MEDIA RELEASE Tuesday 21 July 2009
GARY MEHIGAN PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON REGIONAL FOOD
Celebrity chef, Gary Mehigan
Food, Glorious Food! With a Regional Food Showcase comprising cooking demonstrations and an exclusive ticketed lunch presented by Masterchef judge and accomplished chef, Gary Mehigan, this is a worthy catchcry for punters anticipating the opening weekend of Festival Cairns.
As Southern Cross Ten’s top rating reality show reached boiling point on Sunday – the final night of its first season, Festival Cairns event coordinator, Belinda Griffin is pleased to announce details of exciting food laden events and the participation of Masterchef judge, Gary Mehigan.
Gary Mehigan arrives in Cairns on day one of Festival Cairns, Friday 21 August; spearheading a weekend line up showcasing regional food with a series of free and ticketed events including cooking demonstrations at The Pier’s Farmgate Markets on Saturday 22 August and the following day – an exclusive four course lunch at Sebel Reef House and Spa; the latter of which is a major highlight on the program of northern Beaches newcomer, Taste of Palm Cove.
Mrs Griffin said much work has gone into securing Gary Mehigan’s involvement and considering his busy filming schedule with Masterchef, is a real coup for Festival Cairns and its 2009 program.
“As Gary’s celebrity status soars in the wake of bumper ratings, we can rest easy in the knowledge that his involvement will focus attention on events that have been created to both reflect and celebrate our region. The Regional Food Showcase is a case in point and will be highlighted at both The Pier’s Farmgate Markets and four course lunch at Sebel Reef House.”
Tickets are on sale now to participate in The Regional Food Showcase lunch at Sebel Reef House and Spa featuring Gary Mehigan’s special four course menu with matching wines from the Stoneleigh Wines stable. Tickets are $95 per person (inclusive of lunch and wine package) or $65 per person (under 18’s – not including wine package). To book, Tel: Reef House and Spa 07 4055 3633 today or email events@tsrhpc.mirvac.com - places are limited.
- Saturday 22 August: Farmgate Market Cooking Demonstrations 9.30am and 11.00am
- Sunday 23 August: Sebel Reef House and Spa & Stoneleigh Wines Ticketed Lunch from 12 noon.
Want to know more about Gary Mehigan?
At the helm of two thriving restaurants in food obsessed Melbourne, Gary is also riding a wave of popularity in an ever burgeoning television cooking career. Well known as the judge for Channel Ten’s ”Masterchef” series, Gary also has a regular cooking role on Channel Ten’s “9am with David & Kim”. With his newer show, “Boys Weekend”, airing worldwide in over 12 countries since April 2009, and his series of “Good Chef, Bad Chef”, completed in 2007 (due to go into a second series later in 2009), Gary is now in constant demand as a keynote speaker and celebrity chef.
Gary completed his apprenticeship and formative years of cooking in London, where being passionate about food was what he considered, the only thing that got him through. Not only was it London, but the Connaught and the Souffle, two of the most elite dining rooms in the UK, at the time.
Gary has a long list of TV credits to his name including Channel Ten’s Australian version of “Ready Steady Cook”. He is a charismatic chef, who has always had great vision and business acumen. Thus, the birth of Fenix, Gary’s complex in Richmond, and his new baby, The Maribyrnong Boathouse.
Mr Mehigan has called Melbourne home since 1991, and has worked at a plethora of venues including the gracious Burnham Beeches, Brown’s Restaurant, Novotel Melbourne, and Sofitel Melbourne.
As event manager of Festival Cairns 2009, Cairns Regional Council gratefully acknowledges the support of major sponsors Arts Queensland, Queensland State Government, Ergon Energy and Pacific Toyota.
Ends
For more information:
Belinda Griffin, Festival Cairns Coordinator
T: 07 4044 3593 M: 0407 966 530 E: festival@cairns.qld.gov.au
Issued by:
Pip Miller PR
T: 07 4032 4400 M: 0419 681543 E: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
www.pipmillerpr.com.au