Fourth Place Robbed Goddess

Luke Discoki Fries

Australian Survivor, Australian Survivor (2017), Australian Survivor: Champions vs. Contenders (2019), Party Food, Side, Snack, Survivor: Australia V The World, TV, TV Recap, Vegetarian

Previously on Australian Survivor after the tragic loss of Cirie the night before, the final three were delighted to wake up on the beach to find their celebratory final three breakfast. Parvati was conflicted, proud of playing such a dominant game, but disappointed to not have her soulmate sitting alongside her at the end. After fuelling for final tribal council, the trio congratulated each other on playing such strong games and shared how grateful they were to become friends along the way. Which tragically is the win Janine had to settle for, as she was completely shut out of final tribal council and finished in third place. 

Rewinding back to after opening statements, Lisa kicked off the Q&A portion of the game, talking about how much of a superfan she is, because Survivor just makes her happy, so her question was asking Luke to tell her what makes him happy about Survivor. He talked about how much he loves living in the jungle and catching crabs, and that it makes him as happy as Parv and Janine must be to be sitting next to him. Cirie asked Parvati why she was so upset to see Cirie’s torch get snuffed, with Parvati breaking down in tears again, talking about how miraculous it is to be as close as she is to Cirie and how she would do anything to give Cirie a shot in the end, because she took a shot from her in Micronesia. And she wanted it so badly for Cirie.

Tommi asked Parvati if she ever intended to play with him, with Parvati talking about being World strong at the merge. But when he followed it up, she laughed and said, well, she could tell he was close with Lisa and Kass, and as such, she invested her time with World, then the women and not necessarily Tommi. Luke joked that he wanted to work with Tommi, leading him to ask Luke why he should vote for someone that spoke about being Aussie strong all season. Luke defended himself, telling Tommi that he was ready to flip to the World players, alongside Shonee, blaming not being taken on the spa reward as the reason for opting out and joining Janine to work with Cirie and Parv, rather than forming a majority with them. As he played a calm game this time, rather than bouncing around each vote.

Kass pointed out that they needed four votes to win, so asked Parvati who she thinks would vote for her and why. She pointed out that she and Kass were fierce rivals all season, so she assumed Kass would vote for her, because she would if the tables were turned. She felt Lisa and Cirie would also vote for her, and she was hopeful that Kirby would also reward her. As she was also in control of all the votes, despite having the biggest target on her back from Day 1. Sarah meanwhile asked Janine to clarify her very loyal game, given she was the reason that (stoked the flames that) broke up the Aussies. Which led to Luke laughing about it being Janine, while Sarah pointed out that her alleged flawless game clearly had a flaw, as she played herself into the minority. Janine explained that she felt she had to pick between the two of them, as Sarah doubled down, saying that was not the time. Repeatedly. And her messiness made it a harder path to the end for her and Luke. Janine then pointed out that she never actually knew Kirby was voting for Sarah, and when the jurors argued semantics between them, it was kind of iconic.

Shonee asked Luke when he felt the most vulnerable, with him mentioning just after Kass had been voted out and how desperately he wanted to win immunity. He spoke about how convincing Parvati to rip up her advantage only benefitted his game, with her interjecting that not playing the advantage was the power, as it guaranteed her a final four, which was better than just getting another idol. Kirby wrapped things up, talking about how much she desperately wanted to play with Parvati, as two queens side by side. Parv agreed that she really wanted to work with her and she believed her, 100%, however she already had a solid alliance and as such, she had to go with the move that had momentum, when it was clear she couldn’t change their minds. And while she wanted to save her with her idol, she knew that she had to be smart and keep her idol for herself and set up her end game.

Parvati then reiterated that she was on the right side of every single vote, as she either knew about every plan, or came up with it. Despite being the biggest target in the game, she didn’t even have her name written down once, which is frankly unbelievable. With that the jury voted – Cirie and Tommi proclaiming Parvati the greatest Survivor player of all time, to boot – and after a single vote for Luke – from Sarah – the rest of them piled up on Parvati, handing her the win. And proving her the ultimate champion.

Luke was understandably heartbroken to finish in second place, though I pulled him in for a hug and congratulated on playing such a strong game. While I would argue Janine did a bunch of the heavy lifting, Luke has grown each time he has played the game, and this season he expertly delivered flashy moves and went toe to toe with the best in the form of Parvati, while also building relationships with everyone on the island and laying low as required. It was impressive, just not as impressive as the masterclass we witnessed from the third two-time winner. Though impressive enough to toast being runner-up with a piping hot bowl of Luke Discoki Fries.

While this is kind of like a bogan poutine, like Luke, the fries are so charming, you can’t help but like them. Better yet, they are way easier to make. Crunchy chips, gooey mozzarella and gravy, sign me up.

Enjoy!

Luke Discoki Fries
Serves: 4.

Ingredients
2 batches Jud Beerza Battered Fries
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 shallots, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
sea salt and pepper
¼ cup flour
3 cups beef stock
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
250g mozzarella, grated
parsley, for serving

Method
Cook the fries per Jud’s recipe until they are golden and crunchy.

While that is happening, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and saute the shallots and garlic for a couple of minutes. Season with a good whack of salt and pepper, before adding in the flour and cooking, stirring, for a further couple of minutes. Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in the stock, followed by the Worcestershire. Season as required, and simmer for 5 minutes, or until rich and thickened.

To serve, pop your seasoned fries into a bowl and top with mozzarella, before pouring over the gravy. Sprinkle with parsley before devouring, greedily.


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Shirazirie Fields Salad

Australian Survivor, Salad, Side, Snack, Survivor, Survivor: Australia V The World, Survivor: Game Changers – Mamanuca Islands, Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, TV, TV Recap, Vegetarian

Previously on Australian Survivor Shonee was the odd one out in the final five, with the duos of Luke and Janine, and Parvati and Cirie locked and loaded to head to the final four together, despite the inherent risk of someone going out by fire. Which she expertly tried to remind everyone of, before turning her attention to making Janine’s real world success and highlighting that a professional keynote speaker is probably not the person you want to head to the end against. At the immunity challenge, our Queen Shonee, valiantly fought to earn her place in the top four, however the wind had other ideas, blowing over her stack and allowing Luke to score his third win. At tribal council Luke was torn between staying firm or making a wild move, so after Parvati pulled out her hidden immunity, he handed his immunity off to Janine after making her promise to let him go to fire. He then pulled out his idol and while he was tempted to play it for Shonee, he and Parv awkwardly played their idols for each other as Shonee was shown the door.

To reiterate, breaking the heart of the nation in the process.

Given it is the finale, we got a lovely Parvati confessional about how spicy the game has been from the start and that she feels like she has had to earn her place each and every day. Cirie was overwhelmed by just how tough the Aussies played the game, while Luke was thrilled to prove himself the King of the Jungle once again. And while Janine wasn’t given a cold-open confessional, she is a legend and, one assumes, was ready to dominate this ‘ere finale.

The next day Parvati went for a swim in the ocean, talking about how much she wanted to make up for her loss in Samoa 15 years earlier, putting it down to a bitter jury. Plus, this is her best game yet, not even securing a vote despite being a target from day one. Before she spoke about how grateful she is to still have her Survivor soulmate by her side. Cirie too was thrilled to still have Parvati in the game, knowing that she can easily secure the win as the undisputed best to never win. If she makes it to the end. The only thing that concerned her, however, was how Luke would perform in front of a jury, because she was rather confident that he could be a threat. So much so, that the girls were grateful to have Janine agree to vote with them to take him out. While Janine assured us that the only way she is turning on Luke is if it comes down to the two of them.

Luke meanwhile was feeling rather emotional, given he was voted out in fourth – as our first male Fourth Place Robbed Goddess – last time he played five years ago, and he was now ready for his redemption. He was proud of having fought from the bottom all game, and was hopeful that his relationship with Janine would be enough to at least give him the shot at fire.

If he doesn’t win immunity, of course.

After a supercut of the iconic, torturous final immunity challenges of yore, the final four met JLP by the shore where four giant devices stood. He explained that they would each stand on narrow pegs holding heavy weights, moving onto narrower pegs as they go, with the last person standing jagging final immunity and guaranteeing their place in the final tribal council. Everyone appeared to be pretty uncomfortable straight out of the gate, except for Parvati, who was frankly just vibing. After half an hour Cirie fell off after valiantly trying to save herself. At the one hour mark, JLP made the rest of them move onto narrower pegs, which really dialled up the pain and saw Janine lose her spot. Luke continued to struggle like every straight man in a reformer class, as Parvati stood like a statue. While that was happening, Janine and Cirie started to gossip, with Cirie confirming that Janine needs to stick with them, unless she wants to go to fire. As Luke willed Parvati to slip, she assured him that this is 100% her challenge and she will take out immunity. At the 90 minute mark they moved to the narrowest pegs and while they both made the transition, it wasn’t long before Luke finally lost his place in the challenge, handing Parvati immunity and a spot in the final tribal council. Her first final immunity win to boot!

Parvati was in tears, Luke could barely move and ugh, seeing them all support each other was honestly so lovely to watch.

Back at camp Parvati turned her attention to making sure Cirie would sit in the final three with her, as the duo giggled about sharing breakfast together tomorrow. Parvati pointed out that if Luke made it to the final tribal council, they’re all in trouble. As much trouble as Cirie will be if she has to make fire against Luke, so they just had to make sure Janine voted with them. While that was happening, Janine and Luke were busy pledging their undying loyalty to each other, with Luke extremely hopeful that Janine would make good on her promise and at least give him his opportunity at fire.

Cirie arrived and pulled her aside to talk through their options, with her reiterating that Luke is the most likely to win out of everyone left and as such, getting rid of him is their only shot. And while I am confident that Parvati and Cirie played the better game, I will let the argument slide. While Janine debated about whether she wanted to keep her word, or improve her chances of winning. Improve being the operative word, as I believe she doesn’t think she wins against anyone, so is likely to just go with the option to help whoever she is closest to. But I digress.

At tribal council the jury were delighted to see Parvati wearing immunity as she spoke about how special this season has been for her, because everyone has been so lovely and played so hard. She admitted that she would love to pull out the victory and take the crown back the US, though the season has clearly not come down to tribal lines post merge, as they’ve been focused on playing the game at the highest level. Luke admitted that he was rather nervous tonight, and was hoping he and Janine could stay Aussie strong one final time. Janine spoke about needing to play for herself but that the lines have blurred, because she knows how important it is to have the right people against her.

Parvati spoke about how desperately she would love to have Cirie at the end with her as this game has been all about redemption, with Cirie agreeing that she would love to make it to the end after almost 20 years playing the game. As she’d love to finally retire. After Parvati and Cirie agreed that they would be voting together, Janine spoke about feeling like either way, she would be disappointing someone tonight. And sometimes you need to stop thinking, and just go with what you promised. With that the tribe voted and despite her assurance that she would be with them, Janine stuck with Luke, tying things up and forcing Luke and Cirie into fire.

They took their places behind their stations, with Parvati quickly getting to work coaching Cirie as they started scraping magnesium. As expected, Luke was the first to get a flame and following Sarah’s lead, rocked it into a fire as he tried to light kindling. It all fell apart as the jury started to squirm as Cirie finally jagged a flame. She slowly started to build a fire as Luke desperately tried to rebuild his, which he did, just as Cirie’s disappeared. Luke’s fire then collapsed, as Shonee told him to chill, while Cirie calmly worked away and built a healthy fire. She and Luke continued to feed their fires in the hope it would be big enough to burn through the rope and ugh, it was honestly so damn stressful as they both came so close so many times. Ultimately, though, Luke was first to burn through the rope, earning his spot in final tribal council and sending Cirie out of the game.

By fire. At four. Once again. As she, Lisa and every single fan cried. While fate decided to play the cruellest joke, as her flame burnt through the rope as she spoke about her journey with JLP. Though vowed she will never lose fire making again. The one bit of solace I take, is that she now also holds the distinction of being the final torch snuffed by JLP, and honestly, that feels right for both of the icons.

Seeing Cirie’s latest game end the same way her first one did was truly gutwrenching, so she followed my rage screams all the way to the Jury Villa where I leaped into her arms and cried for so long that we almost missed the final tribal council. Thankfully I can now share – as you already know – that she was able to make me stop crying by letting me know that this definitely won’t be happening to her on Survivor 50, as she will employ Luke and Sarah to train her every day until she flies out with Probst and Co. And while it didn’t take away all the pain, it did fill me with a little bit of hope. As did the knowledge that she earned another iconic game placement, as the Fourth Place Robbed Goddess of the season. And that is always worthy of a celebratory Shirazirie Fields Salad.

To quote Pride and Prejudice and The Simpsons once again, it is a fact universally acknowledged that you don’t make friends with salad. Which is actually why I chose to make this for Cirie, as she is so damn likeable, she would never need to rely on food to make friends. Buuutttttttt, if she did, this salad is the final exception to the rule. It packs a massive punch of herbs and citrus, it would have anyone coming back for more.

Enjoy!

Shirazirie Fields Salad
Serves: 4.

Ingredients
3 roma tomatoes, diced
2 lebanese cucumbers, diced
½ red onion, diced
½ green capsicum, diced
small handful of parsley, chopped
small handful of coriander, chopped
small handful of mint, chopped
1 tbsp dried mint
1 tsp sumac
salt and pepper, to taste
2 limes, zested and juiced
2 tbsp olive oil

Method
Like most salads, this isn’t the most difficult one to make. Combine the tomato, cucumber, onion and capsicum in a bowl, and stir to combine.

Toss through the herbs and sumac with a good whack of salt and pepper, before adding the lime zest and juice, and olive.

Stir to combine, cover and pop in the fridge for an hour to allow the flavours to come together. Then, and only then, do you serve.


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Spicy Satay Gyozara Callianiotis

Australian Survivor, Australian Survivor: Brains V Brawn II, Main, Street Food, TV, TV Recap, Vegetarian

Previously on Australian Survivor the Postgraduates had only one target remaining in Kate. Thankfully for her, however, none of the boys seemed interested in getting rid of her. Instead, they were looking to take a shot at each other. After Zara won immunity, she and Myles were looking to get rid of Kaelan, while he and Kaelan were planning to finally cut Myles. While poor AJ was so sure about his safety, that he jokingly asked Myles to not do anything crazy and vote for him. Sadly for him, that was exactly Myles’ plan, given Zara was his ideal final two. Zara meanwhile pulled Kaelan aside to try and get his assurance that should he stay, he would protect her at final four. Which he obviously did. Though in the process, she realised that every single person in the tribe was voting for someone different, allowing her to cast the deciding vote and send home her biggest challenge threat in Kate. With nothing more than a sorry Myles, as AJ and Kaelan looked enraged about his betrayal.

Despite this, the final four were quite jubilant as they returned to camp. Zara then explained her logic to the boys, and while she was on board to take out AJ, when she realised that everyone was voting for someone else, she was able to make a big move of her own, with just a single vote. After talking about how proud of herself she was, she pulled AJ and Kaelan aside to tell them that she also wanted to open their eyes and protect them. AJ and Myles then caught up by the shore to clear the air, with AJ scolding him for trying to turn on him and suggested that he ruined his game as nobody left would take him to the end. Oh and Zara thinks he is a child. And now he is likely to take what was his spot in the final two. AJ caught up with Kaelan and Zara, telling them they cleared the air and he wasn’t harsh at all, after they reminded him to be nice to Myles. After the trio locked in their allegiances, Zara went to bed as the boys assured each other that Zara making the best move for her doesn’t mean they’re indebted to her, so they’re still going to the end together.

The next day, everyone was jubilant as Zara marked another day on the tree. Everyone congratulated Zara for her big move, before she and AJ caught up privately with her telling him that she wanted him and Kaelan to feel vulnerable to make them realise they can trust her. She assured him that he is her final two but should Myles win immunity today, they will have to vote out Kaelan. This upset AJ who couldn’t even consider writing down Kaelan’s name, given they were the only two people he hadn’t turned, and as such, she was nervous that he is closer to Kaelan than her. Sensing danger, Zara caught up with Myles by the shore, telling him that she agrees that they need to sit at the end together and she knows AJ needs to go, but just felt it was too early. This in turn made Myles nervous about being able to trust her, so he caught up with Kaelan, laying it on thick that he had no intention of getting rid of him and that he desperately wanted to make it to the final three with him. He then pointed out how much of a salesman AJ is, but smartly avoided saying not to trust him, before assuring Kaelan that he is his ideal final two. With sweet Kaelan agreeing his best shot at winning is against Myles too.

Sooooo, while I thought we were heading towards a Myles immunity win due to him being the obvious target, it is back to being wide open.

The final four caught up with JLP for an epic immunity challenge where they would race to untangle themselves from a frame and collect a key to release themselves. They would then toss sandbags at a target to release discs and use them to scale a wall, before navigating five balls down a paddle and landing them in holes. Given he is smaller, Myles got out to an early lead with Kaelan taking a calm and methodical approach to unravelling the rope. Just sadly not enough rope. This allowed Myles to knock off his discs rather quickly, as Kaelan and AJ worked hard to close the gap. As Myles worked on his balls, the others desperately tried to collect their discs. Myles landed his first ball as Kalaen scaled the wall to join him. Kaelan played fast and loose to close the gap, while Myles was far more methodical. After landing his second ball, however, he dropped, allowing Kaelan to overtake. Until he dropped, giving Myles enough time to start again, landing two balls, then a third as the boys struggled with theirs and Zara was left right out at the discs. Myles thankfully landed his fourth and fifth balls, putting everyone out of their misery as he won immunity. Ticking another item off his bucket list in the process.

Back at camp everyone gave Myles some half-arsed congratulations, while Zara was straight with us, telling us it was literally the worst case scenario for her, as it was likely the boys wouldn’t write each other’s name down. She made a beeline for Myles who asked her who she wanted to target, with her telling him she was happy to just go with whoever they think they can flip. Because she does not want there to be a tie, as she can not make fire. After deciding AJ would be most likely to flip, they got to work. AJ approached Zara and said that he and Kaelan would be voting together, otherwise he is screwed. Given neither of them can make fire, they were desperate for any other option, however AJ kind of stonewalled her and said that he doesn’t see a final three with both of them in it, despite the fact she was guaranteeing him that she, Myles and AJ could vote together. Before she admitted to us that she regretted not voting out AJ last night.

Zara next approached Kaelan – who was practising making fire – to see if he would turn on AJ, with him straight up admitting he and AJ made a deal, so her only shot is to vote with Myles and hope for the best making fire. Desperate to avoid it, Zara pulled AJ and Myles aside to see if they could work things out, with AJ giving nothing more than a smirk. And after he left, Myles agreed they just needed to vote AJ and give her the best shot in fire. Zara then tried her luck with Kaelan again, who promised he can’t vote with her, though he can coach her in fire. After she started practising, AJ and Kaelan caught up and agreed that Myles is likely to let it go to fire for no other reason than wanting to see fire, even if it wasn’t the best idea. Kaelan’s last ditch attempt at avoiding protecting AJ was to promise Myles that he would take him to the final two if he just voted with them, with him quickly locking it in. Myles then caught up with AJ and whether it was true or not, AJ assured him that he always wanted to be in the final three with Myles and Kaelan, because while Zara keeps telling him she would take him to the end, he just doesn’t trust it.

Oh and Myles was generally nervous about how things would play out, just as Zara finally started a fire after her afternoon of practice.

At tribal council Myles spoke about how emotional it was winning immunity, given it was clear that he was in the bottom following the last tribal council. And would have gone home without it. AJ agreed that Myles would have been going home, but as always, he survived. Myles admitted that his attempt to take out AJ would have been retaliated, but now he is free to make another shot tonight. Zara outlined her plan for the last tribal council to the jury, taking claim for Kate’s exit. Though she admitted that how things are playing out, she kind of regrets it, given they’re deadlocked and she is now likely to be making fire tonight. She admitted that she had always assumed logic would be able to protect her from fire, if it came to it, but people are being headstrong rather than smart. AJ admitted he and Myles were the headstrong ones, though he was also feeling pretty confident. As was Kaelan, given he is the best at making fire.

Zara pointed out that the boys have kind of betrayed her, despite her saving them, and you bet she wishes she listened to Myles last night. Myles then outlined how complex this vote is, given not only is it about making it to the final three, but who is likely to win final immunity and take you to the end. Not even taking into account whether you could beat them, adding another layer to the chaos. Oh but trust and believe AJ is confident he knows how to spell Zara’s name, which is all that matters. With that the tribe voted and despite the promise of fire, the boys stuck together and booted Zara as the Fourth Place Robbed Goddess of the season. 

As she arrived at the Jury Villa, I pulled her in for a massive hug and assured her that while voting out Kate proved to be her undoing, I will always be proud of her. And she has made yet another iconic member of the Robbed Goddess Club. I’ve known Zara for a while, having met at a Brisbane Hermes launch through a mutual Instagram friend, Kathy Hilton. When I found out she was going on a non-Blood vs Water season without me, I initially felt betrayed, though our other mutual friend and former co-blogger Annelie helped us talked things out. As such, I was honoured to be there as she took out the best title one could hope for (outside of winner) with a fresh batch of Spicy Satay Gyozara Callianiotis.

Don’t let the dark, messiness of the satay fool you, these (slightly tweaked) Brendan Pang numbers are near perfection. Sweet, spicy and a little bit tart, they’re the perfect way to honour our last female standing.

Enjoy!

Spicy Satay Gyozara Callianiotis
Serves: 3 besties.

Ingredients
24 frozen gyoza
3 tbsp natural peanut butter
2 tbsp chili oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp muscovado sugar
¼ cup vegetable stock
salt and pepper, to taste
chopped roasted peanuts, shallots and sesame seeds, to garnish

Method
Steam the gyoza as per packet instructions.

While they are getting to work, combine the peanut butter, chilli oil, soy, rice vinegar, garlic, muscovado sugar and stock in a blender and blitz until smooth. Season to taste.

Once the gyoza are cooked, toss the dumplings through the sauce and serve piping hot with a garnish of peanuts, shallots and sesame seeds. Then devour, like a damn queen.


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