Watch Surfing the Menu

Surfing the Menu is an Australian cooking show that first aired on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 2003. The show stars Ben O'Donoghue and Curtis Stone, two well-known Australian chefs, as they travel along the Australian coast in search of the country's best seafood. They are joined by Mark Gardner, a surfer and fisherman who helps them catch some of the local seafood.

The show is split into two parts, with each episode featuring a different type of seafood. The first part of each episode sees the trio travelling to a different coastal town, where they explore the local area and learn about the local seafood. They meet with local fishermen and fishmongers, and try their hand at catching some of the seafood themselves, before heading to a local restaurant to sample some of the local dishes.

The second part of each episode takes place in a kitchen, where O'Donoghue and Stone cook up a series of dishes using the seafood they have collected. They each create two dishes, with Gardner acting as judge, and the winner receiving the coveted Surfing the Menu trophy.

One of the things that makes Surfing the Menu stand out from other cooking shows is the focus on seafood. Australia has over 59,000 kilometers of coastline, and the show takes advantage of this, showcasing some of the lesser-known seafood that is native to Australia's waters. The show also highlights the importance of sustainable fishing, with the team ensuring that they only catch seafood that is in season and that they have been given permission to catch.

The show's presenters are a key part of its appeal. O'Donoghue and Stone are both experienced chefs, and they bring their own unique personalities to the show. O'Donoghue is the more laid-back of the two, with a love of BBQ and a passion for surfing. Stone, on the other hand, is more focused and intense, and brings his experience as a Michelin-starred chef to the show.

Gardner, meanwhile, is the show's wildcard. As a surfer and fisherman, he has an intimate knowledge of the Australian coastline, and his enthusiasm for fishing is infectious. He also serves as a foil to the two chefs, often poking fun at them and providing a unique perspective on the dishes they create.

The show's production values are also impressive. The coastal towns that the team visits are beautifully shot, with the show making the most of the natural beauty of the Australian coastline. The cooking segments are also well-produced, with the team using a range of techniques and ingredients to create their dishes.

Surfing the Menu was well-received by critics and viewers alike when it first aired, and it has since become something of a cult classic. The show's mix of stunning scenery, delicious food, and quirky personalities makes it an enjoyable watch for anyone with an interest in cooking or travel. It also showcases the many different facets of Australian cuisine, making it an important cultural touchstone for those interested in learning more about the country's culinary traditions.

In conclusion, Surfing the Menu is a charming and engaging cooking show that makes the most of its unique Australian setting. The combination of beautiful scenery, delicious seafood, and quirky personalities makes it an enjoyable watch for anyone, and its focus on sustainable fishing practices makes it an important contribution to the wider debate on environmentalism and food sustainability.

Surfing the Menu is a series that ran for 4 seasons (32 episodes) between January 13, 2004 and on Australian Broadcasting Corporation