Tables turned at The Food Show Auckland

A role reversal of gastronomic proportions is set to occur at The Food Show Auckland, when MasterChef New Zealand judges Ray McVinnie and Simon Gault will have their own cooking judged by the top two contestants of the popular reality TV series.

MasterChef New Zealand winner Brett McGregor and runner-up Kelly Young will appraise their former judges’ dishes live at the Electrolux Cooking Theatre in an exciting twist that is sure to be one of the major attractions at the upcoming gourmet gathering.

Cooking demonstrations from Young and McGregor were one of the main highlights at the recent Christchurch and Wellington Food Shows, and the stakes have been raised even higher at Auckland’s event as they turn the tables on their former judges – one of whom, Simon Gault, is also Young’s current employer at Auckland restaurant Euro.

“It will certainly be an interesting experience being on the other side of the judging panel,” says McVinnie. “Luckily, we trust Brett and Kelly’s cooking abilities enough to be sure they know good food when they see it!”

The Food Show Auckland is a four-day culinary extravaganza of unique artisan and boutique food products, fine wines, the latest trends in kitchenware and equipment plus a fantastic menu of cooking demonstrations from world-class chefs.

Other celebrity chefs and culinary icons displaying their flair for food in the Electrolux Cooking Theatre are maestros Julie Biuso, Richard Till, Sophie Gray, Nici Wickes, Peter Gordon, Al Brown, Ruth Pretty and Lauraine Jacobs as well as Gordon Ramsay protégé Josh Emett, and Italian-born Australian TV chef Stefano de Pieri.

So while at this fantastic foodie’s day out, don’t miss being entertained by the MasterChef New Zealand Challenge, held at 1.30pm on Saturday July 31 at the Auckland Food Show.

For more information and advanced ticket sales, visit www.foodshow.co.nz

• WHEN: Preview Day: July 29 (10am -- 6pm) General Show Days: Jul 30 -Aug 1 (10am -- 6pm Fri & Sat, 10am -- 5pm Sun)
• WHERE: ASB Showgrounds, Epsom, Auckland.

What is the Preview Day? This is the hottest ticket in town and a sell-out every year. With just 4000 tickets available, this is the perfect opportunity for VIPs, trade, and die-hard foodies to enjoy the Show without the crowds. If you love the idea of an exclusive experience at The Food Show then the Preview Day is for you. Tickets cost $35 (no concessions) and are available on-line www.foodshow.co.nz