MasterChef LIVE 2012: Food Festival, Moore Park (7 Oct 2012)

122 Lang Road, Moore Park NSW 2021

http://www.mastercheflive.com.au

MasterChef up close & personal

“MasterChef LIVE 2012 invites budding chefs & cheflings to get up close with the television programme’s favourite contestants, as well as some of the nation’s most renowned chefs for an interactive food experience including cooking classes, theatre shows, demonstrations, Q&As and MasterClasses.”

Thanks to Vivien Mah from Andatech for sending me six complimentary entry passes to use for MasterChef LIVE 2012. I was interested to check out their Juicepresso stand but the first time I passed by it was unattended and the second time I was rushing off to home due to baby getting restless which basically means the shows over. There was no shortage of MasterChef contestants presenting and cooking in demonstrations to please the fans that's for sure. My visit was quite short so I didn't get to try as many free tastings as hoped. The Hands Lane Seville Orange Marmalade and Mixed Berry Jam and Fleur De Lys Patisserie Banana Bread were enjoyable and the Nudie Coconut Water with apple, raspberry & cranberry was refreshing. The 'Most Friendly Vegetarian Display Award' goes to Perfection Fresh Australia and the 'Best Meat Lovers Award' goes to Salumi Australia. I finally saw four of the elusive Sydney food trucks parked outside. Organic Spelt Pizza with roast pumpkin, pesto, spinach and feta ($10) from Agape Organic Food Truck was very nice and the Sweet Potato & Kale Chips with Aioli ($5) from Veggie Patch Van were delightfully crispy albeit a bit oily. Until next year may the MasterChef journey always be in your favour and caramelised to perfection for the judges.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: If you're a MasterChef contestant and celebrity chef fan you'll be able to meet them in person, Product samples from some of the stands, You can watch or participate in cooking demonstrations

CONS: The crowds can get a bit much especially if you have a baby on board, Free parking can be a nightmare due to popularity, There's an entry fee plus theatre shows and demos can cost extra

ENJOYED SAMPLING: Hands Lane marmalade and mixed berry jam, Fleur de Lys Patisserie Banana Bread, Nudie Coconut Water with apple, raspberry & cranberry

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MasterChef 2012 winner Andy Allen in action

MasterChef contestant Amina Elshafei

Chef Simon Lawson from Agape Organic Restaurant

This yabby sample dish was nice — wish I knew what was in it

Vincent Gadan from Patisse teaching fans how to make the Parfum de Femme

MasterChef contestant Alvin Quah has the funkiest glasses in town

Nudie

The friendly folk at Porters Produce

Juicepresso — hopefully I'll catch you another time to see how your juicer works

Matt Rothman from Hands Lane — keep on jamming!

Cape Grim Beef smelt good on the bbq but didn't get to try it

Chef Matt Moran from Aria was very popular at Baking Sweets & Treats demo

Nice to bump into MasterChef contestant Jay Huxley

Sweet Potato & Kale Chips with Aioli ($5) from Veggie Patch Van

Organic Spelt Pizza with roast pumpkin, pesto, spinach and feta ($10) from Agape Organic Food Truck

Pepe Saya, Merna Taouk and John Susman — nice to meet you all

Barilla in the house

Sami's Kitchen and Food Guru

Choc-a-holic and The Sweet Spot Patisserie

Fleur De Lys Patisserie

Perfection Fresh Australia

Salumi Australia

Moochi — didn't get to try but looked very popular

Three Blue Ducks team

MasterChef contestant Mindy Woods quacking with Three Blue Ducks

Crazy flavoured macarons always popular at Adriano Zumbo Patissier

Noggi — cute name and looked popular but didn't get to try

OzHarvest spreading the food rescue message

Redorderlig was drawing in the crowds for a drink

Street Art 4 Kids Project supporting families at The Childrens Hospital at Westmead

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