Actor, producer and director Aaron Fa’aoso will debut his tantalising TV series Strait to the Plate next month on NITV and SBS Food, taking viewers on a delectable odyssey through the Torres Strait Islands.
What better way to get to know people than through their food. Over five episodes, Strait to the Plate will unearth a feast of signature culinary delights, navigating through six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and providing a contemporary snapshot of the people, food, language, and life in the Torres Strait Islands.
Aaron Fa'aoso hosts Strait to the Plate, a food series exploring Torres Strait Islander cuisine. Source: NITV
Aaron visits Badu, Poruma and Moa Islands, as well as communities in the Northern Peninsula Area at the tip of Cape York on the mainland. In each location, Aaron meets locals who have perfected their signature dishes. From freshly caught snapper, to a masterclass in fusion cooking, as well as diving for giant clams, every dish tells a story about the Torres Strait and the many peoples who’ve contributed to the rich culture of these islands.
Host Aaron Fa’aoso, a proud Torres Strait Islander whose television credits include R.A.N, Black Comedy, East West 101 and voicing Old Dog in Children's series, Little J and Big Cuz, says the new food series was inspired by the lack of contemporary food and lifestyle programs that illustrate and explore the very unique and unknown part of the other First Nations people of Australia — the Torres Strait Islanders.
"The Torres Strait region is such a beautiful and unique part of northern Australia and there is simply not enough that is known about the region and its people. I was inspired to create a program that would expose the beautiful diversity of people, culture, language and way of life through the food,” Fa'aoso said.
Cuisine from Badu Island on Strait To The Plate Source: NITV
Cuisine from Cape York Northern Peninsula on Strait to the Plate. Source: NITV
NITV Head of Commissioning and Programming, Kyas Hepworth praised Aaron Fa’aoso as a much-loved member of the NITV family.
"After working with him on multiple projects including Little J & Big Cuz and Going Places with Ernie Dingo, we’re thrilled to launch his debut food series Strait to the Plate next month.
Actor Aaron Fa'aoso guides viewers through the people, culture and food of the Torres Strait. Source: NITV
Aaron visits Badu, Poruma and Moa islands, Northern Peninsula Area at the tip of Cape York on Strait to the Plate. Source: NITV
"Strait to the Plate allows viewers to explore the visually stunning Torres Strait Islands through food, culture and a whole lot more. It’s a gorgeous series uncovering a unique part of Australia, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience it," Hepworth says.
Strait to the Plate is a contemporary Torres Strait Islander narrative that is steeped in history, culture and tradition and how the people of the Torres Strait region continue to preserve, maintain and practice their way of life through food.
To celebrate the premiere of Strait to the Plate, NITV’s news and current affairs program Living Black will air a special episode in the lead-up to launch.
Revered presenter and journalist Karla Grant speaks with Aaron Fa’aoso about Strait to the Plate and his first foray into the world of television. Aaron will delve into his latest journey of discovery and the art of storytelling through tantalising ingredients in picturesque locations. The episode will broadcast at Monday 19 April, 8.30pm on NITV, and will be available on SBS On Demand after broadcast.
Strait to the Plate will premiere on Thursday 22 April at 7.30pm on NITV and SBS Food. Episodes air weekly, and the series will also be available each week after broadcast on SBS On Demand.
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