Quick Chat with Celebrity Chef Gary Mehigan – By Melanie Senanayake
Former MasterChef Australia Judge talks about the Culinary Extravaganza awaiting in Sri Lanka!
Colombo, 21st November 2023: The renowned Celebrity Chef and former judge of MasterChef Australia, Gary Mehigan, engaged in a brief online discussion ahead of his highly anticipated trip to Sri Lanka at the end of the month. The culinary maestro is set to captivate Sri Lanka during a three-day culinary extravaganza, in partnership with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. From November 30 to December 2, 2023, individuals with a refined taste for food will have the exclusive chance to savor Mehigan’s culinary artistry at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo and personally connect with him.
During his visit, patrons will have the privilege of experiencing two thoughtfully crafted full-course dinners personally orchestrated by Mehigan himself. This promises to be an unparalleled gastronomic experience as he shares his expertise and passion with the culinary landscape of Sri Lanka. Continued by a carvery and High Tea evening hosted for the chef on the third day, featuring a book-signing session and intimate moments for guests to engage in conversation with the esteemed gourmet guru.
In the quick chat before his arrival, Mehigan shared his excitement about exploring the diverse landscapes of Sri Lanka. “I’ve heard a lot about Sri Lanka, and what I’m excited about is the diversity of the landscape, from lush forests to beautiful beaches. It’s been on the must-visit list for a long time,” Mehigan said.
He expressed his interest in experiencing the local flavors, from street food to seafood, and visiting a spice plantation to understand the clarity of flavors that local spices bring. Mehigan particularly mentioned his anticipation of working with Sri Lanka’s renowned Ceylon Cinnamon, stating, “Cinnamon is like the best on the planet, and I hope that, from a chef’s perspective, those ideas are reinforced.”
When asked about the ingredients he is excited to cook with, Mehigan highlighted local seafood, including mud crab, lagoon crab, and river prawns. He also expressed his enthusiasm for incorporating Sri Lankan spices, especially Cinnamon, into his dishes.
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Mehigan’s culinary exploration extends beyond the familiar as he eagerly anticipates trying dishes he knows little about. “I’m looking forward to somebody giving me something, and I go, ‘What the hell? What is this?’ That’s what I’m looking forward to,” he shared.
The celebrity chef also revealed his plans for a possible train journey from Huber to Candy, appreciating the scenic route and hinting at extending his stay to explore more.
In a delightful revelation, Mehigan disclosed his plans to ride a motorcycle around Colombo, exploring markets and capturing the essence of the city. Responding to questions about his travels on two wheels in other countries, he confidently remarked that he is okay to take ride in the streets of Colombo.
Reflecting on his fellow MasterChef judges’ experiences in Sri Lanka, Mehigan shared insights from George Calombaris’s visit, stating, “He just thought it was beautiful. India’s a tough sell for George, and I think what he loves about Sri Lanka is how beautiful it is, how clean it is, the beaches.”
Addressing a potential reunion with his former MasterChef colleagues, Mehigan hinted at future plans, saying, “We’re delivering six dinners across three cities. It’s the first time we’ve worked together for a long time.”
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When asked about comparing Sri Lankan cuisine with others he has encountered, Mehigan emphasized the uniqueness of each place and its culinary offerings. He expressed his eagerness to approach Sri Lankan cuisine without preconceived notions, hoping to be surprised by the beauty and flavors of the dishes.
Looking ahead, Mehigan discussed his diverse ventures, from opening a new outlet in Melbourne Airport to participating in a home delivery system in Sydney. He also mentioned his involvement in India, focusing on making more visits, dinners, and educational initiatives.
In the final moments of the interview, Mehigan touched upon his extensive career, mentioning ongoing projects such as a cruise, collaborations with other food personalities, and the filming of “India’s Mega Festivals” with National Geographic. Reflecting on his career, he emphasized the importance of following joy and embracing new experiences.
As the culinary maestro prepares to embark on his journey to Sri Lanka, food enthusiasts and fans eagerly await the delightful and innovative creations that Chef Gary Mehigan will bring to their tables. The three-day culinary extravaganza promises to be an unforgettable experience, celebrating the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan flavors through the lens of a master chef and a chance to meet and chat with him personally.
For tickets and information visit www.cinnamonboxoffice.com or call +94 71 711 8111.
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts presents The Master Table with celebrity chef and former MasterChef Australia judge, Gary Mehigan, in Association with Commercial Bank and Powered by Sri Lankan Airlines and Knorr with Scope Cinemas as the Official Cinema Partner, Fox 91.4 as the Official Radio partner, Wijeya Newspapers as the Official Print and Digital Media partner, Emerging Media as the Official Outdoor Digital Media Partner, Walkers Tours as the Official Logistics Partner, Wine World and Glenfiddich as the Official Beverage Partners and Dilmah as the Official Tea Partner.
About Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is a diverse chain of hotels spanning Sri Lanka and the Maldives and a member of John Keells Holdings PLC, one of the largest listed conglomerates in Sri Lanka, with diverse interests in sectors ranging from Leisure, Transportation, Property, Consumer Food & Retail, Financial Services, Information Technology, Business Process Operations to Plantations.
This pioneering hotel chain was launched at The World Travel Market in London on 14 November 2005. Since its launch, it has come to represent a uniquely Cinnamon experience and has steadily risen to become the leading choice for travellers in Sri Lanka. The Cinnamon brand boasts a portfolio of vibrant and modern hotels, colourful and inspiring, unswervingly hospitable and committed to satisfying our patrons varied and discerning needs.
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is the pinnacle of Sri Lankan hospitality through comfort, creativity, discovery, and inspired living. Each property is designed to showcase and complement the local environment, character, culture, and traditions of the area it serves. From Jungle cabanas to city luxury, water villas in the Maldives to beach chalets in Sri Lanka, each resort is designed to take you on a memorable journey into discovery. With three City properties in Colombo, eight Resort properties around Sri Lanka and four Resorts in the Maldives, and a host of new and exciting projects on the horizon, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is your partner and faithful guide to ‘The Jewel of the Indian Ocean’ and its timeless and fascinating ‘Emerald Isle’.
