“There is nothing more iconic than a picnic at Hanging Rock,” said MasterChef judge Matt Preston as he welcomed the television show’s contestants to the Rock to film a team challenge episode.
The teams were challenged to create picnic baskets for 200 guests for the episode featuring guest judge Maggie Beer, which aired last Wednesday night on Network 10.
A handful of locals were invited to be among the guests at the picnic including local foodie and new co-owner of The Parkland in Piper Street, Jennifer Beachey.
“It was a fantastic experience that really showcased the wonders that the Macedon Ranges has to offer,” Ms Beachey told the Express.
“Hanging Rock as a venue is really a treasure to us and we have to make sure we make good use of it, so it was great that MasterChef chose it as a backdrop for the event.
“The weather was absolutely perfect, the sun was shining and the Rock looked beautiful.”
Ms Beachey got a few seconds of airtime on the show too.
“They asked what our favourite dish was and what we thought of it. I was on a red blanket but I wish I’d had a green one now!
“They did a fantastic job and each team only had three hours to feed 100 people.
“The only thing I’d have loved them to do is use local food producers and if they’d served us Macedon Ranges wine we’d still be there I think. It would have gone great with the hommus!
“It was great fun and hopefully they’ll come back and do something like this again.”
Those who missed the show last week can catch up on TenPlay (season 11, episode 33) at www.tenplay.com.au/channel-ten/masterchef
