Ep 1. Earth, Fire and Water

In the first episode of Restaurant Australia, titled "Earth, Fire and Water," viewers are treated to a unique culinary journey through Australia's diverse and stunning landscapes. The episode begins in the Northern Territory, where the local Chef, Clayton Donovan, takes the audience on a tour of Kakadu National Park, one of Australia's most important Aboriginal cultural sites.

The Chef shares his deep appreciation for the native ingredients that thrive in the local environment, and shows how he incorporates them into his cooking. With a focus on earth, fire, and water, Chef Donovan forages for ingredients like finger lime, wattleseed, and lemon myrtle, which he uses to create a stunning dish called "bush tucker bruschetta". He also serves up a delicious barramundi, cooked over coals in a Dharug-painted oven, showcasing his skill with fire.

As the episode moves south, viewers meet a young Chef, Mitch Orr, who is making waves in the Sydney food scene with his imaginative and daring approach to cooking. In one standout dish, Orr combines marron (freshwater crayfish), grilled abalone and finger lime with miso and burnt onion, capturing the flavors of earth, fire, and water in one incredibly unique dish.

But it's not just about the food - Restaurant Australia also celebrates the natural beauty of the country, as well as its culture and people. The episode features stunning drone shots of Uluru at sunset, as well as footage of Chef Donovan's interactions with the local Bininj/Mungguy people, whose traditional knowledge and customs have been passed down through generations.

Overall, "Earth, Fire and Water" is a fantastic introduction to Restaurant Australia, and an inspiring showcase of the talent and creativity of Australian chefs, as well as the diverse and breathtaking landscapes that make the country so special. The combination of stunning visuals, intimate portraits of chefs and their cooking, and a deep appreciation for the natural world makes this series a must-watch for foodies and travel enthusiasts alike.