Convention - Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2024: A Culinary Adventure at the GastroGeek Panel Captivates Fans

By Mulder, Villepinte, Parc des Expositions, 05 october 2024

The 36th edition of the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show returned with full force, bringing together over 55,000 fans of pop culture, anime, and science fiction. However, this year’s event offered more than just the usual mix of comics, cosplay, and celebrity panels – it served up something unique for food enthusiasts and geek culture aficionados alike. The GastroGeek Panel, one of the most anticipated features of the convention, took the stage, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

At the heart of the GastroGeek Panel was none other than Thibaud Villanova, better known by his moniker Gastronogeek. Thibaud Villanova, a celebrated chef, author, and content creator, has spent over a decade immersing himself in the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, and pop culture, channeling his passion into an extraordinary culinary career. Since 2014, he has been captivating audiences with his Gastronogeek cookbook series, which merges iconic fandoms with creative and delicious recipes. These books have sold over 600,000 copies across France and internationally, allowing fans to bring the flavors of their favorite fictional worlds into their kitchens.

On October 5th, Thibaud Villanova graced the stage at the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show to present an interactive and entertaining cooking demonstration, drawing a large crowd of both foodies and pop culture enthusiasts. During the live panel, Thibaud Villanova showcased his culinary talents by preparing geek-themed dishes inspired by beloved franchises like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and The Legend of Zelda. His signature style combines flavors and techniques from traditional cuisine with playful nods to the stories and characters that have shaped modern pop culture. The result is a feast for the eyes and the palate, with each dish telling its own geek-inspired story.

Thibaud Villanova’s cooking demonstration was much more than just a display of culinary skill – it was an immersive experience. As he prepared dishes, he engaged with the audience, sharing behind-the-scenes stories about his creative process and how he draws inspiration from films, video games, and comic books. Fans were eager to ask questions and learn how to recreate some of his imaginative recipes at home. Thibaud Villanova’s passion for both food and fandom was contagious, creating an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie among the attendees.

In addition to his live cooking demo, Thibaud Villanova also hosted exclusive signing sessions throughout the weekend, giving fans the opportunity to meet him in person and have their copies of the Gastronogeek cookbooks signed. Many attendees left with not only an autograph but also a newfound appreciation for how food and geek culture can be intertwined in creative and delicious ways.

Thibaud Villanova’s presence at the convention extended beyond the stage. Throughout the weekend, he led interactive culinary workshops where participants could get hands-on experience crafting geek-inspired dishes under his guidance. These workshops allowed fans to delve deeper into the culinary world of Gastronogeek, giving them the chance to prepare and taste dishes that capture the spirit of their favorite pop culture universes. The workshops were a hit, with attendees raving about the chance to cook alongside Thibaud Villanova and learn from his expertise.

For those who couldn’t attend the workshops, Thibaud Villanova’s online presence continues to offer a wealth of content. He regularly streams live cooking sessions on Twitch, where he dedicates over 20 hours a week to creating food shows that blend culinary arts with geek culture. His online tutorials, available on his social media channels, offer fans a way to engage with his cooking from the comfort of their homes, keeping the Gastronogeek experience accessible to everyone.

The GastroGeek Panel wasn’t just a highlight for food lovers; it was part of a larger, action-packed weekend at the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2024. This year’s event boasted a star-studded lineup, including Andy Serkis (known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings and Planet of the Apes), Lana Parrilla (from Once Upon a Time), and Christopher Judge (from Stargate SG-1 and God of War). Fans were also treated to impressive exhibits, including life-sized replicas of famous vehicles like Bumblebee from Transformers, and themed showcases like the Harry Potter Expo and the Zelda Hyrule Expo.

The culinary aspect of the convention, highlighted by Gastronogeek, added a unique layer to this year’s Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show, offering fans a chance to explore the intersection of food and pop culture in a hands-on and interactive way. Thibaud Villanova’s creative approach to cooking, infused with the spirit of geek fandom, made the GastroGeek Panel one of the most memorable events of the weekend.

As the 2024 edition of the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show came to a close, fans left with not only memories of meeting their favorite stars and seeing stunning cosplay but also with a newfound appreciation for the art of geek-inspired cuisine. Thibaud Villanova’s performance at the GastroGeek Panel was a testament to how food can be a powerful medium for storytelling and creativity, especially when paired with the beloved worlds of pop culture.

For those who missed the event, Thibaud Villanova continues to share his culinary adventures online, allowing fans to stay connected to the Gastronogeek universe long after the convention doors have closed. Whether you're a die-hard fan of pop culture or simply a lover of good food, the GastroGeek Panel at the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2024 was an event that brought the best of both worlds together in an unforgettable way.

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Photos and Video : Copyright Boris Colletier / Mulderville