2025 Cooking Theatre Line-Up

Learn how to create your favourite dishes in The Heathcotes Cooking Theatre. Jam-packed full of exciting entertainers our line-up profiles the incredible talent we have right here in our region.

Saturday

Vicki Ravlich-Horan

Nourish

Saturday 10.00am

Join Vicki as she shares a couple of recipes from Sicily, where she takes a tour each year. Caponata – a dish served at almost every meal in Sicily blends their heritage and beautiful produce. Panelle, be amazed by this simple dish, loved for centuries by Sicilian farmers and aristocrats alike.

Andrew Pietersz

The Keg Room

Saturday 11.00am

Andrew, owner and chef of The Keg Room Rototuna, will serve up one of his delicious menu creations.

The Keg Room was recently announced as the Best in Central North Island at the Gastropubs Awards.

James Smith

The Tattooed Butcher

Saturday 12.00pm

Learn how to source the best cuts of meats and the secrets behind crafting the perfect sausage from scratch with the James, aka the Tattooed Butcher.

Zennon Wijlens

Co-Owner & Head Chef Paris Butter

Saturday 12.00pm

Recently awarded Cuisine NZ Chef of the Year for 2023/24, Zennon's culinary expertise mirrors his commitment to excellence. Drawing inspiration from memories and travels, he crafts innovative dishes that strike a balance between familiarity and exciting novelty. Join him as he demonstrates coffee-braised beef cheeks with smoked celeriac and burnt miso madeleines with vanilla cream.

Amber Bremner

Quite Good Food

Saturday 2.00pm

Hamilton-based food writer and photographer Amber Bremner will be sharing a family-friendly, plant-based dinner from her new cookbook, Simply Veg.

Sunday

James Smith

The Tattoed Butcher

Sunday 10.00am

James will take you through the art of making Porchetta — from boning out a pork belly to seasoning it just right and cooking it to golden perfection. Watch the process from start to finish, pick up pro tips, and enjoy a taste of this Italian classic, served up hot and ready to savour!

Ryan Simmons

Volare Owner & baker

Sunday 11.00am

Volare specialises in handcrafted breads, so come and learn from owner Ryan and baker Satinder Singh, as they unlock the secrets behind crafting the perfect No-Knead Bread. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the techniques of kneading, they will guide you through each step.

Kia Kanuta

Chef / Content Creator

Sunday 12.00pm

Diana Chow

Cosana & Station Grill

Sunday 1.00pm

Join renowned local chef Diana Chow in the Theatre as she takes you From Toast to Temptation in this flavour-packed demo. Learn how to create vibrant bruschetta toppings including house-cured salmon gravlax, refreshing ceviche, punchy salsas, and flavourful pickles — each one designed to tempt the tastebuds and impress any crowd.

Logan Murray

Chef & Owner Thyme Square

Sunday 2.00pm

Catch Chef Logan Murray of Thyme Square Restaurant, recognised as Waikato's Most Outstanding Chef. He'll be sharing his first-ever recipe that began his following by demonstrating "how to" recreate his moreish Cashew Satay Sauce. Chef Logan will also present a "how to" demonstration on serving this dish for guests at home, cooking pan-fried chicken and/or tofu over rice with plenty for everyone to try.