The Cook And The Chef

Watch The Cook And The Chef

  • 2006
  • 1 Season
  • 8.2  (74)

The Cook and The Chef was a cooking show that aired on ABC from 2006 to 2009. The show featured two hosts, Maggie Beer, an acclaimed cook and restaurateur from the Barossa Valley, and Simon Bryant, a professional chef who has worked in some of Australia's top restaurants.

The show was unique in that it didn't just focus on recipes, but instead explored the philosophy and science behind food. Each episode centered around a particular theme or ingredient, with Maggie and Simon providing their own unique perspectives on how to cook and eat it.

One of the reasons The Cook and The Chef was so popular was because of the rapport between the hosts. Maggie was the more relaxed and casual of the two, often sharing personal anecdotes and stories about her family and home life. Simon, on the other hand, was more focused on the technical aspects of cooking, but never came across as pretentious or unapproachable.

Together, they would cook up a variety of dishes using the ingredient of the day, showcasing different techniques and styles. Viewers were encouraged to experiment and find their own way with food, rather than simply following recipes.

Throughout its run, The Cook and The Chef covered a wide range of topics, from the benefits of buying local produce to the importance of using sustainable fishing methods. Maggie and Simon would often visit local producers and suppliers, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at where their food comes from.

One of the most memorable episodes was when the hosts explored the topic of "ugly produce". They visited a market where suppliers were selling imperfect fruits and vegetables at a discount, and used them to create a range of delicious meals. The episode sparked a nationwide conversation about food waste and sustainability.

Another standout episode focused on the art of fermentation. Maggie and Simon showed viewers how to make their own sauerkraut and kimchi, explaining the benefits of fermenting food for gut health.

Overall, The Cook and The Chef was an informative and engaging show that showcased the diversity and richness of Australian cuisine. It encouraged viewers to be more adventurous in their cooking, and to appreciate the unique flavours and textures of different ingredients.

While the show has not been on the air since 2009, it remains a beloved part of Australian culinary culture. Maggie Beer and Simon Bryant have continued to be prominent figures in the food industry, and The Cook and The Chef remains a classic example of informative and entertaining television.

The Cook And The Chef
Filter by Source
No sources available
Seasons
Christmas
43. Christmas
December 5, 2006
Christmas is fast approaching, but for some of us that brings the annual stress of working out how to feed a big group! This week Maggie and Simon demonstrate that cooking a Christmas lunch or dinner doesn't have to be stressful.
Holiday Picnic
42. Holiday Picnic
November 28, 2006
Summer's just around the corner and soon the days in the Barossa Valley will be hot and the risk of snakes too high to roam far, so Maggie is making the most of the last mild weather.
Say Cheese
41. Say Cheese
November 21, 2006
There's cheese, cheese and more cheese in this episode of The Cook and The Chef.
BBQ Party
40. BBQ Party
November 14, 2006
The warm spring days in the Barossa Valley are perfect for a barbecue and this week Maggie and Simon make the most of the weather to turn on the gas and start sizzling some of their favorite ingredients.
Bush Tucker
39. Bush Tucker
November 7, 2006
This week on the show Maggie and Simon go 'wild' by cooking up some dishes using ingredients that are not farmed.
Cooking With Friends
38. Cooking With Friends
October 31, 2006
On today's menu Maggie and Simon visit a couple of cooking mates and mentors, who have played a part in their professional and personal lives.
Shellfish
37. Shellfish
October 24, 2006
If you're a lover of shellfish, this one's for you.
A Moveable Feast
36. A Moveable Feast
October 17, 2006
It's the middle of spring and the sunshine and longer days are a great excuse for people to get together and enjoy good company and good food.
It's Offal
35. It's Offal
October 10, 2006
When 'offal' is mentioned most of us think of the internal organs of animals, but the word also refers to anything that is considered worthless or thrown away.
Blondes Have More Fun
34. Blondes Have More Fun
October 3, 2006
Chefs love working with color and contrast, but Maggie and Simon love a challenge so this week they're going blonde.
Fresh or Frozen
33. Fresh or Frozen
September 19, 2006
Maggie and Simon set out to prove that some frozen produce not only has its merits but in some cases, has its advantages.
Just Veg
32. Just Veg
September 12, 2006
Longer days and a more generous serving of sun - spring has arrived, and it's the perfect time to get into fresh vegies.
Spring Has Sprung
31. Spring Has Sprung
September 5, 2006
Its time to throw open the window, peel off the winter woollies and marvel at and the wonders of the new season.
A Sunday Roast
30. A Sunday Roast
August 29, 2006
There is nothing like a leg of spring Lamb for the perfect Sunday Roast.
Kangaroo Island
29. Kangaroo Island
August 22, 2006
Around fourteen kilometers off the coast of South Australia lies a beautiful and unspoilt piece of land.
An English Theme
28. An English Theme
August 15, 2006
Simon's on a mission to get back to his English "Food Roots" with classic ingredients like Stilton Cheese and Pork sausages.
Citrus
27. Citrus
August 8, 2006
Citrus is often considered a basic ingredient, but Simon and Maggie are convinced that it deserves more of a starring role in our kitchens so this week they give it its place in the sun.
Winter Comfort Food
26. Winter Comfort Food
August 1, 2006
It's time to shake off the winter blues with a serve of piping hot comfort food.
Old Favorites
25. Old Favorites
July 25, 2006
Maggie and Simon bring back some Old Favorites and, of course, reveal secrets that take your cooking to another level.
In the Hills
24. In the Hills
July 18, 2006
When Simon returned to Adelaide, after studying to be a chef, he had a whole new appreciation for the Adelaide Hills.
Winter and Chocolate
23. Winter and Chocolate
July 11, 2006
The weather's cooler.. ugg boots are on.. and fires are roaring. Before the Winter Blues' hit, why not cheer up with some chocolate. And the good news is, Maggie and Simon show you how to use chocolate in ways that aren't all that bad for you.
A German Influence
22. A German Influence
July 4, 2006
Maggie Beer is passionate about the Barossa Valley and its German Heritage.
Planning
21. Planning
June 27, 2006
Preparing for Christmas in June is not the norm for most of us, but for Maggie and Simon it's the ideal time to plan ahead and 'put down' some ingredients to mature nicely for the festive season.
Catering for Different Diets
20. Catering for Different Diets
June 23, 2006
Maggie and Simon can't bear the thought of anyone missing out on one of life's great pleasures, good food, so they've come up with recipes to convince us that a gluten free diet doesn't have to be a boring one.
Oils Ain't Oils
19. Oils Ain't Oils
June 13, 2006
Maggie Beer says she wouldn't be the cook she is today without great olive oil.
Rubbish Fish
18. Rubbish Fish
June 6, 2006
Thanks to the European and Asian influences on Australian culture we are all increasingly appreciating the food value of fish that fishermen once called "Rubbish Fish".
Favorite Things
17. Favorite Things
May 30, 2006
It's the last week of Autumn and Maggie and Simon are indulging as they showcase a few of their favorite things.
Autumn Fruit and Veg
16. Autumn Fruit and Veg
May 23, 2006
The great variety of autumn Fruit and Veg on offer has both Maggie and Simon embracing the season.
Autumn Fruit and Nuts
15. Autumn Fruit and Nuts
May 16, 2006
If you thought salads were just for Summer, think again! Its Autumn and the new seasons array of Fruit and Nuts sees Maggie and Simon whip up a collection of captivating flavours.
An Autumn Party
14. An Autumn Party
May 10, 2006
Welcome to an episode that's Autumnal and extraordinary. Maggie introduces Simon to her outdoor wood-fired oven, and he uses it to make some pottery with a very special meal inside.
BBQ
13. BBQ
May 2, 2006
It's time to fire up the barbie and pay homage to Australia's love of outdoor cooking and dining. In The Cook and The Chef this week, Maggie and Simon celebrate the BBQ and show viewers how to get the most from it.
Cooking With Grapes
12. Cooking With Grapes
April 25, 2006
Raise a toast to the glorious grape as Simon and Maggie celebrate with the fruit of the vine.
Kids in the Kitchen
11. Kids in the Kitchen
April 18, 2006
Don't know what to do with the kids during school holidays? Don't know what to feed them? Why not get into the kitchen and cooking with Maggie and Simon as they prepare kid friendly dishes like Meatloaf and Chicken Egg Noodles.
Easter
10. Easter
April 11, 2006
It's Easter and Simon surprises Maggie with a chilli Easter Egg whipped up at work under the expert eyes of his pastry chefs.
Pizzas
9. Pizzas
April 4, 2006
Maggie and Simon share their secrets for making brilliant pizzas in conventional ovens.
An Early Autumn Lunch
8. An Early Autumn Lunch
March 28, 2006
The season is on the change and Maggie and Simon prepare for an early autumn lunch.
Summer Party for 20
7. Summer Party for 20
March 21, 2006
Maggie asks Simon to help prepare for a party for 20 of her friends.
No Fuss or Failure Dinner Party Setup
6. No Fuss or Failure Dinner Party Setup
March 14, 2006
Maggie Beer and Simon Bryant invite us into the kitchen to share the secrets to having friends for dinner without fuss or failure - but with a little drama and presentation.
A Late Summer Lunch
5. A Late Summer Lunch
March 7, 2006
This week on the Cook and the Chef, Maggie and Simon really show their different approaches to cooking.
Brunch
4. Brunch
February 28, 2006
What better way to entertain than to have a Brunch.
The Orchard
3. The Orchard
February 21, 2006
Maggie and Simon travel to Mallyons organic stone fruit orchard on the river Murray to taste the organic peaches and apricots grown by Nick and Rita Builder.
A Summer Lunch
2. A Summer Lunch
February 14, 2006
Maggie Beer and Simon Bryant go squidding and it's easy to see that this is a new experience for Maggie.
Best in Season
1. Best in Season
February 8, 2006
Both Maggie and Simon believe that there is nothing more important than to source the best possible ingredients to use when cooking.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    February 8, 2006
  • IMDB Rating
    8.2  (74)