From the unbridled joy of cooking a delicious feast to breaking bread with loved ones, Matt Preston has connected with food his entire life. Now, the acclaimed journalist, radio/TV presenter is exploring its history in Matt Preston’s World Of Flavour.
TV WEEK caught up with the former MasterChef Australia judge to learn more about the mouthwatering tale.
What was the inspiration behind World of Flavour?
I’ve found there are so many myths to be busted and great stories to uncover about how, why and where these familiar dishes were first created. I read ancient cookery books, scoured the household accounts of medieval courts in India, Korea or Portugal, listened to old radio interviews, and searched odd places, like the 1903 journal of a French railway enthusiasts club (to confirm facts on apple tarte tatin).
The acclaimed journalist, radio/TV presenter is exploring the history of food in Matt Preston’s World Of Flavour.
(Image: Penguin Random House Australia)What was dinnertime like growing up in your household? Do you carry on any family traditions today?
There was a lot of talking, laughing and a bit of arguing – I had three siblings to help me do that. The food was a short list of rotating favourites of which the Bolognese (which has to be slow-cooked for hours), roast chook (which has to come with bread sauce and lots of gravy) and an unnatural love of brussels sprouts remain on my family’s table.
Have any defining moments in your life taken place around food?
So many! It’s been my life! Some of the best ideas, biggest laughs and most romantic moments happen when breaking bread with family and friends. That might be sharing late-night food-truck tacos on a dodgy LA street corner with mates, or that involuntary welling up of emotion that comes when you look up from the plate and see the woman you love sitting on the other side of the table.
How have you handled the [lockdown] struggles of the past 12 months?
It’s not been easy. I’m a very gregarious, social person. I’ve survived by searching out those little buds of joy and appreciating that I got to spend loads of time with my kids. It’s been hard being unable to visit my mother in the UK, but that’s a pain many of us have had to endure.
Professionally, I cooked, I lost myself writing this book and my columns, and I challenged myself to learn new skills. I hope the year ends with us all being able to eat and drink together again with those we love.
