Victoria Teacher @mattstication

As a child, Matt Landmark’s family dinners were simple, classic and nutritious. But with a limited budget to explore different cuisines, he says dinners were staples, and admits to only eating or cooking with fresh herbs on a handful of occasions, and rarely touching seafood.

Matt’s limited palette was bound to expand, and he can recall the first time he bought fresh coriander to serve with a meal while living in a share house. Blown away by the flavour, it marked the turning point in his cooking journey, and the first time Matt really became interested in being in the kitchen.

Born in South Africa, Matt moved to the small town of Palmerston North on New Zealand’s North Island at the age of four. At school he excelled at sport, with a particular passion for cricket and hockey. As he got older a love of music emerged and took over his creative pursuits. Any spare time was spent practicing guitar, and as Matt became more proficient, he entered the world of jazz and played in several competitions. At the age of 17 he was awarded “Best Jazz Guitarist” for his region with a stellar performance of Stairway To Heaven. He also proudly represented New Zealand in the Secondary School Brass Band.

After completing a music degree in recording and production in Wellington, Matt moved to Melbourne alongside his partner Tamara, and now works as a high school commerce teacher.

Matt can regularly be found reading cookbooks, working on new techniques, and seeking feedback on ways to improve. With a passion for working out and cycling, Matt dreams of one day running his own small restaurant.