :)
Posted by: Jessica | March 17, 2010 at 08:25 PM
You make good use of your focus. But the motion-blur shots are the best since it gives more attention to the static parts of the picture. Great work!
Posted by: Jesse Hake | May 18, 2011 at 12:31 PM