Aaron Harvie - From Season Two(2) of MasterChef

 ‘All great deeds and all great thoughts have a ridiculous beginning. Great works are often born on a street corner or in a restaurant’s revolving door.’ Albert Camus

 Sydney band manager Aaron Harvie has a particular affiliation with this quote from Nobel Prize winner, Albert Camus.  When he first mentioned the idea of auditioning for season 2 of Australia’s MasterChef, many thought him ridiculous.  Amongst truckloads of other hopefuls, his chances of getting on the show were slim at best, and his chances of succeeding on the show – should he make it there – were next to none.  8 months and more than a few well-crafted meals later, it seems as though Aaron has freakishly brought Albert Camus’ words to life.   Not only did he finish in the top 7 in the 2010 MasterChef series but he is now on the brink of a burgeoning food-business venture.

 Those who saw Aaron on MasterChef series 2 would know that his unique approach to cooking revolved around three specialties: Pasta, Mexican food and Rock ‘n Roll.  Again, for some this might have at first seemed a ridiculous notion, but it was one that distinguished Aaron from the other contestants in the minds of both judges and audiences.  Amongst his culinary creations were Purple Rain – a Beetroot Risotto with Thyme, White Truffle Pecorino and Mascarpone creation that is Aaron’s homage to the 1984 album of the same name by Prince - and the infamous Smoke On The Water – a masterpiece that left Matt Preston elated, and Aaron’s dish on the floor! Matt has since named the dish as one of the Top 6 made in the season 2 series.

 Now, Aaron is combining his love of music and food outside of the MasterChef house, taking on the role of front man and Director of Food That Rocks; a Sydney based food and Entertainment Company.  Under the Food That Rocks banner, Aaron is developing a line of food products including Mexican & Pasta sauces and oils, a range of Aprons, a food inspired CD with EMI Music and is also acting as an independent menu consultant for restaurants and venues in and around Sydney. 

 He is currently a brand ambassador for Old El Paso and the face of the new national television campaign for Pizza Hut Stonefired Pizza Range.

  Hailed for his unorthodox methods on the 2nd series of ratings juggernaut Masterchef Australia, Aaron Harvie fast became known in lounge rooms across Australia as the Rock n’ Roll Chef.

  Aaron has since enjoyed TV appearances on the 7PM Project and The Circle as well as countless national features and editorial, radio and online exposure. Aaron was also chosen to be an Australia Day Ambassador for 2011. 

 Cooking demonstrations for Coles, Food Festivals and Events and corporate cooking classes has also been taking up his time, and currently has a new television production under development that is slated for a 2011 release.

 Look out for Aaron’s recipes in an upcoming Diabetes Australia cookbook featuring Australia’s finest chefs including Peter Gilmore, Tetsuya Wakuda, Kylie Kwong and Matt Moran. 

 With his plate full of Rock n' Roll goodness, Aaron’s long way to the top just got a whole lot shorter.