Former MasterChef contestant Hayden Quinn is leading the charge from the north; we asked him a few questions.
Why have you got involved with the event?
Mostly because it’s supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation; I’ve been a Starlight ambassador for six years now. My little sister, Madison, had leukaemia when she was five and the feeling of love and joy and smiles Starlight gave were a great help to us so I want to help them. But I also loved the event’s concept; being active then having a few beers or a wine and eating some food. That’s my normal weekend!
Have you had to do any training?
No, a 10km walk isn’t stretching me too far – right now I run 25km a week, cycle and I part own a gym in Brookvale so this is a nice leisurely walk for me, but my girlfriend, my family and my sister are all also giving it a go.
You’ve visited some amazing places for your TV shows; what’s the most memorable thing you’ve eaten?
I ate a lot of unusual stuff in China, but the most memorable was probably donkey meat. It was sliced in this grey broth and it was foul. I’ve also eaten a lot of bugs – I don’t mind the crispy ones like scorpions washed down with a beer but the gooey and chewy ones are not good.
And what’s the best thing you’ve eaten in Australia?
I should say anything my mum cooks but the thing I’ve loved the most was the carrot salad at Bennelong, the restaurant in the Sydney Opera House. It’s the most amazing thing. It’s carrot done three or four ways with almonds and soft feta – it’s just the most amazing combination of textures and tastes.
What’s always in your fridge?
Eggs, chocolate and green beans. I love green beans.
If you had five minutes to make a healthy meal, what would it be?
I’d use the green beans – chopped, sautéed in olive oil. I’d add some homemade pesto. Scramble some eggs, mix it all together and top it off with Parmesan, lemon and olive oil. That takes me about three minutes – it’s often my go-to breakfast.
Anything you can’t cook?
I’ve never been good at baking. I’m not the person to ask to whip you up a nice birthday cake.
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