Glasgow was back on Channel 4's radar on Tuesday night as three local restaurants battled it out to win a grand cash prize and a coveted trophy on Come Dine With Me: The Professionals.
Saffron By Paradise, Calabash and Red Onion put their best foot forward when it came to showing off their tasty treats to each other, but only one establishment could come out on top.
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All three restaurants dished up a menu of three courses, with three add-ons that represented their establishment at its very best. For each restaurant, this was the menu:
Saffron By Paradise
Starter - Sticky spicy aubergines with a selection of dips
Main Course - Lamb, butternut squash and saffron stew, with bejewelled rice
Dessert - Pear and cardamom tarte tatin with clotted cream and saffron & pistachio ice cream
Saffron By Paradise scored a respectable 32 out of 40, with 17 from Calabash and 15 from Red Onion.
Calabash
Starter - Githeri salad, mixed beans with sweetcorn, lettuce and African seasoning
Main Course - Jumbo Tapas Mumma Special, boerewors, mshikaki and nyama choma
Dessert - Plantain with custard, and mango with chilli
Calabash scored a lovely tally of 34 out of 40, with 18 from Saffron By Paradise and 16 from Red Onion.
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Red Onion
Starter - Seared Barra scallops with plum tomato, Highland chorizo and aioli dressing
Main Course - Five-spice Gressingham duck breast with tamarind glaze and shiitake mushroom jus
Dessert - Vanilla cheesecake with brûléed banana and salted passionfruit caramel
And finally, Red Onion scored a whopping 35 out of 40, with 18 from Saffron By Paradise and 17 from Calabash.
So, John and Rosie Quigley, the father and daughter duo behind Red Onion restaurant in Glasgow’s city centre came out on top whilst taking part in the well-known TV contest – which normally pits home cooks against each other to win a cash prize.
Commenting on their big win, John said: “We had so many customers ‘tag’ us on social media to encourage us to enter that the programme’s production team got in touch directly to ask us to take part. While we weren’t sure to begin with, in the end we decided it would be good experience and a bit of a laugh – some light-hearted relief after the trials and tribulations of the last couple of years.
“It was a lot of pressure trying to cook and dish up under lighting and lots of people being in the kitchen that we just weren’t used to, but we both loved it and felt very natural. We work well as a team and as a family unit."
Rosie added: “It was fantastic to take part in the programme and I think we both loved being in front of the camera! Part of me is glad to be back at my laptop again working away behind the scenes but it was an unforgettable experience for us as a business and a family.
“Whether you’re a Red Onion regular, or this programme encourages you to visit for the first time, we will be delighted to welcome you to our venue in the city centre.”
Viewers flocked to social media to share their thoughts on the Red Onion win, however, many were distracted by chef John's celebrity knowledge. One Twitter user said: "Does anyone know if he's cooked for a bloke called Bryan? #comedinewithme."
Another added: "Had he cooked for Bryan Adams? He should have mentioned it. #comedinewithme."
And a third wrote: "I think I would’ve name dropped Paul McCartney before Bryan Adams but perhaps that’s just me #comedinewithme."
Another Twitter user said: "Roises face says it all #hearditathousandtimes #comedinewithme."
More comments read: "I have cooked for Bryan Adams too , not the singer, just a guy called Bryan #comedinewithme."
While others stated: "Bit of low scoring by the 3rd pair....tactical? They come across rather 'know it all'.... #comedinewithme."
Finally, one concluded: "When will people learn that we don’t find celebrity anecdotes as interesting as they do. #comedinewithme."
Come Dine With Me: The Professionals will return to Glasgow on Friday, July 22 to watch three more restaurants battle for the £1,000 prize. The episode will air at 5pm on Channel 4.
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