Yesterday’s Nom Nom Nom - a “Masterchef for bloggers” - featured eight teams of two slogging it out for a slice of glory in an all day cook-off. With team names such as Nomnivores and Muppets inspired team costumes, it was obvious this competition was all in the spirit of fun. Of course, that’s not to say the contestants weren't serious about winning. Putting in a full day of food prep that started at 9.30am (on a Sunday!), teams were required to purchase all ingredients and make their dishes against the clock for a host of top foodie judges (including celebrity chef and restaurateur, Tom Aikens). To ease some of the pressure and ensure quality results, the well stocked kitchens of Little Portland Street's Cookery School were utilized with their knowledgeable staff at hand and the Marylebone Farmers Market nearby for ingredients (not to mention the Ginger Pig, La Fromagerie and a trusty Waitrose).
The winning team, French Connection (Kai "kaigani" Turner and Willem "HippoWill" van der Horst), wowed the judges (and this Londonista) with a salmon tartare starter, a main of grilled duck breast with spiced apple chutney and a raspberry and mascarpone meringue roulade. In second place was the team More Ginger, Vicar? (Chris “More Tea Vicar” Dreyfus and the Ginger Gourmand), with a gazpacho starter that had all the judges cooing in praise.
The second Nom Nom Nom in as many years, the event was not just an excuse for a yummy Sunday but also an effort to draw attention to the commendable charity work of Action Against Hunger. Stay tuned to the Nom Nom Nom website for details about an upcoming online raffle (with proceeds going to Action Against Hunger).
