One of Australia’s most recognised and internationally celebrated chefs, George Calombaris, has been added to the stellar Flavours of Greece line-up at Antipodes Festival 2026, proudly supported by The Greek Herald – joined by proud Greek Australian MasterChef alumna Nicolette Stathopoulos.
Taking to the #LoveLonsdale stage across the festival weekend, Calombaris joins the growing ‘Flavours of Greece’ line-up – reinforcing the program’s commitment to celebrating Greek heritage through contemporary culinary excellence.
Recognised and respected globally for his culinary talent and unwavering passion for food, Calombaris has spent more than two decades at the forefront of Australian hospitality. His career has seen him lead and mentor teams in some of the country’s most awarded restaurants, shaping a generation of chefs and redefining Greek-inspired dining for modern audiences.
He became a household name as one of the original judges of MasterChef Australia, helping transform the program into a global phenomenon during its 12-year run. Through MasterChef and subsequent international appearances — including MasterChef Greece, MasterChef Poland and Saturday Kitchen in the UK – Calombaris built a worldwide following and a reputation as a bold culinary innovator.
His career includes competing at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or culinary grand prix in France, earning accolades such as Young Chef of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and mentoring countless young chefs across Australia. Despite global recognition, Calombaris remains most at home in the kitchen – immersed in craft, creativity and flavour.
In recent years, he has expanded his reach beyond restaurants, developing a 100% toxin-free cookware range with Blu, becoming an ambassador for Wild Olive, and co-founding the culinary platform ‘Culinary Wonderland’ in 2024. Today, he continues to develop new hospitality projects as Culinary Director across venues in Sydney.
At ‘Flavours of Greece,’ audiences can expect a refined yet bold reinterpretation of traditional Greek favourites – delivered in true George style: modern, expressive and deeply rooted in heritage.
Nicolette Stathopoulos joins the expanded program
Joining Calombaris in the 2026 ‘Flavours of Greece’ program is proud Greek Australian Nicolette Stathopoulos, known to audiences from MasterChef Australia.
Originally from the Peloponnese region of Greece and now dividing her time between Melbourne and Sydney, Nicolette’s cooking is shaped by years spent alongside her grandmother, Elipida, absorbing the rhythms and rituals of Greek home kitchens.
Ten years on from MasterChef, she has worked as a pastry chef and now focuses on recipe development and content creation, drawing ongoing inspiration from time spent exploring the Greek islands and documenting regional flavours and culinary traditions.
Together, Calombaris and Stathopoulos strengthen a ‘Flavours of Greece’ program that reflects the diversity, evolution and enduring cultural importance of Greek food in Australia.
All chefs and collaborators will appear across the weekend on the #LoveLonsdale stage as part of the Antipodes Festival program.
Antipodes Festival 2026 is being held at Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, on Saturday, February 28 to Sunday, March 1, 2026. ‘Flavours of Greece’ cooking demonstrations are running over both days, proudly supported by The Greek Herald. For more details visit: www.antipodesfestival.com.au
