Shows
The Last Word with Matt CooperBest Cookbooks for 2024Russell Alford and Patrick Hanlon, AKA the GastroGays and Restaurant Critics with the Sunday Times, had their choices of just some of their favourite cookbooks published in 2024.To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.Cook: Traditional Irish Cooking with Modern Twists by Graham HerterichSaladology by Theo Kirwan (Sprout & Co)Simply Jamie by Jamie OliverWhole Catch by Aishling MooreSeason by Mark MoriartyCooking with Anna Haugh: Modern Home Cooking With Irish Heart by Anna Haugh A Compendium of Irish Pints by A...2024-12-1017 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast24 - Episode 25: Rick Stein Squid + Destination EliminationIn this week's elimination episode we meet the guest chef setting the challenges and it's none other than Rick Stein! We talk about our experiences with squid (squidoodles and spice bags) and smash 'n' pass several of the contestants' dishes and we say a sad farewell to another contestant... tune in to hear our thoughts!
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and eliminations.
This is the home of GastroGays' MasterChef Australia content, coinciding with the UK/Ireland broadcast this August for th...2023-09-1046 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast23 - Episode 24: Waiting Game (Ingredients v. Time) w/ Serai chefsThe ultimate decision lies ahead: do you take less ingredients for more time, or wait it out as time ticks away for the prime ingredients? Well if you've seen this episode you'll know how this Sophie's choice pans out... in this episode we try our best to use math to calculate time which goes abysmally and we think we're in love with Serai in every way imaginable...
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and eliminations.
This is the home of Gastr...2023-09-0734 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast22 - Episode 23: Secret Relay feat. Stanley ChefsAnother classic MasterChef Australia episode in this Home Cook vs. Pro Cook week. Three chefs from Stanley in Brisbane compete in a relay against three contestants. We talk about which position we'd cook in and try pin point where it all went wrong in this episode....
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and eliminations.
This is the home of GastroGays' MasterChef Australia content, coinciding with the UK/Ireland broadcast this August for the next couple of months. We are watching the se...2023-09-0627 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast21 - Episode 22: Khanh Nguyen Three-Course Pressure Test ft. NuNu ChefsIn a change of usual programming, three outside chefs compete in the MasterChef Australia kitchen like contestants, being subjected to an intense three-hour, three-course pressure test from Khanh Nguyen.
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and eliminations.
This is the home of GastroGays' MasterChef Australia content, coinciding with the UK/Ireland broadcast this August for the next couple of months. We are watching the series as it broadcasts in the UK & Ireland on "W", weeknights at 7pm.
Foll...2023-09-0528 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast20 - Episode 21: Welcome to Home Cooks vs. Pro Cooks week! Mystery BoxThree on three, we kick off this week's episodes with a mystery box! A trio of visiting chefs from Nomad in Sydney and Melbourne take blind inspiration and try to keep those pesky contestants off the gantry for immunity.
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and eliminations.
This is the home of GastroGays' MasterChef Australia content, coinciding with the UK/Ireland broadcast this August for the next couple of months. We are watching the series as it broadcasts in the UK...2023-09-0525 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast19 - Episode 20: Little Baby Cheese-iz + 10 Nostalgia Dishes EliminationAgain with the Kath & Kim references... we've made it to 20 episodes and there's 30 left to go in this season! Expect many more K&K quotes throughout...
For this eppie it's an elimination which begins with a dreamy (for us) cheese taste test before five contestants fight for their lives by remaking nostalgic classics.
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and eliminations.
This is the home of GastroGays' MasterChef Australia content, coinciding with the UK/Ireland broadcast this A...2023-09-0144 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast18 - Episode 19: Flambé, you stay + Beat the Chef: Gabriel GatéNo sashaying away in this episode as it's a strut right through to immunity for half the contestants, and this is a one flambéing hot challenge.
In this episode we talk about our adoration for Kath & Kim and as WTF is Sarsaparilla?? We award our smash and pass dishes and we talk about the beat the chef challenge with legendary French chef Gabriel Gaté!
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and eliminations.
This is the home of G...2023-08-3131 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast17 - Episode 18: It's a-meijing! Chinese Restaurant Service ChallengeSERVICE! The contestants are off-site in this challenge during nostalgia week and in the kitchens of a Melbourne suburbs institution, Mei Jing.
In two teams they duke it out putting their twists onto classic Chinese restaurant menu dishes... with varying levels of success, and in the judging a whole course gets taken off the bill. Listen in for our thoughts and reaction, plus the dishes we'd SMASH and PASS in this eppie...
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and el...2023-08-3030 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast16 - Episode 17: Messinetta Pressure Test & EliminationThe Vienetta of your dreams enters the MasterChef Australia kitchen in this episode, where three contestants duke it out in a pressure test to ensure survival. Plus, we take stock of how the judges be judging and also indicate who we think overall is leading the pack right now and those who are trailing behind a bit...
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and eliminations.
This is the home of GastroGays' MasterChef Australia content, coinciding with the UK/Ireland broadcast this...2023-08-2932 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast15 - Episode 16: Nostalgic Nosh! It's Mystery (Cereal) Box time! Like shopping at a German discount store, we're introduced to several off-brand cereals in this week's mystery box, which is all about turning iconic childhood cereal styles into delicious dishes..
This challenge kicks off 'Nostalgia Week' and as Russell always declares it was a "good episode" (even if Patrick doesn't agree) and we talk about what we would do with this challenge, we smash and pass certain dishes and we even manage to disect the intricacies of Zonfrillo claps, Hollywood handshakes and Preston spoon banging....
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will b...2023-08-2838 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast14 - Episode 15: Overnight Success! Slow Cook Elimination ChallengeOne challenge, two parts! In this episode the contestants are gifted the luxury of time –– allowing an overnight pause between two stints in the kitchen to really slow cook.
We delve into the majesty of slow-cooked lamb and we urge all and sundry to protect Robbie at all costs. We circle back on the thrills and spills of pasta so far this season and we want to try Brent's confit duck dish immediately.
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and elimination...2023-08-2543 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast13 - Episode 14: Surprise Appliances Immunity + Sergio Perera BIG suprises on the bench this episode with an immunity cook and a dashing Spanish chef to go head-to-head with!
In this episode we mention once or twice we wrote a cookbook on deep-frying as we judge the contestants' use of appliances in the first challenge. We also discuss what WE would spend the 10k Harvey Norman prize on first and we may have orchestrated a press trip to Australia in the process...
Then, we dive into fish and unusual ingredient pairings in the Beat The Chef challenge!
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post...2023-08-2442 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast12 - Episode 13: Grazeland BIG Service Challenge!Second service of the season, this time super-sized! The contestants head to Melbourne street food market Graceland to compete in two teams catering for "thousands"
1,600 dishes left the kitchen and in this episode we keep a keen eye on who shone with leadership and vision and who faded into the background. Our dreams will now be of braised Chinese-style pork belly and Thai beef salad but hold the burnt garlic-tainted rice, por favor.
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and elimi...2023-08-2331 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast11 - Episode 12: Tokyo Lamington Pressure Test!Big lamington energy with this one, it's pressure test time in the MasterChef Australia kitchen!
In this episode we speculate over a new drag queen on the scene, Sharon tres-lecki, and we go all size queen judging how each of the contestants cut their sponge. We repeat the oft-delivered advice from many teachers of "read the recipe" and we ponder about how woodwork class in school may ultimately help out in the technical end of cookery.... or maybe it hinders? Listen in to find out...
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will...2023-08-2226 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast10 - Episode 11: Welcome to Big Week + Biggest Mystery Box Ever!We've arrived into BIG week with a giant mystery box taking over the MasterChef Australia kitchen!
In this episode we delve into the minutiae of ice cream sandwiches, savour the ideas of twists on Snickers and melktart and lament some of the pasta approaches (in this, the season of pasta, it seems! MAKE IT STOP!) We love the bigger is better approach to this week's mystery box and, of course, we give our Smash and Pass to a pair of dishes each and we tell you what WE would have made with the choice of ingredients.
2023-08-2132 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast09 - Episode 10: Elimination, Julie Goodwin Seafood Stew & Redemption!The chopping block has been set up again and we have another elimination to endure. Before we get there we have a friendly face return, none other than OG winner Julie Goodwin who sets a taste test challenge of her seafood stew, which features 50 ingredients and between them the contestants have to ascertain what all the ingredients are. The first five to guess incorrectly immediately go into round two..
In the second part of the episode we see an eliminated contestant return and vye for the chance to re-join the competition.
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a pos...2023-08-2033 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast08 - Episode 9: Immunity Challenge + Beat the Chef: Darren Robertson Back in to win, this episode delves into the immunity challenge set by none other than judge Andy Allen, all about the majesty of the humble chook: rotisserie chicken.
In round two we see the winner of the immunity face off against Andy's old mucker, Darren Robertson of the Three Blue Ducks with a challenge that pits ingredients against time....
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and eliminations.
This is the home of GastroGays' MasterChef Australia content...2023-08-2023 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast07 - Episode 8: SERVICE! Kitchen v. Kitchen with Sashi & Matt Sinclair SERVICE! Did someone call for 'legends'? MasterChef Australia alumni Matt Sinclair and Sashi Cheliah return to mentor rival kitchens as we delve into the first service challenge of season 15!
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and elminations.
This is the home of GastroGays' MasterChef Australia content, coinciding with the UK/Ireland broadcast this August for the next couple of months. We are watching the series as it broadcasts in the UK & Ireland on "W", weeknights at 7pm.
Follow...2023-08-1627 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast06 - Episode 7: An Emelia Elimination Choux ChallengeMasterChef Australia Back To Win champion Emelia Jackson is back in the kitchen to share the secrets to her success! With the isolating contestants back in the kitchen, this is an elimination challenge for those who didn't take part on Sunday's one in episode 5. Sweet or savoury - contestants choice, but the brief was to put their spin on Emelia's foofproof recipe. 9 go down to 3, which leads to an elimination...sort of?
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and elminations.
...2023-08-1531 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast05 - Episode 6: Under Bench Staples Mystery Box with Poh Ling Yeow!Get in Poh-sition! It's a brand new week and the surprises keep coming: we'lll have some winners and fan favourites returning to all week to inspire with secrets of their successes! Welcome to Under Bench Staples, a post-show podcast by Russell Alford and Patrick Hanlon, where we're dishing on each episode of Season 15 of MasterChef Australia...
Poh Ling Yeow returns to the MasterChef Australia kitchen and sets the contestants a mystery box all about making under bench (pantry) staples sing!
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be disc...2023-08-1425 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast04 - Episode 5: Childhood Flavours + First EliminationWe're at the end of the first week of Season 15 of MasterChef Australia and in this episode of Under Bench Staples, a post-show podcast by Russell Alford and Patrick Hanlon, we're dishing on the first elimination of the season. In this episode there's two parts, all inspired by childhood flavours...
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and elminations.
This is the home of our MasterChef Australia content, coinciding with the UK/Ireland broadcast this August for the nex...2023-08-1425 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast03 - Episode 4: Fridge Raid! S15's First Immunity ChallengeNow we're well on the way with Season 15 of MasterChef Australia and in this episode of Under Bench Staples, a post-show podcast by Russell Alford and Patrick Hanlon, we're dishing on the first immunity challenge of the season.
Warning: Spoilers ahead –– this a post-broadcast reaction podcast so we will be discussing details of broadcasted episodes, including guests, challenges, wins and elminations.
This is the home of our MasterChef Australia content, coinciding with the UK/Ireland broadcast this August for the next couple of months. We are watching the series as it broadc...2023-08-1420 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast02 - Episode 3 Flavour BombsWe're starting to get into the series and learning each of their stories. As Jamie Oliver left the kitchen, he left a few twists for the next challenge - the winner of which will take part in the first immunity challenge.
NO OVERALL SPOILERS! We are watching the series as it broadcasts in the UK & Ireland on "W", weeknights at 7pm. Only listen after you watch the episode.
Follow at @gastrogays on Instagram or visit our Substack at chippaper.substack.com
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2023-08-1030 min
Under Bench Staples - MasterChef Australia Reaction Podcast01 - Episode 1 & Episode 2 - Give It Up For Jamie Oliver Everyone!“Righto,” as Andy Allen would say… here we are!
We’re kicking off a new podcast we are calling Under Bench Staples. This is the home of our MasterChef Australia content, kicking off and coinciding with the UK/Ireland broadcast this August for the next couple of months.
In this first episode, we talk back to back about the first episodes of Series 15 of MasterChef Australia.
NO OVERALL SPOILERS! We are watching the series as it broadcasts in the UK & Ireland on "W", weeknights at 7pm.
Follow at @gastrog...2023-08-1059 min
Down To BusinessIndustry Review: Food JournalismComing to you from Dick Mack's Pub in Dingle, for the Blas Na hEireann Food Awards and Dingle Food Festival, Bobby looked into the realm of food journalism and where we stand as a food destination as a whole with:
- Caroline Hennessy - Food writer, broadcaster & author
- Ali Dunworth, Food Journalist & consultant
- Patrick Hanlon and Russell Alford aka The Gastrogays2022-10-0109 minDown To BusinessIndustry Review: Food JournalismComing to you from Dick Mack's Pub in Dingle, for the Blas Na hEireann Food Awards and Dingle Food Festival, Bobby looked into the realm of food journalism and where we stand as a food destination as a whole with:
- Caroline Hennessy - Food writer, broadcaster & author
- Ali Dunworth, Food Journalist & consultant
- Patrick Hanlon and Russell Alford aka The Gastrogays2022-10-0109 min
The Making Of ... from Irish Country MagazineEpisode 3: The Making of Craft CocktailsPresented by Klara Heron and Róisín Healy Produced by Claire NashShow art by Laura Merrigan Thanks to our guest, Craft Cocktails founder Dave Mulligan Recommendation links: · Something to make you smile: Check out Irish designers like Róisín Linnane and cool contemporary brands at Arnotts, and For All Our Days That Tear The Heart, the new album from Jessie Buckley and Bernard Butler. Follow Buckley & Butler here. · Something to make you think: Hot Fat, the new cookbook by Gastrogays, Russell Alford...2022-07-0850 min
Best Possible Taste with Sharon Noonan10 May 2022In this episode of the Best Possible Taste we talk to Russell Alford and Patrick Hanlon, AKA the GastroGays, about their first cookbook HOT FAT. The book is the 2nd in the Blasta Books series, an imprint of boutique Irish publishing house Nine Bean Rows Books.
Then we head to Co Mayo to meet McKinley Neal, Pax Wholefoods and Eco Goods - a sustainable grocery and minimal waste shop in Westport.
Photo credit: Philip Doyle
Blogging duo Russell James Alford and Patrick Hanlon known as Gastrogays photographed at the Woolen Mills in Dublin City Centre.2022-05-1054 min