ONE of the region's premier food and wine festivals will this year turn 10, and to celebrate, organisers of Moree on a Plate are busy preparing a smorgasbord of produce and entertainment.
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Moree on a Plate president Mary-Kate McCormick is thrilled to announce the inclusion of celebrity chef Alastair McLeod, star of Ready, Steady, Cook and Queensland Weekender.
"We are delighted to have Alastair on board this year," Mary Kate said.
"He will be presenting a number of cooking demonstrations and sharing his extensive knowledge of produce and cooking techniques to our wonderful community and guests."
The much-loved chef and TV personality was born in Belfast and classically trained in Europe but has chosen Brisbane, Queensland, as his home.
Alastair is a chef, regular food columnist and television presenter and his experience in the kitchen is extensive; he's worked at Michelin listed restaurants across the world, such as Roscoff in Belfast, United Kingdom, and Da Giovanni in Torino, Italy.
He has also worked at La Fregate in Collioure, France, and one of Scotland's finest restaurants The Ubiquitous Chip in Glasgow.
His tenures in Brisbane have included roles as executive chef at the iconic Bretts Wharf as well as the much acclaimed Tank Restaurant and Bar.
Moree on a Plate aims to promote the thriving produce industries borne from the North West's black soil plains and surrounding regions.
"While the region is famous for its strong agriculture industry, we have thriving olive, citrus, pecan nut and wine industries which are gaining national attention," Mary-Kate said.
"Recently, Margi Kirkby from Gwydir Grove, who has been involved in the festival since its inception, received the champion ribbon from the Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards for their Mandarin Argumato oil which is just so exciting and a coup for the whole region."
But it's not all about the food, with the event packed with entertainment and activities for all ages.
"Kids Korner will again be a standout, with an animal petting zoo, craft stations and a dancing performance sure to keep the little ones well entertained."
This year popular kids' healthy food advocates "Bubble Muffin" will be another of the special guests at the event.
Bubble Muffin, a performing Melbourne duo, will be holding a number of interactive stage shows demonstrating the benefits of healthy food in a hands-on manner.
And while many of the blokes about town may claim to be a whizz in the kitchen, Moree on a Plate will this year test these theories, with the inaugural Blokes in the Kitchen cooking competition.
Teams or individuals will battle it out during a live barbecue "cook off" to once and for all settle who really is Moree's barbecue king.
Mary-Kate said the event was a lovely, relaxing day the whole community could enjoy, and the lure of delicious fresh food and wine was always enticing for residents and their guests.
Moree on a Plate will be held at the Moree Secondary College, Auburn Street, Moree, on Saturday, May 3.
Gates open from 10am until 4pm with a $2 donation entry.
Visit www.moreeonaplate.com.au
