Behind the Apron: My Experience Running a Live Cooking Show

As a passionate chef and food enthusiast, I always dreamed of sharing my culinary adventures with a wider audience. When an opportunity arose to host a live cooking show at the National Geographic Food event in the Islington Business Centre representing my home country, Ecuador, I jumped at the chance. Little did I know just how exhilarating—and challenging—the experience would be!

The weeks leading up to the show were a whirlwind of activity. I spent countless hours developing a menu with home-based well-known chefs from Ecuador and other based in the UK who had been put in touch via the Ecuadorian Embassy. The aim was to showcase our love for traditional ingredients while being simple enough for viewers to replicate at home. I settled on a dish that comes from my heart: tamales steamed on a banana leaf, stuffed with pork. This is also one of my star dishes at El Inca Plebeyo, having it perfected the recipe inspired by my mum’s cooking, but for an European audience and local ingredients.

Promotion was crucial which was organised by the Ecuadorian Embassy via a series of smaller events at the Embassy, such as the ‘Cafecito de la Tarde’ which was a great way to showcase how food and getting together is part of our Ecuadorian culture. This was advertised in social media, flyers, and word-of-mouth to spread the news. As the show date approached, excitement built, and I was thrilled to see community interest in my culinary venture.

On the morning of the show, I arrived at the Islington Business Centre early to set up. The Ecuadorian section was set up amazingly and was bustling with activity as the team worked to finalize the technical aspects—cameras were set up, microphones were tested, and the audience area was arranged. I could feel a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling up inside me. This was it: my chance to shine!

As the clock inched closer to showtime, I took a moment to breathe and visualize the experience. I reminded myself that cooking is meant to be fun and that I should focus on sharing that joy with the audience.

The moment the lights turned on and the cameras rolled, my adrenaline kicked in. I introduced was introduced by the host to the audience, sharing my culinary journey and what inspired my tamales recipe. The energy in the room was electric, and I could see eager faces ready to learn. It was extra special seeing my family in the audience.

I started with the tamales recipe, explaining the importance of using fresh ingredients and encouraged the audience to ask questions. They responded enthusiastically, and we shared tips about selecting the best ingredients in London, such as visiting Dalston market to find the freshest banana leaves. It felt incredible to connect with others who shared my passion for food. I watched as audience members leaned in closer, captivated by the vibrant ingredients and interesting process.

Of course, no live show is without its hiccups! Midway through the cooking demonstration, the blender stopped working and had to crush the corn a bit too thick so when I mixed the ingredients together the dough did not come 100% perfect. In the moment, I panicked but quickly turned it into a teachable moment. I explained it’s important to check the thickness of the grain before mixing it all together and suggested alternatives, like adding thinner corn flour to help get the consistency to the right point. The audience appreciated the honesty, and it made the experience feel more authentic.

As I concluded we plated the food beautifully, and I invited the audience to sample the tamales and visit the Ecuador stand (which one the best stand of the event by the way!). The smiles on their faces as they tasted the food were incredibly rewarding.

After the tasting, I opened the floor for questions, and we had a lively discussion about cooking techniques, ingredient substitutions, and even personal cooking anecdotes. It felt like a true community gathering around a shared love for food.

As the show wrapped up, I felt a sense of achievement I had the opportunity to experience the previous year when I was invited to represent Ecuador at this famous festival. I had not only showcased my culinary skills but also created a space for connection and learning about Ecuadorian gastronomy. The audience’s enthusiasm and engagement made every moment worth it.

Running a live cooking show was a thrilling adventure, full of surprises and learning experiences. I walked away with new friends, a deeper appreciation for the art of cooking, and a desire to continue sharing my passion with others. If you ever get the chance to host a cooking show, I wholeheartedly recommend embracing the opportunity — it’s a deliciously rewarding experience!

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