Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and arguably one of the most culturally diverse and gastronomically ground-breaking. Famous for culinary icons like uber-fresh seafood, flat white coffee, meat pies and the big, bold, Shiraz, it's the perfect setting for the epicurean adventure of a lifetime.
Enter Food Network's first locally commissioned production Andy + Ben Eat Australia.
Fulfilling the bucket list dreams of every Aussie, young and old, best mate foodie triple-threats Andy Allen and Ben Milbourne will introduce Food Network audiences to this mouth-watering series by fishing and foraging their way from Ben's home in fertile Tasmania, through spectacular South Australia, Victoria's diverse landscapes, bustling New South Wales to the northern tip of Queensland's lush tropics.
'We're stoked to be bringing this awesome, engaging series that showcases our country's infinite range of high quality produce and menus to Aussie audiences as Food Network's first local production.
'This is a major passion project for us, something we committed to when we met five years ago, and we can't wait for you to join us as we meet the people who are growing and using the best produce in the world as we learn, experience, cook and eat everything they can throw at us!" – Andy Allen and Ben Milbourne
Part travel show, part cooking show, it's raw and exciting and like any memorable road trip, sometimes things go to plan and sometimes they don't – making for entertaining, often hilarious television.
The recipes are vibrant and exciting, at times imagined by Andy and Ben in the heat of the moment, injecting an air of anticipation to the stunning indoor and outdoor cooking set-ups.
Andy and Ben will educate viewers and increase awareness of our distinctive food-scene; showcasing local producers and businesses and most importantly, entertain audiences.
Throughout the 15-part series viewers will be taken on a journey to uncover the ultimate Modern Australian menu, a blend of tradition and innovation. The first episodes are set in picturesque Tasmania and feature abalone farming, a personal tour of Franklin with head-chef David Moyle, farming beef in Cape Grim, hunting for sea urchins, and a visit to the Bruny Island Cheese Co.
Other highlights of the series include fresh honey harvesting, fish and chips with Andy's dad, foraging for native ingredients, open range egg farming, blue swimmer crab raking, wine blending at Jacob's Creek, lessons in fermentation, and delicious tastings at Africola, Urbane, St Ali, Knafeh Bearded Bakers, Four Pillars Gin Distillery, Milk and Honey Pizzeria and Andy's own Three Blue Ducks in Sydney.
New double episodes will air weekly at 9.30pm and 10.00pm Wednesdays on Food Network.
Andy + Ben Eat Australia is a commissioned production produced for SBS by Projucer.
Episodes will be available on SBS On Demand day after broadcast.
All recipes will be available on SBS Food Online at launch.
Join the conversation on social media with #EatAustralia and @theeatseries
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