Or do raspberry cream-cheese turnovers with fig-rippled cream make your mouth water?

Campbelltown businesses were treated to lunch prepared by celebrity chef Ed Halmagyi and the kitchen team from Rydges, Campbelltown, last week.

Ed Halmagyi, also known as Better Homes and Gardens' Fast Ed, has signed with Rydges to become part of the food and beverage team and Campbelltown was the first stop for him to take a look at the kitchens and impress locals with his food.

Between the four courses, the chef deftly whipped up the food in front of diners and gave helpful hints for the kitchen and preparing food.

"I like to teach ideas rather than recipes because the idea sets you free," he said.

"Ideas are very liberating to enjoy the experience in your own terms."

Mr Halmagyi spoke about his foray into cooking and how he appeared on TV, chosen as a guy who could talk to anyone, including TV cameras.

He said he could see similarities between Rydges and Better Homes and Gardens, both "leaders in their field".

"That's why I feel at home here, I guess. All of the Rydges chefs have a wonderful idea of what it is to create a menu - a menu is a story.

"You need absolute respect for the food. You start with something excellent and let it speak for itself."

The chef said he would teach local cooks some specialities.

On Monday, he shot an episode of the show in the kitchen at Rydges, in Old Menangle Road, Campbelltown.