GBM and next mag

I was delighted to see Niall McKenna get through to the final day in the North’s heat on Great British Menu, but a little saddened that Brian McCann didn’t. It’s not that I have anything against Derek Creagh, it’s just that I thought Brian had more dishes I really want to taste.

The thought of Niall’s main course with the beef on the bone and the bone marrow had the cushion I’d been sitting nearby soaking wet with drool. But so too did Brian’s lamb dish. I’d happily eat both fish courses from the two West Belfast men, too. Derek’s food was just looked way too over complicated. I’m with Richard Corrigan - smoked salmon is a wonderful product and to freeze dry it seems a little over the top. Then to freeze dry meringues seemed nuts to me, but then, I’ve never held a Michelin star, so who am I to argue?

There has been a fair few mistakes this week with nerves seemingly creeping in. Though Corrigan has a permanent mischievous grin on his face so you never know what he’s been up to! Hopefully we’ll have an interview with Richard soon. What did you think of the North’s heats and whose menu do you think will go through?

I think the judges this year are being very easily irritated by ‘cheffy’ food, which doesn’t bode well for Derek. But then, if I remember correctly, if there’s one thing that Matthew Fort hates ? that’s fillet steak on a menu. So it’s all to play for tonight. I’m not going to be back online until Wednesday, though will be replying to comments so let us know who you think will go through and why.

As a side note, the next edition of print magazine comes out first week of June and here’s just some of the things you’ll have to look forward to: Michael Deane on reopening and that Michelin star; an interview with our very own much loved waiter, Manuel (happy National Waiters Day by the way, see more here); a burger marathon including Belfast’s best and an interview with Dr Jon, the owner of the Heart Attack Grill in the US (not enough words to describe it here) and finally after his unfortunate leg break stopped our interview, Raymond Blanc is back talking about his winners from the Restaurant, Thierry Henry and how he nearly snubbed England in favour of Ireland when he first left France. There’s lots more, but of course you’ll find out about it when you see a copy!