Alastair to share his love of local produce

Celebrity chef Alastair McLeod is ready to declare his love once again for the city’s abundance of fresh produce when he takes to the stage at this year’s Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival.

The Samford local - who is best known for his role on Network 10’s Ready Steady Cook and Channel 7’s Queensland Weekender – will highlight his paddock to plate philosophy when he appears on The Kitchenette Stage.

Having been invited to present at the festival multiple times, Alastair says he enjoys showing people a range of easy dishes they can then make at home using ingredients available at the festival.

“I will be making a range of dishes that are inspirational, not aspirational,” Alastair explains.

“Cooking doesn’t always have to be complicated – it can be easy and fun, which is why I like to prepare dishes that will make people think “I can do that”, which is exactly the outcome I want.

“Here in Moreton Bay, we are blessed with so many incredible farmers, growers and producers, so what I will be presenting in my dishes is an authentic snapshot of the very best ingredients that are available at this time of the year.

“After each demonstration, people can then make their way around the festival site and meet the many incredible agrarians who grow the things we eat and use in the kitchen.”

While the festival is one of his favourite culinary events on the calendar, Alastair says it also means a lot to locals.

“A lot of people, especially locals, are really proud to have a world-class event like the Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival right here in their backyard,” Alastair says.

“In years gone by, I have seen a lot of people walking around spruiking the region and highlighting their favourite producers because they are proud to live here.

“I can also sense that when I am in the marquee cooking for people.

“For me, it’s a real privilege to live here in Moreton Bay and to be invited to attend the festival year in and year out.”

When to see Alastair on stage

Alastair will be appearing on The Kitchenette Stage at the following times:

Friday: 2-2.45pm

Saturday: 2.45-3.30pm

Sunday: 1.15-1.45pm

He will also be available to say hello to his fans during a special meet and greet after each demo.

Entry to The Kitchen Stage is included in your Festival Precinct ticket.

Above: Alastair McLeod with good friends and fellow celebrity chefs Dominique Rizzo and Matt Golinski, who will also be appearing at the festival. 

Secure your tickets today

If you think enjoying good food and booze, snapping selfies with celebrity chefs, and kicking up your heels to some talented musicians sounds like your kind of weekend, then you won’t want to miss out on experiencing the Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival for yourself!

Held over three big days from August 23-25, the festival is Queensland’s biggest foodie celebration with special appearances by a host of celebrity chefs, live cooking demonstrations, unique dining experiences, pop-up bars and restaurants, food trucks, local produce, market stalls, music, hands-on workshops and more. 

Every adult and concession 18+ ticketholder will also receive a free Festival Cup to utilise with the vendors during the festival.

A full festival program as well as general information, tickets and more can be found on the Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival website.