Meet Ben Tedrick, who is one of the participating chefs at the much-awaited Thurston Food and Music Festival on July 15.

Chef Tedrick is the owner of the now increasingly popular restaurant The Establishment at Pacific Harbour.

“I’m extremely excited to be part of the Festival and I think it’s a wonderful platform for local and international Chefs to showcase their talent and signature menus,’ he said.

His story begins when he decided he wanted to do something extraordinary from a young age which led him to the world of cooking.

He has been cooking professionally for over 25 years and thrives in testing himself and taking on new challenges.

Born and raised in Australia and now a proud Fiji citizen, Ben started working for Hyatt hotels where he completed his apprenticeship in Perth and the Gold Coast.

He then ran Hyatt Sanctuary Coves Signature restaurant, before travelling for a number of years and working through Europe in restaurants and on cruise ships.

Once back in Australia he worked for various 5 star hotels and then in Byron Bay at Rae’s on Watergos, which then lead him to Fiji with the owner of Rae’s  and opened Rae’s South Pacific in Pacific Harbour which is now The Pearl.

He has worked at The Pearl for the last 10 years and has now ventured out to open his own very own, The Establishment.

The restaurant proudly serves fresh and local ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This takes the pub fare to the next level.

It features a full bar, restaurant, a beer garden situated on the river with outdoor seating and a functions hall. The hall can accommodate up to 300.

Anyone can come and enjoy our conceptually unique, kid friendly pub year round! Itfeatures live music every Sunday with a BBQ buffet so bring your family and friends.

Ben brings a unique local and international fusion flair, a passion for good food and culinary innovation.

Tickets for the Thurston Food and Music Festival are now on sale at the ROC Café, Ginger Kitchen at the Fiji Museum, and Fiji Broadcasting Corporation for only $20. See you there!

Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

As a build up to the main event, Fiji Sun will feature artists/bands and business that will be involved in the festival next month.