THIS year’s Moree on a Plate Food and Wine Festival will infuse a global twist on local flavours, with celebrated chef Warren Mendes announced a festival highlight.
Over the past 12 months, Warren has launched the third season of his hit food-and-travel series Food Trail: South Africa, and is about to commence filming Season 4, capturing South Africa’s landscapes, cultures, and flavours in every episode.
Meanwhile, his debut cookbook, Food Trail South Africa, was crowned Best Celebrity Chef Cookbook in the World at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Lisbon in 2025.
Having emerged as a culinary force, Moree on a Plate President Rebecca McMillan said the committee was thrilled to welcome such a high calibre celebrity chef, to inspire and delight at the annual festival.
“Thanks to Warren’s travels and experience, he has an impressive talent for transforming global inspirations into accessible, home-kitchen recipes,” Rebecca said.
“His unique touch and versatility have made him one of Australia’s most sought-after food experts, and we can’t wait to introduce him to our Moree on a Plate guests where he will share his knowledge and expertise during a series of cooking demonstrations on the day.”
With vast experience as a trusted recipe developer for the likes of Matt Preston, George Calombaris, and Gary Mehigan, Warren is genuinely passionate about fresh ingredients, and the food provenance story.
This will be Warren’s first time to Moree, and he says he’s extremely excited to visit.
“I grew up with both grandparents having farms, so the country is so important to me – and to my cooking,” Warren said.
“Having a connection with where your food comes from is so important, and it really helps you appreciate the meal that’s in front of you.”
From oranges to pecans, Warren is looking forward to immersing himself in local fare borne from the black soil plains.
“I cannot wait to taste the local produce and, of course, see what secret local recipes are on offer.,” Warren said.
“I am bringing my parents to the festival and they are equally excited to experience this gem of Australia.
“I’ve always known my recipes can only be as good as the produce they are cooked with. Farmers and artisans who lovingly create produce and food make cooking a lot easier and a lot tastier.
“You shouldn’t have to do a lot to a great piece of meat or fresh fruit and vegetables, because you want the natural flavours to be the hero.”
Always thrilled to be experimenting with ingredients and flavours, Warren says working with fresh produce and having to do little to it is always his favourite way to let flavours sing.
Warren will demonstrate a number of recipes through the Moree on a Plate Festival, to be held Saturday, May 9, at Moree racecourse.
Entry is via a gold donation, with the day including a smorgasbord of the region’s most coveted producers, artisans, entertainers and a dedicated Kids’ Korner.
For more information, go to Moree on a Plate.
