Group 2 – Engaged scientists
Engaged scientists Emma and Andrew believe they’ve got the right formula to win.
“Our kitchen rules because we like to experiment, we’re good at what we do and we have fun while we’re doing it,” Emma says. “I think having science behind us is a positive thing in that we know how materials and ingredients react and interact with each other.”
The chemistry between Andrew, who works as an environmental scientist, and Emma, a science communicator, can be intense. “There’s quite a few fireworks at times as we do disagree quite a bit but we do laugh a lot as well,” Emma says.
Andrew adds with a wink: “We argue when she refuses to be reasonable.”
Emma has nicknamed her husband-to-be a “rant-a-sauraus” because of his tendency to rant. “What does Andrew rant about? The better question would be what doesn’t he rant about? It’s pretty much about everything and at least six times a day.” Andrew admits: “I do carry on a bit sometimes.”
While cooking for them is fun, it’s also spiced with danger thanks to clumsy Andrew who admits he’s “fairly uncoordinated in the kitchen.”
“He injures himself every time he steps into a kitchen,” Emma says. “He takes things out of the oven without mitts on. He sets at least one tea towel on fire a week.”
Andrew, 34, was born in South Africa and moved to Perth when he was three. Emma, also 34, grew up south of Perth in the country town of Busselton. “Being brought up in the country, I remember making honey crackles and cupcakes,” Emma says. “I learnt most of my stuff from my mum.”
But since they began dating seven years ago, the pair have taken their cooking to a new level. “Since we’ve been together, we have really branched out,” Emma says. “We try different things and cook more often.”
Andrew adds: “We’ve picked up bits and pieces from everyone; friends, family, cookbooks…the lot.”
They like to cook good, honest food and experimenting with different cuisines rather than focusing on just one.
“We’re very versatile,” Andrew says. “There’s not a cuisine we don’t mind trying.”
While Andrew is a fan of Luke Nguyen for his fresh and simple approach to food, Emma loves the king of molecular gastronomy, Heston Blumenthal. “I like the fact he experiments with things and sees food as an experiment.”
While neither of them have aspirations to turn cooking into a career, Emma wouldn’t mind combining her love of science with food. “I’d love to educate children with food,” she says. “They’re all getting into food and cooking so I’d love for them to make that connection with science and food. Cooking is basically science. You experiment with food and use your mouth to test it.”
Entering My Kitchen Rules was all Emma’s idea. “I thought it would be fun and give us a chance to be a team,” she says.
Andrew adds: “We like going to new places and trying different food. That’s what so great with My Kitchen Rules.
We’re interested in learning more and flying around Australia critiquing instant restaurants sounds like a lot of fun.”
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