Chef and food writer Kate McGhie is one of Australia's most significant and respected food authorities and commentators. Her weekly contribution for 20-plus years as the food writer of the Herald Sun, with a readership of more than 1.8 million, is remarkable. She is the longest continuing food writer for an Australian daily newspaper, and her column continues to garner weekly interaction from readers due to its integrity of content and commonsense approach. She is renowned for writing recipes that are simple to prepare yet impressive in flavour and appearance; they are fully tested and always work.
Growing up in rural Victoria, her love of food and its creative possibilities led her into a culinary career initially as a chef studying in Switzerland and then working in Europe and Asia. After her posting at the Oriental Hotel Bangkok, she returned to Australia to create her own restaurant and then to consult to the food industry. Highlights in this capacity have been her establishment of an award-winning commercial production kitchen and her role as food director and board member of the Australian Dried Fruits Association. Several times a year she travels overseas as a public speaker, present Master Classes, lecturing, judging.