Max Allen

Max has been writing about wine in Australia for fifteen years. He is the wine columnist for The Weekend Australian Magazine and G (Australia’s first ‘green lifestyle’ magazine), wine editor for Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine, and a regular contributor to consumer and trade magazines such as Gourmet Traveller’s Wine Magazine (Australia), Wine and Spirit International, Decanter, Harpers and the BBC’s Olive (all in the UK), and Wine and Spirits in the USA. He has published 7 books, is highly awarded and judges at selective wine shows around the country. He is a passionate advocate of biodynamic and organic winemaking techniques, he runs wine courses, likes to make cider and plays the mandolin.

Chris Barnes

Chris is a renowned wine educator, wine writer and wine consultant.
A graduate in wine marketing from Roseworthy College in the 1980's, he has had nearly 20 years of wine tasting, judging and teaching all over the world. Chris lectures in wine studies at Melbourne University and judges in London and Australia. Chris is the consultant wine educator to Australian Wine Selectors and is a regular contributor to the Wine Selector magazine.  He is a founding member of Australian Society of Wine Education, and is highly sought after as a corporate speaker and Master of Ceremonies.

Kimberly Busteed

Gladstone born, previous Miss Australia, Kimberley is now a presenter on Queensland Weekender and Creek to Coast.

Frank Camorra

Spanish-born Frank Camorra came to Australia when he was five years old but still has strong ties to his homeland. This reflected in his restaurant, Melbourne’s MoVida where they ‘embrace the spirit, the fun, the essence of the great bars of Spain.’ MoVida has won a swag of awards including ‘Dish of the Year’ at the 2007 Age Good Food Guide Awards and in 2009 he won ‘Chef of the Year.’ Along with MoVida, Frank now has MoVida Aqui and MoVida Next Door. He’s also co-authored two award-winning books: MoVida and MoVida Rustica.

Jeremy Clark

Jeremy Clark, the Executive Chef at Brisbane Hilton, has also been the Executive Chef at the Radisson Plaza Sydney.

Javier Codina

The force behind Brisbane’s Moda & Moda Catering, Javier is a leading figure in the dynamic local food industry, gaining a host of awards and invitations to present at a number of internationally-recognised food events, while using his profile to support several special charities.

Paul Diamond

Publisher of Australia’s largest food and wine magazine Selector, Paul has been working with food and wine for 15 years. Paul worked in and managed some of London’s best restaurants then returned to Australia to complete a Bachelor of Journalism. As publisher of Selector, Paul continues to write about food, wine and travel as well as authoring and publishing food and wine related projects. Paul continues to feed his passion for wine by judging, presenting and educating about wine as often as possible. To that end he was named as one of the industry’s “Young Guns” by the Wine Communicators of Australia in 2008.

Laurel Edwards

Born and bred in Brisbane, Laurel is an experienced television and radio host and was part of the original The Great South East teamcast.

Sofie Formica

Sofie was Australia's first female gameshow host, has worked with the likes of Oprah Winfrey and now hosts The Great South East.

Belinda Fraser and Melanie Gleeson

Belinda and Melanie founded the endota spa franchise, and in the process launched the quintessential Australian day spa. The endota spa name now adorns 62 successful spa businesses, an organic skincare range and a new Glycolic treatment range.

Thierry Galichet

Owner and Head Chef at Montrachet, Thierry was born in Lyon in 1955 and migrated with his family to Australia in 1970. He bravely opened his first restaurant La Grande Bouffe at 19 years of age and has had a string of establishments earning him the dubious title of ‘eponymous’ by the local media. Thierry opened Montrachet in June 2004. While his home is very much in Australia he frequently returns to France on jaunts of indulgence. Thierry is a warm, gregarious, larger-than-life character whose generosity is exceeded only by his exuberance for cooking and eating – not necessarily in that order. He loves to share good times with others and a measure of the success of all of his restaurants must lie with his genuine attitude of hospitality. 

Anna Gare

Anna Gare is recognised as one of the most popular chefs on Australian television. Most recently she undertook the challenging role of Judge on Junior Masterchef, a role which has garnered her Logie nomination and alegion of new fans across Australia. Prior to her work on Junior Masterchef Anna had completed “Quickies in My Kitchen” an 8 part series featuring Anna for the Lifestyle Food Channel. Anna’s journey on the TV screens of Australia really started with her acclaimed role on the top rating show “The Best in Australia”, in which she starred  alongside celebrity chefs Ben O’Donoghue and Darren Simpson, this program became the top rating show on Lifestyle Food and has also aired on ABCTV.

With books, more television projects and her high profile charity and educational work Anna’s star is set to continue on its amazing rise!

Anna’s life has always revolved around music and food. She was a member of the internationally acclaimed all-girl rock band the “Jam Tarts” in the 1980s and 1990s at the same time as developing her culinary career in various restaurants around Australia. >From the late 1990s she ran her own catering company, the highly regarded “Deluxe Catering”, in Fremantle. She has had 22 years’ experience in the food hospitality industry.

Her work in television cooking shows has allowed Anna to combine her natural flair as a performer with her passion for cooking.

Liz Golding

Stylist Liz Golding has 24 years’ experience styling shoots and fashion shows, and nearly twenty years of Hair and Makeup experience, she is well known and respected in Queensland. Liz is the Fashion Editor of Q Weekend Magazine for The Courier Mail and has been the Styling Director of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival since it's inception six years ago, Liz has had work published in Vogue, GQ, Marie Claire Magazine, Womens Weekly, Cleo, Who Weekly, Elle, In Style, New Idea, The Courier Mail, The Sunday Mail, Herald Sun,  Gold Coast Bulletin, QLD Brides, QLD Homes, Brisbane News, Style Mag, Fresh Mag, Scoop Mag, Shop till you Drop, Madison and The Melbourne Age.  

Ed Halmagyi (Fast Ed)

‘Fast Ed’ Halmagyi is one of Australia’s best-loved TV chefs and food authors, entertaining and informing Australians with achievable, time-conscious cookery on television and radio, in newspapers, magazines and books. Ed’s motto is simple, ‘when you do less, the ingredients can do more!’ Ed has appeared for nearly 10 years as the chef on Better Homes & Gardens TV and hosts the weekly national BHG radio show as well as contributing to the monthly magazine. Ed’s best-selling cookbooks are designed to help everyday cooks create restaurant quality meals in their own kitchen.

Tony Harper

Experienced wine writer and wine show judge, Tony loves the great reds of Piedmont and white Bordeaux.

Andrew Hibbert

With over 10 years experience, Andrew is a Weber expert with a passion for flavour… whether you're barbecuing steaks, pizza or even dessert.

Scott Hillier

A host on Creek to Coast, Scott also contributes to The Courier-Mail, Cairns Post,
Townsville radio and Channel 7's Local News.

Shinichi Maeda

When Shinichi Maeda headed to Australia from Japan in 2003, his intention was to make his mark as a chef by drawing on his skill, confidence and absolute passion for Japanese cuisine.

In 2010 after 7 years as Executive Chef of Wasabi Restaurant Noosa and winning numerous industry awards, Shinichi Maeda joined the Sake team to open the first Sake Restaurant in Queensland.

In his role as Head Chef at Saké Restaurant & Bar, Brisbane, Shinichi has a strong relationship working with local suppliers to source the best fresh produce to create his dishes.

“At Saké Brisbane our goal is to use as much local produce as possible. In the leadup to the restaurant opening I worked closely with [owner] John Szangolies and [Executive Chef] Shaun Presland to ensure that the menu stays true to Saké Sydney but has a distinct local flavour,” he explains. “As well as being able to get creative with Shaun, I have the backing of a strong team and a fantastic venue – hopefully everyone loves the restaurant as much as my team and I do!”

Dudley Maudlin

A Vintec and Transtherm Wine cabinet expert, Dudley has a great understanding of wine's many complexities, including its cellaring.

Trent Mannell

Wine Selectors panel member and wine buyer, Trent has judged at the prestigious London and Sydney wine shows and spends his time travelling Australia unearthing wines for Wine Selectors.

Dave Mavor

Wine Selectors panel member and experienced senior winemaker, Dave is also a highly regarded international and national wine show judge. Dave is a buyer for Wine Selectors and spends most of his time travelling the country tasting and discovering great wines.

Rob Mckendry

Born in Papua New Guinea and raised in Australia, Ms McKendry discovered her passion for interiors while renovating houses with her husband, citing classicism with unexpected elements and injections of colour as her ideal style. Founding Magnolia in 2000 after realizing a lack of stores that drew attention to interior accessories, Director Robyn McKendry sites travel as her greatest muse, heading overseas on buying trips twice a year to source the latest and most eclectic pieces from the far corners of the globe. Specialising in interior decorating and design, Robyn combines her years of experience to help clients furnish and accessorize their homes with classical yet unique pieces, often injected with pops of colour as an element of surprise

Alastair McLeod

Executive chef at Brisbane’s 200-seat a la carte Bretts Wharf, Alastair McLeod can also be seen and heard sharing his passion for food and Australian produce on Ready Steady Cook, Queensland Weekender and 9am with David and Kim. Irish-born, he’s worked at Michelin-listed European restaurants including Northern Ireland’s Roscoff and Italy’s Da Giovanni. As well as excelling in the kitchen, Alastair takes great enjoyment in educating apprentices and supporting local producers

Paul Mercurio

Paul Mercurio’s career has been one of diversity. The first stage was very much focused on dance and choreography. The second has been focused on film and television. And finally his third stage revolves around his passion for all things food. Paul hosted two series of the food and travel program The Food Trail, New Zealand on a Plate and four series of Mercurio’s Menu. In 2009 he released a bestselling cookbook called Mercurio’s Menu, based on the recipes from series one and two of his television program and in 2011 he released Cooking with Beer that has also seen huge international success.

Lyndey Milan

Lyndey Milan is one of Australia’s most loved foodies and a favourite contributor to Selector magazine. On our screens she was the co-host of Nine’s popular Fresh cooking show for eight years, is the current Vittoria Legend Award holder for the Sydney Morning Herald's Good Food Guide and recently appeared in Lyndey and Blair’s Taste of Greece. In print, Lyndey was the Food Director of the iconic Australian Women’s Weekly and has written several best selling books. She also runs a consultancy business that includes public speaking, appearances, cooking classes and demonstrations, food and wine appreciation classes and advising food and wine clients.

Ben O’Donoghue

Chef, author and television presenter Ben O’Donoghue started cooking when he was a child and hasn’t stopped. His career at home and in the UK has included four years at London’s famous The River Café, a stint as Executive Chef at Monte’s Club with Jamie Oliver and time at the Atlantic Bar & Grill. His first foray as a restaurateur is at Brisbane’s South Bank Surf Club where his emphasis is on relaxed, welcoming dining in an iconic venue. Ben’s numerous television appearances include Surfing the Menu, Drive Thru Australia and The Best.

Ian Parmenter

A passionate foodie, Ian Parmenter is director of the biennial Tasting Australia festival and has his own award-winning Margaret River wine label, Artamus, but he is probably best known as the presenter of the ABC TV cooking show Consuming Passions. Through his passionate work on television and radio Ian was able to educate our palates, reveal the wonderful array of produce and introduce the plethora of talented chefs Australia has in its own backyard. The eccentric, beret-wearing foodie was recently awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for promoting Australia’s food and wine around the world.

Spencer Patrick

Head Chef of Bucci Spencer was trained under Marco Pierre White,  Nico Ladenis and Raymond Blanc and had risen to Head Chef at some of London's fanciest venues including Cafe Royal Grill room, Quo Vadis in Soho and The Mirabelle in Mayfair. Spencer had great success with Bucci in Port Douglas before moving to open the Brisbane version of the restaurant.

Michael Quirk

Wine Educator at Wine Selectors, Michael has spent the last 30 years as a professional in the Education / Training, Retail, Hospitality and Wine industries, Michael has worked at prestigious establishments such as Sydney’s Treasury Restaurant. Michael also spent 6 years working in the Hunter Valley at esteemed wineries such as Calais Estate/Petersons, Tower Estate and McWilliam’s. He was mentored by the legendary Len Evans while training to become a wine judge at the Hunter Valley Wine Shows and Sydney Royal Wine Shows.

Alan Saunders

Alan Saunders, born and educated in London came to Australia in 1981 to pursue research in the History of Ideas Unit at the Australian National University and was subsequently awarded a PhD. Alan joined the Science Unit of ABC Radio National in 1987, then founded The Food Program. He was the presenter of Radio National's The Comfort Zone, was co-presenter of Saturday Breakfast. He Alan has written about food and other topics for various publications including the ABC's Delicious magazine. He is in demand as a public speaker and has been a judge for many food, architectural and design awards. In 1992 Alan Saunders was awarded the Pascall Prize for critical writing and broadcasting.

Thomas Schnetzler

During an intense three years training under the uncompromising eye of Master Chocolatier Laurent Perriraz, Thomas Schnetzler learned the craft of creating fine patisserie, pralines, truffles and other chocolate specialties. After topping the class and earning his National Diploma, Thomas came to Australia to work with the Hyatt Hotel Group. Thomas joined Lindt in 2004 as Master Chocolatier for Australia and a Lindt Ambassador. Thomas hosts Lindt’s monthly Chocolate Appreciation Evenings held at the Lindt Chocolat Cafés in Sydney and Melbourne and is a regular recipe contributor to magazines, newspapers and TV.

Nathan Seiler

With over 20 years musical experience, Nathan regularly performs in the premier 5 Star Hotels, Resorts, Clubs & Restaurants in Southeast Queensland and throughout Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree and has lectured in music at TAFE and taught Jazz piano at Queensland University of Technology. He has also produced several award winning albums and worked as a producer at 4KQAM & 97.3FM. Nathan currently spends his time composing & producing for TV & Film, teaching and free-lancing as a pianist and DJ.

Tyson Stelzer

An award-winning wine writer, Tyson has an annual readership of four million and has authored 13 wine books. Tyson was the International Champagne Writer of the Year 2011 in The Louis Roederer International Wine Writers' Awards and contributes to Jancis Robinson’s The Oxford Companion. He is a regular judge and chairman at wine shows throughout Australia and is a co-creator of The Great Australian Red Competition and The Great New Zealand Pinot Noir Classification. He is a winner of the Award for the Best Food and Wine Writing in The Australian Food Media Awards. 

Marie-Louise Theile

With 25 years experience working as a newsreader and journalist, Marie-Louise Theile has turned her hand to promoting Brisbane and Queensland's artistic potential. Marie-Louise currently heads up the James Street Initiative –the promotions office for Brisbane’s fastest growing lifestyle precinct. She also sits on the board of the Institute of Modern Art. Recent projects include “art on James” a week-long event held in James Street, showcasing contemporary art and design in retail environments and the Queensland Government's HEAT Fashion Program aimed at opening new national and international opportunities for the region's talented fashion designers.

Pablo Tordesillas

Head Chef at Ortiga, Pablo’s Tordesillas’ career began in London under the tutelage of Richard Corrigan at the one star Michelin Fulham Road then the iconic Bibendum under Simon Hopkinson and Mayfair’s two star The Square with Phillip Howard. After settling in Australia and joining one of Sydney’s favourite waterside Italian eateries, Otto he returned to homeland Spain for a year’s tutelage under Jean Luc Figueras at his eponymous one star Michelin in central Barcelona. Upon returning to Australia and heading the kitchen at Canberra’s two hat Waters Edge Pablo moved north and oversaw the opening of Bar Alto, obtaining and holding its one star rating and cementing its place as one of Brisbane’s favourite casual eateries before moving to launch Alto’s sister restaurant Ortiga. Pablo possesses an understanding and passion for all that is Spanish and backs his love of traditional Spanish cuisine with techniques learned training in some of the world best restaurants.