Hudson and Halls

Discover the enchanting world of Hudson & Halls in 'The Food of Love', a unique blend of culinary artistry and heartfelt storytelling. This captivating paperback, measuring 170 x 240 mm, immerses readers in the delightful journey of Peter Hudson and David Halls, two revolutionary television chefs who fearlessly challenged societal norms during the 1970s and 80s. Their story is not just about food; it’s a profound exploration of love, identity, and the breaking of taboos around homosexuality. Through their dynamic on-screen chemistry and vibrant personalities, they transformed the culinary landscape, introducing Pacific-rich, Asian-styled international cuisine, thus inspiring a generation of home cooks to explore diverse flavors. Their candid discussions, humorous banter, and spontaneous style captivated audiences from all walks of life, making them pioneering figures in the realm of celebrity cooking shows. As you dive into this meticulously researched book, you'll uncover the deep bond that fueled both their professional and personal lives, culminating in a heartwarming narrative of love and perseverance. With 304 pages packed with insights and nostalgia, 'The Food of Love' is perfect for anyone looking to explore the culinary legacy and cultural impact of two beloved icons. Join us in celebrating the enduring charm of Hudson & Halls and their significant contributions to modern cooking and LGBTQ+ representation. A must-have addition to any cookbook collection, this book will inspire and uplift.

Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm
Pages: 304
Publication Date: 19-10-2018

Hudson & Halls: The food of love is more than just a love story, though a love story it certainly is. It is a tale of two television chefs who helped change the bedrock bad attitudes of a nation in the 1970s and 80s to that unspoken thing - homosexuality. Peter Hudson and David Halls became reluctant role models for a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ generation of gay men and women who lived by omission. They were also captains of a culinary revolution that saw the overthrow of Aunty Daisy and Betty Crocker and the beginnings of Pacific-rich, Asian-styled international cuisine. Their drinking, bitching and bickering on screen, their spontaneous unchoreographed movements across the stage that left cameras and startled production staff exposed broke taboos and melted formalities. They captivated an unlikely bunch of viewers, from middle-aged matrons to bush-shirted blokes. Hudson and Halls were pioneers of celebrity television as we know it today: the naughty, not-quite-normal boys next door who rocketed to stardom on untrained talent and a dream. When Peter Hudson became seriously ill with prostate cancer, David Halls was inconsolable. What remained unchanged through it all was their abiding love for each other. In this riveting, fast-paced and meticulously researched book, New York Times bestselling author Joanne Drayton celebrates the legacy of the unforgettable Hudson and Halls.