Producers, chefs unite to celebrate the harvest

WHEN the Heritage Harvest Weekend returns to Sovereign Hill over 23-24 May, leave lots of room for lunch.

A star-encrusted culinary lineup will be led by acclaimed cook, former MasterChef contestant and ABC broadcaster Alice Zaslavsky, who is making her debut appearance on the program.

“I’ve been hearing about Heritage Harvest Weekend for years and feeling serious FOMO so I jumped at the chance to be part of it,” she said.

“I love how it brings together producers, makers and chefs to create something truly special in one iconic location.

“It’s all about inspiration, connection and getting people excited to celebrate the harvest and cook.

“Getting back to basics, using what’s in season, and getting your hands in the dough or the soil, that’s where the magic is.”

Joining Zaslavsky is fellow former MasterChef contestant and Ballarat chef Tim Bone, returning for his fourth Heritage Harvest Weekend, with Herald Sun food and wine editor Kara Monssen moderating a series of cooking demonstrations.

Rounding out the special guest lineup are Sovereign Hill’s own head chef Simon Hardie and chef-teacher Cat Clarke.

Sovereign Hill interim CEO Katrina Nitschke said the food festival reflects the living museum’s commitment to bringing history to life through shared sensory experiences.

“In the gold rush, strangers became communities, gathering around shared meals, trading stories, skills and the flavours of home,” Nitschke said.

“Today, we honour those traditions by celebrating autumn’s harvest and knowledge handed down through generations, while creating new moments of connection.

“It’s a chance to experience history in a way that’s vibrant, hands-on, and deeply relevant.”

More details can be found at hhw.sovereignhill.com.au