Demo Stage
Saturday
October 17
View Details
Hosted by Mandy Hall and featuring Olsson’s Master Salter James White, this exclusive experience takes you on a fascinating journey into the world’s most essential seasoning.
Discover the extraordinary role salt has played in life, evolution, culture and human history, and explore why our bodies crave it, and our palates respond to it.
Through stories, demonstrations and tastings, James will reveal the remarkable science and magic of salt, from its role in preserving food to its ability to transform and unlock flavour.
Expect plenty of surprises, plenty of tasting and a whole new appreciation for the humble grain of salt.
And to continue the journey at home, every guest will take away their own Olsson’s Well Seasoned Traveller, the perfect companion for exploring the world of flavour.
An exclusive CheeseFest experience no true foodie should miss.
Price: $15
Capacity: 30
Time: Saturday 17th October @ 11:15 AM
Runtime: Approx 35 minutes.
1:00 PM
Miguel Maestre
View Details
Having worked for many years in various kitchens around the world, Miguel Maestre is one talented Spaniard who has made Sydney his home. Born in Murcia in the south of Spain, his love for food was pre-determined from a young age. Miguel’s passion for food and life is infectious, and he has developed a talent for incorporating Spanish ingredients and cooking styles into his Australian menus.
Miguel worked alongside some of the best chefs in Australia including Serge Dansereau of Bather’s Pavilion, and the Godfather of Australian Cuisine Tony Bilson being head chef of his restaurant “Number One”.
After being inspired with Ferran Adria in the kitchen of the number one restaurant in the world "El Bulli", he opened his first Spanish Restaurant in Australia "El Toro Loco". The biggest Spanish restaurant in the country in an outstanding waterfront location at Manly Beach.
Some of his cooking credits include being the head chef at one of the most prestigious events in Australia ‘Emirates Melbourne Cup’ and ‘Australian Grandprix’ and Moto GP, building a strong reputation in the cooking scene.
Miguel has been awarded by His Majesty ‘The King of Spain’ the highest award a citizen can receive " The Order of Civil Merits " for his extraordinary service to the nation for the benefit of Spain in the Australian media.
It is Miguel's co-hosting role on TEN's 4 time Logie Winning Show and 1 AACTA Award “The Living Room” that has catapulted him into the world of TV. Other TV credits include "Boys Weekend" (airing in more than 100 countries worldwide, "Miguel’s Tropical Kitchen" where he charms his way through the tropics of North Queensland, cooking with exotic ingredients in breathtaking locations, "Miguel’s Feasts" airing on Network 10 and internationally, "Weekend Feasts", competing in “Dancing With The Stars”.
2020 saw Miguel win over the hearts of all Australians being crowned the “King of the Jungle” on “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!”.
2024 saw Miguel host his own show, the reboot of one of the most loved and iconic food shows ever to air, “Ready Steady Cook Australia”.
Miguel’s love of fresh, local and seasonal produce also sees him as a regular in the country’s top food festivals year in and year out.
He is the owner and founder of Maestre Enterprises, the most gourmet Spanish brand in the country showcasing over 50 products in the range including smallgoods, bakery, cheeses, paella kits, patatas fritas and cookware.
Miguel is the author of three best selling Spanish books “Miguel’s Tapas” and "Spanish Cooking" and “Feast”. And co-author of the best selling “Life Force” with Barry Du Bois.
In the Australian Talent Index Miguel Maestre is the 2nd most trustworthy talent on Australian Broadcast and the Fifth most Popular making him a household name in Australian Media.
Miguel also works very closely with the following charities OzHarvest, R U Ok? and CARE Australia.
2:00 PM
Warren Mendes
View Details
Warren Mendes is a South African-born chef and food presenter. He completed his classical culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney, Paris and London. He recently co-produced and hosted two seasons of the travel and food series Food Trail South Africa, which was broadcast on the Australian Channel 10, and which inspired the publication of Food Trail South Africa.
3:00 PM
Sprout Cooking School
Themis Chryssidis & Callum Hann
View Details
Themis Chryssidis has a Masters of Nutrition and Dietetics, a Bachelor of Psychology, A Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, a Certificate IV in Fitness and he is currently the managing director of Sprout Food Group.
In 2011 he co-founded Sprout, a 100% hands on interactive cooking school, followed by Sprout Health Studio in 2015 and Sprout Training in 2017.
In 2017 Themis was awarded the Young Achiever award by the Dietitians Association of Australia. A national award which recognises leadership, innovation, service and contribution to the profession. Themis is a respected media spokesperson and a regular contributor for ACH Group, 9Coach and Health Partners.
He is also a presenter on Channel 7 television show “Discover with RAA Travel” and he is an ambassador for the Jodi Lee Foundation and Mitolo Family Farms.
Themis consults privately at Sprout Health Studio where he works in eating disorders, allergies and intolerances. He is a dedicated and passionate dietitian who promotes healthy, nutritious and delicious eating through practical advice.
When Themis is not at Sprout you’ll find him cooking, eating, drinking wine or playing or watching some kind of sport!
Callum Hann is a cook, author and passionate food educator, drawing inspiration from his Barossa Valley heritage and the best produce SA has to offer.
Callum honed his craft from a young age, having worked in several restaurants in South Australia and Victoria starting at the age of 14.
In 2012, he released his first cookbook "The Starter Kitchen", and in 2014 released his second cookbook, "I'd Eat That!". In 2016 Callum co-authored his third cookbook Quick. Easy. Healthy. featuring a collection of Sprout's most popular cooking class recipes.
Callum is currently a regular contributor to SA Life magazine, ACH Group and Health Partners. Callum is known for his varied media roles including his current hosting duties on Channel 7’s SA Weekender, his
second place in Masterchef Australia in 2010, first place in Masterchef Allstars in 2012, fourth place in Masterchef Back to Win in 2020, and second place in Masterchef Back to Win in 2025. Callum is also an ambassador for the Cancer Council, Brand South Australia, Market Fresh SA and the Adelaide Crows.
4:00 PM
Rose Adam
View Details
Born in Adelaide, Australia to Lebanese migrants parents, Rose grew up in her fathers fruit and veg business so her love of food started at a very early age. After spending 15 years pursuing her corporate career she took the leap to go on Masterchef where she solidified her love and food and cooking. After leaving the show she pursued a dream that she and her siblings have long had, to open a Middle Eastern inspired cafe, The Middle Store, sharing her love of Lebanese food and hospitality. Greatly influenced by the food her mother would make growing up, as head chef, she based the menu on memories of childhood meals and family gatherings. This coupled with her love of baking has meant that her menu is homely and from the heart. Rose is currently penning her first cookbook of meals and baking inspired by family and friends.
5:00 PM
Pseudo Spaghetti
Eddie Noble & Jane Reilly OAM
View Details
My career start at the ripe old age of 11, when mum and dad sent me to work (as a bit of a laugh) at La trattoria, where I stayed for 4 years. I was then lucky enough to do my apprenticeship at Assaggio. Shortly after moving to Melbourne where I spent a decade cooking. I've since moved back to Adelaide where I've spent time at Down the Rabbit Hole wines, HNLY and now my own ventures, Noble Food and PSEUDO SPAGHETTI. Most recently, I've joined the family business and have been working alongside mum on Hello SA, this without a doubt has been my favourite "job" so far!
Jane Reilly OAM is one of South Australia’s most loved media personalities, with a career spanning more than four decades. A familiar face on South Australian television and radio, Jane is known for her warmth, professionalism and genuine connection with the community.
Jane has a strong passion for South Australia, its people and its local produce. She is currently an Ambassador for the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters’ Food Secrets initiative, celebrating local food producers and championing the importance of shopping local.
6:00 PM
Burrata and Nodini Making
Vannella Cheese's Giuseppe Minoia
View Details
Vannella Cheese is a 100% family-owned and operated business based in Marrickville NSW, with roots in Puglia, Italy. Their founder, Vito Minoia, is respected by his industry peers as a master cheesemaker who has been producing cheese for over 50 years and was the first to introduce Burrata and Stracciatella to the Australian market. Vito's son Giuseppe is thrilled to grace the main stage at CheeseFest to demonstrate how they transform grass-fed Australian milk into creamy burrata, and classics from Puglia like Nodini (mozzarella knots) and Treccine (mozzarella plaits).
7:00 PM
Demo Stage Closes
8:00 PM
Event Ends
Sunday
October 18
View Details
Hosted by Mandy Hall and featuring Olsson’s Master Salter James White, this exclusive experience takes you on a fascinating journey into the world’s most essential seasoning.
Discover the extraordinary role salt has played in life, evolution, culture and human history, and explore why our bodies crave it, and our palates respond to it.
Through stories, demonstrations and tastings, James will reveal the remarkable science and magic of salt, from its role in preserving food to its ability to transform and unlock flavour.
Expect plenty of surprises, plenty of tasting and a whole new appreciation for the humble grain of salt.
And to continue the journey at home, every guest will take away their own Olsson’s Well Seasoned Traveller, the perfect companion for exploring the world of flavour.
An exclusive CheeseFest experience no true foodie should miss.
Price: $15
Capacity: 30PAX
Time: Saturday 17th October @ 11:15 AM
Runtime: Approx 35 minutes.
View Details
In this step by step Cheesemaking Talk & Taste - Cheesemaker Gaetan Chapon (Long Paddock Cheese) will take us through the award winning 'Silver Wattle' affinage (ripening stages).
A fabulous lactic fermented cheese, Gaetan will outline and you will taste for yourself the natural progression of the maturation process, and the magic of how a cheese's flavour profile can change simply by time passing. Tasting is paired with glass of crisp Coriole Prosecco NV.
Includes Tasting.
1:00 PM
Let's Eat with George
George Diakomichalis
View Details
George Diakomichalis is an award-winning pastry chef, television host and passionate ambassador for Greek food, culture and hospitality.
As Executive Pastry Chef of the multi-award-winning Kálymnos Pastries in Adelaide, George proudly represents the fourth generation of a family food tradition that began professionally in Greece in 1918, when his great-grandfather established the family’s first business.
George completed his training within the family businesses in Greece, learning the craft, traditions and values that have been passed down through generations.
Today, he combines that heritage with his own experience, creativity and passion, while continuing to share his knowledge with others.
As creator and host of Let’s Eat With George and It’s All Greek To Me, George has also taken his love of food and storytelling to television, sharing the people, places, traditions and flavours that bring communities together.
Despite the awards and achievements, George remains most proud of ring South Australian and his family heritage and the opportunity to make people happy through food.
George is honoured and looking forward to being a part of CheeseFest 2027, sharing his knowledge, stories and flavours, complemented by his natural warmth, genuine hospitality and love of bringing people together.
2:00 PM
Laura Sharrad
James White
View Details
Laura Sharrad is one of Australia’s most recognisable culinary talents, celebrated for her Italian heritage, contemporary cooking style, and remarkable persistence on MasterChef Australia.
Laura’s love for food began in her nonnas’ kitchens and deepened during a childhood spent in Tuscany. At just 18, she became the youngest Top-3 contestant in MasterChef Australia history (Season 6), later returning in Season 12 to finish runner-up again, cementing her reputation as a fierce competitor.
After her first MasterChef appearance, Laura trained under the late Jock Zonfrillo at Orana before working at Andre’s Cucina and Hentley Farm. Alongside her husband, chef Max Sharrad, she co-founded Adelaide’s acclaimed Nido Bar & Pasta (2019) and the vibrant Italo-American Fugazzi Bar & Dining (2021).
In 2025, now a mother to daughter Florence, Laura returned to the MasterChef Australia: Back to Win kitchen for a third time, where she finally claimed the title. Her victory was the culmination of almost 12 years of dedication, resilience, and passion.
Today, Laura is a restaurateur, media personality, and advocate for balancing ambition with family life. She continues to inspire Australians with her approachable Italian-inspired cuisine, her belief in perseverance, and her commitment to creating spaces where great food and connection thrive.
3:00 PM
Warren Mendes
View Details
Warren Mendes is a South African-born chef and food presenter. He completed his classical culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney, Paris and London. He recently co-produced and hosted two seasons of the travel and food series Food Trail South Africa, which was broadcast on the Australian Channel 10, and which inspired the publication of Food Trail South Africa.
4:00 PM
Rose Adam & Sam Stanton
View Details
Born in Adelaide, Australia to Lebanese migrants parents, Rose grew up in her fathers fruit and veg business so her love of food started at a very early age. After spending 15 years pursuing her corporate career she took the leap to go on Masterchef where she solidified her love and food and cooking. After leaving the show she pursued a dream that she and her siblings have long had, to open a Middle Eastern inspired cafe, The Middle Store, sharing her love of Lebanese food and hospitality. Greatly influenced by the food her mother would make growing up, as head chef, she based the menu on memories of childhood meals and family gatherings. This coupled with her love of baking has meant that her menu is homely and from the heart. Rose is currently penning her first cookbook of meals and baking inspired by family and friends.
Sammy Stanton is an Adelaide-based fitness studio owner (studio360 Unley), coach, content creator and former Married at First Sight Australia participant. Known for his high-energy personality, quick humour and not taking life too seriously, Sammy has built a loyal online community sharing everything from fitness and travel to relationships and everyday chaos.
5:00 PM
Demo Stage Closes
6:00 PM
Event Ends