Great British Menu contestants from North are back? and so am I

Tonight sees the start of the North’s heat of the Great British Menu. So far it’s been a mixed bag of TV. The addition of a third chef into the mix for days 1-4 has been interesting (previous to this year the narrowing down to two chefs had pretty much happened off air), though in some weeks there’s been a huge difference between the two front runners and the third chef.

It still interests me that so many chefs really seem to believe that their food is orgasmic (read Manuel’s latest review to hear about orgasmic food) and then they get a score of 5 out of 10. Yes the judging is harsh (and based on more than just the taste), but then they’re meant to be the cream of the crop.

When I met with Niall from James Street South (one of the North’s contestants - Brian McCann of Shu and Derek Creagh formerly of Deane’s making up the trio) he was tightlipped about it, as is, I believe the contractual obligation of anyone taking part. You can read the interview with Niall here.

“Going out sourcing new products that people have never used before, that’s the exciting part for me,” Niall told me.

“Local produce is the key to the whole thing and sourcing new suppliers. I used Churchtown farm, a wee organic supplier just around the corner from Castle Ward, which is my estate. Unbelievable quality of produce, unbelievable. And I used a guy called Michael Young, the guy I got the honey off. He’s English but he’s been over here for years, he’s one of the lecturers in the College of Biz.”

I have heard that the week’s show will be a great one. And, Richard Corrigan will be his usual, mischievous self! Let me know your thoughts on how our chefs are doing as the weeks progress.

P.S. I’m glad to be back!