The Chef and the Showman reveal all at fundraising dinner

NORMIE Rowe and his chef wife Samantha Gowing will return to the place where it all began for an ‘in conversation’ fundraising dinner on Thursday April 10.

The Chef and the Showman event at Beach Hotel will raise money for not-for-profit industry organisation Northern Rivers Food, which represents local producers.

Gowing, an acclaimed wellness chef who trained at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, and the 1960s music icon met at the beachfront pub in 2015.

“Food and music have always been central to both our lives, so it was only natural that they became a big part of our connection,” she said.

“Normie has a deep appreciation for good food, and we bonded over cooking, dining, storytelling and plenty of laughs. Music, of course, is in his blood, and I’ve always believed that food — like music — is a universal language that brings people together.”

Gowing said there had been a lot of media interest in their relationship and the event gave people the opportunity to get the inside scoop straight from them.

“No filters, no headlines, just real talk,” she said.

“There’ll be plenty of conversation about how food and music intertwine, especially given Normie’s incredible career. We’ll also touch on the importance of community and good nutrition.”

Guests will also be able to bid for donated items such as hard-to-get food and drink packages and accommodation at live and silent auctions at the fundraiser, which includes a three-course dinner and a welcome cocktail.

“This event is all about celebrating good times, great company and the magic of food and music,” Gowing said.

Northern Rivers Food spokeswoman Lucy Ashley said she hoped the event would raise $20,000 towards educational and training opportunities for members such as new product development and a coffee table book featuring local producers.

Tickets are available via Humantix.