Earlier this year during the screening of popular reality cooking show My Kitchen Rules, Gold Coast City got behind local surfer Dad’s and firm favourites Paul Bullpit and Blair Tonkin, who were pipped at the post in the final of the series, losing out to SA Mum’s Bree and Jessica.

Famed for their relaxed style and delicious food, life for the Robina and Coombabah high school teachers Paul and Blair hasn’t slowed down at all since MKR and with a book launch pending, we caught up with the local Dad’s for a chat about cooking, teaching and everything in between.

According to Paul and Blair, life after MKR has been everything but an anti-climax. With the support of Gold Coast City and their respective school communities of Robina State High School and Coombabah State High School, Paul and Blair found fame followed them, often being recognised in the street.

“When we first went back to our respective schools, the kids were very supportive. As the show got closer to the end and we were eliminated, kids commented things like ‘you were robbed’ and ‘we were sure you were going to win’” Paul said.

“The Gold Coast City community has been great; we get stopped all the time in the street and shopping centres, with people giving us positive feedback about the show. It’s been a very humbling experience.” Paul said.

Settling back into life after a whirlwind TV adventure has been a juggling act for the two Dads, simultaneously managing teaching, family, cooking and writing a book, as well as other culinary events and engagements.

“Life post MKR has been crazy, it’s like two worlds colliding.” Paul said

“It’s very hard to adjust to being so easily recognisable – going to the shops would take a whole lot longer while the show was airing. People are nice and say very complimentary things. Following the fame, you then go off to every day to work. Kids are great, they can be very levelling – yes, you were on TV but you’re still just my teacher.” Paul said.

Paul and Blair’s dedication to being Dad’s and commitment to their family lives has kept them grounded but contributed to the delicate balancing act that is work, family and fame.

“All the MKR work does take us away from our family, so we are very mindful to take time to spend with our families. The time away during filming has reminded us just how important family and spending time with them is” Paul said.

Despite the recognition and the roller coaster that has led them to a double life of teacher by day and celebrity cook by night, the boys remain humble and appreciative of their simple, relaxed lifestyle in Gold Coast City.

“We both love the coast for everything it offers; a relaxed coastal feel with all the facilities of a large city centre and some of the most amazing beaches and surf found anywhere in the world. Why would you live anywhere else?” Paul said.

So, what are these Gold Coast City lads cooking up next? Along with a long list of culinary commitments, Paul and Blair have been working hard on their eagerly anticipated cookbook, due for release 1 November 2014.

Encapsulating Paul and Blair’s relaxed outlook with a family flavour, the book is titled “Two Dad’s: Cooking for Family and Friends” and can be purchased at all good book stores.

According to Paul and Blair, they’ve put a huge effort into getting the book finished before Christmas, so we can include it in our stockings this year.

“We are very excited about our upcoming book. It is full of recipes for the family that are both healthy, tasty and can be done on a budget. There is also a section at the end of the book with five 3-course menus. We have some beautiful photography in the book, some of which is from a friend and local Gold Coast City photographer Darren French.”

“We both love healthy food that has heaps of flavour. Cooking is another creative art form that allows us to express ourselves and that inspires us. We love cooking for our families, and dare we use the cliché…we cook with love.”

“We are both heavily influenced by Asian flavours but we are happy to take a tour around the world when it comes to exciting flavours. In terms of signature cooking style, we are about three things: simple, healthy and bursting with flavour.”

Follow our favourite Gold Coast City Dads, Paul and Blair, on Facebook and Instagram and pencil November 1 2014 in your diary to get your hands on their delectable cookbook.