Brisbane MasterChef takes centre stage

Published 09 September 2011

WHEN it comes to combining culinary creations, there are definitely strings attached for Craig Young.

The MasterChef finalist believes music and food are a marriage made in heaven and he’s about to demonstrate that at the Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Celebrate Redcliffe Festival on Sunday, September 18.

The Celebrate Redcliffe Festival weekend will span land, sea and air and feature a fun-filled mix of high-speed action, entertainment, fine food and activities for all the family.

He’s well qualified to do so.

Apart from capturing the nation with his culinary skills on MasterChef, Craig is a cellist in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and also leads a 14-piece musical ensemble for Queensland Ballet productions.

Craig combines his two great loves – cooking and music – by designing dishes to musical themes and then playing for the diners.

Although he’s tight-lipped about what patrons can expect at the festival they shouldn’t be surprised to see a Hansel and Gretel desert platter with all the yummy accessories.

If that’s the creation on the day then be assured that the cello will resound to the sounds of the Hansel and Gretel overture.

“I also do a dish using apples in a variety of ways - Moses theme and variation by Paganini is the accompanying music - but I haven’t really decided what to produce at the Celebrate Redcliffe Festival. I’ll aim for something special and patrons can enjoy it while I play for them,” he said.

”It’s going to be a great day and I’m looking forward to demonstrating that food and music were meant to be together.”

Craig’s skills will be part of the festival’s Seaside Kitchen to be held at Charlish Park between 10am and 3pm.

Local chefs from leading peninsula restaurants will also be on hand to demonstrate their skills.

Moreton Bay Mayor, Allan Sutherland, said the two-day festival would kick off on Saturday, September 17 when contestants from the Offshore Superboat Champions would launch their vessels at Scarborough Boat Harbour for practice before the big race the following day.

The World Ski Racing Championships finals international skiers would also take place on the Saturday.

The following day – Sunday, September 18 – will see a host of events relating to the history of Redcliffe as well as first-class live entertainment, a treasure hunt for kids, a re-enactment of the first European landing and Indigenous welcome, a picnic amongst vintage cars and period dress and an historical walk.

“We expect about 30,000 people to attend the two-day festival and a good time is guaranteed. It’s one of the highlights of the Moreton Bay Regional Council’s festival calendar and it’s a great way to spend some time in the suburb by the sea,” Mayor Sutherland said.