It all started with a challenge: reinterpret, reimagine and ignite. And with that the team behind The Best Dressed Chicken’s 2017 calendar set out to create a visual experience that is sure to keep you inspired about chicken all 365 days this year. “For us, we wanted to twin the practicality of a calendar with a strong visual appeal that would stimulate the culinary interest of persons viewing the calendar. We want people to think about enjoying The Best Dressed Chicken in different ways and to bring creativity to the presentation of every chicken dish to make it appealing to the palate. After all, we eat with our eyes and we find that more persons are emerging food enthusiasts and are no longer content with the mundane run-of-the-mill food presentation; it is about food fantasy,” said Joan Forrest-Henry, vice-president, sales and marketing at The Best Dressed Chicken. The result is an electrifying riff on creating a meal: The Art of Good Taste.

The calendar features seven pages of chicken caught in full flight, sauce, seasonings, accompaniments and all. “We have a visual wish list, a sort of inspiration look book in the agency, which included the work of the Berlin-based duo of designer Nora Luther and photographer Pavel Becker. Together they created “Recipes” — a series of images of deconstructed meals photographed in mid-air. That was our inspiration and we are, of course, over the moon that The Best Dressed Chicken trusted our vision and allowed us to move on this idea,” said Odette Dixon Neath, public relations director, CGR Communications, the creative agency that conceptualised and produced the calendar. It was photographed by Franz Marzouca and styled by Donna Nobel.

From the cover image of Tangy Balsamic Drumsticks to November/December’s Roasted Chicken with Lemon, Garlic and Bay Leaf, each of the seven pages provides an imaginative look at chicken with generous helpings of anticipation. “It was truly a work of art and there was keen attention to detail in making each image visually compelling. We can’t wait to see what dishes are inspired by this calendar. Do remember to tag us when you post your own work of art on your social media pages,” said Forrest-Henry.

“I think we can check the creative box on this one. Flying food? Done. Now it’s on to thinking about 2018, and it’s never too early for that!” said Dixon Neath.