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Gourmand World Cookbook Award for Best Asian Cuisine Book + A $100 Travel GIVEAWAY

By Adrian / December 17, 2012

Just like that unforgettable dessert, 2012 certainly saved the best for last. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d ever be typing these very words but here it goes… I just won Best Asian Cuisine Book for Australia at the 18th Annual Gourmand World Cookbook Awards for my eight month old baby, What the Heck is Filipino Food? *covers mouth, eyes bulging out*

Just getting the cookbook out there was enough for me, but this…THIS has made my year and would definitely go down as one of my most greatest achievements. With so many things going on right now, it didn’t actually hit me at first. I kinda just sat there in awe. This is like winning the Oscars, the Grammys even (minus performances from Beyonce) – for authors like myself which is why I couldn’t function properly days after I had found out. It means so much to little ol’ me that I was even considered because not only was I up against established cookbook geniuses whose works I really admire,  but because in addition to being a comic/cookbook, it ain’t exactly your traditional cookbook covering a mainstream cuisine. I’m really honored and happy to see that Gourmand embraces creativity and understands that authors evolve.

The prestigious Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, which has been running for 18 years, was created to “help readers find the best out of the 26,000 plus food and wine books produced every year.” According to Gourmand’s website –  there were 171 countries competing in the Awards this year, against 162 last year, and 156 the year before.  It is the only sector of book publishing that benefits from such an Awards event with so many countries. The gala night is held in Paris at Carrousel du Louvree and from what I could tell, it’s all pretty swanky indeed so I’d better tidy up my swag in case I bump into Michelin Starred greats like Alain Ducasse and Michel Roux. OMG. If I do end up going, I’ll also be attending the Paris Cookbook Fair festivities and hopefully meet some fellow authors.

gourmand cookbook fair imageImage source: www.cookbookfair.com

The judging panel – Edouard Cointreau, Chairman of the Awards Committee / Sara Baer-Sinnott, President of the Oldways and Exchange and Trust Foundation (USA) / Jean Jacques Ratier, Director of Hospitality School of Dordogne.  Their enormous task every year is to sift through over 8000 cookbooks to decide who in each country wins the national competition which was just announced (YAY!) who will then get to represent their country in the Best in The World competition at the awards ceremony in Paris, 22 – 24 February 2013.

Going off last year’s awards, it looks to be that I’ll be up against three other winners chosen from around the globe to compete for the world title in the Best Asian Cuisine Book category. *GULPS*  I’m literally looking at flights to Paris right this very second! I’ve never been there but all I can think of is all things edible of course….but most importantly their butter and bread. Carb alert! Please send me tips!

winning gourmand cookbook awardsMy heart literally stopped then went BOOM BOOM BOOM when I received the above email

I’m so thankful for this moment.

For being able to share it with you, with those that have TRULY supported me. Having dreamt about about making it all happen was one thing, but actually taking action then finally getting enough funds to complete the cookbook,  distribution, marketing and managing all the other things that continue to churn away in the background whilst balancing it with my day job, the blog and LIFE has been the most challenging thing I’ve done but at the same time, most fulfilling. I’m nervous as hell about the awards night (deep breath) but I feel like I’m making a difference in the bid to spread the word about Filipino food and have ensured my mum’s legacy continues. I’m getting a  little soppy but so whaaat!  To everyone around the globe who holds a copy of What the Heck is Filipino Food and to those who give me encouragement to keep going despite the setbacks and those pesky naysayers –  thank you. Your emails  filled with so much heart and quirky anecdotes that literally made me ‘LOL’ – inspire me. To think the book made such an impact on so many wonderful people from  places I’ve never heard of is just so damn cool.

gourmand awards badge round

{giveaway to celebrate} $100 voucher to go towards your next Summer getaway!

This goes down as zee best Christmas present I’ve ever received so to pay it forward, I would like to giveaway a $100 Groupon voucher to go towards your next Summer getaway! Ahuh! How Oisome is that?!  I’m already picturing white sandy beaches and mojitos by sunset for you. The voucher can be used with any Groupon holiday deal but of course, if you feel like treating YOself  to something else on the site, go for it. What are you waiting for?!

How do you enter? Simple. LIKE my Facebook page and tell me what your favourite holiday destination is by leaving a comment below.

*************GIVEAWAY CLOSED**************

Thank you to everyone who entered the competition  and for your kind words of encouragement. I wish I had more vouchers to giveaway.

The lucky winner is Cook by night – congratulations! You will have received an email requesting further details. Enjoy the getaway!

BoracayExcerpt from my cookbook (about my country chapter)

For travel ideas and further information, check out: http://www.groupon.com.au/coupons/travel

Terms and Conditions

Open to Australian residents only and is randomly chosen. The winner will be notified via email and announced on my Facebook page. Competition closes 11:59PM AEST January 11, 2013. Giveaway courtesy of Groupon.

I love ya and appreciate ya. Have a Merry Christmas and enjoy the summer yo.

Eat like curaaazaaay!

Adrian

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78 thoughts on “Gourmand World Cookbook Award for Best Asian Cuisine Book + A $100 Travel GIVEAWAY”

  3. All I can say – First Australia – then THE WORLD! So happy that you got your book out let alone getting these type of accolades from the publishing world. Next time we see each other I will be raising a glass to you sir!

    PhotoMonkey

    Reply

  5. Adrian its so awesome to read your blog post, I felt exactly the same way. Our self-published cookbook Goodness Me it’s Gluten Free has also won a Gourmand award but for Best First Cookbook (NZ). I almost didn’t believe the email from Gourmand when I opened it!
    Hope you do make it to Paris, we will be going, perhaps we will see you there. Like you I think its great that Gourmand lets all sorts of cookbooks to compete in the awards.
    Congratulations once again…roll on Feb and the awards 🙂

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    1. Oh wow! Congratulations guys!! Yes, we should definitely meet up in Paris during the ceremony. Like you, I still cannot believe it.

      Reply

  6. Congratulations Adrian on your success so far! And Merry Christmas to you too 🙂

    My favourite holiday destination is ITALY because:
    The women are glamorous,
    The men are amorous,
    The city is exciting,
    Its parks are inviting,
    The attractions are majestic,
    And the shopping is fantastic!

    Reply

  8. I’ve said before 🙂 But really want to say it again CONGRATULATIONS!

    I am SO SO SO happy for you Tummy Twin!!!

    You have worked so hard and it’s paid off woo hoo!

    You have to hurry and book your ticket to PARIS 😀

    And my favourite holiday destination would have to be London 🙂 I love everything about it! I think mainly the accent hehe

    Reply

    1. Aw, you really wok Tummy Twin. I booked my flight…so Paris, here we come!

      I gotta get some tips off you on where to eat in Paris!

      Reply

  10. OH WOW!!! CONGRATULATIONS!! Such a great achievement and a great way to top off 2012 🙂

    I think my favourite holiday destination would have to be Singapore after just coming back from there – so much good food and so cheap too! 😀

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  12. Congratulations on your win!

    I would have to say BALI – no other place makes me feel like I am truly on holiday. I like to eat, pray and love away from the tourist haunts and savour the foods of the local Warungs, appreciate the sacred temples, and make friends with the friendly locals.

    Reply

  13. Congratulations! Much deserved I say!

    My favourite destination is Malaysia, the only country with so much diversity and available 24/7, distinct in flavours but also lots of fusion which I love.

    It helps that I have family to take me to the local hotspots. A groupon would help me get there again.

    Reply

  21. Oh that is so wonderful Adrian!! I am so happy for you, it is a well deserved award… I know because I have your book 😉

    So kind of you to offer a travel voucher. I would put it toward a Gourmet Getaway to Malaysia and I would blog the how food adventure!

    Congratulations again xx

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  22. Wow, what a great achievement Adrian. You must be over the moon. I own a copy of your book and my family swears by your tocino and inihaw na isda recipe. Keep up the good work.

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  23. Your cookbook is absolutely incredible and as you put it, very unique. The gourmand award is just the icing on the cake on what’s to come. Congrats

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  28. Adrian, this is heart stopping news. Paris is beautiful, it stole my heart! I’ve always loved reading about your background and finally got my hands on a copy of your fab book for Christmas from hubby. What should I try first?

    Merry Christmas

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  29. Dearest Adrian, congratulations again. How wonderful, and absolutely deserving – what an honour to be recognised. I wish you ALL the best. Get yourself down to Paris, and for longer than a week.

    You will have NO regrets.

    Go look at copper pots at E.Dehillerin, and Mona, stroll around the cafes in the Forum Le Halles and check out G. Detou too. Stay well and enjoy your Christmas holidays.

    Reply

    1. Your encouragement means so much, thank you. Yes, I just booked, so excited.

      OOH Thanks for the Paris tips, I have NO IDEA where to eat/go!!!

      Reply

  30. Has to be out back of Australia to try bush tucker (just don’t tell me until after the fact, what I am trying)

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  32. Dude you are more than rightful an deserving of this prestigious award… I wish nth but the best for you and I’m glad to see you have that, with this cookbook award… Definitely a lifetime achievement, well done brother!!! Keep on eating, keep on writing, and keep rocking as always. You da man!

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  33. Congratulations! This is wonderful news indeed 🙂
    My favourite destination would have to be France particularly Paris and Lyon for all the wonderful culture and food available. I can’t wait to head back there!

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  35. Great job on your cookbook award!
    Japan if our favourite holiday destination.
    Great food, lovely people, wonderful culture and fantastic scenery!

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  36. Congrats! You definitely deserve it!

    After eating and tasting some great home-made Filipino food in this country, I would love to travel to the Philippines and experience the country (and even more of the food!!) first-hand.

    Thanks.

    Reply

  37. that is so exciting, congratulations. you made me smile – butter and bread 🙂

    favourite holiday destination – so hard for me to say as i like to go somewhere different every holiday! but i did really love Tasmania.

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  38. A massive congratulations to you Adrian! An awesome achievement and you truly deserve the great recognition – you’re such a great ambassador for Filipino cuisine. Sounds like 2012 ended on a high for you, and I hope 2013 brings even more happiness!

    Reply

  41. Congratulations! This is fantastic and so exciting! I’ve been to the Comédie-Française Theatre many years ago, but there is the rest of Paris to enjoy. You’re going to have a blast!

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  42. I would have to say FIJI! Amazing beaches and the food…wow.

    Congratulations on the win, well deserved.

    Reply
  44. Pingback: What the Heck is Filipino Food turns 1! Herald Sun, ABC702, SBS Food, Gourmand Award Ceremony + MORE | Food Rehab: The Tastebud Diaries a melbourne food blog

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