The Cook Up With Adam Liaw Guests

Adam Liaw, the bloke who makes cooking look as easy as breathing, has been back in our kitchens with his show, Cook Up With Adam Liaw. But this season, it's not just about Adam whipping up magic. He's invited some seriously cool people into his culinary playground, and let me tell you, it’s been a hoot! Forget stuffy chefs with their fancy foams; these are folks who, like us, sometimes burn the toast and still have a good laugh about it.

First up, let's talk about Rhys Nicholson. Now, if you know Rhys, you know he’s a comedian who doesn't hold back. He’s got this wonderfully sharp wit, and seeing him step into the kitchen with Adam was pure gold. Imagine a stand-up comic trying to follow a recipe without missing a beat in his commentary. It’s like watching a masterclass in multitasking, but way funnier. Rhys, usually more at home with a mic than a whisk, brought his own brand of chaos and charm. There were moments, I swear, where you thought the oven might just start telling jokes. He was surprisingly open about his kitchen adventures, or rather, misadventures, which made him instantly relatable. We’ve all been there, staring blankly at a list of ingredients wondering if ‘mince’ meant ‘minced meat’ or ‘just give up now’. Rhys confirmed that yes, even comedians have those days. His interaction with Adam was a delight, a genuine back-and-forth that felt less like a cooking show and more like eavesdropping on two mates having a grand old time. He’s the kind of guest who reminds you that cooking is supposed to be fun, even if your souffle ends up looking more like a deflated balloon.

Then there was the incredibly talented Celeste Barber. Oh, Celeste. The woman who can make you snort-laugh just by looking at her. Her Instagram is legendary for its hilarious parodies of overly perfect influencer photos, and her approach to cooking, as you might expect, is no different. Celeste brought her signature irreverence to the kitchen. She’s not afraid to admit she’s not exactly a Michelin-star chef, and that’s precisely why we love her. Watching her tackle a recipe, with Adam patiently guiding her, was like a comedy sketch come to life. There were probably a few dropped ingredients, a bit of flour flying where it shouldn’t, and definitely some witty one-liners. What was heartwarming was seeing Celeste, usually the one poking fun at perfection, embrace the learning process. She wasn't trying to be someone she's not; she was just a regular person having a go, and that’s incredibly refreshing. It’s a beautiful reminder that the most enjoyable meals are often made with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of self-deprecation. You get the sense that if a dish doesn't turn out exactly as planned, Celeste would be the first one to declare it "good enough for a laugh."

And what about Montaigne? This singer-songwriter, known for her powerful lyrics and distinctive voice, brought a different kind of energy to the show. While Rhys and Celeste offered up the laughs, Montaigne brought a more thoughtful, perhaps slightly more intense, approach. It was fascinating to see her outside of her musical element. We often see artists in their performance space, but seeing them in a kitchen, focused on creating something edible, offers a whole new perspective. Montaigne was surprisingly adept, showing a quiet determination as she worked through the recipes. There were moments of intense concentration, followed by a genuine smile when things came together. It’s the kind of guest that makes you think about the skills we don’t often see from our favourite performers. She’s not just a voice; she’s a person with other talents and interests, and food is clearly one of them. Her presence added a layer of depth to the show, showcasing how different creative minds can approach the same task with unique styles. It was a subtle but significant reminder of the multifaceted nature of people we admire.

What makes these guest appearances so special on Cook Up With Adam Liaw is that they aren’t just there to cook. They’re there to be themselves, and Adam, in his own calm and encouraging way, allows them to do just that. He’s not trying to turn a comedian into a chef or a singer into a food critic. He’s simply creating a space where people can connect over food. And isn't that what cooking is all about? It’s about bringing people together, sharing stories, and creating memories, whether you're a professional chef or someone who once mistook salt for sugar. These guests, from the hilarious antics of Rhys Nicholson and Celeste Barber to the focused creativity of Montaigne, have brought a dose of realness and joy to our screens. They’ve reminded us that the kitchen isn't just a place for precise measurements and perfect presentation; it’s a place for experimentation, for shared experiences, and most importantly, for having a damn good time. And that, my friends, is the true secret ingredient.