Massimo Bottura may be renowned for his creativity in the kitchen, but it’s his conscience that is really helping him to make waves in the food industry. The Italian chef has used his profile to create non-profit organisation Food For Soul and set up not one, but two soup kitchens in Milan and Rio to help those less fortunate.

Now the food superstar will be bringing his cooking with a conscience to Australia, partnering with OzHarvest for a one-off feast, all in the name of a good cause. Shortly set to be in town for the World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards, Massimo will be hosting a special dinner to help bring attention to the growing food waste epidemic.

On Sunday April 2, the OzHarvest warehouse in Alexandria will be transformed into a swanky fine dining space for a degustation. 130 will be treated to the meal prepared by nine of Australia’s best chefs, and will also be able to enjoy intimate talk with Massimo as a part of the event’s proceedings.

In-keeping with the mantra of OzHarvest, the dinner will incorporate a menu designed around food that will otherwise go to waste. It will be matched with a selection of Australian wines, decided by sommelier James Hird from Iceberg’s Dining Room and Bar, with Rockpool Dining Group’s Food and Beverage Director, Jeremy Courmidas leading the charge when it comes to service.

Charged with the task of cooking for the event will be a hand-selected crew of fellow lauded chefs on hand,  including Rob Cockerill (Bennelong), Monty Koludrovic (Icebergs and The Dolphin), Josh Niland (Saint Peter), Matt Stone (Oakridge), James Viles (Biota), O Tama Carey (chef/writer), Aaron Ward (Sixpenny), Clayton Wells (Automata) and Duncan Welgemoed (Africola). All of those involved in the event, from chef to supplier, has donated both products and services, ensuring that all proceeds from the evening will go directly to OzHarvest and Food for Soul. There will also be donated works of art (from the likes of John Olsen and Stephen Ormandy) set to be auctioned off to help raise even more funds.

”Ronni and I are both one hundred per cent committed to ensuring good food stops going to waste and is given to people who need it most. I am delighted to host this dinner with OzHarvest to help tackle this global issue,” says Massimo of the event’s purpose.

“Massimo’s global leadership in the food industry brings much needed focus on the issue of eliminating hunger and food waste. His work inspires chefs, home cooks and consumers to take meaningful action on the social challenges we face today.  I am thrilled he is able to share some of his precious time with us,” says OzHarvest founder Ronni Kahn as to what inspired the choice to partner with the Italian chef.

Tickets for the degustaion will be on sale from Tuesday, 14 March at 9am.