By Claire Reilly
SYDNEY, NSW: MasterChef Live kicked off in Sydney this morning, with celebrity chefs and former MasterChef contestants turning out in force to spruik their cooking skills. The event, which is in its second year, was certainly a crowd favourite with fans and foodies queuing in anticipation before the doors opened.
Patisserie whiz Andriano Zumbo was there selling his popular macarons, while MasterChef Season 3 winner Kate Bracks and runner-up Michael Weldon took to the main stage to show their cooking skills.
De Dietrich had a strong presence at the event, with a dedicated De Dietrich cooking school as well as a demonstration kitchen, both showcasing a range of cooking appliances from the French brand. De Dietrich’s spokeschef Jacques Reymond and former MasterChef contestant Alvin Quah were also on hand on the opening day to cook up a storm using the brand's products.
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Speaking about his involvement with the De Dietrich brand, Reymond said the partnership was a strong one.
“I am happy to be an ambassador for De Dietrich,” said Reymond. “It’s a wonderful brand. I have all their appliances myself, and their very easy to use and efficient. When you’re using their induction cooktop, it’s a real dream.”
Reymond held a dedicated cooking class on the opening morning, teaching a group of budding chefs how to debone spatchcock and prepare a fresh avocado and quinoa salad. The class also gained hands-on experience using De Dietrich’s continuum induction cooking surface, which will be in use in the cooking school for the remainder of the event.
De Dietrich brand manager Belinda Toner was also at the cooking school to provide all the necessary information on the appliances that were on show at the event. According to Toner, the event pulled in more than 25,000 guests in 2010, with even more expected to come through the doors this year.
Jacques Reymond shows of his knifework.
A cooking station set up at the De Dietrich School.
De Dietrich brand manager Belinda Toner with brand ambassador and chef, Jacques Reymond.