MALDON SALT CULINARY STAGE

Born in Mexico City, Chef Axell Torres trained in world-renowned kitchens including Noma, Frantzén and Narisawa before bringing his fire-led cooking to Australia. Now Executive Chef at Osborn House, he creates bold, refined-rustic dishes celebrating regional NSW produce, Mexican heritage and the artistry of open-fire cooking.

osbornhouse.com.au/dining

Dr Pia Winberg is a marine ecologist, seaweed pioneer and founder of PhycoHealth, leading the way in Australia's blue food revolution. On the Culinary Stage, she'll showcase the remarkable health benefits, sustainability and culinary versatility of Australian seaweeds.

phycohealth.com

Internationally acclaimed Argentinian chef Francis Mallmann brings his legendary live-fire cooking expertise to the Maldon Salt Culinary Stage at Horizontal Festival, sharing bold flavours, unforgettable stories and his iconic Patagonian culinary philosophy. Experience one of the world's most celebrated chefs on ghe East Coast for the first time in 15 years.

francismallmann.com

Chef, author and storyteller @Chefjasonroberts brings more than 35 years of experience to @horizontalfestival, including a formative decade at Sydney’s iconic Bistro Moncur and a career that has taken him from Australian kitchens to television screens across the US. Today, his cooking is driven by a passion for food, clay and fire — celebrating great produce, honest cooking and the simple pleasure of bringing people together around food. Come for the food, stay for the conversation.

chefjasonroberts.com

Karen Lebsanft is CEO and Co-Founding Director of Kurrajong Kitchen, the iconic Australian family business producing Lavosh flatbreads. A proud Burra Burra woman of the Gundungurra speaking nation, Karen is also an inspiring business leader and speaker, recognised among Australia’s “50 Unsung Business Heroes” for her resilience, entrepreneurship and leadership.

kurrajongkitchen.com.au/our-story

One of Australia's most respected food personalities, celebrated for her work as a television presenter, cookbook author, food educator and champion of regional produce. A passionate advocate for Australian agriculture and culinary tourism, Lyndey brings warmth, expertise and decades of industry knowledge to the Culinary Stage with guest producers in her sessions.

lyndeymilan.com

Bring home the vibrant flavours of authentic Korean street food with Mama Kim's Kitchen. Enjoy handcrafted favourites like the award winning Kimchi, made with fresh ingredients, bold spices and traditional family recipes.

mamakimskitchen.com.au

One of Australia's most influential chefs, Mark is renowned for redefining modern Australian cuisine through innovation, sustainability and exceptional local produce. As Executive Chef of Infinity by Mark Best, he continues to champion regional flavours while inspiring the next generation of chefs through his work as an author, mentor and educator.

chefmarkbest.com

As Executive Chef at Horderns, the signature restaurant at Ardour Milton Park Bowral, Mark brings more than 30 years' international experience, including working in Michelin-starred kitchens, to every dish he procues. His offers a generous, flavour-driven approach with timeless techniques and a deep connection to the Southern Highlands' finest ingredients.

worldsapart.club/ardour/miltonpark/dining

One of Australia's most celebrated chefs, restaurateur and farmers. Across a 40-year career, Matt has shaped modern Australian dining through iconic restaurants including Aria and Chiswick, bestselling cookbooks and television. A passionate advocate for regional producers, Matt continues to champion seasonal, sustainable Australian food.

mattmoran.com.au

A proud Bundjalung woman, chef, author and founder of Karkalla On Country. Mindy is the first Indigenous woman awarded an AGFG Chef's Hat, she champions native ingredients, First Nations food culture and connection to Country. Named the 2025 World's 50 Best Restaurants Champion of Change, she inspires through food, storytelling and education.

karkalla.com.au

Discover the unmatched quality of farm fresh olive oil and condiments, proudly crafted by third generation family farmers in NSW Riverina regions

morellagrove.com.au

Founder and head distiller of Millsheds Distillery & Bar in the Southern Highlands. Nathan is passionate about local botanicals and sustainable distilling, he crafts award-winning small-batch spirits that celebrate regional flavour. His innovative approach has earned national and international recognition, including multiple James Halliday, IWSC and London Spirits Competition awards.

millsheds.com.au

After honing his craft at iconic venues including Tetsuya's, Eschalot and the Hampden Deli, Nick Gardner returns to the Southern Highlands to take to the Maldon Salt Culinary Stage. Expect inspiring demonstrations, practical tips and a celebration of exceptional local produce from one of the regions most respected chefs.

stickscuratedcatering.com.au

An award-winning chef, SImon is renowned for showcasing foraged native Australian ingredients and South Coast produce. Former chef-owner of the hatted Caveau and Executive Chef at Bangalay Luxury Villas, he now leads Coop at Gerringong, combining refined technique with a deep passion for regional flavours and exceptional local wines.

thecoopgerringong.com

As  owner and head cheesemaker of award-winning Mouse Cheese Co in Orange, NSW, SJ is renowned for handcrafted artisan cheeses made from locally sourced milk. She blends European traditions with innovation and sustainability, creating exceptional cheeses that celebrate regional producers, craftsmanship and the rich flavours of NSW.

secondmousecheeseco.com

As chef-owner of Moonacres Kitchen in Robertson, Stephen champions organic farming, his Italian heritage and hyper-local produce. Inspired by his family's food traditions, he has grown Moonacres into a celebrated restaurant, bakery and cooking school, showcasing the Southern Highlands' rich agricultural landscape through honest, seasonal cooking.

moonacres.com.au/kitchen

Producing Australia's award-winning, pasture-raised goatmeat and artisan smallgoods from their family farm in regional NSW. Discover premium cuts, handcrafted specialties and innovative products that showcase exceptional quality, sustainability and outstanding flavour.

thegourmetgoatlady.com.au

100% Australian Family owned and operated, pure Jersey milk, cream, cheese, yoghurt and artisan dairy products. Hand Crafted Cheese from mild, soft cheeses to tangy, aged varieties, there’s something to delight every palate

tilbadairy.com.au

Group Executive Chef at Three Blue Ducks, bringing an impressive fine-dining pedigree to the new Burradoo Park restaurant after six years as Co-Head Chef at Sydney’s acclaimed Quay, working alongside Peter Gilmore. His career has also taken him through The Ledbury in London, Bennelong and Firedoor.

threeblueducks.com/journal/introducing-troy-crisante