Fine-dining fans around the world are no strangers to the name Marco Pierre White, aka the ‘godfather of modern cooking’. It’s been two years since the renowned chef, restaurateur and MasterChef perennial last visited Australia for his debut live theatre tour, Out of the Kitchen, where he shared tales of his remarkable culinary journey – including the moment he became the first British and youngest chef at the time to be awarded three Michelin stars at just 33. Now, in 2025, White is headed back Down Under for an exclusive three-day culinary residency at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast.
As part of the hospo icon’s 2023 tour, he hosted a sold-out, 100-seat dinner at Palette Restaurant – one of the Gold Coast’s top fine-dining restaurants within the HOTA Gallery. In 2025, chef White will don his chef’s whites at HOTA once again for five exclusive events, including intimate dinners, open-air masterclasses and once-in-a-lifetime collaborations.
White said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to HOTA for this exclusive Australian residency. There’s something truly special about the Gold Coast – the energy, the people, the passion for food. Palette is a restaurant that understands the artistry of cuisine and experience. These events are about more than just cooking, they’re about sharing stories, experiences and creating unforgettable moments together.”
This exciting three-day takeover will kick off on June 5 with a live Q&A event, where White will discuss everything from his humble beginnings to the classical culinary training he undertook with Albert and Michel Roux at Le Gavroche. The following day, fans can also learn more about his life story in an outdoor masterclass, where he’ll share insights into how he led the UK restaurant scene for more than 40 years.
Those who prefer eating over talking can try to nab tickets for the most exclusive dining experience of the lot – a sky-high, five-course feast atop the Gallery on level five, where White will cook for just 30 guests. Following the overwhelmingly successful 2023 event, the Palette x Marco Pierre White dinner will return on June 6, combining a Q&A with a bespoke five-course menu showcasing South East Queensland’s finest produce.
The grand finale event on June 7 will be an atmospheric dinner under the stars, uniting some of the region’s most celebrated chefs – Tim Stewart (The North Room), Koki Anekawa (Anekawa), pastry maestro Melanie Day, HOTA’s own Dayan Hartill-Law and the legendary Marco Pierre White. Each chef will present a signature dish, showcasing exquisite locally sourced ingredients paired with exceptional wines.
You can find out more about the three-day lineup and secure tickets here.