CELEBRITY chef George Calombaris is bringing “sexy” back.
And on the dinner table.
The Master Chef Australia television series’ passionately vocal judge will create a production of seductive snacks as a special guest chef at this month’s Sunshine Coast food show.
But do not dare mistake the creations as “tapas”.
“I love the concept of snacks at the moment. I love to eat sexy little snacks and I want to bring things such as a simple potato crisp with bacon and salt flavours,” Mr Calombaris said.
“I think the term “tapas” has been bastardised across Australia. Tapas is a single food that was meant to complement your drink, whereas these will be “mezzes” or little tasty morsels.”
Mr Calombaris said he was taking a unique approach to his role at this month’s food festival, by building his menu around the best ingredients the Coast has to offer.
“Usually at events like this the chef writes the menu, and then people have to source the ingredients which can be difficult,” he said.
“I wanted to find out about the beautiful things the Coast has to offer and build my menu around them.”
In keeping with the traditions of his Greek culture, the Australian and Greek restaurateur will include lamb supplied by local butchers and fourth generation family business as part of his six-course degustation dinner menu for up to 200 guests on February 20.
It will be part of the inaugural Sunshine Coast Food Show at Novotel Twin Waters Resort on February 20 and 21.
A four-hour food and beverage festival will be held on the Sunday with many local Sunshine Coast produce exhibitors in attendance.
Mr Calombaris is currently working on the second series of last year’s hit television show that took everyone by surprise, including himself.
“I hate to fail …. fail is a bad word,” he said.
“And I have failed plenty of times, but there were times that Gary, Matt and I got together, and we talked about how we didn’t want to go (Gordon) Ramsay.
“The show isn’t about the judges or the contestants. It is about the food and evoking childhood memories of eating, cooking and being with family and friends.”
Mr Calombaris said he had fond memories of the Sunshine Coast and friends he described as “a great group of chefs”.
He said he hoped Sunshine Coast locals would get to the festival and become inspired.
“In my downtime, I still surround myself with good food and great people, and that can be as simple as fish and chips.”
“The show isn’t about the judges or the contestants. It is about the food …”
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