Popping in for pop up food

Francis Longman will be trend setting at next week's Waikato Home and Garden Show.

The globe-trotting chef will be setting up his pop-up kitchen to delight visitors with Asian-style, gourmet food flavoured with his secret oriental spices.

He admits to always having a soft spot for Asian food - honed by an interest in Beijing-style street cuisine.

It amuses Francis that show-goers will be enjoying Asian-inspired food cooked up by a Kiwi when all over New Zealand Asian immigrants are in business selling their take on Kiwi food classics - pies, sausage rolls and lamingtons.

Twenty years of cooking all over the world has seen the Raglan-based chef working in a range of kitchens, writing menus for commercial establishments and training chefs. He worked in Australia for 10 years or more.

Francis started out as a kitchen hand in Tauranga and put himself through technical college to gain his qualifications. Then it was off to see the world.

After his stint at the home and garden show you will be able to taste Francis' street cuisine at farmers' markets, night markets, festivals, major events, and the like. For more details go to www.bingking.co.nz

The October 3-6 Waikato Home and Garden Show, at Claudelands Events Centre, will again be showcasing the latest ideas, trends, products and services for the home owner who may be building, renovating, decorating or landscaping their home.

The event attracts in excess of 30,000 visitors every year, and is supported by more than 400 companies.

This once-a-year extravaganza gives homeowners an opportunity to meet and talk to the experts about renovating, building, landscaping, decorating and finishing their homes - and secure the special prices that the show is renowned for.

Opening hours: Thursday, October 3, 10am - 6pm; Friday, 10am - 10pm; Saturday, 10am - 6pm; Sunday, 10am - 6pm.