Australia’s Top Kosher Chef

Just in case you weren’t ready to have your mind blown, turn back now. The following video is a commercial for a kosher cooking competition. In Australia. Like “Iron Chef” or “Top Chef” or “Man V. Food” — well, probably not so much like “Man V. Food,” but I still can’t believe that show exists, let alone that the host is pals with my coworker Jeremy. One thing you have to understand before you watch the video is that “MasterChef,” Australia’s version of the aforementioned shows, is the most popular programme in the country. Its finale was rated higher than the Olympics.

You might think Darth Vader is narrating, but it’s my uncle. (I mean that as a compliment, I promise.) And you can spot glimpses of my brother-in-law as well as my soul brother, local (Melbourne) Jewish celebrity Bram Presser, ex-lead singer of YIDCore.

OK — I laugh, and you kind of need to laugh, but this video is awesome. Partly that kosher cooking has gotten sophisticated enough so that a competition like this (a) exists, (b) is taken seriously, and (c) people are paying money to go to a swanky theater (that isn’t even a Jewish theater) to watch the competition. I mean, sure, they do this kind of kosher cooking contest in New York (and my wife reports on it)…but in Melbourne? Go you people.

I really should be rooting for my bro, but DL, the wife of my study partner, is also involved. It’s a toss-up. If you’d like to be part of the real winners — that is, the crowd — just go here and reserve yourself a ticket. (Ticket to Australia not included, by the way. Sorry!)