Gary Mehigan is a Melbourne-based restaurateur with thirty years experience as a chef. He started his career in London, then moved to Melbourne in 1991 where he worked in a number of prominent restaurants, including Browns, Burnham Beeches Country House and Hotel Sofitel.

He opened Fenix in 2000, followed by Maribyrnong Boathouse in 2005, and set up Big Kitchen Events, an events and catering business, in 2013. Gary's role as co-judge on MasterChef Australia and Junior MasterChef Australia has made him a household name across Australia.

He is also the author of Lantern Cookery Classics: Gary Mehigan and Comfort Food, and co-author, with George Calombaris, of Your Place or Mine? and Cook With Me.