Ep 9. Episode 9

Food Safari is a popular food and travel documentary series that explores the flavors and dishes from various cultures around the world, including Australia. In the first season episode 9, titled "Fire," viewers are taken on a culinary journey through the fiery flavors of Australian cuisine.

Hosted by Maeve O'Meara, the episode focuses on the ways in which Australian cookery harnesses the intense heat of fire, whether for grilling, smoking, baking, or roasting. The show takes viewers on a tour of the country, from the city streets to the outback, exploring how different regions and cultures have developed their own unique fire-based cooking techniques.

Beginning in Sydney, Maeve samples some of the city's classic fire-based dishes, such as roasted duck and pork belly cooked in wood-fired ovens. She also visits a local bakery, where she learns about the art of sourdough bread-making and how fire plays a crucial role in the baking process.

Next, Maeve travels to the rugged Northern Territory, where she meets with indigenous cooks who have been utilizing fire-based cooking techniques for thousands of years. She attends a traditional barbeque, known as a "corroboree," where she samples dishes like kangaroo skewers and crocodile ribs, all cooked over an open fire.

The show then heads down to the southern state of Victoria, where Maeve explores the region's thriving wine industry and the ways in which winemaking and fire go hand in hand. She visits a vineyard, where the winemakers use fire to char the oak barrels used for aging their wine, imparting unique smoky flavors to the finished product. Maeve also stops by a local restaurant, where she tries slow-smoked beef short ribs and other dishes cooked in a custom-built wood-fired oven.

Throughout the episode, Maeve delves into the cultural and historical significance of fire-based cooking in Australia, highlighting the ways in which these techniques have been passed down from generation to generation. She also shares tips on how viewers can experiment with fire-based cooking in their own home kitchens, whether it's using a backyard grill or a wood-fired oven.

Overall, Food Safari's "Fire" episode offers a fascinating look into the rich and diverse world of Australian cuisine, showcasing the ways in which fire has played a central role in the country's culinary traditions. Whether you're a foodie, a traveler, or simply curious about different cultures, this episode is not to be missed.