Ep 3. Episode 3

Food Safari is a TV series that explores the diverse cuisines of Australia in an entertaining and informative manner. In Fire season 1 episode 3, the show delves into the theme of fire as a cooking method and how it has shaped the flavors and techniques of various cultures.

The episode starts off with a visit to a local barbecue joint in Sydney, where host Maeve O'Meara meets the pitmaster who shares his knowledge and passion for smoking meat. They explore the different types of wood used for smoking, the importance of temperature control, and the nuances of different meats and marinades.

Next, the show travels to the Northern Territory, where indigenous Australians have been using fire to cook and forage for thousands of years. Maeve joins a group of women who are gathering bush tucker, such as yams, berries, and seeds, and shows how these ingredients are incorporated into traditional dishes.

From there, the show takes a detour to Mexico, where Maeve discovers the art of making mezcal. She meets with a family of mezcal makers who use a wood-fired oven to roast the agave plant, which is then fermented and distilled into the potent spirit. Maeve also samples some of the regional dishes that pair well with mezcal, such as mole and tamales.

Back in Australia, the show explores the use of fire in Asian cuisines. Maeve visits a Chinese barbecue restaurant in Sydney's Chinatown where they roast ducks and pork in a wood-fired oven. She then visits a Korean restaurant where they cook a variety of dishes on a tabletop grill fueled by charcoal. The host cooks up some bulgogi, a Korean staple made with marinated beef, and shows how the smoky flavor enhances the dish.

The final segment of the episode takes Maeve to Tasmania, where she meets with a couple who have built a wood-fired oven in their backyard. They bake sourdough bread, pizza, and even roast vegetables and meats in the oven. Maeve helps them prepare a rustic lamb dish cooked in the oven and paired with sides made from freshly harvested produce.

Overall, Fire season 1 episode 3 of Food Safari is a fascinating exploration of the role of fire in cooking and how it has influenced various cultures and cuisines. The show is filled with stunning visuals, engaging interviews, and mouthwatering dishes that are sure to inspire viewers to try new foods and cooking methods.