Ben Welsh: First reaction - that's a lot of work

The shortlisted work for direct, promo, outdoor and press was up on the walls yesterday.
 
First reaction. Fuck! That’s a lot of work. I heard there were 2000+ entries in promo and 2500 in direct so I guess that means more finalists.
 
Second reaction. Just look at the craft. Many people in many places have spent many, many hours trying to make it just right. Sometimes they’ve gone too far, but overall it’s working. I’m reminded of flowers battling for the attention of insects. Their colourful patterns and intricate shapes, some throwing in a seductive scent scream ‘pick me, pick me’. Well there are no scents at work (although it is possible) but seduction is the key. The work lures you in. (Nice to see some of our work up there too.)

By the time anyone reads this the winners will be known, so, to food. Every second building in Cannes is a restaurant. I’ve been to five so far and my picks are:
 
You can’t go wrong with salad. The French are the original Fresh food people. Add a little grilled chevre and the raddichio, chicory and endive is transformed (I like a few walnuts too, but they don’t do that in this part of  France).
 
Try the Soupe de poisson. It may be hot soup on a hot day, and you have no idea what sea creatures have gone into the making of it, but it is delicious.
 
Stick to the pink. Wine is cheap in France, but not in restaurants. The local rose seldom disappoints, it’s dry, pale, almost orange grey (some are called vin gris) and refreshingly potent. Bandol avant, panadol.
 
And if you’re feeling slim, healthy and are blissfully unaware of how it is produced, some foie gras. Apparently it is about to be banned in California for being cruel.

Ben Welsh
Executive Creative Director
M&C Saatchi