Amy & Tyson – MKR 2017 WINNERS

Amy and Tyson are the My Kitchen Rules 2017 winners. Amy and Tyson were labelled as the "serious siblings" on the hit TV show, however it quickly became clear that Tyson is a perfectionist with a big heart and Amy is his trusty, yet sassy sidekick. Amy and Tyson's love of cooking really stemmed from a love of eating and, the need to eat when they moved out of home. They love to experiment with cuts of meat, offal, interesting flavour combinations, techniques and textures. Since winning MKR Tyson has commenced a chef apprenticeship and Amy has returned to her job as an HR Business Partner. They're still brainstorming ideas around how to spend the $250,000 prize money, but a future in food is definitely on the cards.

Ben Milbourne ~ Master Chef & TV Host

Ben Milbourne appeared on MasterChef 2012, the series which his best mate Andy Allen went on to win. In the years since the TV juggernaut, Milbourne has produced two cookbooks – last year’s Mexican Craving and Tasmanian Trail – and travelled the country and the world. Ben now has his own TV show on Channel 10, ‘Ben’s Menu’, which has just been nominated for a Logie! This exciting new foodie series is filmed at Ben’s picturesque farmhouse in northwest Tasmania. Find Ben on stage at the Food & Wine Expo, or purchase a Goelet Celebrity Dining Room ticket to enjoy a degustation with Ben himself!

Ben attributes his love of food to his grandmother, she used to bake for the 40 plus tradesmen employed by the family business each morning. He remembers making scones with her after school and her cookie jar full of ANZAC biscuits. Cooking wasn't where Ben headed initially went with his career; as teaching beckoned. Masterchef Season 4 was a turning point for Ben and his passion for food. Since the show, opportunities to continue working with food has been widespread with Ben appearing on national morning breakfast shows, guest appearances on 'Ready, Steady, Cook' and 'Everyday Gourmet'.

Ben's first cookbook, Mexican Craving, was launched in November 2013. His second book, based on Tasmanian producers, was released in September, 2014. He currently has an ongoing column in his local newspaper and a 'Talking Food' segment on his local radio station. Ben's TV show, Ben's Menu, began airing weekdays on channel 10 in September, 2014.

Ben's personality and down to Earth approach has made him popular with people of all ages. His philosophy is unassuming; "My food style is simple; take ingredients and recipes that will bring people together, combine them in a way that is interesting but achievable. Above all cook it because you love it. You have to fall in love with the process. The process of discovering the ingredients, developing the idea, creating the dish, sharing the flavour and discussing the outcome; this is what food is all about".

Goelet Wine Estate Celebrity Dining Room: Enjoy a modern dining experience with a MasterChef favourite, Logie nominee and Channel 10 TV host, Ben Milbourne. With a succulent 6-course degustation menu each paired with a matching wine, this is the menu of the year with the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal to learn all Ben’s secrets in cooking and more. Brought to you by Goelet Wine Estate. See show pages for more information & tickets! View website.

Carly and Tresne

Positive Novocastrians Carly and Tresne, won the hearts of Australians on My Kitchen Rules 2014. With their resilient natures, positive attitudes and down to earth personalities, they became an inspiration to many Australians.  Carly and Tresne have co-founded ‘The Happiness Mission’, where they run well-being workshops in schools, businesses and organisations, as well as HSC coaching. The Happiness Mission offers workshops and seminars aimed at helping children, teenagers and adults with goal setting, gratitude, growth mindset, healthy eating and limiting beliefs. Be sure to check out the girls cooking up a storm and inspiring the audience at The Food & Wine Expo!