Johannesburg - He’s a pin-up surfer with golden locks. He is also a qualified marine biologist with a passion for cooking. Last year he was crowned Cleo magazine’s Bachelor of the Year, confirming his place as one of Australia’s most popular new personalities.
Hayden Quinn first came to the attention of South African TV viewers in the third season of MasterChef Australia and, although he didn’t walk off with the grand prize, he wowed audiences with his culinary skills and his down-to-earth approach to life.
Nothing seemed to faze him.
Quinn fans – and there are lots of them – will have the opportunity to see Hayden in action at the Johannesburg Good Food and Wine Show at the Coca-Cola Dome, North Riding, from September 21 to 24.
He will join forces at the show with MasterChef Australia judge and chef Gary Mehigan and British master baker Paul Hollywood of The Great British Bake-Off fame.
It will be Quinn’s first trip to Africa and he is “incredibly excited” at the prospect. His girlfriend has already visited South Africa and she brought back glowing reports of the country.
In an interview, he said he’d also love to get to Cape Town and do a spot of surfing.
“I won’t bring a surfboard but may borrow one.” He is familiar with Jeffreys Bay, having seen the surfing movie, Endless Summer.
Asked about his visit to Johannesburg, Quinn said: “The thing I love about being able to go to something like the Good Food and Wine Show is that you get that one-on-one reaction with people, those who have watched you on TV or read your e-book.
“You get a chance to really express to them your love for food, where your passion comes from and what excites you and what drives you to create the food.
“For me the biggest thrill of the show is being able to interact with crowds from the other side of the world and share my cooking secrets.”
He describes his cooking as “fresh, easy and fun”. Many of the dishes he creates can easily be cooked on the braai.
Being on MasterChef Australia certainly changed his life. He became a celebrity overnight, got to travel all over Australia (and abroad), write cook books and meet people. But, basically, he insists he has not changed as a person.
“I’m still the same guy. Yesterday I was in the park playing football with the boys, drinking beer, eating a few pies and generally hanging out where and when I can. I’m still a normal, everyday, knock-about person and I think that’s what the people can relate to. I am lucky to be able to experience some pretty extraordinary things in life.”
Asked about the highlights on the show, he said: “It was amazing to work with such a brilliant array of chefs and cooks. A highlight for me was just challenging myself each day. I revelled in these sorts of situations and it was great to be thrown into the deep end and really have to put your skills to the test. You had to think on your feet.”
He said cooking had always been an integral part of his life.
“I loved it and I grew up with it. My mom was a home economist and she taught me all the little tricks in the kitchen. I always knew something interesting was going to happen in my life. I just wasn’t sure what it was. In the end it turned out to be MasterChef which allowed me to let the world know who I am. Food is one part of who I am but it encapsulates travel and sport, surfing and healthy eating.
“Food links it all together. When the episode of MasterChef which saw me being voted out was screened in South Africa, I had so many wonderful internet posts and tweets from people in your country. It really touched me.”
It seems the 26-year-old’s friendly nature and adventurous spirit appeal to men and women of all ages and this year he became a proud ambassador for the Australian brand Bonds. He also returned to TV screens for the Kellogg’s Nutrigrain Ironman Series as a beachside commentator.
Quinn has also completed work on his first hard-cover cookbook, Dish It Up, due out in December, and this will be an added boost to his top-rated series of recipe e-books.
He is not looking at opening his first restaurant just yet – “I need more experience and capital” – but wants to continue his merry way at present because it brings him enormous satisfaction.
And South Africa is now in his sights. - Saturday Star
* The Johannesburg Good Food & Wine Show takes place from September 21 to 24 at the Coca-Cola Dome. Booking at Computicket or go to www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za