Escape the winter chill and be transported to the Pacific Islands with acclaimed Fijian chef, TV personality, and food advocate Arrnott Olssen! Fresh off his Fire Kitchen appearance at Vivid Sydney, Arrnott returns to Magenta House on Sunday 28 June for a wholesome seafood class and lunch fusing bold, soulful Fijiian cuisine with succulent Australian seafood.
Start your day with home-baked Babakau (traditional Fijian breakfast pancakes) and lemongrass tea. Under Arrnott's guidance, you will learn how to prepare Fijian ceviche, known as 'kokoda'. This national dish involves freshly-caught Barramundi fish with zesty lime and creamy coconut milk using a hand-marinating technique passed down through generations. Afterwards, we'll savour a leisurely communal lunch of Fijian Fish Curry with aromatic chutney and rice, as Arrnott takes us through Pasifika food cultures and family storytelling traditions. Guests will receive a 'Taste of Fiji' spice pack to replicate this meal at home.
What to expect:
To start: Babakau / Lemongrass tea
Class: Hands-on Kokoda Fijian Ceviche class (using Humpty Doo Barramundi ) / Your own serving of Kokoda with Sweet Potato Crisps
Mains: Fijian Fish Curry / Fresh chutney / Unlimited rice
Take-home: Printed Fish Curry recipe / Spice pack
Fijian-born Arrnott Olssen is a passionate cook, host, vocalist, and advocate for men’s mental health. He brings the essence of Fijian flavours to life by blending tradition with Australian produce through his live cooking demonstrations and pop-up dinner series, The Kana Club. Arrnott remains a regular fixture on Australian television and the national food scene and often advocates for Fijian food and its place in the modern culinary landscape through podcasts, cooking segments, and festival appearances.
Before rising to prominence in the food world, Arrnott made his mark in fashion and music, notably appearing in the hit TV show Popstars, before performing as an opening act for Boy George, Faithless and Basement Jaxx and more. At this event, you'll get a rare chance to personally meet Arrnott and discuss island food knowledge, intercultural recipes, and career sea-changes in an intimate setting. Guests are also invited to explore the plethora of cookbooks and cultural publications at the Magenta House reading room. Definitely an event not to be missed!
Special thanks to Humpty-Doo Barramundi for supporting this event!
Note: Placements are limited. Menu is pescatarian and nut-free. For general enquiries, access info, or dietary questions, please email Mariam on housekeeper@magentahouse.com.au.
Team:
Chef / Host: Arrnott Olssen
Event producer: Mariam Ella Arcilla
Photographer: Anna Hay
Event Day Assistant: Shishir
Bios 🐣
Arrnott Olssen is a celebrated TV chef, creative powerhouse, and cultural advocate known for his bold fusion of food, fashion, and music. As the founder and host of The Kana Club pop-up restaurant, Arrnott shares his unique take on Fijian flavours, collaborating with some of Australia’s leading hospitality brands to create unforgettable dining experiences. A passionate champion of local produce and Pacific cuisine, he’s a regular face on Australian television, hosting cooking segments and appearing in media as a vocal advocate for Fijian food and its place in the modern culinary landscape. Before rising to prominence in the food world, Arrnott made his mark in fashion and music. He launched one of Australia’s first men’s fashion and lifestyle blogs and went on to style covers for Men’s Health Australia as a published fashion stylist. As a house music vocalist, he has performed alongside icons like Boy George, Sandy Rivera, Roger Sanchez, and Basement Jaxx, following his debut on Australia’s first reality music show Popstars. Offstage, he’s the founder of Men Let’s Talk, a platform dedicated to men’s mental health and open conversation. Through every facet of his career, Arrnott continues to push boundaries, connect communities, and celebrate culture with heart and style.
11am – 2pm
