Ep 23. The New Australia

The New Australia is the twenty-third episode of the third season of Christopher Kimball's Milk Street. In this episode, Christopher Kimball and his team travel down under to Australia to discover the country's culinary scene. They explore the New Australian cuisine, which is inspired by the diverse immigrant culture and the abundance of locally sourced ingredients in the country.

The episode starts with Christopher Kimball exploring the bustling markets of Sydney, where he finds exotic and unfamiliar ingredients like finger limes, native pepper, and bush tomatoes. He visits Chef Peter Gilmore at his acclaimed restaurant Quay, where he experiences modern Australian cuisine that focuses on the fresh, seasonal, and vibrant produce of the land and sea.

Christopher also meets with Chef Brent Savage, who showcases his innovative take on vegetable dishes at his restaurant Yellow. He uses unique techniques and unexpected flavor combinations to elevate vegetables to a whole new level of deliciousness.

The Milk Street team also visits a farm in New South Wales, where they witness the sustainable and ethical practices of local farmers and producers. They learn about regenerative agriculture, which is a holistic and ecologically sound approach to farming that aims to restore the health and productivity of the land.

Back in the Milk Street kitchen, Christopher and his team recreate some of the dishes they discovered in Australia. They make a zesty finger lime tart that combines the tartness of finger limes with the sweetness of a classic custard dessert. They also make an umami-packed sauce using native pepper, miso, and soy sauce, which is perfect for grilled meats and vegetables.

Finally, Christopher and his team showcase a simple yet flavorful vegetable dish that can be made using any seasonal produce. They use techniques like scorching and roasting to bring out the sweetness and depth of flavor in the vegetables, and they top it off with a creamy tahini dressing and pomegranate seeds for a burst of freshness.

The New Australia episode of Christopher Kimball's Milk Street is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse culinary scene in Australia. It highlights the country's commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and innovative techniques, as well as the richness of its local produce and immigrant culture. The episode inspires viewers to experiment with new ingredients and flavors, and to embrace a more conscious approach to cooking and eating.