As My Kitchen Rules (MKR) Gearing up for another spectacular season on Channel 7, judges Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge have shared their excitement and some interesting tidbits ahead of the premiere.
Having hosted Australia’s biggest dinner parties for over a decade, the dynamic duo reveal what makes the show new and why it appeals to Australian audiences.
Watch the video above: Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge on the new season of MKR.
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For Feildel, it’s a combination of factors that makes the show a joy to be a part of year after year.
“Different contestants, different dishes, travelling around the country, working with your best friend,” the French-Australian chef explained. 7NEWS.com.au.
“I mean, it’s not rocket science – it’s easy to enjoy,” Fassnidge echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of their strong partnership.
“This show would never have worked if we hadn't come together,” he says.
As far as what viewers can expect from this season, Feildel hinted that this season will feature an impressive lineup of contestants who will serve up some of the best home-cooked food in the competition's history as the celebrity chefs travel across the country.
“Yeah, I mean every year there's a surprise,” he says.
“Some people can cook better than others, but we are always surprised by some of them. And this year, the scores are higher than ever before … I was absolutely stunned.”
This season resulted in the highest scores in MKR history, with Feildel declaring that the dish was “the best dish I've had in 14 years on MKR”.
A unique aspect of MKR is the exploration of diverse cuisines and cultures.
Reflecting on the past decade, Feildel noted the prevalence of Italian cuisine in Australia, but also praised the variety of other cuisines featured on the show.
“We ate a lot of Italian food, which is one of the biggest cuisines in Australia, but we also got some amazing Asian and Indian food… not too much French!
“I think it’s too complicated for people,” he says, laughing.
If the situation were changed and the judges had to create an instant restaurant, the menu would reflect their rich culinary heritage.
Irish-born Fassnidge, who is known for his love of savory dishes, shared his ideal menu: “I would make pork shoulder, obviously there would be some sort of potato dish as well, and there would be ice cream for dessert.
“I love pork – it’s so delicious. The shoulder is one of those pieces of meat that, when you cook it long enough, you can eat it with a spoon.
“It's so soft, and it makes the skin tingle… so it's heaven for me.”
Feildel will be offering a classic rendition, staying true to his French roots.
“I'll probably make a double-baked cheese soufflé to start, you know, something that's full of flavor. I'll make some beef cheek Bourguignon, soothing red wine, and some very buttery mashed potatoes.”
MKR is back on Channel 7 and 7plus Monday 9 September, 7.30pm.