Harry Butterfield, recent MasterChef contestant and passionate seafood lover, will be a guest chef for this year’s Taste Bundaberg Festival.
Harry grew up in Bundaberg before moving to Brisbane with his family during primary school, and retains close links with the region, returning often to visit his grandparents.
Among his favourite spots are a swim with his Pop at Kelly’s or Nielson Park Beach, strawberry ice creams from Tinaberries, and picking up boiled peanuts and fresh fish from Grunskies to cook dinner with his Nan.
“The moment you see Bundaberg’s iconic red soil, you know you’re in for something special,” Harry said.
“I couldn’t be more stoked to be heading to Bundaberg for the Taste Bundaberg Festival.
“I’m looking forward to enjoying some amazing fresh produce, cooking up a storm on stage Saturday, and of course, meeting the incredible Justine Schofield.”
Harry said growing up in Queensland in a family full of food lovers and great cooks inspired his cooking career.
“My love for cooking really took off when I realised I could combine it with my love for the ocean,” he said.
“Bundy, being at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, has some of the best seafood around.
“Whether it’s coral trout and tropical crayfish from the reef or big rusty mud crabs from the Burnett River, you just can’t go wrong.
“There’s something special about catching fresh seafood and turning it into a delicious meal to share with family and friends.”
In season 16 of MasterChef Australia, Harry was able to pursue his cooking dream in an experience he described as an absolute dream, reaching the top 4 contestants.
“Going from an office job to focusing on cooking and creating recipes every day was unreal,” he said.
“The best part for me was the people—whether it was the judges, Jamie Oliver, Guillaume Brahimi, the other incredible guests, the contestants, or the crew.
“Everyone was amazing, and I’ve made friendships and connections for life.”
Harry will appear at the Taste Bundaberg Market cooking stage, demonstrating his recipe for garlic chilli prawn tostadas, and will attend Bundaberg Whisky Club’s Boiler Maker Night at The Garden Mill Café.
“As a Bundy boy, it’s an honour to be part of the festival, and I can’t wait,” Harry said.
Taste Bundaberg Festival runs from 30 August to 8 September.
Find the full program and ticket links here.
