Foodies, get ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other as Taste Bundaberg Festival brings back captivating cooking masterclasses to its highly anticipated program this year.
With renowned celebrity chefs at the helm, these immersive experiences promise to elevate your kitchen skills and tantalise your tastebuds.
The Dessert Masterclasses, a highlight of the festival, offers participants the exclusive opportunity to spend a few hours with celebrity chef Kirsten Tibballs.
With an impressive resume that includes representing Australia at the World Pasty Championships and judging prestigious global competitions such as the World Chocolate Masters, Kristen Tibballs is a true maestro of desserts.
As a regular face on MasterChef, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table.
During this exclusive masterclass, Council's Arts, Culture and Events portfolio spokesperson Cr John Learmonth said participants would have the opportunity to learn the art of creating a unique dessert that was sure to get mouths watering.
“The Dessert Masterclass with Kristen Tibballs will again be a popular addition to our festival,” Cr Learmonth said.
“We are thrilled to offer participants the chance to learn from such a talented pastry chef, who will be unveiling her secrets in creating a goccia granola crunch bar and hazelnut cut praline.
“With attendees also gifted a goodies bag worth over $100, this masterclass promises to be an immersive experience that will ignite your passion for desserts and leave you with the tools to create sweet masterpieces at home.”
To add to the excitement, local industry representatives will be treated to two masterclass options throughout the 10-day Taste Bundaberg Festival, with MKR chef Colin Fassnidge and The Outback star Mark Olive hosting workshops.
“We are thrilled to have Colin Fassnidge and Mark Olive join us again for this intimate masterclass, which is specifically catered to those in the industry,” Cr Learmonth said.
“Participants can expect an exceptional experience that will leave a lasting impression.”
Back to basics with Dani
For those wanting to take cooking skills back to basics, a unique and immersive masterclass with Daniele Carcangiu, aka Saboteur Chef, will be held at Eleven Acres as part of the Taste Bundaberg Festival.
Daniele has an extensive background in fine dining and a wealth of experience working as a chef in the hospitality industry across three continents.
With a strong desire to work with local and seasonal produce and an enthusiasm for coming up with creative ways to limit food waste and unnecessary food miles, Dani is eager to cultivate conscious practice in a new environment in the Wide Bay Region.
Born and raised in Italy, and having lived in both the UK and Canada, Dani moved to Melbourne 14 years ago and is now an Australian citizen.
Since relocating to Bundaberg, Dani has provided services like private vegan catering, home cooking classes and hosting cooking workshops with designs towards menu consultation and development as well as pop-up dinners.
His Taste Bundaberg Festival event will teach all food lovers the ins and outs of how to create classic Italian, restaurant-quality dishes.
“Join me at Eleven Acres for an immersive demonstration that will teach you how to craft restaurant-quality gnocchi in your own kitchen,” Dani said.
“This hands-on demonstration will cover how to create flavourful, plant-based Italian-style cheese, some basics of fermentation and hand-made gnocchi plus, participants take their handmade creations home.
“Whether you're a seasoned cook or a total beginner, this interactive demonstration is perfect for anyone who loves great food and wants to learn where to start with delicious plant-based meals.”
Tickets to the cooking masterclasses will be on sale to the public at noon on Monday 10 July, with locals and visitors alike encouraged to follow the Taste Bundaberg Festival Facebook page for updates and the launch of the full program.
Dessert Masterclass with Kirsten Tibballs
When: Sunday 6 August, 9 am to noon
Where: TAFE Bundaberg
Duration: three hours
Cost: $220
Tickets: available Monday 10 July at noon
Saboteur Chef – Eleven Acres
When: Tuesday 8 August, 9 am to 3 pm and Wednesday 9 August, 9 am to 3 pm
Where: 363 Branyan Drive, Branyan
Duration: six hours
Cost: $145
Tickets: available Monday 10 July at noon
