Syrup and Tang » media

My Kitchen Rules: I can see burnt bits

Duncan — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 02:46:50 +0000

Australian television viewers are apparently enjoying My Kitchen Rules and Conviction Kitchen. I think the former is unpleasant and mediocre, yet somehow compulsive viewing, while the latter seems to sully its apparently good intentions with prejudice and drama.

Can the honest reputation of foodblogs survive the PR-foodblogger relationship?

Duncan — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 12:23:15 +0000

It seems foodblogging has matured far enough to be entwined in a pretty tiresome game of cat and mouse with restaurateurs and public relations (PR) companies, egos, money and more. It's worth contemplating what the fallout will be.

This article has been brewing for a few months, as I tried to reconcile my opinions about freedoms, community, advertising and blogging with some of the changes that have been happening in Melbourne's foodblogosphere.

The flexible macaron Top 20 and why I'm off it

Duncan — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 13:30:05 +0000

Many people have asked me why I'm not participating in the Melbourne Macaron competition, I've decided I need to write an explanation of my perspective. It's about rules and fees and up-front transparency.

Soulless food: My Kitchen Rules

Duncan — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:04:10 +0000

Yet another unreality food show has hit our Australian telly screens. My Kitchen Rules, where teams representing five states vie for the title of most-self-confident but not-quite-expert home entertaining maestros. People showing off to each other isn't exactly my idea of fun cooking viewing, but hey, maybe there's something to enjoy in it.

Masterchef Australia's macarons: bad crunch

Duncan — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:05:50 +0000

Every contestant in Masterchef Australia episode 61 had crunchy macarons. (Ok, except Andre, who didn't have macarons at all.) The microphones captured the powdery crunch. It should never have been like that. I think I know why it might have happened. NOW UPDATED with extra stupid stuff.

Sow stalls in Australia

Duncan — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:54:36 +0000

I don't think most Australians have any particularly awareness of the conditions for livestock animals in Australia. We hear occasional stories from overseas and can, of course, read books such as Fast Food Nation or The Omnivore's Dilemma to get even more of an idea. We know that chickens lead an awful life in battery farms, but what of pigs and other animals in Australia?

The cruelties of good nutrition – or the day the broccoli came home to roost

Duncan — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 05:58:05 +0000

I am disturbed, disturbed! An article in The Guardian late last year drew my attention to the existence of a list. A subversive, deeply disturbing list. A list with earth-shattering implications for my hitherto guilt-free diet of pastry and chocolate. As if we needed more proof that things haven't been right in the United States in recent years, I fear that the military-industrial-vegetable complex is attempting a green coup.

Cakes to make you vomit

Duncan — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:52:11 +0000

I just tripped across a very funny article about a US television cook, Sandra Lee, who seems to create all sorts of abominations. The commentary is funny and the pics and vid are great illustrations.

France, celebrity chefs and bad diet

Duncan — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:36:58 +0000

France is seeing the rise of homegrown celebrity chefs and open concern about dining habits.

Review: Eating Between the Lines, by Rebecca Huntley

Duncan — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 04:02:47 +0000

Eating Between the Lines has received a bit of media attention since its publication recently. I heard a radio interview with the author and found the discussion interesting. I've now worked my way through the book and as you'll read, I wasn't impressed. This is a work which ranges too broadly and has difficulty bringing together the threads. The author specialises in well written social commentary, but without enough insight to make for powerful reading.