SAVE THE DATES FOR 2025, 5 & 6 JULY!

9am - 4pm, 5 & 6 July 2025

2024 Cooking Theatre Line-Up

Learn how to create your favourite dishes in The Heathcotes Cooking Theatre. Jam-packed full of exciting entertainers our line-up profiles the incredible talent we have right here in our region. 

Saturday

Linda Duncan - Author of World's Easiest Recipes
Linda Duncan

Author of World's Easiest Recipes

Saturday 10.00am

Linda Duncan is a busy mum, grandma and author from Taupo who writes recipes for simple, uncomplicated, and delicious food. Think basic, store cupboard ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. 

Diana Chow - Cosana
Diana Chow

Cosana

Saturday 11.00am

Master the art of making hawker rolls in three different ways: chicken, pork, and beef cheek. These are busy people's food, perfect for parties and fast dinners.

James Smith - The Tattooed Butcher
James Smith

The Tattooed Butcher

Saturday 12.00pm

Learn how to source the best cuts of meats and the secrets behind crafting the perfect sausage from scratch with the James, aka the Tattooed Butcher.

Logan Murray - Chef & Owner Thyme Square
Logan Murray

Chef & Owner Thyme Square

Saturday 1.00pm

Last Thyme outstanding Chef and Award Winner Logan presented his signature dish Beef Wellington now learn how to please plant based friends with his alternative ‘the Beet Hamilton’.

Elliot McClymont - Masterchef GRAND Finalist
Elliot McClymont

Masterchef GRAND Finalist

Saturday 2.00pm

Masterchef Grand Finalist and now owner-operator of the Roaming Flamingo Taco Truck, Elliot will be cooking up a storm, letting you in on a few Taco Master secrets. He will show you how to pack maximum flavour into an easy weeknight meal. 

Sunday

Thang & Jane - Rice Rice Baby
Thang & Jane

Rice Rice Baby

Sunday 10.00am

Learn to make authentic Vietnamese creamy chicken curry and crispy pork spring rolls.

Dion Mackwood - Volare Bread Department Manager
Dion Mackwood

Volare Bread Department Manager

Sunday 11.00am

Join Dion as he unlocks the secrets behind crafting the perfect Focaccia, a beloved bread renowned for its airy texture and herb-infused flavour. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the techniques of kneading he will guide you through each step with precision and expertise.

James Smith - The Tattoed Butcher
James Smith

The Tattoed Butcher

Sunday 12.00pm

Learn how to source the best cuts of meats and the secrets behind crafting the perfect sausage from scratch with the James, aka the Tattooed Butcher.

Elliot McClymont - Masterchef GRAND Finalist
Elliot McClymont

Masterchef GRAND Finalist

Sunday 1.00pm

Masterchef Grand Finalist and now owner-operator of the Roaming Flamingo Taco Truck, Elliot will be cooking up a storm, letting you in on a few Taco Master secrets. He will show you how to pack maximum flavour into an easy weeknight meal. 

Andrew Pietersz  - The Keg Room
Andrew Pietersz

The Keg Room

Sunday 2.00pm

Andrew, owner and chef of The Keg Room Rototuna, will serve osso bucco the traditional way, with saffron risotto.

The Keg Room was recently announced as the Best in Central North Island at the Gastropubs Awards.