Wow, we’ve reached that crazy time of year again, but this year it’s a double whammy! The first-ever Eat Out DStv Food Network Conference will take place on Saturday 24 November 2012, the day before the much-anticipated awards.

I’m looking forward to being enthralled by local and international speakers, including Massimo Bottura (chef-owner at Osteria Francescana, number 5 of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants); Margot Janse (chef at The Tasting Room); Luke Dale-Roberts (chef at The Test Kitchen); UK food designer Andrew Stellitano; and culinary consultant to Pierneef à La Motte, Hetta van Deventer-Terblanche. (Have a look at their bios.)

That afternoon I will be hosting a panel to discuss many restaurant-related topics with Giorgio Nava from 95 Keerom and Carne SA (maybe he’ll share his recipe for the best-ever gnocchi?) together with Steve Maresch from The Local Grill in Johannesburg (I wouldn't mind knowing the secret to his onion rings, either). Reuben Riffel will be joining too, along with Nick Thorogood, senior vice president of content and marketing across The Scripps Network Interactive (which includes Food Network) for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Our topics include:
– Stop the no-shows
– Restaurant critics
– The subject of service
– Mastered or mimicked
– Pour the wine
– Haute, nouvelle, fusion… where are we now?
– Making the farmer the celebrity
– A touch of food trends
– Sustainability in beef farming
– Food on film

If you are coming or are planning to buy a ticket, please let me know of topics pertaining to the industry that you would like us to discuss.

Hope to see you there!
Abigail

Photograph: the most expensive mine pie in the world, made by food designer Andrew Stellitano.