Now that the latest series of Masterchef has aired it seems appropriate to mention the fun we had at the Masterchef Live show in November last year. We enjoyed watching some of the invention tests taking part in the arena, and the lovely impromptu moments such as Greg Wallace pecking John Torode on the cheek as a thank you for adjusting his mic!
The tasting menu was interesting and varied – we tried and enjoyed a classic roast pork dish (slow roast belly of pork, green sauce and mash) from the Luxe (John Torode), corn-fed chicken green curry from Blue Elephant, and wanted to try Lisa Faulkner’s rhubarb crumble and custard but it proved so popular that it soon ran out! The servings were heartier than those at last year’s dining experience and it seemed easier to get a seat this time, making it a more enjoyable event and better showcasing the food.The Wines of Chile stall was also a particular favourite of ours, lots of lovely rich reds to sample, lots of intelligent and helpful staff to explain what you were tasting. There was an array of interesting spirits on offer also, including an independent London gin from Sipsmith which was distinctive aromatic and ethereal.
The food on offer at the stalls was all interesting too. Our favourite purchases were the Sweet Freedom syrup (fruit based, healthy but tasty sugar alternative) Rude Health spelt flakes, Pixley Berries blackcurrant cordial (our daughter loves this), Spanish cheese and hams, chilli sauces ...but the list could go on.
A great all out foodie event on the run up to Yuletide - hope to go again next year!
It was good to see Masterchef, practically an institution of reality TV cookery, back on our screens and willing to change its formula to push the boundaries a little. It helps to keep it ahead of the recent launch of similar TV programs (Cookery School and Britain’s Best Dish spring to mind).Greg and John are marvellous hosts and it’s great to watch contestants’ reactions, shocked and delighted in turn at the challenges they pull out of the bag. One of my favourite recent episodes was when guru-chef Yotam Ottolenghi simply ‘turned up’ to inspire them to cook vegetarian dishes with a new fresh twist – following which they had to cater for a circus pitching at Peckham Rye (Greg’s old stomping ground)… and of course, the final three…
Masterchef is my favourite ‘soap’ – lots of drama, character development and human interest, though less violent and much more uplifting than Eastenders! It renews my enthusiasm to get into the kitchen and try a new recipe or create a little something special for dinner. I guess the switch of the franchise to the BBC1 prime-time slot reflects the fact that lots of people feel the same.
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