Ever wondered what it’s like when the royals get together for a meal? According to Tom Parker Bowles, British food critic and judge of the new cooking competition Family Food Fight, it’s a regally good time.
Tom, 42, loves to catch up with mum Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and stepfather Prince Charles at their official London residence Clarence House. And his stepbrothers, Princes William and Harry, will often pop over for a bite too. “I can’t speak for eating with the Queen, because I don’t,” he says. “But Harry and William are lovely boys. It’s always nice to see them.”
The family dines on fresh, healthy ingredients – something both Tom and Charles are in agreement about. “He’s hugely knowledgeable about farming,” Tom says of our future king. “We could talk about food for hours. He’s passionate about getting the best produce. He’s a great hero to me.”
Tom Parker Bowles, judge of Family Food Fight.
Tom credits his mother and father, Andrew Parker Bowles, for his love of food. He tells us, “We ate seasonal food before people thought about eating seasonally.”
And when it comes to family dinners, Tom reveals they are a hoot, but it doesn’t happen as often as he’d like.
“William and Catherine have a family and are doing their royal duties,” he explains. As for newly engaged Harry, Tom says the prince also has a demanding work calendar. He laughs, “Harry is a busy man. We won’t live on a big commune together!”
Star chef Matt Moran chomping at the bit for the new show
Joining Tom at the judging table is Australian celeb chef Matt Moran. Woman’s Day grabbed five minutes with the 48-year-old father-of-two to get a taste of what’s to come.
Why did you want to be a judge on this series?
It’s a happy show and it’s about families. I like how multicultural the show is.
How does it compare to other cooking competitions?
Masterchef Australia is for the young, aspiring person to become the best chef in the world. My Kitchen Rules is a bit of drama that has purpose. This is feel-good and food I like to eat.
What is your proudest career moment?
My pride, joy and real love is Aria, my award-winning harbour-side restaurant at Sydney’s Circular Quay.
How do you relax when you’re not working?
I spend time with my kids. My daughter Amelia is 12 and my son Harry is 15. I also love to ride my motorbikes!
Meet the foodie families
These culinary clans are set to stir up the competition!
Meet the six feisty families who will be battling it out on the new culinary show, in a series of high-pressure challenges, for the top prize of $100,000! With these competitive teams, things are bound to heat up in the kitchen …
The Gibalidis
Passionate and proud, Frank, 61, Rose, 47, Corrado, 40, and Pina, 69, all hail from Italy.
The Panayides
Don’t mess with Greek seafood lovers Fanos, 35, Con, 44, George, 69 and Soulla, 47.
The Butlers
This fun, food-loving clan consists of Aleks, 31, John, 63, Kate, 27, and EJ, 30.
The Shahrouks
Introducing the likeable, loud Lebanese sisters Rouba, 40, Houda, 43, Halla, 45, and Leeann, 39.
The Sheppards
Globetrotters Ruth, 28, Tom, 29, Deb, 60, and Gary, 62, are seasoned travellers!
The Nguyens
It’s a European and Vietnamese fusion for Angel, 16, Davy, 43, Sandra, 41, and Trinity, 15.
