Ep 9. Episode 9

The popular Australian food series Food Safari is back with its third season, exploring the diverse cuisines of different regions and cultures in Australia. In this episode, aptly named Episode 9, host Maeve O'Meara takes us on a culinary adventure through the delectable world of seafood.

The episode begins with Maeve visiting a fish market in Sydney, where she marvels at the vast array of seafood on offer. She then introduces us to her first guest, a passionate fishmonger who shares his knowledge about the types of fish available and how to choose the freshest catch of the day.

Next, Maeve takes us to a Greek restaurant where the focus is on fresh and delicious seafood. The head chef explains how important it is to use good quality ingredients and demonstrates how to prepare a classic Greek dish - octopus with fava beans. Maeve also learns about the importance of olive oil in Greek cooking and how it can elevate even the simplest dish.

From Greece, Maeve moves on to the Caribbean, where she meets a chef who has brought the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to Australia. He shows us how to make a traditional jerk marinade for fish, and Maeve learns about the various spices used in Caribbean cuisine. As she tastes the finished dish, Maeve is struck by the explosion of flavors on her palate.

Continuing on her seafood odyssey, Maeve visits the coastal town of Yamba to sample some of the freshest oysters in the country. She meets a farmer who demonstrates how oysters are harvested and shucked, and Maeve enjoys some freshly shucked Pacific and Sydney rock oysters straight from the waters of the Clarence River.

Moving on to Vietnamese cuisine, Maeve visits a local restaurant where she meets the head chef and learns about the delicate and flavorful dishes that make up this diverse cuisine. She then heads to a market to pick up some fresh herbs and ingredients for a delicious Vietnamese seafood salad, which she cooks alongside the chef. As the dish comes together, Maeve is impressed by the balance of flavors and textures.

The final stop on Maeve's seafood journey is a Portuguese restaurant, where she meets a chef who is passionate about showcasing the unique flavors of Portugal. He demonstrates how to cook a delicious seafood stew called caldeirada, which is made with a variety of seafood and flavored with paprika and fresh herbs. Maeve is blown away by the rich, complex flavors of the dish, and declares it to be the perfect end to her seafood adventure.

Overall, Episode 9 of Food Safari season 3 is a fantastic showcase of the diversity and richness of Australia's seafood culture. From Greek and Caribbean flavors to Vietnamese and Portuguese dishes, Maeve O'Meara takes us on a journey that is sure to tantalize our taste buds and inspire us to experiment with new and exciting seafood dishes in our own kitchens.