FOOD FOR THOUGHT

GUEST SPEAKER – KAREN MARTINI

Karen has only ever wanted to cook and she has been doing so for as long as she can remember. As a mother, chef, restaurateur, writer and TV presenter, there isn’t much that Karen hasn’t turned her hand to, and with staggering success.

Currently Executive Chef and part owner of The Melbourne Wine Room in St Kilda and Mr Wolf restaurant, Karen is one of Australia’s most respected and awarded chefs. However, it’s been a long journey to the top. Starting out as Jacques Raymond’s work experience girl when she was just 15, Karen was thrown in at the deep end. It was sink or swim for the determined girl in a male-dominated world. Karen swam.

Karen’s story shows you really can have it all. Currently in her fourth season with TV show Better Homes and Gardens, Karen is also food editor for Sunday Life and is writing her third book, all whilst juggling family life with her husband and two young daughters.

Karen describes her food as “an expression of my heritage, a product of my curiosity and the result of my hunger.” It could just as easily be her success mantra.

Join us and share in Karen’s inspirational story of determination and passion and watch her in action as she lets us in on a few dinner party secrets with a cooking demonstration.

MC – GIAAN ROONEY

A truly inspirational woman, former Olympic swimmer, World Record holder and TV personality Giaan Rooney is the ideal choice to MC this fabulous event.