Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay rides The Q Train in MasterChef USA’s latest episode
Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay has visited one of the Bellarine’s most popular tourist attractions while filming one America’s most popular reality TV shows.
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A popular Bellarine attraction and eatery has garnered international attention, featuring on the latest episode of MasterChef USA.
The Q Train hosted the contestants and judges from the 15th season of MasterChef USA for its latest episode, which aired on Friday evening for Australian viewers on 10Play.
The mobile eatery is a popular tourist attraction that takes passengers along the historic Bellarine Railway between Drysdale and Queenscliff, while providing a fine dining experience.
Chief executive of the family business Marie-Claire Trotter said MasterChef USA judge and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey, known for his no-nonsense attitude, was actually “very friendly”.
“You don’t get to meet Gordon Ramsay everyday,” she said.
“He was very friendly, but as soon as the cameras came on, he was a real professional.
“He loved driving 3620, our steam locomotive. He did a very good job at it.”
At the beginning of the episode, Ramsay arrived on scene at the helm of the Q Train, remarking “how cool was that” as he disembarked.
Ms Trotter said the opportunity came about after The Q Train worked with MasterChef Australia in 2019, and was the shooting location for one of the final episodes.
“That was an absolute hoot and we had a wonderful time with the Australian production crew,” she said.
“We still get word from people that they heard about us for the first time from MasterChef 2019.”
The entirety of 15th season of MasterChef USA has been filmed in Melbourne, using the same venue at Melbourne Showgrounds used by the Australian version of the reality show.
In Friday’s episode titled ‘Train to Table’, contestants were challenged with creating a “VIP fine dining experience” for nearly 60 guests while aboard the moving locomotive.
Ms Trotter said the difficulties the contestants faced demonstrated how fantastic The Q Train’s head chef Sean Street is.
“I think cooking on a moving train is no easy feat, and our team does it to perfection.”
The episode also featured panning shots of the stunning scenic views that the Q Train Offers, showcasing the beauty of the Bellarine to American viewers.
This is not the first time The Q Train has gone global, as earlier this year the venue was featured on the front of the Japan Airlines in-flight magazine.
“It’s been a cool 12 months for us in terms of international exposure.”
This week, The Q Train was named as a finalist in the The Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence, in the category ‘tourism restaurants’.
Earlier this year, Ramsay was spotted in the region, attending the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club (LAAC).
LAAC vice commodore and “world champion sausage cook” Ric Addison said the club often attracted big names, however Ramsay’s visit was especially exciting.
“(Ramsay) had been in Melbourne on business and came down the coast for a drive, when he heard all the commotion at the club,” he said.
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