The 'MILBOURNE-matters'

The Advocate has joined forces with former MasterChef contestant Ben Milbourne to showcase Tasmanian produce. 

A new food page ‘Regional Recipes’ has been introduced, where Ben uses featured local produce to create recipes that anyone can whip up in their own kitchen.
The Advocate editor Julian O'Brien said it was great to have the former school teacher and now celebrity chef on board promoting the many food delights of the region.
``Ben's not only a good bloke and a great cook, but he's as passionate about this region as anyone I know,'' Mr O'Brien said.
``Hopefully Regional Recipes will inspire the weekend cooks, like me, to get out there and experience some of these local producers who are without doubt world class.''
In addition to the new campaign, Milbourne has taken on an ambassadorial role for the Gowans Motor Group, allowing him to carry his produce in a signature Toyota FJ Cruiser.
``Ben's value and focus is very similar to our in terms of supporting local business and the community _ its passion,'' Gowans Motor Group principal dealer Adam Gowans said.

Milbourne said yesterday he was delighted to be launching the Regional Recipes concept.

``When you look around the North-West, there are so many quality producers and proud producers and we should celebrate that,'' he said.
``What better way to do that through a local paper which supports and celebrates local people?''
Milbourne noted the food transformation Tasmania had undergone in recent years _ to now be recognised internationally.
``Whenever you tell someone you are from Tassie, the first thing they want to talk about is food and wine,'' he said.
``We have the amazing advantage of growing the best produce in Australia and people pushing the envelope.
``Who would have thought we could produce one of the world's best sparkling wines? But we've got people like Ghost Rock out there doing these things and as they do it more, the more experienced and better we get at it.''
With his own company about to be formed, Milbourne is launching a Mexican cookbook later in the year, a Tasmanian cookbook in March, is hoping to launch a new TV series, and is also an ambassador for Cascade Breweries.

(Source: The Advocate, June 18, 2013)