ABOUT THE HOSTS

The Chopping Block has two of Australia's most prominent and experienced professionals in their respective fields as hosts.

Catriona Rowntree, has recently celebrated 11 years with Channel Nine's Getaway. In her extensive career she has worked in radio with Triple J and has hosted many shows for Nine, including What's Up Doc?, Wonder World!, she co-host the Nine network's New Year's Eve Celebrations with Richard Wilkins, Test Australia specials with Eddie McGuire, The National IQ Test and The National Driving Test and has co-hosted the TV Week Logie Awards Red Carpet Arrivals specials.

In 1997 Catriona was involved in the network's national Jobs for Australia telecast and she also occasionally hosted Australia's Funniest Home Video Show.

While continuing in her role as a Getaway reporter, Catriona still travels extensively throughout the world and has experienced thousands of wonderful restaurants globally and along the way.

As her co-host, Matt Moran is well known as one of Australia's best chefs and restaurateurs.

Matt was raised on a dairy farm at Badgery'sCreek in NSW and it was whilst living in the region that he developed a commitment to the land and his love for food and local produce.

At age 15, Matt finished school to start his career as a chef. He did his apprenticeship at La Belle Helene Restaurant, Roseville, on Sydney's North Shore and it was here that Matt discovered his love for classical French cooking.

In December 1999 Matt and his business partner Peter Sullivan opened the doors of his now famous Sydney restaurant Aria. Located in one of Sydney's most prominent and beautiful locations in Circular Quay, Aria overlooks the Sydney Opera House and Sydney's spectacular harbour. The contemporary menu is inspired by Matt's passion for sourcing the finest seasonal produce available.

The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide has awarded two coveted Chef's Hats to Aria in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005 & 2006 and in May 2003, Matt was invited to New York to appear at the esteemed New York culinary institution James Beard House.

Apart from his obvious pedigree, Matt brings his great restaurant know-how to the show and is sure to impress with his interpretation and reinvention of our Chopping Block restaurants recipes, which you'll find in the recipes section on this site.