If there’s ever an unlikely pair who successfully encapsulate all that is fantastic and inspirational about life on the road, it’s Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel. The globally recognised chefs are embracing their caravan life era, with the second season of Off The Grid with Colin and Manu having recently screened on TVNZ, and (breaking news) Season 3 confirmed as in the works. Lisa Potter chats with the duo.
It’s a deceptively simple premise – put two chefs in a caravan and send them off to discover New Zealand, cooking up a storm as they go.
Sounds straightforward and entertaining – but the show is so much more than this. Obviously, there’s the food, cooking and recipes shared along the way. However, the heart of what makes Off The Grid so successful is that it’s a pure and genuine love letter to New Zealand, and the people Colin and Manu meet along the way.
It’s also a ‘best seats in the house’ view of the evolving relationship between two friends. While they openly confess that their early relationship kicked off with social media sparring and ‘pissing each other off’, the evolution from this into their Off The Grid genuine mateship is one of the show’s greatest joys.
Then there’s the banter. Countless outtakes have been watched on repeat online, and despite Manu being a French-Australian chef, restauranteur and television presenter, and Colin proudly Irish and also a chef, restauranteur and television personality, the pair resemble two overgrown teenagers embracing an unbridled (and sometimes unhinged) freedom of life. In short: it’s exceptional fun and wildly entertaining.
The Secret Ingredient
The pair sum it up in their characteristic easy way: “The simple recipes sometimes are the best, and this show is a simple recipe,” says Manu.
“It’s a holiday, in a caravan, and we get to do some cool stuff,” says Colin.
“What you see is what you get. With cameras in the car everywhere we drive, everything we say is recorded, even the stupid stuff, and the arguments.”
Off The Grid is perhaps the ultimate Kiwi road trip – and whether you’re in it for the food, the chefs, the scenery, or the humour – each episode draws you in and allows you to experience unique communities around the country from Stewart Island and Fiordland to the Bay of Islands and the West Coast.
It’s packed full of character; it’s a celebration of New Zealand ingredients and produce and it’s a welcome feel-good escape from all the doom of global life.
All About Betty
There is of course a beloved third character in this show – Betty, the charming vintage caravan who is home to the pair and a backdrop to every adventure.
Betty is a beautifully restored 1978 Chevron 1300. Originally built in New Zealand, the compact classic has been lovingly restored with a striking mint-and-white colour scheme, retaining the retro charm that makes her the perfect travelling companion and occasional scene stealer.
While Betty has been updated with a modern tow coupling, upgraded lighting and an awning, she’s still a ‘classic’ with relatively few of the mod-cons that Manu and Colin are used to in their hotel lifestyle while travelling for other projects.
Colin’s advice for surviving caravan life includes: ‘noise-cancelling headphones, a good pillow, plenty of snacks, a good book and ‘red wine makes everything better’.’
While Manu admits to enormous enthusiasm for Betty, he has also been responsible for a few dings and repairs being required, including a new chassis at one stage.
“Without Betty, I don’t think the show would be so successful,” says Manu.
“However, the downside is that she’s a 1970s caravan with no insulation, so the worst part is that she’s hot in summer and cold in winter.”
Driving Miss Betty
As to why Manu does all of the driving? Colin has an immediate answer when asked: “Whatever keeps him busy makes my life easier. Manu gets quite grumpy and fidgety and can’t be a passenger – even on a plane. So driving is the easiest way to keep him occupied and give me some peace!
“Fun fact: I can drive, but I’m also deaf in one ear from listening to Manu,” jokes Colin.
Manu responds with: “The reason I’ve been driving the Ford is that I don’t trust him! It was bad enough when he drove his ‘mate of a mate’s tinny’ – he didn’t know his left from right and decided to stand up in the boat – it was a mess!
“Seriously though, we are a really good team. I wouldn’t do this with anyone else.”
Falling For New Zealand
When it comes to highlights of their time in New Zealand, it can be broken down into people, food and places.
“The thing we loved most was the people. We haven’t met any assholes whatsoever. You guys have been fantastic,” says Manu.
“Frankly, everywhere we went, we’ve been welcomed, we’ve been looked after and it’s been excellent.
“Also, the greenstones we’ve been given are a piece of New Zealand we’ll carry with us forever. So special.”
“The scenery is incredible, but the people are what we’ve loved most,” confirms Colin. We’ve been welcomed with open arms everywhere we went.”
While both admit that by the end of filming, they’re happy not to see each other for a few months, there’s no doubt that they’re equally thrilled at the prospect of another road trip for Season 3.
“It’s crazy. We’re looking at new places to visit now and will start shooting in the end of the year, which is fantastic,” says Colin.
Pies, Paua & Puff Pastry
For Manu, paua and kina are two of his favourite New Zealand ingredients. And pies of course. Driving behind the wheel of their Ford tow vehicle for thousands of kilometres introduced Manu and Colin to more pies than they could have imagined eating.
“Tahr pie was my favourite and the quality of the puff pastry here in New Zealand is amazing,” shares Manu.
And of course, the duo learned that all-important pie lesson after their first bite – blow on the pie before you eat it!
New Zealand beckons
While both Colin and Manu currently live in Australia, Manu admits that he’s hooked on New Zealand and it’s ‘definitely on the map to perhaps buy something here’. Waiheke Island is his dream location.
“We’ve just had the most amazing time going around your amazing country; the long white clouds, from top to bottom of both islands. It’s just absolutely beautiful.
“I don’t know what else we’re going to do yet in Season 3,” says Colin. “While it’s a small country, apparently we’ve still got loads of things to see and things to do.”
It’s good news for loyal viewers and new fans – the New Zealand love affair is far from over. With Season 3 confirmed, Betty, Colin and Manu will soon be back on the road in search of more unforgettable characters, remarkable places and, no doubt, a few more pies.
