Rick Stein and Lennox Hastie host an exclusive dinner at Bannisters

Any dining event where globetrotting chef Rick Stein takes off his shoes is a good one. But one where chef Lennox Hastie of Sydney's Firedoor also sets someone on fire? It can be nothing short of a cracker.

At the second in a series of Good Food reader events at Bannisters in NSW's Mollymook, guests were treated to an evening that began with champagne and smoked oysters and ended with a flaming dessert, care of the Good Food Guide 2020's Chef of the Year, Lennox Hastie.

After Hastie's entree of warm tataki of bonito, charred kohlrabi, persimmon and wasabi, Stein, Hastie and Bannisters' executive chef, Mitchell Turner, faced a good-natured grilling from Good Food readers, including questions around Hastie's eligibility (spoken for, ladies and gents).

An impromptu fashion show also featured, courtesy of Turner whose socks were dotted with pictures of Stein's face. Stein had chips on his.

The main course, cooked on a mobile fire rig Hastie had brought from Sydney, was a braised fillet of trevalla with porcini and chestnuts, while a dramatic rum baba stole the show.

The singed guest was fine, by the way – just a little jacket scorch care of the dessert that was hand-lit by Hastie.