Back in Time for Dinner
Guided by Annabel Crabb, one Australian family goes on an extraordinary time-travelling adventure to discover how the post-World War II revolution in the food we eat has transformed the way we live, the fabric of the nation and defined the roles of men and women over the past 60 years.
Annabel Crabb and the Ferrone family return to immerse themselves in the past. The Ferrones are transported back to the 1900s where they cook, eat and live through stringent gender roles, school and Federation.
The Ferrones go back to the 1910s and a cooking fad from Britain that reportedly caused divorce! By 1914 life is an emotionally charged test of resilience as they experience the Australian spirit confronted by war.
The Ferrones roar into the 1920s ready to kick up their heels. This is the decade of decadence where they finally have a car! While Carol remains stuck in the kitchen, Sienna finds a job in a department store.
The Ferrones enter the 1930s with trepidation. As the Great Depression bites, jobs are lost, food is scarce and offal is on the menu. There are a few treats including a trip to the movies with David Stratton.
In a decade born of war, the Ferrones face more uncertainty. Julian enlists, Peter is punished for his Italian heritage, Carol and Sienna swap their aprons for pants and go to work for the war effort.
The experiment begins, and the clock is turned back almost 70 years to the 1950s! The Ferrones 2018 home has been meticulously transformed to represent the cramped, sectioned off style of the decade, and each member is dressed to the nines in classy post war attire.
The 1960s bring great change to Australian families. The dinner table is the hub of conversation about the role of young women in work & education. While 'housewives' start experimenting with exotic new dishes like Chinese!
It's the 1970's in the Ferrone household & that means flared pants, moustaches & lots of orange. It's the decade of the women's movement and Carol gets a job while Julian and Peter are introduced to the world of the 'Ocker'.
It's the 80s, a decade of big hair & a booming economy. Our family experience nouveau cuisine & check out the Atkins & Pritikin diets. Plus the coming of the microwave means the sharing a home-cooked meal begins to disappear.
It's the 90s and the Ferrone family's palate goes on a culinary tour as they experience the changing face of Aussie cuisine with the 'new' flavours of Vietnamese foods, and the 'old' wisdom of indigenous cooking.
Olympic star Liesel Jones arrives at the house for beef sliders. Olivia is excited to plant herbs after meeting Stephanie Alexander. And with food costs escalating, Carol is overwhelmed by her visit to Foodbank.
After travelling 60 years back in time, the Ferrones forge into the future and get a glimpse of what may likely be on our plates. The family also reflect on the impact the experiment has had on their lives.
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Release | 2018-05-29 |
| Producer | Australian Broadcasting Corporation |