WHINE & DINE

IN OR OUT?
You know this celebrity thing is odd at times. A, B C- What is your ranking? I am not one to pursue it and, right now, a degree of anonymity is refreshing, as I have mentioned before. But managing my head space in the: possible, could be, oh no it’s gone, but then there it is back at the last minute can all be a bit tedious for me.

I mean, bottom line; ‘Don’t they know who I think I once was? I think I heard Robin say something like that once. More than that: ‘Don’t they know who I think I am on a good day after two glasses of Rioja?’ Now you’re talking, or I am, in ever so dulcet tones with superb… oh come on get on with the story Slater..

Well they obviously don’t get this – that is the booking personnel on that esteemed show ‘Come Dine With Me.’

I am now on the second – ‘Would you like to do the show? We would really like Nicky on the show.’ etc etc… hook? Three weeks away from the possible first date to take part and everything is quiet.

Part of me thinks; Either book me or not and I’ll give you a deadline. Of course you should not blog the details of this as they may never book you again but then that’s how it works isn’t it? Everyone staying quiet and hopeful. But it’s daft really. Do you want the plumber to do the work or not? Book them in. Don’t keep people hanging and then say – Oh no sorry…

So I’m assuming I’m not there for their Olympic Series. No doubt some other – ‘bigger names’ are there! – good for them. They just haven’t got how BIG a name I am for them!!! Shame… Think of the ratings they’d get?

I suspect the reality of the production process is: (1) research assistant: trawl the world and see who might be interested – tell them how much we need them/love them, would love them to be there, (2) do the maths – how much, logistics etc for each possible, (3) meet to discuss: I like them and them but not them… (4) book the favourites (5) let the loosers know but keep them hanging on in case we loose a favourite late on – favourites can always be pesky as they have lots on. (6) Goodbye = ’Not this time but would love you for another time…’ Twas ever thus.

VALENTINE’S DAY TEST
Well you blighters at CDWM I have done a test evening. I have reduced, I have layered in, I have done the business and made smells in the kitchen that I have experienced in the best of restaurants – and don’t make that mean anything untoward.

I did a Valentine’s Day evening dinner. Recipe inspired by my commentary chum Chris Howarth – who loves cooking. I had the help of my friends Ian and Christine in Brighton. The stage was set in Ian and Christine’s kitchen and it was – in their and Christiane’s estimation – brilliant. This was a surprise treat for Christiane – I won brownie points.

Golly you need a lot of kit. My, there were twenty steps to get the chicken tarragon to the table. At one point I said “I need the lemon and the vinegar and… ?” “Yes Chef.” Came the reply from Ian! That’s how it works. Great fun and he made me wear an apron!

So I have a lot to thank the CDWM folk for. I have learnt some stuff about cooking and enjoyed it. I have learnt I need a kitchen with a load of kit to use. I learnt I need to preset much of what’s going to happen and I learnt that my wife loves me to entertain her! I kind of knew that already.

So I may not be flavour of the month for a celebrity cooking show but I’ve had a fun time with friends creating a meal that was a part of a lovely and memorable evening. A little less pepper on the potato layers next time – they did ‘ziz’ a little. But apart from that, I’m on my way and I/we have invented the possibility of ‘chocolate shots’ a desert that is something very special methinks…. Being creative then Slater – How do I write that in a French accent?

Thanks to the team, Chris, Ian, Christine – super.

Love