#5 - Flying High, Cooking Bold: Simon Gault’s Forkin' Good Origin Story

This week, it’s Simon’s turn in the hot seat! Kate grills (gently) the man behind the chef’s whites to uncover how a glider-flying Kiwi kid became one of New Zealand’s most recognised culinary voices.

From growing up in Papakura with a pilot dad to washing dishes at 15 and learning perfection (and terror!) under legendary chef Tony Astle, Simon shares the hilarious, humbling and inspiring journey that shaped his career.

Hear how a young apprentice ended up chatting with Elton John, cooking at Michelin-level restaurants in London, surviving a dodgy bedsit, and carving a giant turkey in half for his first wedding gig. It’s packed with stories of grit, luck, and “fail fast, fix fast” moments — plus the advice that’s guided Simon ever since.

Kate and Simon also chat about food waste and the Love Food Hate Waste “Great Date Debate” busting myths about best before vs use by dates!

💬 Join the chat: Comment on YouTube to enter our Forking Good giveaways (including Simon’s book!).

📦 This week’s takeaway: Your nose knows — and your fridge deserves an Eat Me First section.

Follow the podcast on Instagram and Tiktok: @forkingoodpod

Follow Simon on his channels below:
Instagram: @simon_gault
Facebook: @Officialsimongault
Tiktok: Simonjgault
Youtube: Simon Gault

Follow Waste-ed with Kate here:
Instagram: @wastedwithkate
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wastefreewithkate
Tiktok: wasted.kate
Youtube: Waste-ed with Kate