LINGUINI and tiramisu were on the menu at CQUniversity.

MasterChef 2014 runner-up Laura Cassai was in town yesterday to host cooking demonstrations and share some of her favourite dishes.

She also spoke with the audience about the experience of competing in Masterchef, what she had been up to since and what attracted her to a career in food in the first place.

Afterwards, people could meet and get a photo with Laura and of course try the food.

This was her first visit to Mackay and Laura said she was keen to come back and visit again.

She said she saw great potential to attract more food tourists to the region.

Laura said she was passionate about promoting local eating, and helping regional communities to seek out local fruit, vegetables and meat.

"I'm all about local and seasonal produce, and what's available then and there," she said.

"Maybe a big food festival would be good for the region, festivals bring people to town."

Laura said she loved being able to meet fellow foodies and share her culinary experiences.

"I've been working full time since the finale, I got a job at Restaurant Orana in Adelaide," she said.

"I've been there since, so that's kind of half my life at the moment."

Laura released her first cookbook in April, My Italian Kitchen, which she said she was excited to share with the public.

"I always wanted to write a cookbook," she said.

"I loved collecting recipes and cookbooks growing up."

CQUniversity tutor Julie Jenkinson attended the cooking demonstration with her students and said she loved the event.

"They should have more stuff like that here in Mackay - it was a fun thing to do," she said.