Ben O’Donoghue is one of Australia’s original and most loved Celebrity Chefs, who has enjoyed 2 decades of success in the forefront of his professions as a Chef, television presenter, author, columnist, brand ambassador. For Ben cooking is a passion and a reflex, something he’s done since childhood that never ceases to give him pleasure or stimulate his imagination. He believes food should be simple, distinctive and culturally correct. Something to enjoy with family and friends and lots of laughs. He is equally passionate about being a dad, husband, mate and contributor to a wide range of charities.

Kicking off his food career in top restaurants in Australia in the 90’s, Ben then headed to London where he made a name for himself firstly working for four years at the world famous River Café before joining his mate, Jamie Oliver, at the exclusive Monte’s Club as Executive Chef. Next he worked as Head Chef at the famous Atlantic Bar & Grill and helped Oliver Peyton win the contract to open the National Dining Room at the National Gallery with his creative and seasonal menus. Ben continues to keep a finger in the UK Food Industry Pie, as creative director of food for The Great Australia Pie Company.

Although already well known in the UK as one third of the popular BBC2 Series “The Best” with Paul Merret and Sylvana Franco, Ben became a household name in Australia when he co-hosted 4 series of internationally acclaimed food and travel program “Surfing The Menu” with fellow chef Curtis Stone. This series also produced 3 cookbooks and DVD’s.

He went on to present 3 series of “The Best in Australia” for the Lifestyle Channel with Anna Gare and Darren Simpson and continued the theme of all things Australian countryside and local produce – Ben recently fronted Channel Seven’s Drive thru Australia.

Ben is a much-requested personality on the speaking circuit and also is active in Prostate Cancer Research, Schizophrenic Research Institute of Australia Camp Quality, where he gives his time and lends his expertise to charity associations through Australia. This year marks the 2nd year of JC’s Youngcare Fishing Tour, where he joins John Collins from Powderfinger, TV Presenter Ben Dark, Footballer Gordon Tallis to host an exclusive blokes fishing and cooking adventure all to raise money for Youngcare.

Ben loves surfing, fly fishing, music and playing with his three kids. He is the quintessential, modern, boisterous Aussie Dad. The combination of his larrikin sense of humour with his high end culinary expertise and a passion for sharing what he knows about food, cooking and having a great time, has ensured he continues to be one of Australia’s most loved celebrity chefs