Food Competition 2006
Combermere Arms - Final
Throughout this competition there has been ample indication of the technical aptitude of Tim and Fliss and again this was reaffirmed in all the culinary delights they produced in the final. Their exquisite summer pudding was the epitome of their well deserved first place.
Starter:
Marinated monkfish with avocado salad
An attractive, light and tasty summery dish that will no doubt become an extremely popular choice.
Light Bite:
Sausage and mash pie
A good-looking hearty course - with a little more development this could be an exceptional signature dish.
Main:
Braised oxtail with fondant potato, braised red cabbage and curly kale
An imaginative dish that was highly accomplished. Could charge slightly more for it.
Pudding:
Summer pudding served with clotted cream
An exemplary traditional British classic, flawless execution and immensely satisfying.
Prepared by:
Tim Pierson, Felicity Chesworth
The Challenge
Every pub must enter a starter, light bite, main course and pudding. The dishes need to be prepared, cooked and put together in the morning before judging at lunchtime.
In the first round, three or four pubs each day go up against each other. The winner overall on each day goes through to the final, which is held two weeks later.
Pub managers and senior chefs are encouraged to come along for the judging and to lend support at the tastings and see what their crews have done, but they can't make any alterations or comment until after the judging - or heckle the other pub teams.
The Criteria
Each dish will be judged under the following criteria; the written description of the dish; the style of the dish; presentation; taste and balance; value for money for the customer; gross profit to the pub; kitchen efficiency; likelihood of consistent reproduction; ease of service to the table.
Prizes
The winning team will enjoy the glory, the admiration and undoubtedly the accusations of bias and double-dealing from all their peers. They will also receive a trophy and probably a case or two of something quaffable to share amongst the team.