Matt Moran is a classic Aussie pavlova – hard on the outside but all gooey on the inside.
The self-described ‘humble cook having a crack’ sat down for an exclusive interview with Daily Mail Australia at the premiere party for his new show, where he had his soft side on full display, delving into his most dear food moments, his Easter plans and his new heartstrings-puller of a series.
Speaking of Memory Bites with Matt Moran, which sees the 55-year-old restaurateur recreate the most memorable food moments of his celebrity friends, he called it ‘an alignment of a perfect storm.’
The idea for the show was born from a YouTube series the celebrity chef started during COVID, when he ‘didn’t have a lot to do.’
Years on, Matt continues to create dishes that spark nostalgia in his mates, a format that he dubs ‘fun’ and ‘likeable’, while also pulling on the heartstrings.
Reflecting on an episode with his good pal actor Richard Roxburgh, the chef realised that ‘learning about his childhood and that part of his life’ through cooking and conversation brought him a better understanding of his friend, an emotion-packed experience for both.
Matt Moran (pictured) had his soft side on full display at the premiere party for his new show, delving into his most dear food moments, his Easter plans and his upcoming series
When asked if he shed a few tears during filming, the stoic chef paused before making a sweet admission: ‘I’m an emotional guy.’
The show conjures up nostalgia in its viewers and its celebrity guests, which include Roxburgh, Pia Miranda, Ross Noble, Danielle Cormack, Courtney Act and Christine Anu.
But as his friends unpack their most visceral memories of food, Matt’s memory bite is as simple as it is sweet.
‘I think of making date scones with my nan,’ he said, reflecting on his holidays spent with family as a kid.
Lamb roasts on Sundays and icy cold milk straight from the vat also conjured up happy childhood memories for the TV personality.
But it’s the memories the star makes today with his family and friends that clearly have a hold on him.
Revealing his plans to spend Easter on his farm, Matt said: ‘I always do a Easter egg hunt with my kids.
‘Unfortunately they’re getting too old these days – but we will still do it,’ he chuckled, adding that wrestling for eggs this year may come as a bit of a challenge now that his son towers over him.
Speaking of Memory Bites with Matt Moran, which sees the 55-year-old restaurateur recreate the most memorable food moments of his celebrity friends, he called it ‘an alignment of a perfect storm’
Matt continues to create dishes that spark nostalgia in his mates, a format that he dubs ‘fun’ and ‘likeable’, while also pulling on the heartstrings
As for the menu, the chef will be doing lamb on the barbi, but is leaving the hot cross buns to actress and cookbook author Sylvia Colloca, who will be joining the chef over the long weekend with her husband Roxburgh.
‘Sylvia is a phenomenal baker so if she doesn’t make hot cross buns for me she probably wont be asked back again,’ he laughed.
Its these friends and family, says Matt, that are the foundation of his success, helping him find balance in the rat race that is fame.
‘I believe in looking after people and they’ll look after you.’
Citing a good support system as a catapult to the top, Matt dubbed those who say they do it all by themselves ‘f***ing idiots.’
‘Surround yourself with good people,’ he said.
‘I surround myself with really good people,’ he proudly shared, before adding: ‘I’m very lucky.’
The proof is in the pudding: Matt Moran is a hard-hitting chef and an undeniable giant softie.
Memory Bites with Matt Moran is available on SBS Food and SBS On Demand
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