Mystery Box adds to the intrigue for chefs

A highlight at this year’s Wine and Food festival as part of Taste Great Southern, will be the inaugural Mystery Box Challenge created by Anna Gare.

Celebrity chef Adam Liaw will go head-to-head with Albany’s amazing talent Amy Hamilton from Liberte and Banksia Garden Kitchen’s Geoff Richardson.

The three chefs will battle it out and create a delicious dish in 30 minutes using Stirling Ranges Beef and local produce in the mystery box.

They will do all of this while talking through their recipe and techniques as they race against the clock.

The winner will be decided by public vote.

Geoff Richardson said this Saturday would be his second year with the Wine and Food Festival.

“The whole day is loads of fun. Last year I really enjoyed cooking up a storm with Marco Pierre White so I’m really looking forward to this year’s event on Saturday,” he said.

“It’s great to be a part of the festival and seeing great chefs from the region come together and cook up a storm for the guests.

“I’m very excited.”

The rising Albany chef said the festival was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the region’s produce. “We have some of the best produce in the world so it’s great to share it and share our love of it with food and wine lovers,” he said.

“I’m hoping to cook some local herring with some great local and fresh vegetables at the festival.

“For me it’s about keeping it simple and keeping it about the beautiful local produce we have.

“It’s real honour and privilege to be able to use Great Southern produce and represent that at a festival, which shows off the great work of our fabulous local producers.”

He said he was particularly interested in the Mystery Box Challenge.

“I think there will be so many highlights this year with loads of local produce (but) I’m really looking forward to Mystery Box,” he said.

“I think it will be a lot of fun for people attending.

“It’s going to be fun doing it with some big-name chefs. I’m interested to see what they come up with and be a part of it all.”

Mr Richardson said he was a big fan of Adam Liaw and could not wait to meet him.

“I’ve never met Adam before,” he said.

“I have one of his cookbooks so looking forward to getting that signed fingers crossed.”