MasterChef star Georgia Barnes primed for Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival

As a born and bred Queenslander from Redland Bay, celebrity chef Georgia Barnes is “proud of what we have to offer on the Australian food and produce scene”.

From world class seafood caught right here in the bay to award-winning producers growing the freshest ingredients on land, the 2015 MasterChef Australia runner-up can’t wait to showcase the region’s ingredients at this year’s Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival, which returns to the Woody Point foreshore from August 23-25.

“South East Queensland produces such a huge variety of quality produce, both from the land and the sea – some of which is the best in the country,” Georgia says.

“I am always blown away with the quality and passion behind our producers, and absolutely love learning from them and having the opportunity to meet with them at events like the Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival.

“It’s an experience so different from just throwing ingredients in a trolley – their stories stick with you to carry into your own kitchens at home.

“Seeing all this amazing produce brought together and celebrated in such a fun way is something I am stoked to be a part of.”

With her food philosophy being “using real ingredients to make real food”, Georgia says she plans on showing the crowd how to make tasty but cost-effective meals at home.

“My focus for this year’s festival is all about using beautiful, local food that’s approachable for the home cook, and also economical,” Georgia says.

“I think in the current climate, people are looking for food to feed their loved ones that’s not going to cost them an arm and a leg.

“I’m a big believer in cooking whatever it is you’re feeling, but homemade will always deliver the health benefits we need.”

Georgia will join an impressive line-up of chefs and presenters at this year’s festival including Matt Golinski, Dominique Rizzo, Alastair McLeod, Adam Liaw, Brent Draper, Kim McCosker, Stephen Dennis, David Tan, Fiona Anchal, Jo Whitton, Aunty Dale Chapman, Ada Daher, Sarah Heath and Kara Urbanska.

“I’m blown away that I am able to meet and work alongside so much culinary talent,” Georgia says.

“I’m excited to see every one work their magic, tell their stories, and learn – we’re always learning and this year’s lineup is so inspiring. I can’t wait.”

When she isn’t on stage, Georgia says she loves immersing herself in the festival by shopping and listening to the great range of performers.

“One of the best experiences of the Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival is talking to the farmers and the producers as it teaches you so much about their background, not to mention the enormous amount of hard work and dedication that goes into ingredients we so often take for granted,” Georgia explains.

“I always buy honey on my travels, wherever I am. I am also a cheese lover, and you can’t beat eating a punnet of perfectly ripe strawberries as you’re walking around.

“This year, I will also have my baby girl, Cleo, with us for the whole weekend. She will be 11 months by then, and being this will be her first food festival, it will be even more special.”

For those who haven’t experienced the festival themselves, Georgia says it will have a fun and relaxed vibe to it.

“It’s such a beautiful location, so whether you’re keen to just have a drink and a bite to eat while enjoying the view of Moreton Bay or you want to immerse yourself in the line-up of talented chefs onstage and learn from the best, this festival ticks all the boxes.”

A lifelong love of cooking

Georgia was captivate by cooking from an early age and says some of her happiest memories are of helping her mother and grandmother.

“I was always in the kitchen as a kid – it always has been and always will be my happy place,” Georgia says.

“I spent every day with my grandma – she taught me so much. In the school holidays she would let me pick anything out of a cookbook and we would cook it together.

“I loved baking with her, making beautiful biscuits, coconut sponge rolls, as well as slow-cooked, braised food you would wait all day to eat, but would be worth it.

“Grandma’s cooking was unbelievable – classic, beautifully executed food, always with fresh ingredients that weren’t too expensive, but it tasted like we were eating like royalty.

“I am so grateful for that time we had together until I was 23, and her time and patience to teach me. It is definitely something I’m excited to take into mum life with my own daughter.”

Taking on MasterChef Australia

Georgia’s childhood fascination with food inspired her to complete a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutrition, which led to a career in the health and wellness industry where she began writing recipes and conducting workshops.

She became a household name after appearing on MasterChef Australia in 2015, where she impressed the judges and viewers with her creativity and infectious personality.

Her talent in the kitchen saw her don the apron for the grand finale, where she placed second.

“I was a huge fan of the show and had a burning desire and big dreams of working with food as well,” Georgia explains.

“MasterChef was like nothing I have ever experienced before – it was a pressure cooker combined with the best ingredients possible and so much energy from the most inspiring, like-minded food-loving people you’ll ever meet.

“It’s actually mind-blowing what you can do in that environment with the time restraints and letting your creativity run wild.”

Q&A with Georgia

Q: What is your favourite nutritious breakfast that keeps you energized throughout the morning?

A: I love making homemade granola to have for the week ahead and putting it with some natural yoghurt, nut butter, honey and seasonal fruit. In winter, I love to cook whatever’s in season down into a warm, syrupy topping. Delish!

Q: What are your favourite ingredients to put in a salad?

A: I love texture, so anything crunchy like toasted nuts and seeds – and I love cheese too. Chèvre (cheese made from goat milk) would be up there – it can turn anything as simple as roasted beetroots with greens into something so tasty. You also need to have a good, simple salad dressing.

Q: What is the one thing that is always on your grocery list?

A: Quality olive oil and butter.

Q: What is your current food obsession?

A: I’ve been loving exploring different curries from different cuisines at the moment. I think the change in weather and the root vegetable lineup on offer has inspired me.

Q: Would you rather give up - cheese or chocolate?

A: That’s a cruel question because they are two of my favourite things! As sad as I would be, I’d probably have to say cheese. Chocolate is definitely a guilty pleasure.

Q: If you would share a meal with anyone in the world, who would you choose and why?

A: This might sound random and not really a culinary influence, but the first person that comes to mind is David Attenborough. I’m a huge fan and would love to learn about life from someone who has devoted their entire career to sharing their passion for the greater good. Plus, I would love to know what food he enjoys!