France’s acclaimed chef Reine Sammut today cooked for a very appreciative audience at the final masterclass of Tony Bilson’s Cuisine Now festival celebration.

The affable Sammut, one of three of France’s top Michelin starred chefs to come to Sydney as part of the event, conducted the masterclass and then prepared an eight course lunch at the new eco-pioneering Dolton House function centre at Pyrmont.

Described by critics as serving “sunshine on a plate’. the chef from Provence wowed diners with dishes that were simple but sublime from her Aubergine a la Parmesan (Baked Eggplant with Parmesan) to her Tarte Tiede au Chocolat Amer et Coulis de Framboises (Warm tart of Bitter Chocolate with Raspberry Coulis.

Interviewed during the lunch by food writer and restaurant reviewer, Simon Thomsen, the ever joyful Sammut, who’s been twice voted Best Woman Chef in France, said seasonality and fresh produce was at the centre of the food at her restaurant.

Owner and chef of Auberge La Feniere, Sammut said she changed her menu seasonally with the menu currently reflecting the truffle season. In other seasons it would revolve around themes such as the latest seasonal vegetables from the region, or the finest olive oil including the product from the property’s own olive trees, as well as from Italy and Spain.

Cuisine Now continues with a series of special dinners by the featured chefs who also include Michel Roux and Nicolas Le Bec of France as well as Australia’s Tetsuya Wakuda, Philippe Mouchel, Cheong Liew and Tony Bilson.

For the program head to cuisinenow.com.au