Ep 6. Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley is the sixth episode of the first season of the popular Australian cooking show Surfing the Menu. The show, hosted by two passionate foodies, Curtis Stone and Ben O'Donoghue, takes viewers on a culinary journey through Australia and New Zealand to discover some of the best local produce that these regions have to offer.

In this episode, Curtis and Ben head to Hunter Valley, a beautiful wine region in New South Wales, Australia. They are on a mission to find the finest local produce, which they will later use to create a delicious meal that showcases the true flavors of the region.

The episode begins with Curtis and Ben visiting a boutique winery, where they meet the winemaker and learn about the unique terroir of the Hunter Valley. They then head to a local farm to pick fresh vegetables and herbs that will complement the meal.

Next, they visit a local dairy farm where they meet the cows and learn about the importance of ethical and sustainable farming practices. They also get to sample some of the delicious cheese that the farm produces.

The hosts then head to a local market to source some more ingredients. Here, they meet some passionate food producers who share their love for local and sustainable produce. They buy some fresh seafood and some locally made jams and chutneys, which they plan to use as accompaniments for their meal.

With all the ingredients in hand, Curtis and Ben head to a beautiful outdoor kitchen that overlooks the breathtaking Hunter Valley. Here, the hosts demonstrate their culinary skills as they prepare a mouthwatering meal using the ingredients they have sourced.

For the main course, they prepare a pan-fried snapper with a herb and caper butter sauce, accompanied by roasted vegetables and a homemade cucumber, dill, and sour cream dressing. For dessert, they whip up a delicious apple and rhubarb crumble with a homemade custard.

Throughout the episode, Curtis and Ben demonstrate their passion for using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and their love for the Australian culinary landscape. They also highlight the importance of sustainability and ethical farming practices, and how these practices can help to create a more vibrant and diverse food culture.

Overall, Hunter Valley is a beautiful episode that showcases the incredible produce and culinary expertise of Australia's Hunter Valley region. The hosts' passion for food and commitment to sustainability make this episode both entertaining and informative, and viewers are sure to come away with a greater appreciation for locally sourced and sustainable food.