We are thrilled to announce that our wonderful Head Chef John Hornsey will be taking part in the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival’s World’s Longest Lunch.
The World’s Longest Lunch runs across 25 regional centres simultaneously as part of the Festival. The Geelong based lunch particularly is extraordinary. Not only is the event’s picturesque location unique, but it is the only event showcasing the skills of multiple chefs at the one function in aid of a local cause.
The theme of this year’s lunch is EXTRAORDINARY. Head Chef John Hornsey has certainly met the expectations of the brief in his preparations to provide the Main dish of the event. Without giving too much away, let’s just say the dish offers elements of his renowned Wah Wah Gee Asian Fusion flavours and styling – with slow roasted beef short rib, chilli paint and candied chilli featuring in the dish.
Since the age of 8, John knew he wanted to become a Chef.
After training at a local culinary college in French, modern and classic cuisine, John sought opportunities to further develop his skills by aiming high and knocking on the impressive back door of The Bath Priory. His pestering paid off, with John joining the kitchen under the wing of Great British Chef, Chris Horridge. During his tenor, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star and named one of the UK’s top 40 restaurants by The Good Food Guide.
In 2009 John followed Horridge to Cliveden House in Berkshire and this was on opportunity for John to extend his skills with a menu that offered guests dairy, gluten and sugar free options without any sacrifice of flavour. After five years, John was then offered an opportunity at The Hand of Flowers in Buckinghamshire, owned by renowned Chef Tom Kerridge. During this period in his role of Junior Sous Chef, The Hand and Flowers became the first pub to win two Michelin Stars.
Recently John has combined his love of travel with his passion for cooking, working in a range of settings such as the Caribbean – to now discovering a new direction in Australia – joining Wah Wah Gee and the newly opened Wah Bah. John is at the helm of both establishments located at the end of Cunningham Pier, Geelong in his role of Head Chef.
With his team John has playfully reinvented the humble bao bun. Delighting diners with his modern twist on classics such as the parmi bao bun, nacho bao buns and a ‘sloppy joe’ bao bun. He is also trying his hand at local Aussie pastimes such as surfing, and although a die-hard soccer fan, is willing to cheer for the Cats!
Win a dinner party at the Chef’s Auction
John will partake in the Chef’s Auction on the day with proceeds going towards the Barwon Health Foundation and support services provided by Barwon Health. The focus of the campaign will be to support Barwon Health Foundation’s campaign for a new children’s rehabilitation centre in the Geelong region.
Winners of our Head Chef John Hornsey at the Chef’s auction will enjoy a banquet meal with up to 10 of their friends prepared in their home by John and enjoy the Asian Fusion flavours of Wah Wah Gee!
For more information on the event, head to the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival website available here.
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
World’s Longest Lunch
Friday March 15th 2019
Steampacket Gardens
Eastern Beach Road
Geelong Vic 3220
