This is gonna be a FUN mini-series. I started watching the Come Dine with Me Series back in Singapore many years ago and for some reason, I enjoyed watching it. I enjoyed seeing how people entertained guests, and whilst some had put effort in cooking, some "cheated" by catering in food - one episode I remember the caterer had to pass the food in via the kitchen window so as not to alert the guests. Coming over to the UK where this series is from, you do get it being played on the TV frequently here. I have been inspired by it and so on my birthday dinner when we met up with the group, I suggested to Gabby we should do a Come Dine with Me competition amongst us, friendly of course. Us girls eagerly started to pencil in 4 dates in our diaries, all the way to March next year. It was funny because seriously, a date in March 2014? Of course, the guys were somehow pulled along, willing or unwillingly.
I love the fact that through this (ahem) friendly competition, all of us get to hang out - girls and boys. Seldom do we get a chance for such as this with our busy schedules. Plus we get to visit one another's houses. So fun!
Today was "Episode 1" where we all made our way to Croydon, to the Geesons, one of my fav couples. Gabby and I are very close, and if you recall K and I spent a weekend at their new place more than a month ago. They decided on lunch instead of dinner and amazingly all 8 of us met up together for the first time (funny as it may sound but yes full attendance for the first time).
Ben the head chef went all out and sent out the menu a few days before (just like how they do it on the TV series). No pressure for the rest of us - thanks Ben.
Chef Ben set the bar really high because whilst we were getting ready to set off, Gabby sent an image to our group chat saying he had started cooking in the morning. Again, no pressure.
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| Where do you even get this outfit Ben?? |
When we arrived the table was already set in style for 8 people and Chef Ben was busy milling about in the kitchen. Gabby was a hostess-with-the-mostest, making sure all of us had enough drinks as we went along.
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| All ready for us |
It was a hearty toast ("to our competition, to healthy, happy bodies" as what was wished) before the meal commenced. It was even funny to decide who sits where at the table haha. We were almost playing musical chairs at some point.
I told the chef that I don't take goat's cheese and he kindly replaced it with cottage cheese so extra point(s) for that! Everyone marvelled at how professional the dishes looked. Seriously guys!
When the banoffee pie came out, it was the winner with all the "oohs" and "aahs". Chef Ben has done it again. At this time I suggested the rest of us opt out from the competition. How to beat?
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| The Banoffee pie which Ben made from scratch. Gotta give the man some points! |
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| All smiles and laughter |
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| 8 very full stomachs *burp* |
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| Well done chef! |
Before we left, we had to decide on the voting system, and the prize. We were each given a piece of paper to write our score for the afternoon - anonymously of course - and we sealed it in an envelope. Of course Ben kept edging us to put "10!" Jan winked at me suggesting forming some alliance hehe. So how it would work is: after the last meal in this competition, we would open the sealed envelopes accumulated in the past 3 episodes and reveal the winning couple. Everyone would contribute £5 so we could collect £40 and the winning team will buy something nice for the kitchen. (Yes we are that serious and competitive.)
On the way home I kept asking K "how how what shall we cook?" Hmm… any ideas please tell me!
Our turn will be in February. All I can say now is… watch this space! :)
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