lip smacking indeed. Whereas some efforts, as in the words of Ludo, really did amount to
Sabotage!
Yet as I watched, with each cook getting literally slammed through proceedings, I couldn’t help but feel a nagging in the back of my head. If all our attention was supposed to be on the food, why was there so much focus on the judges? Yes our trio is quite entertaining to watch, particularly the banter between the two boys (and they are boys, spitting and swearing at each other). Oyster slut Bourdain is especially refreshing with his brusque candour and wit. Ludo is slightly annoying, too bonkers and handsome for my liking in fact. And Mother Hen Nigella treads a fine line between strict madam and cooing mistress, as always. However, for a show that has set out a stall to promote uncomplicated yet delicious food, it has jumped off the blocks with far too much style over substance. I mean how much slow-motion does a food show need? Unless this is a food porn show, with lascivious spooning all over the shop.
Hmm, maybe it is.
To coin a phrase, hopefully over the next couple of episodes things will 'flesh out a bit' and there will be some more interaction and development regarding the 12 remaining competitors. I seriously can’t remember a single thing about any of them. So I will carry on watching for the time being.
Although the whole spoon thing does continue to trouble me (I have definitely mentioned it enough). I mean how you are ever going to take the praise “I do like your spoon” seriously or without suggestion?
Especially from Nigella.
Danny Kingston (Food Urchin)
Danny is a food adventurer, enthusiastic allotmenteer, supper club host and writer of the entertaining and quirky epicurian blog, Food Urchin. He also writes for Great British Chefs and past credits also include writing for Delicious Magazine online and MSN Food and he is an absolute sucker for East End pie and mash (with loads of
liquor and vinegar).
