Adam Liaw Reflects on Cooking Adventures and Kitchen Mishaps

Personal Treasures and Culinary History

A teddy bear named Ralph. I’ve had it since I was two years old; it’s something I can’t throw out. That’s the oldest personal thing, but I do have a plate that is over 600 years old. So it’s either a pretty ratty stuffed dog or a very ancient Edo period plate. I serve food on that plate sometimes – I’m sure antique collectors would be aghast, but I think it’s only right to use those things.

Exciting Collaborations and Nervous Moments

I was genuinely chuffed about meeting Martin Yan from Yan Can Cook, because I watched him for so many years, long before I was ever on telly. That was a real thrill. I remember I was nervous about it. We cooked gongbao jiding, or kung pao chicken as Liaw calls it in Chinese.

Another nervous moment occurred when he cooked a very expensive steak and ended up overcooking it due to a faulty thermometer. This mishap led him to stop using thermometers for several years. Instead, he improved his skills by relying on feel and visual cues, resulting in better-cooked meats overall.

Kitchen Mishaps and Advice

A significant kitchen mishap involved an ice-cream selling job at the Australian Grand Prix when Liaw was 14. At the time, it was a hot 45 degrees every day, and he had to carry heavy containers of ice cream in an insulated container for four days straight. Despite earning only about $30 per day, this job was extremely taxing. Another chaotic incident occurred while filming [SBS show] North American Fan Feasts.

Useless Kitchen Utensils and Personal Beliefs

A significant kitchen utensil that Liaw identifies as the most useless is the garlic crusher. He argues that it takes more time to clean than the time saved when using it, suggesting one should simply crush garlic with the skin on for quicker results. This belief is based on his experience in the kitchen where efficiency and simplicity are key.

Famous Cooking Guests and Future Plans

The most famous person Liaw has cooked for is Gordon Ramsay. Despite a spill incident involving his wife, Ramsay was fine about it. Looking ahead, Adam Liaw's North American Fan Feasts will premiere on SBS and SBS On Demand on 6 July. The show promises to bring authentic North American cooking experiences to Australian audiences.

In conclusion, Adam Liaw's journey from a lawyer at Disney to a celebrated TV chef is filled with memorable moments, both exciting and challenging. His personal treasures, collaborative experiences, kitchen mishaps, and future plans all contribute to his unique culinary perspective. As he continues to share his knowledge and passion for cooking on The Cook Up with Adam Liaw and upcoming projects like North American Fan Feasts, fans can look forward to more fascinating stories and delicious recipes.

Source: The Guardian