Andy Cooks (@andyhearnden)
Steak frites, Morgan Freeman and a double espresso
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Andy Hearnden, better known as Andy Cooks, is a digital chef who creates online cooking videos for his 15 million subscribers across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Where do you live most of the year?
Sunshine Coast, QLD
What do you look for in a restaurant when you walk in?
It’s about the people. If the chef is passionate about the food they’re making, and the front of house is passionate about what they’re serving, it’s going to be a great meal.
What is your final meal?
Steak frites with entrecote sauce
3 guests for dinner, dead or alive?
Ayrton Senna. My F1 idol and he had a pretty crazy life so I think he would have some really interesting stories to tell
Morgan Freeman because I love his films and his voice is just so soothing
Stephen Fry for the conversation
Andy’s Taste Maker Guide
Breakfast: AP Bakery, Surry Hills in Sydney
Order: Start with the egg and cheese, move onto the Fig danish and then take a loaf of their bread home.
Coffee: Best coffee on the coast is my home setup. It’s rare that I buy coffee out these days.
Order: Double espresso
Lunch: Samila Gaeng, Sunshine Coast
Order: Handmade noodles and slow-cooked beef belly in a spicy soup.
It’s a new spot on the coast, very casual setting and the food is unreal. Some of the best Thai I’ve ever had. I’m ordering the caramel pork hock, Khao Soi Neua (coconut curry with beef cheek) and the Yum Som O (pomelo salad).
Special dinner: Hubert, Sydney
I’ve been with friends and I’ve had a meal by myself here, both were great. It’s dark and cosy, there’s usually a jazz band playing. All the food is great, lots of great classics on the menu. Go for a 3 course meal or head there late for a cheeseburger.
Casual dinner: Prince Dining Room, Melbourne
Order: Whatever Mitch Orr sends out. They had an incredible mushroom dish as a special last time I went. Always order the nightly specials. My go-to drink is sparkling water.
Special shoutouts
Frank’s Oyster Bar and Eatery, Blenheim NZ
My mate Sammy Sweetheart owns this spot and the food is unreal. If you’re ever in the Marlborough region, make sure you stop into Blenheim for a meal there. Always great oysters on the menu!
KG BBQ, Austin TX
Kareem has brought a little bit of Egypt to the BBQ scene in Texas and it’s some of the best BBQ I’ve had. Try as much as you can but I highly recommend the smoked lamb chops, pomegranate glazed pork ribs, mediterranean rice and the cardamom & pistachio rice pudding.
Serai, Melbourne
I love Filipino food and I think the menu and experience that Ross has created at Serai is incredible. There’s a lot of great dishes on the menu so go hungry and ask your waiter to recommend their favourite ones.
Street tacos outside Ralph’s, Venice Beach LA
I travel to the states a bit for work and whenever I’m in LA, I’m stopping at the street taco stand outside of Ralphs and ordering beef tongue tacos, quesadilla al Pastor and horchata.
