Celebrity chef and My Kitchen Rules judge Colin Fassnidge will return to Bundaberg to sample more of what the region has to offer during the Taste Bundaberg Festival.
Back for his third year appearing at the festival, Colin said he was hooked on the region from the beginning.
“The soil, the produce, the people, I fell in love with it the first time I came, and I thought I’m coming back whether I’m invited or not,” he said.
“I love it there, I have a ball.”
Colin has been busy planning the meal for the festival’s Saturday gala event, the Mayor’s Beach Ball, which he will prepare and cook under sailcloth tents at Jayteens Park Bargara.
As with last year’s dinner, Colin will be assisted by culinary students from Bundaberg TAFE.
“I love that they got the kids from the local TAFE involved,” Colin said.
“I like inspiring the next generation, the kids that helped were amazing.”
The menu includes lots of local favourites including locally caught seafood, a sweet potato dish, chicken on bread which Colin calls ‘Irish pizza’ and a strawberry dessert showcasing local fruit.
On previous trips, Colin enjoyed visiting local growers and suppliers to see the quality and range of produce grown in the region.
“Lot of the suppliers we visited came to the dinner,” he said.
“It’s great for them to see their produce being used.”
Colin will also appear at the festival launch, Fri-YAY! on Friday 30 August, and host a mentoring session for high school students.
While staying in the region, Colin likes to visit the pub for a schooner, a steak and a chat with the locals.
“Have a laugh, have a beer, didn’t realise there was so much going on there,” he said.
“They’ve (locals) bought me quite a few drinks.”
Colin enjoys meeting and chatting with guests while cooking the Saturday evening feast.
“Come up, say hello, if you have any questions, ask them,” he said.
Taste Bundaberg Festival runs for 10 days from Friday 30 August to Sunday 8 September.
See the full festival program and ticket links here.
