When Glen Innes News caught up with celebrity cook Matt Golinski, he had just driven five hours to cook dinner for 140 people — after four days of preparation. “Cooking can be physically hard work,” he said. “But it’s the only thing I’ve always wanted to do.”
In his culinary journey, there is no backstory about a Nonna in the kitchen, Matt laughs. He was simply a boy who loved to cook. As a child he baked cakes and sweets, intrigued by how ingredients came together. By high school, he was determined to become a chef and chose any subject that might help — including French — to support his dream.
Matt describes himself “first and foremost as a cook” rather than a chef, because cooking was always the goal, though he’s happy with either title.
This year marks another welcome return to the Glen Innes Show, where Matt will once again present cooking demonstrations as part of the popular Gourmet Fiesta. “The thing I love about this agricultural show is going around and seeing a little bit of everyone in the community,” he said. “No matter what you do, everyone can be involved in some way.”
When he’s not on stage, Matt enjoys wandering through the pavilions, admiring “the chickens, the cakes and the produce”. The Show, he says, reflects a “thriving, happy community”.
Outside of show time, Matt and his wife Erin Yarwood get among that happy community, for example, by joining in the local parkrun on Saturday morning, or exploring Glen Innes’ impressive op shops with their young daughters.
One of his favourite traditions at the Show is the nightly BBQ, where — like everyone else — he cooks his own steak, enjoys fresh salads, and sits down with stallholders, volunteers and show goers to yarn about the day. “It’s just an awesome thing to do,” he said.
Matt says he feels privileged to return each year. “I love catching up with people I’ve met before, talking about what they’ve been growing and producing, and finding new ideas I can try,” he said. “There’s a cherry vinegar this year, fantastic garlic, bush foods, lamb, honey, Rangers Valley beef — and so much more.”
Using produce from Gourmet Fiesta stallholders, Matt designs recipes that showcase local flavours. Each year these are compiled into a recipe booklet, available from the Gourmet Fiesta marquee at the Show for just $2. Get in early for a copy because they always sell out.
