Food guru to feature at Festivale

CELEBRITY chef Matt Preston will be bringing his MasterChef magic to Launceston’s premier food and wine festival in February.

Preston and Stillwater restaurant chef Craig will present the annual Festivale Lunch on February 1 to showcase fresh local produce.

“Mr Preston will also give guests the opportunity to hear about his innovative approach to menu design and cooking,” Festivale chairman David Dunn said.

“In addition to the lunch, Matt and local chefs will conduct the Tasmanian Food Co’s Cooking in the Park demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday.”

He said the three-day event — from February 1 to 3 — would feature 80 of the state’s best food, wine, beer, spirits and cider producers.

Wine, beer, spirits and cider masterclasses will be held in Victoria’s on the Park, with patrons able to join local winemakers, brewers and distillers to learn about production and enjoy tastings. A full entertainment program, including Fresh Comedy, will round out the Festivale experience and the new-look Kids Park will keep little ones entertained.

Headline acts for big kids include Hoodoo Gurus, Ross Wilson and Jeff Lang on Friday night, Jon Stevens and Kate Ceberano on Saturday, and Ceberano and Brian Cadd on Sunday.

Tickets are on sale for all masterclasses, lunch with Matt Preston and single and threeday passes to Festivale.