The five contestants for this week are: photographer David Hawe, who isn't looking forward to being "trapped" with five strangers for the week; media consultant James Marshall, a food snob who is especially critical of food aimed to impress and that doesn't; PR consultant Marsha Mowers, a black dress and shoes person; lawyer Holly Rasky, a single woman who hopes her television exposure might attract a potential partner; and Scotswoman Jennifer Reimer, a meat and potatoes kind of woman. Holly Rasky is the first to host the dinner party. Her menu consists of vodka spiked lemonade as the welcome drink, mango pockets and goats cheese balls as the appetizer, vanilla miso black cod as the main course, and cheesecake lollipops served on cat grass for dessert. She is hoping that her creativity will earn her some extra marks from her guests. Although she doesn't have any major disasters either in the kitchen or the dining room, her guests do comment on the creativity and effort of the meal. And Jennifer hopes to take something else home with her besides the memory of the evening.
All five diners at last night's party discuss their chances of winning in light of the quality of the first party. Holly herself, in hindsight, believes her night "bombed". David Hawe, the next to host the dinner party, plans to "wing it" for good or bad. In certain respects, he has to since he doesn't have a standard kitchen but rather just a hot plate, microwave and toaster oven. His hot plate, microwave and toaster oven menu consists of watermelon snappers as the welcome drink, pig and a pokie as the appetizer, gazpacho with cheesy crisps as the main course (yes, as the main course), and red velvet cake as the dessert. David is hoping to make magic in the kitchen with his limited equipment. He probably can't have a disaster in the kitchen since there's nothing with which to create one. Perhaps the biggest disaster of the evening is Marsha's hair. And Holly is surprised to see something familiar in David's house.
Jennifer Reimer is third on the list to host the dinner party. After eating many "foreign" and unknown foods over the first two parties, Jennifer wants to get back to her own roots and comfort. Her Highland inspired menu consists of blue lagoon as a welcome drink, heavenly prawns in rose-marie sauce as the appetizer, steak and mushroom pie as the main course, and tipsy trifle for dessert. She also mentions a surprise food item, about which most are not surprised but disgusted. As she is running a little behind schedule with the food, Jennifer lulls her guests with some soothing music and much liquor. But will the timing problems and the fact of some of the ingredients be her downfall?
James Marshall is the host for the evening. He has felt confident right from the start of the week about winning, and is feeling even more certain now after the first three dinner parties. Because of his superior attitude, his guests expect nothing but the best and if he doesn't deliver, he may feel their wrath. His menu consists of fish & chips (pretentious styled) as the appetizer, pork belly with braised cabbage and dumplings (and pan roasted duck breast for Jewish Holly) as the main course, and croissant custard brulée for dessert. James admits to feeling stressed and having a few disasters in the kitchen, but will these translate to what his guests see and taste in the dining room? By the end of the evening, his guests leave his house with a sense of satisfaction, but for an unexpected reason.
The five reflect on the disasters from the evening before, although James feels he still has a good chance of winning. Marsha Mowers is the last of this five to host. She believes that not only does the food need to be good to win, but that the conversation needs to be good and the booze needs to flow. Her New York City inspired menu consists of Mott Street martini as the welcome drink, Waldorf salad as the appetizer, Battery Park beef and Chelsea potato cake as the main course, and SoHo cheesecake as the dessert. In some respects, Marsha is winging it as she doesn't like to follow recipes, does as little work as possible, and if she does have to do work, complains about it. Like some of parties before, timing becomes an issue for Marsha. And being the last party of the week, the five are a little more candid about their thoughts not only of this party but of the other four, with James and Jennifer in particular having a special moment. Marsha finds out if her game plan and execution are enough as she announces the winner of the $1,000.
The five contestants for this week are: hypnotist Beth Bovaird, a glamor girl; recent college graduate Alex Bruvels, who people often see as being over confident; street performer and carny Jackson Mann, whose job requires him to speak quickly; DJ Tania Morano, a party girl with a penchant to use four letter words; and touring Broadway production company employee Simcha Snell, a bubbly person. Beth Bovaird is the first to host the dinner party. Her menu consists of lime margaritas as the welcome drink, tequila and lime scallops as the appetizer, smoked back ribs with beans, coleslaw and corn bread as the main course, and pendulum parfait for dessert. As Beth deals with an issue in the kitchen with what she ultimately coins her possessed ribs, Jackson takes over personality-wise in the dining room, which exhausts the others. Alex and Jackson each get something unexpected on their plate, which may hurt Beth's chances for winning. As the evening comes to a close, Beth hopes the one major disaster of which she is aware will not ruin her chances of success.
The five contestants assess their chances of winning based on experiencing the first party hosted by Beth, who is reeling over the error she made with her ribs, which she blames on no one but herself. And the other four are still trying to understand Jackson's unusual style of engagement. Tania Morano is second on the list to host the dinner party. Hers Italian-inspired gangster menu, which mixes her own ethnic background with her DJ lifestyle, consists of espresso martinis as the welcome drink, gnocchi mafiosi as the appetizer, cottolette à la funghi as the main course, and tiramisu à la puntana for dessert. She is hoping that two of the three food courses will go well as she's never made them before. She uses the gangster theme to welcome her guests in an unusual way. And Alex and Beth find Tania's ultimate plan for winning in her bedroom.
After last night's party, Beth doesn't believe she has a chance of winning anymore, while the remaining three hosts still believe they have a chance but need to step up their game plan due to Tania's impressive party. Jackson Mann is third on the list to host the dinner party. Regardless of the food or the party, will Jackson's unapologetically loud and overbearing personality factor in on how he will be scored? Jackson's Asian-inspired menu consists of "tank car" agedashi tofu and lo mai gai as the appetizers, five-spice Crystal prawns with "we lost the dog" ramen as the main course, and mango mousse for dessert. This menu surprises his guests, who expected more down home cooking from Jackson. Jackson being the evening's entertainment doesn't surprise his guests, but some of the content of that entertainment and what follows his performance do catch his guests off guard.
Simcha Snell is the host for the evening. Although she states she's a confident person, she confesses that she doesn't want the expectation of her party to be too high and not live up to it. Her Mexican-inspired menu consists of basil infused shrimp over Tijuana salad as the appetizer, perrine chicken with coco rice as the main course, and Oaxacan chocolate cheesecake for dessert. A usually reserved Simcha surprises by being part of the evening's entertainment, but as usual, Jackson has the last word. But she's glad when the evening's over so that someone else can be in the spotlight instead of her.
Alex Bruvels is the last of this fivesome to host. A competitive person, Alex is still out to win and will be disappointed if he doesn't. His menu consists of shucked raw PEI oysters as the hors d'oeuvre, pan seared mahi-mahi as the appetizer, rabbit in Cabernet jus with risotto as the main course, and strawberry and sugar cookie parfait for dessert. He realizes that he is taking a risk by serving cute bunny rabbit in his meal about which he doesn't care, but he doesn't realize the equally risky maneuver in his dress code of white attire. Even after these knowns, his guests don't have high expectations for the evening due to his young age (twenty-three) and still "frat boy" mentality of life, so are surprised that Alex is going for the fine dining theme. But they're lucky that they don't spot Alex's food preparation, which would cause fine dining restaurants to close. He'll soon find out if his fine dining evening worked as he announces the winner of the $1,000.
The five contestants for this week are: blogger Dez Diaz, who hates boring things and people; Kathleen Douglass, a tai-chi enthusiast who loves food; jazz musician Carson Freeman, who likes the spotlight all to himself; IT manager Joe Guidarelli, a competitive person who isn't used to losing; and legal assistant Deborah Murphy, a self professed bitch, snob and flirt whose signature accessory is a pearl necklace. All five expect to win, with second place, in Carson's words, being first loser. Joe Guidarelli is the first to host the dinner party. His menu consists of spumante and grapefruit as the welcome drink, butternut squash risotto as the appetizer, julienned vegetable stuffed chicken breast as the main course, and tiramisu for dessert. He wants his food not only to taste good but look like works of art, just as he believes himself to be (he believes his good looks will wow the women). He risks having a wine tasting not knowing anything about wine and placing home made labels with photos of him on the wine bottles. Joe admits to having timing issues with the food coming out. By the end of the evening, the five have formed very strong and definite opinions of the other four.
Deborah Murphy is the next to host the dinner party. Her tequila infused menu consists of margaritas as the welcome drink, salad wedge with tequila bread as the appetizer, tequila lime chicken as the main course, and key lime pie as the dessert. She admits never having been to Mexico and not having a desire to go to Mexico, but she loves her tequila which accounts for the Mexican flavor to the meal. If it doesn't taste "right", she will hear the wrath of ethnic Mexican Dez. Throughout the cooking process, Debbie shows just how much she loves her tequila by the quantity she consumes, which makes her "happy" by the time her guests arrive. Beyond the Mexican theme, Debbie's guests are surprised by some of the unexpected things on their plates. After all is said and done, will Debbie's self-infused main ingredient help or hinder her?
Dez Diaz is third on the list to host the dinner party. After yesterday's Mexican themed menu by non-Mexican Debbie, Mexican Dez vows that she will show her guests what real Mexican food is supposed to be. She also doesn't get drunk while cooking like Debbie was when she cooked her meal. Dez's Mexican-inspired menu consists of arugula and watermelon salad with shrimp as the appetizer, pollo con mole as the main course, and pastel Maria for dessert. She is confident that her cooking skills and her menu are the week's winning ones even before she begins. As such, her guests have high expectations as she has been the most critical all week. In an effort to engage her guests, she has them prepare their own tortillas, but will they appreciate being part of the food prep or would they have preferred to be totally pampered? The guests leave satisfied, but not because of the meal itself.
After Debbie and Dez both served Mexican themed meals, the differences between the two, not only in their food, is apparent. As the next host, Kathleen Douglass is hoping to that her hosting is an extension of herself. Her menu consists of pink diamond fizz as the welcome drink, pear and peach curry soup as the appetizer, seared tuna as the main course, and mojito freeze for dessert. The evening ends up being one of extreme contrasts. Dez ends up being the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. Kathleen's overly positive demeanor, regardless of what is thrown at her, garnered mixed results. And her party favor, while touching some more than others, was also seen by some as being too positive in its approach to the night. Will all that combined result in a middling score?
By this, the last party of the week, two distinct factions have emerged, the line based on generation. Debbie was offended by the way Carson, Dez and Joe acted toward both herself and their host Kathleen at yesterday's party. Carson, Dez and Joe, conversely, were digging the knife into Kathleen whenever she was not present to hear. Carson Freeman is the last of the five to host. His 100-mile menu consists of handmade ravioli as the appetizer, braised veal chops as the main course, and warm peach cake as the dessert. The food takes a back seat to the issue of guest relations, with Debbie venting her feelings about some of her younger companions. Carson hopes that his entertainment, some jazz music, will soothe the atmosphere. He'll find out if his music is enough to overcome the animosity as he announces the winner of the $1,000. The eventual winner does a surprising thing despite the animosity that emerged between the five.
The five contestants for this week are: graphics designer Lynne Dalgleish, who doesn't like to be called eccentric or wacky even though she knows she is; marketer Santo Ligotti, who doesn't like anything plain; mover Walt Medeiros, an ex-biker who hates people who always need to be the center of attention; go-go and burlesque dancer Holly Van Drat, who doesn't like what society deems traditional; and homemaker Rosamund Witchel, an aerobics addict. Lynne Dalgleish is the first to host the dinner party. Her menu consists of beets, chevre, asparagus, olives and bread as the appetizer, seafood pastichio as the main course, and lemon tart for dessert. If first impressions hold true, one of the four is the obvious outsider amongst the group. As dinner progresses, that impression holds true to form. Lynne may not notice as she's mesmerized by something in the wine, and forgets a few things in the kitchen.
The five contestants assess their chances of winning based on experiencing the first party hosted by Lynne. Walt Medeiros is second on the list to host the dinner party. His menu consists of beet, honey and goat cheese ravioli as the appetizer, rainbow trout as the main course, and baked pears for dessert. The four guests are surprised by the menu as it doesn't seem to match Walt's personality. Beyond the issue of the food, his guests notice a few things missing from the dining room table. And Lynne and Rosamund may have lost their appetite by what they find in Walt's drawers.
After last night's party, both Lynne and Walt believe they are in the lead, with Santo, Holly and Rosamund believing they can beat whoever is currently in the lead. Holly Van Drat is third on the list to host the dinner party. Her cheesy 1960's beach party inspired menu consists of a flaming crouton topped fruit punch as the welcome drink, capsized cucumber soup as the appetizer, grilled mahi-mahi as the main course, and "all pineapples go to heaven" cake for dessert. Some go-go dancing before dinner turns up the heat, which is what Holly will need as her stove doesn't seem to be working as she tries to cook dinner. As Holly deals with the issues in the kitchen, the other four quietly muse about how much they don't have in common with the others, especially Rosamund, who considers Holly's spare room to be a "freak show".
Santo Ligotti is the host for the evening. He believes he has the perfect combination of skills to win this competition hands down. His "Mama's boy" Italian-inspired menu consists of eggplant Parmesan, stuffed artichokes and risotto balls as the appetizers, Neapolitan stuffed veal (stuffed pepper for vegetarian Holly) as the main course, and orange zeppole for dessert. Cooking food on which he grew up on has mixed reactions to his guests. The highlights for the evening seem to stem from the misfortunes of one of the diners, the first of which the others seems somewhat happy about, the second which sheds some new light for the previous reaction to that person.
Rosamund Witchel is the last of this fivesome to host. The outsider from the start, she doesn't care if the others don't like her, but she still believes that will not hinder her chances of winning. Her menu consists of mixed greens with peaches and buffalo mozzarella as the appetizer, grilled sirloin steak (baked salmon for vegetarian Holly) as the main course, and flourless chocolate cake for dessert. She spares no expense on the meal, especially on the wine. One surprising aspect of the evening is Rosamund's directive of no snooping in the house. Her country club suburban activities for the evening include badminton, and her favorite activity: step aerobics. And as Rosamund tries to be a good host - regardless of it's an act or sincere - Walt is having none of it. She'll find out if her evening is enough to overcome the animosity as she announces the winner of the $1,000.
Tonight, five strangers meet for the first time at host Andrea’s house. A customer service rep who relishes in relaxation, Andrea finds time to hit the nail salon as part of her party prep.
It’s night two of a week long dinner party competition. Picky perfectionist Bill Minna is looking to outdo last night’s do with a fancy sounding foreign menu.
Thai kick boxer, Raj Dhillon is first to hit the kitchen in this five night dinner party competition. Five strangers will meet for the first time to compete to win a $1000 cash prize. Raj hopes to beat her competitors by serving a fusion meal that blends her Indian and Canadian cultures. Raj starts by serving her guests a fusion samosa appetizer, but leaves out the fusion. Up next is her main course; saag stuffed chicken breast with rice, salad and daal, which has her guests asking for her to spice it up. Jerry, Duaina, Andrew and Tamar attempt to play a game of Crokinole. Then it’s time for dessert; “Raj Mahal” which is an apple crumble served with Indian rice pudding. Will Raj be able to hold onto the top spot for the week? Or will these strangers smoke her?
It’s night two of a week long culinary competition and we’re at the home of boring Brit, Jerry Brown. Jerry’s guests, Tamar, Andrew, Duaina and Raj take a peek around the house while Jerry plates his appetizer of crab cakes with aioli. He made is aioli from scratch, but his crab meat isn’t exactly fresh, which has his guests fishing for answers. Jerry enlists the help of one of his guests to help him host. Then, for the main course Jerry serves braised lamb shanks with potato cauliflower mash and vegetables. Then it’s time for Jerry’s idea of entertainment; reading limericks. Finally, it’s time for his dessert trio; caramelized oranges, meringue beds and chocolate logs. Will Jerry’s tinned crab cripple his score? Or will his limericks make his score soar?
Tonight is the middle week long foodie fight where five strangers battle it out for bragging rights and a $1000 cash prize. Tonight, Tamar dons her apron and wants to prove to her guests that she’s the hostess with the mostess. While Tamar preps her appetizer, Jerry, Duaina, Andrew and Raj take a peek around her pad. Then it’s time to eat! Tamar serves Ying-Yang soup with pull away buns for her starter. Her guests have issues with one soup being over seasoned and the other under seasoned. Up next, is Tamar’s main course of citrus-infused halibut, arugula and pear salad and basmati-quinoa pilaf. But her guests find the fish overcooked. Then moves onto her dessert; apple pie cheesecake with caramel sauce. Will Tamar take the cake? Or struggle for top place?
It’s the fourth night of a menu marathon and Andrew Moniz is in the kitchen. Andrew hopes he has what it takes to win the thousand dollar cash prize. Andrew kicks things of with a stiff saketini. Then his guests Jerry, Raj, Tamar and Duaina snoop around his space. For his appetizer he serves soup for a second night in a row, a very thick roasted butternut squash soup with fontina crostini. Also, for the second night in a row is fish. Andrew serves balsamic glazed halibut with roasted fingerling potatoes and asparagus. Last but not least is his beautifully presented dessert; gooooorgeous fruit meringue with vanilla cream, hazelnuts and caramel. Will Andrew’s fish blow his guests out of the water? Or, will his guests dock him marks for his thick soup?
It’s the final feast of a five day food fight and tonight’s host is tenacious Texan, Duaina Kirby. She plans to take the number one spot by showing her guests a little southern hospitality. Duaina’s guests Raj, Jerry, Tamar and Andrew poke check out the notches on her bedposts, while Duaina she finishes the appetizer. To start, she serves Texas pecan crab cakes with mango salad and chipotle lime aioli. Which everyone seems to like. For the main course Duaina serves fried chicken with mashed potatoes and collard greens. But, one of her guests thinks the chicken is undercooked. Last but not least is dessert; Tennessee bread pudding with whiskey sauce. Will the chicken ruin her chances of winning? Or will Duaina’s southern charm swing her into the top spot?
Tonight, over the top OCD’er Mary Newton hosts a squeaky clean evening to kick off night one of a weeklong dinner party competition. Casting the critical eye are long-winded Louie, dancing queen John, kooky Kailey and unaware Aris – 4 complete strangers. With overzealous confidence Mary starts her “practically perfect” evening with some spotless glassware, a little trash talk and an appetizer of Billy Goats Gruff tart. She follows up with a main course of porcini crusted filet mignon, potato galette, beans ….and dirt, an odd choice for the OCD queen. She ends her meal with an apple torte dessert that leaves even the biggest skeptics smiling. But will Mary’s party impress or leave her guests in distress?
It’s an unusual evening on day 2 of a 5 day dinner party competition at ADD Aris’ unkempt abode - an open-concept garage with all his grease monkey gadgets. As the guests arrive they realize this is no normal event. While awaiting an appetizer of squid ink linguine the guests are treated to a musical rendition of the menu sung by a lady swinging from the rafters. Then fish hating John is presented a main course of Blackened Miso Cod. Meanwhile, Louie gets loaded, Mary offends and Kailey’s contempt grows. But Aris’ brings it back with a dessert of chocolate hazelnut sandwiches and “homemade ice cream”. Or does he? Will Aris’ unusual evening out-entertain the competition? Or will his sloppy style leave this Greece greaser in the dust?
It’s a crazy night as hipster Kailey attempts to throw a more raucous party than her competitors on day 3 of a weeklong dinner party competition. And as the competition heats up, so does the host. Kailey kicks off her evening of chaos wearing an unusually eye popping outfit and presenting fellow foodies John, Mary, Aris and Louie with an entire bottle of champagne each. Her fish appetizer is well received and she moves onto an aptly odd main course of Weiner Wellington. However, growing offended by her guests reaction to her attire Kailey decides to scrap her side dishes and offers instead, a theatrical performance that stuns her guests into submission. Finally, the queen of kook closes her night with a dessert of rarebit and ice cream and an appropriately awkward send off. But will Kailey’s offbeat evening and outfit leave her guests wanting more or running for the door?
Its night 4 of a weeklong food fight where 5 strangers compete for the title of “Host with the Most”. Playing his hand this evening is dancing queen John Ansell, an endearing fancy foodie with a serious competitive streak. Determined not to let the dramatics of the previous evening destroy his night John serves up an impressive appetizer of pancetta and crab stuffed shrimp. Louie and Mary dive head first into a box of flamboyant fun while Aris and Kailey idly observe. With John feeling confident he moves on to his main course of Prime Rib, which receives some wordy mixed reviews. But John heats up the competition once more when he serves up a fittingly flaming dessert of white chocolate crème brulee and berries. Will John’s fancy feast warm the hearts of this cranky crew or will it leave them cold?
It’s the final night of a weeklong culinary contest. Tonight’s host is Louie the Greek, a posturing patriot who hopes his theatrical Greek dinner will win him tonight’s grand prize of $1000. Louie’s over the top evening begins with champagne, ouzo shots and some traditional Greek entertainment - dancing bazooka boys that please one but impress none. At the table loquacious Louie serves up an appetizer of spinach salad, which receives one surprisingly warm review. Feeling heroic, Louie moves on to his main course, pistachio crusted lamb chops and makes a show of his flaming saganaki potatoes. To finish, Louie emerges from the kitchen wearing rubber gloves and a scuba mask to present his grand finale, Pandora’s Box. But do his guests appreciate his potentially hazardous dessert or do they wish he would simply put a lid on it? Tonight the winner will be announced. Will Louie’s Olympic attempt be enough to win? Or will his guests see through his smoke and mirrors?
It’s the inaugural night of a 5 day dinner party competition and tonight’s host is flamboyant Francophone Louis-Michel. Meeting for the first time are fellow competitors Stephen, Tammy, Shareen and Nerissa, a mixed group of strangers with only one thing in common, they’re all in it to win it. As the guests arrive they’re greeted with a fittingly French champagne cocktail and are left alone to stumble upon Louis-Michel’s risqué attire. At the table, Louis-Michel gets off to a good start serving a crowd pleasing appetizer of roasted beet and goat cheese salad. However, while preparing his meat heavy main of Chateaubriand, Louis-Michel is vexed to discover that he has not one but two “pseudo” vegetarians at his table. He finishes with a dark and decadent dessert of chocolate cheesecake and raspberry coulis. But will Louis-Michel’s heavy French meal win them over or will his beef…. go bust?
It’s a carnivores’ picnic at animator Stephen Cane’s house as he serves up a man friendly menu on night 2 of a 5 day dinner party competition. In true cave man style Stephen’s evening is a smorgasbord of charcoal grilling, tall cans of beer and lots and LOTS of meat. But with two nitpicky veg heads at the table the king of the ‘Q has his work cut out for him with another meat heavy menu of spicy barbeque short ribs, sirloin steaks, New Zealand lamb chops, organic grass feed beef, barbeque pork loin and slow cooked barbeque churrasco chicken. For dessert, Stephen puts a personal twist on cupcakes from a box and his guests leave heavy and happy, or do they? Will the meat--man impress or will he leave his guests in distress?
Its hump day in a 5 day food fight and tonight’s host is tell-all Tammy, a good-to-go party girl who plans on winning with her hands on sensual supper. Starting her night with a bang, Tammy greets her guests with tequila shots and chilli chaser which Shareen rudely refuses. Determined not to let the party poopers crush her evening, Tammy moves onto her appetizer; ceviche, salsa, guacamole and patacones. Everything is going just tickety boo until Tammy serves her mushroom bread pudding, which ends up in Nerissa’s napkin. Then it’s time for the main course, Indian butter chicken with homemade paneer cheese. To finish Tammy impresses by creating a dessert on the spot. But will the guests be wowed by her efforts or will TMI Tammy be too much to swallow?
Its night four of a dinner party contest where five strangers compete to win the title of host with the most. Tonight, yoga teacher and health guru Shareen Woodford plans to take the prize by impressing her guests with her pescetarian-vegetarian meal. After 3 days of Shareen’s moral preaching Tammy and Louis-Michel decide to poke fun at their host by showing up to dinner in furs. While Shareen scurries off to prepare her starter, the guests sneak around the apartment and Nerissa comes face to face with her worst nightmare…..a cat! Once everyone is seated it’s time for Shareen’s appetizer; Japanese salmon balls, Thai rice paper wraps and Singapore slaw. Next up, she serves her faux-vegetarian main; hazelnut crusted Alaskan cod, roots gratin and citrus asparagus which causes some guests to complain. Shareen finishes up with a unique dessert of baked pears with marscarpone, ginger snaps and a brûléed fan. But will Shareen be praised or punished for her inauthentic vegetarian meal?
It’s the grand finale of a weeklong food fight where 5 strangers have been battling it out for the grand prize of $1000. Tonight’s host Nerissa plans on winning by throwing on a sophisticated and stylish soiree. But the claws are out and fellow competitors Tammy, Louis-Michel, Stephen and Shareen will stop at nothing to make sure nit-picky Nerissa gets a taste of her own medicine. To kick off her classy menu, Nerissa brings out a surprise amuse bouche but is offended when Tammy refuses to taste it. Try as they might the guests find little fault with her appetizer; arugula salad with pouched pears and brie. For the main course, Nerissa serves Chilean Sea Bass with chili lime salsa, parsnip mash, roast potatoes and asparagus. But when Shareen finds glass in her food Nerissa is sure she smells sabotage. Finally it’s time for dessert; orange and ginger crème brulee. Tonight the winner is announced. Will Nerissa be able to wow her catty competition? Or will the perfectionists’ party be anything but?
It’s the opening night of a 5 day food fight and tonight’s host is punk rock princess Stacey McCool. Stacey plans on kicking some culinary butt with a rich satisfying menu and a laid back hosting style. Meeting for the first time are Stacey’s guests and fellow competitors – Trinidadian Felix, Italian Mama Romina, wholesome Haligonian Tawnya and urbanite food snob James. After the introductions the guests are left alone to discover some of Stacey’s hardcore hobbies and sober Felix has his first drink in ten years! At the table Stacey serves up a menu of wild mushroom risotto, stout braised short ribs and a flourless dark chocolate cake. With drinks flowing and critiques flying Stacey kicks off what looks to become and interesting and unusual week. But does this tattooed tough girl have what it takes to impress finicky foodies like these? Or will the punk rock princess……get punked?
A lively and entertaining half hour series that follows five strangers as they take turns creating the perfect dinner party for their fellow amateur chefs. Each dinner party host is given one night to impress their party attendees and competitors with scrumptious food, sparkling décor and stimulating conversation. At the end of the night, each diner rates the party. The very next night, it’s another mouth-watering meal at another host’s home, once again, the dinner-party marathoners rate the night. At the end of the week, the top rated host or hostess wins the reward of $1000 and bragging rights as the ‘host with the most’.//... poor Felix, the website only gave him a generic description for his episode!
Tonight, Nova Scotia sweetheart Twanya Zwicker takes her shot at winning the $1000 cash prize in a 5 day fight of the foodies. Twanya plans to impress her critical competition by serving up a unique and sophisticate menu. A little fatigued from the previous evening the guests soon perk up when Felix, ten-years-sober, starts pounding back the beers. For her Maritime menu Twanya is serving an appetizer of Nova Scotia style ale soaked shrimp. All is going great until the host makes an East Coast faux pas runs out of beer. For the main course it’s herbed venison with blueberry sauce, a unique dish that receives some harsh commentary from pretentious foodie James. However, Twanya fights back when she brings out her blueberry grunt, a traditional dessert that blows everyone away. Will berries and beer be the ticket for Twanya? Or do nice girls always finish last?
It’s night 4 of a weeklong culinary contest where 5 strangers battle it out for a $1000 cash prize. After a week of talking a big game it’s feisty food snob James’ shot at the title. And the pressure is on. As a proud owner of a brand new home, James can’t wait to host the inaugural dinner at his new digs. However, he’ll have to wait for his kitchen counter to be installed before he can start to cook! Upon arrival, the guests go off to explore his swanky new abode and James is free to put the finishing touches to his menu; butternut squash and sweet potato soup and roasted bone-in-ham with potato gratin and minted peas. For dessert, James scores points as he offers up espresso and scotch with his chocolate tart. Will James show his guests what great food really is? Or will the stress of the day be just too much for the fervent foodie?
It’s the final day of this week long culinary competition and the final participant is innocent faced, experienced cook Romina De Angelis who plans to take the $1,000 prize with her full proof, Italian inspired home cooked meal. Romina is off the fine start by simply having a kitchen in which she makes 2, count them 2 home made pasta appetizers with of course her favourite ingredient: cheese. In the meantime the group discovers Romina’s dental torture tools. The main course, Veal Scallopini is met with mixed reviews especially by quasi-vegetarian, baby cow loving guest, Tawnya. Romina attempts to win everyone over by giving them a sugar rush serving Caramel Infused Poached Pears which are beautifully presented but fall flat. Is Romina’s travels-through-Italy meal enough for her to take top prize or will the mob turn against her?
Tonight, proud Greek Mike Tsatskas pays homage to his kin on night one of a weeklong dinner party competition. Channeling his Mama, Mike plans to smash his competition with a traditional family style menu and some high energy hosting. But will Mike’s guests and fellow competitors share his faith in the greatness of the Greeks? Coming to dinner this evening are 4 complete strangers - 71 year old clairvoyant Mary Beth, 42 year old bus driver Ray, 33 year old Mom Kelly and 23 year old booze hound Sabrina. After a warm welcome the host hits a hurdle when he realizes he forgot to buy white wine. But Mikey boy knows the cure, fill ‘um up with red and serve an appetizer of traditional Greek saganaki aka flaming boozy cheese. Despite some mixed reviews for his app, things are looking good as the guests loosen up and the conversation gets personal. For the main course Mike serves traditional Moussaka, not Moo-saka…. Moussaka. To top it all off its dreamy creamy cheesecake and old fashioned Greek plate smashing. Opa! But will Mike’s Greek gathering be a smash hit? Or will Mama’s family style recipes be best left at home?
It’s a boozy night on day 2 of a 5 day dinner party competition as feisty party girl Sabrina Araya takes her shot at the prize. Tonight she is serving a traditional Chilean menu and a lots and lots of wine. There’s only one way to cure a hangover and after having a few too many last night, chiquita Sabrina starts early on the wine as she prepares her appetizer of homemade Empanadas De Queso. Having readied themselves for an unusual evening the guests are welcomed by a half sober host and a bizarre Chilean cocktail. After serving her empanadas it’s time for some fun as Sabrina introduces Mike, Kelly, Ray and Mary Beth to a drinking game that involves some hilarious animal impressions. But when Sabrina’s main course of Pastel de Chocolo receives some lukewarm reviews, the feisty Latina fires back, making her guests extremely uncomfortable. But not to worry sloshy Sabrina can still see her way to the kitchen enough to serve up her dessert; Chilean papaya’s from a jar and cream….from a can. Will the guests appreciate Sabrina’s messy menu or will her Chilean adventure be a train wreck?
It’s an emotional evening as 42 year old bus driver Ray Minchio puts his heart, sweat and tears into an Italian themed dinner party on night 3 of a 5 day food fight. Upon arrival the guests can tell that nice guy Ray is suffering from a serious case of self-doubt. As Ray goes off to put the finishing touches on his appetizer the guests head down to explore his man cave complete with built in bar. At the table Ray scores some points when he serves some smoked salmon rolls. Then the guests await the arrival of the main course; Eggplant Parmigiana with sautéed chicken and vegetables, but become increasingly concerned with the noises of distress coming from the kitchen. Ray manages to pull though just enough to finish his night with a delicious Tiramisu before breaking into tears at the table. Will Ray’s fear of failure be a self-fulfilling prophesy? Or will this Italian softy be the humble hero?
After three nights of hard core boozing and over the top emotions, mat leave Mom Kelly Gordon plans to steal the spotlight with a sophisticated menu and cool and calm hosting. Upon arrival the guests Kelly welcomes them with Perseco and expensive stinky cheese. Getting off to a winning start she serves up some terrific shrimp cakes with lime aioli. Dinner conversation gets interesting when Mary Beth drops a bomb. For the main its beef tenderloin with a peppercorn rub that’s so hot it causes confident Kelly to sweat. But follows with her dessert; the ultimate chocolate pecan pie. Will Kelly be able to out-class the competition or will her sophisticated evening crumble and burn?
It’s the final dinner party of a weeklong food fight and this evenings host is Mary Beth, a 71 year old eccentric with a flare for theatrics. Tonight the guests will travel through time as Mary Beth hosts an old fashioned parlor party in her home. Decked out in full 1920’s garb the guests are welcomed by their host and left alone to snoop around her kooky castle. After discovering an entire room filled with eccentric accessories, the guests are seated at a table dressed with corpse hands and tarot cards. In classic Mary Beth style, every dish served comes with a story but it is up to her guests to decipher what is truth and what is fiction. On the menu tonight is a triptych of tarragon tarts and old fashioned fish stew. After the appetizer is served things get emotional when Mary Beth does a tarot card reading for her guests, but Mike, the skeptic call’s her bluff. For dessert she serves up a chocolate cake adorned with laurel leaves that in ancient Greece represent victory, as you do. Tonight, the winner is announced. Will Mary Beth’s eccentric evening win her the grand prize or will the guests see through her stories?
We’ve asked back the five biggest flops in Come Dine With Me history and given them a second chance to make a first impression, but Chatty Cathy, Boozy Beth, Pretension James and Goofy Graham have no idea who they’re going to meet tonight as Mean Girl Dez Diaz hosts. Dez has traded in her traditional Mexican fare for a fairly simple Asian theme. Of course James thinks it’s “pedestrian” and 6 foot tall Cathy can’t understand why she has to sit on the floor. Everyone is shocked that Dez is so “nice” but the crowd turns against her as soon as she runs out of wine. Can Dez redeem her rude reputation? Or is this loser a lost cause?
The last time we saw Beth she left her ribs in her smoker for an extra 4 hours which turned them into “burnt little carcasses of hell” . But tonight Beth is back!!!! And determined to be better than ever, so she’s serving up a meal that’s first class meets white trash. On the menu is mac & cheese made with the most expensive truffles in town, and pulled pork sliders. Beth serves up some boozy whiskey sours , which puts everyone in the right mood, but as soon as they discover a bed in the dining room, the guests start to worry that Beth’s lovefest may be a little too much . Will the hippest hypnotist in town put everyone under her spell? Or will she get smoked once again?
Last year Graham the Goofball hosted the longest dinner party in history and got the lowest score ever. He had a pig leg on the table and his guests fell asleep in his bed. This time, Graham insists he has his timing under control and he’s planning a “Big Night” that features a homemade Italian timpano, which is made of layers of sausage, pasta and sauce. Graham calls it a “Roman Orgy”, James calls it “pedestrian”. Shocker!!!! Over dinner the gang gets to know each other better and the walls start to come down, Dez breaks down and cries at the table and everyone agrees – Dez is redeemed!! But for Graham redemption is ticking away, will he be able to serve his dessert before midnight? Or will his guests clock him?
It’s one year later and Chatty Cathy is STILL single and STILL sleeping on the pull out couch in her parent’s basement. But Cathy insists that she’s changed - and tonight she will redeem herself by NOT serving raw seafood and NOT making her guests’ vomit. But as Cathy gets cooking – she also gets chugging and the disasters start happening. Her homemade ice cream ends up on the floor, then the guests are floored to find out that Cathy wants them to put on sumo outfits and wrestle!!!! One guest bows out and another blows away the competition. As Cathy raises her blood alcohol level, her hygiene standards lower – licking her fingers, double dipping and rooting through the garbage for expired cream all of a sudden becomes acceptable. Will Drinky McCocktail end up with a win? Or just more wine?
It’s the final night of Redemption week and all eyes are on pretentious platinum blonde, James Marshall. Last time James choked and ended up cutting himself, hyperventilating, and his dinner was so disappointing that in the end he lost to a guy with no stove!!! James has talked the talk but this is his last chance to prove that he can walk the walk. As the guests arrive they notice something isn’t right with James. Is he drunk? nervous? exhausted? Or D, all of the above? James serves dinner on plates almost as ginormous as his ego….will he get points for presentation? Or lose them for pretention? His lobster appetizer has everyone clawing for more, but his main course of short ribs comes up short. Only dessert of crème brulee can save the day. At the end of the night – the winner is revealed. Which one of our horrible hosts will reign supreme and be redeemed ? And which one of the flops will fall flat?
Mardi gras maven Jennifer Peace hosts night one of a weeklong dinner party competition. This party princess is sure to impress her guests with her New Orleans-themed night. Joining the party are 4 complete strangers – 51-year-old Brit Elizabeth Newell, Divorced Dad Marco Campisano, 49-year-old Fireman Charlie Gandt and 54 year old Dr. Susan Piccinin. To start the night Jen serves up a Hurricane cocktail out of her very own tiki bar. During Jen’s appetizer of oysters rockefeller, cajun shrimp and chicken gumbo she shocks the guests by comparing her sweltering home to a prostitute's crack! For dinner Jen presents a garnish heavy plate of smothered pork chops with red beans and rice. To cover up the fact she overcooks her dessert Jen smothers the king cake she’s prepared with icing and mardi-gras-coloured sparkles and hopes for the best. Whether that worked or not the crowd is sure to be impressed with Jen’s spectacular firework display. With Jen ending her night with a big bang will the guests forget about the unremarkable meal and mark her sky high?
Hosting the second night of a five day dinner party competition is menopausal Elizabeth Newell. Marco and Charlie check out a rather intriguing statue located at the top of Elizabeth’s staircase; it’s nude and looks as though it needs to use the restroom. More revolting, Susan and Jen find what appears to be a pickled penis on the mantle. If those snoops haven’t got the guests salivating, the talk about snail’s excrement certainly won't as Elizabeth serves up escargot wedding hats. For the main course Elizabeth serves stuffed pork tenderloin and smaked potatoes. To help the flow of good conversation, Elizabeth presents each guest with a lottery ticket before serving up her dessert of double chocolate cheesecake. Will the guests bestow Come Dine with Me Canada’s honorary Queen Elizabeth with a royal score?
It’s the third night of a five day dinner party competition where five strangers battle it out to win a $1000 prize. Class clown Marco Campisano is in the hot seat and he hopes to take top spot with an Italian meal. Marco vows to beon his best behaviour tonight as he greets his guests with a blue drink called “blue grottos”. For the appetizer Marco surprises his guests with tableside service of Caesar salad. And in true Italian style Marco serves up a main course of chicken cacciatore made with home jarred tomatoes. For dessert Marco has a flop with his chocolate soufflé. Can the guests forgive Marco for a simple but great meal and flat soufflé?
It’s night four of a five day dinner party competition and firefighter Charlie Gandt is feeling the heat. To start off the night beer-loving Charlie surprises the group and serves up margaritas! While Charlie prepares his appetizer of homemade venison sausage and pizza, while snooping Susan and Jen find some melted firefighting gear as Elizabeth pulls Charlies rifle out on Marco. For the main course Charlie serves barbequed ribs with spanish rice and grilled asparagus. Finally, Charlie serves what he thinks is the strongest part of his meal: trio of tarts that the boys at the station rave about. Will Charlie save his scores with his baking or will he go down in flames?
It’s the final night of a 5 day food fight and tonight’s host is Susan Piccinin. Not one to shy away from a challenge Sue is hoping that her Oh Canada theme and ambitious menu will be this week’s winning menu. With spirits high on the last night the guests arrive decked out in Canadian garb and are greeted with a Canadian martini and succulent bison balls. Before dinner Charlie and Marco scurry off to snoop and the house and discover Sue’s secret, the homemaker is actually a doctor! When Susan is confronted about her profession it’s an emotional and heartwarming moment. However, Sue struggles with her main course of beef tenderloin served with asparagus and mushrooms. To finish the doc turns up the heat, literally, with maple bread pudding dessert, served straight out of the oven. Tonight the winner is announced. Will the doctor’s ambitious Canadian evening be all that she hope for?
Tonight, 42 year old urbanite Lilliane Genier hosts a clean and classy dinner party on night 1 of a 5 day dinner dine-off. Lilliane plans to prove that she is the “Host With the Most” with her meticulous attention to detail and a simple yet succulent menu. But Lil’s guests this evening are a far cry from the swanky socialites of her world. Dining at her table tonight are punk rock magician Dylan, sporty shy girl Sheila, loud mouth Anna and Italian family guy Pat – 4 complete strangers. Lil serves up a sophisticated appetizer of tea marinated sea scallops, but is disappointed to see Anna and Dylan childishly choke them down. For the main, Lil fires back with a main course of bourbon beef, roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables. With her homemade chocolate almond pie for dessert Lil is sure that this competition is in the bag. But will Lil’s simple yet sophisticated menu win over her disparate dinners or will her evening underwhelm?
On night two of the competition, punk rocker Dylan tries to win with creativity over quality
Sweetheart and good girl Sheila takes a shot at the title.
Blond bombshell Anna, tries to prove she's not an uncivilized guest with an authentic Italian meal.
Italian family man Pat, attempts a more complicated and sophisticated Italian meal than Anna's.
The launch of Season 4 starts with a bang as five strangers are pitted against each other in the first ever "Grill Masters" block. Kicking off the barbeque week is frazzled single mom April Williams. Joining her around the dinner table are abrasive American Adam Whisler, rocker dad Ron Robson, biker babe Kyla Turner and life of the party Raj Bhatia. April's menu includes Cajun shrimp with roasted corn slaw, prime rib with twice-baked potatoes and grilled vegetables and an interesting dessert grilled peach cobbler complete with home-made whiskey ice cream. Will April's bundle of nerves behind the grill cause her to go up in flames or will she smoke out the competition to win the title of the BBQ host with the most?
It's the second night in the first ever "Grill Masters" block. Taking his turn behind the barbeque is abrasive American Adam Whisler. Joining him around the dinner table are frazzled single mom April Williams, rocker dad Ron Robson, tough and tatted Kyla Turner and life of the party Raj Bhatia. Adam is confident that Yankees barbeque better and he's ready to prove it starting with his three courses: grilled tacos with guacamole and pico de gallo, cochinita pibi, otherwise known as Mexican pulled pork, jicama and blood orange slaw and finally mango-lime ice with grilled pineapple. Will the cocky hipster come out as king of the Q or will he be out-grilled by a Canuck?
It is mid-week of the "Grill Masters" dinner party war and taking on hump day is rocker dad Ron Robson. Joining him around the dinner table are frazzled single mom April Williams, cocky hipster Adam Whisler, tough and tatted Kyla Turner and life of the party Raj Bhatia. Tonight Ron plans on being a triple threat, using a barbeque, a smoker and a roast box! During the mingle, the dinner guests are shocked to find out Ron’s roasting a full pig for their main course. First up, he serves short ribs, chicken satay, pork belly, stuffed jalapenos and purple cabbage coleslaw, and closes out the night with a hearty dessert; pineapple pound cake. Will Ron be the one to beat, or has he taken on too much by serving everything but the kitchen sink?
It's day four of our BBQ competition to find the "Master Baster" and hosting tonight is tough and tatted Kyla, who's out to prove that girls can grill!!! Kyla starts off strong with chocolate vodka shots to get her guests in the mood. With everyone lubed up and having eaten the appetizer– it's time for a game of dares, which means a jungle yell for Rocker Ron, a Rooster call for Raj, and some barely PG whipped crème action between April and Adam. And Kyla's not done yet – she turns up the heat for the main course serving tasty trout YAY!! And for dessert everyone has to suffer thought the third night of grilled pineapple BOO! Will Kyla's ups and downs send our biker babe off course? Or will she cruise to the winner's circle and earn the bragging rights of Come Dine With Me Canada "Grill Master"?
It's the grand finale of Come Dine With Me Canada's first ever "Grill Masters" BBQ baste off and in the hosting host seat is none other than rambunctious Raj! Raj has been the butt of everyone's joke all week but he's determined to not to make an ass of himself tonight. Which may explain why Raj has asked his housekeeper to stick around to chop onions, peel apples and set the table for him! Can you say "Cheater"? Once the meal is done and Raj proves he can walk the walk, it’s everyone’s turn to talk the talk as they confess their secret showmance crush! Awkward AND amazing! On the final night of BBQ week will Raj run out of gas? Or will he end up winning the title of Come Dine With Me Canada "Grill Master"?
It's the first night in a week-long culinary showdown and first up in the kitchen is graphic designer Rose Fillcoff. Joining her around the dinner table is fit and flirty Barbara Egarhos, door to door salesman James Currie, party girl Katie Pitt, and primped perfectionist Myron Simic. After welcoming her competition to the dinner party everyone is seated and served not one, but two appetizers: goat cheese stuffed figs and apple, pear and fennel salad. Rose tries to impress her guests with the main: chicken and lamb skewers with cauliflower mash, green beans and tzatziki. Finally for dessert, Rose serves chocolate pots de crème. Will the sassy songstress make beautiful music of fall flat due to the pressure?
It's the second night in a five-day food battle and taking her turn behind the cutting board is fit and flirty Barbara Egarhos. Joining her around the dinner table is graphic designer Rose Fillcoff, door to door salesman James Currie, party girl Katie Pitt, and primped perfectionist Myron Simic. Fitness fanatic Barb plans on wooing her guests. First up is the appetizer: caldo verde otherwise known as collard greens. After a salty start the guests try and figure out what the main is: bachalhau à bras. Barbara has an outfit change and presents her dessert: natas do céu which is just a fancy way of saying custard. The night ends with some entertainment. Will the Portuguese princess walk away with the crown, or will her psycho side come out if she loses?
It's midweek in a week long dinner party war and trying hard to impress his guests is door to door salesman James Currie. Joining him around the dinner table is graphic designer Rose Fillcoff, fit and flirty Barbara Egarhos, party girl Katie Pitt, and primped perfectionist Myron Simic. James is sweating it out in the kitchen to try and walk away with the cash prize. First up is an appetizer of crab puffs. After a not so elaborate app the main course is served: halibut. But James must settle for cod when the store runs out of his first choice. For dessert: chocolate mousse is served. The night ends on a melodic note with a little serenade from James and his guitar. Can the try hard show off his soft side or will he be singing the blues?
It's the fourth day in a week long dinner battle and hoping to get her guests all boozed up is party girl Katie Pitt. Joining her around the dinner table is graphic designer Rose Fillcoff, fit and flirty Barbara Egarhos, door to door salesman James Currie and primped perfectionist Myron Simic. Tonight Katie is serving up a British themed meal. For the appetizer she has cod croquettes and truffle oil chips, Katie downs a beer to stay focused for her main: beef wellington. After dinner the guests try their hand at making each other laugh before indulging in dessert Katie, sticky toffee pudding and vanilla bean ice cream. Will the boozing blond serve a royal feast or will she be kicked off the throne?
It's the final night in a five day food battle and hoping to go out on a high note is primped perfectionist Myron Simic. Joining him around the dinner table is graphic designer Rose Fillcoff, fit and flirty Barbara Egarhos, door to door salesman James Currie and party girl Katie Pitt. Tonight’s main is colourful; chicken served with butter mashed purple potatoes but before the guests are served that, they start with the appetizer: stuffed peppers made with ground turkey. To close out the three course meal, dessert gets served: cheesecake fantasy explosion. Will perfectionist Myron score a perfect ten? Or will his meal go to the dogs?
It's the beginning of a five day food battle and first up in the kitchen from Burlington is soccer-loving Brit Steve Lydon. Joining him around the dinner table are nutty nurse Kelly Rossignol, over achiever Kate Park, hot housewife Lisa Vrban and monotone geek Brad Koziey. Tonight, over confident Steve is using some gluten free ingredients and his British charm to win over the guests. After he meets and greets his guests, they move to the table where he serves his appetizer: shrimp cocktail on iceberg lettuce. Despite there being a lack of presentation Steve moves onto his main: stuffed pork chops with swiss potato and vegetable gratin. To round out the evening Steve blends unoriginal and store bought ingredients, to make an easy banoffee pie for dessert. Will the British lad who doesn't act his age dethrone his competition or will one of them trump him with their night?
It's the second night in a week-long dinner party and taking her turn at winning the cash prize is nutty nurse Kelly Rossignol. Joining her at the table is Flirtatious Brit Steve Lydon, over achiever Kate Park, hot housewife Lisa Vrban and monotone geek Brad Koziey. Trading in her stethoscope for a rolling pin, Kelly believes making her own homemade bread will help score her major points. But will the guests have something to say about her very basic appetizer? A simple salad that is missing a major ingredient. Despite being a little clutsy, Kelly steps it up a notch with her main; beef tenderloin with potatoes and mushroom sauce. It's only the second night of the competition but the guests seem to be very comfortable with each other as they converse around the dinner table but how comfortable will they be with the dessert-Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake? Will the nutty nurse get heart's racing or will she have an emergency of her own?
It's the third night in a dinner party dual and in the kitchen tonight is over achiever Kate Park. Joining her at the dinner table are flirtatious Brit Steve Lydon, nutty nurse Kelly Rossignol, hot housewife Lisa Vrban and monotone geek Brad Koziey. Tonight's host Kate is planning to play nice with her guests and she’ll do whatever she needs to win them over. Which Includes plans for a fresh fun game to close out the night. First up though on her menu is her hippy dippy salad. For her main, Kate plugs in the slow cooker for her red wine braised rabbit. Will her guests enjoy the side dish she has planned though-Parisian Gnocchi? The pressure is on for dessert among a group of dessert haters. Although Kate believes she has the winning dish: caramel pots de crème with sponge cake and amaretto whipped cream. Will the goody two-shoes have to handle bad reviews, or will she be laughing all the way to the bank to deposit her thousand dollars?
It's the fourth night in a week long dinner party war and taking his turn tonight is monotone geek Brad Koziey and he's wearing his chef’s hat proud. Joining him at the dinner table are Flirtatious Brit Steve Lydon, nutty nurse Kelly Rossignol, over achiever Kate Park and hot housewife Lisa Vrban. Brad is planning on winning his guests over tonight with beautiful presentation of all three of his courses. Starting with his appetizer of port braised beef shank served on herbed polenta with roasted tomatoes and mascarpone cheese. After rave reviews each of the guests worry about losing the competition. Will Brad keep the fear going once he serves his main-maple glazed sea bass with bok choy, mushrooms and rice. Brad caters to Steve's gluten free diet by making two separate flour bases for his strange dessert, warm German apple pancakes and ice cream, which he's made from scratch. Will Brad put the eek in geek? Or will he be praised for his delicious meal and show his fun side?
It's the final night in the five day food battle and closing it out is hot housewife Lisa Vrban, who says she isn't high maintenance. Joining her at the head table are flirtatious Brit Steve Lydon, nutty nurse Kelly Rossignol, over achiever Kate Park and monotone geek Brad Koziey. Tonight's host Lisa is reliving her wedding by hosting a theme that requires her guests to wear their best wedding attire. Up first in her three-course meal is the appetizer, prosciutto-wrapped grilled pineapple, cilantro shrimp and watermelon feta salad. If her guests have any room left Lisa is serving an entrée of maple-glazed salmon, twice baked potato and creamed spinach. Once the guests entertain themselves with some table dancing the final course of the night is presented: crepe cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream which is served on a bed of crème anglaise. Will Lisa's night be the icing on the cake, or will she be left hanging at the alter?
It's the start of a new week and our first ever Italian block. Kicking off the first night is bubbly coupon queen Mirella Martino. Joining her around the dinner table are cutesy acro dancer Erica Carinci, loudmouth music producer Lazzaro Pisu, outspoken gardener Lulu LoBuglio and mellow insurance agent Lou DeSantis After a mingle the guests move to the table for Mirella's first course of the night, the appetizer arancini. Lulu isn't afraid to call her out on her Canadianized ways which stand out in the main of stuffed chicken and arugula fennel salad. Despite one failed attempt on her home-made pastry she manages to redeem her cannolis. Will Mirella be able to fill her piggy bank with one thousand loonies or will she have to resort back to being coupon conscious?
It's the second night in a week long dinner party war between five loud Italians and tonight belongs to cutesy acro dancer Erica Carinci. Joining her around the dinner table are bubbly coupon queen Mirella Martino, loudmouth music producer Lazzaro Pisu, outspoken gardener Lulu LoBuglio and mellow insurance agent Lou DeSantis. She tries to keep things pretty easy with the exception of her attempt to make home-made pasta for her main; short ribs with tagliatelle. Despite not liking alcohol herself, Erica uses the Italian staple red wine in her appetizer pasta e fagioli, which is the first course of the evening. For dessert, Erica whips up a unique recipe: chocolate hazelnut ravioli and chocolate mousse. Can the sassy spring chicken wow her elders or will she make the mistake of taking the easy road?
It's mid-week and five Italians are battling it out in their kitchens in a week long food fight. Keeping it authentic in the kitchen is loudmouth music producer Lazzaro Pisu. Joining him around the dinner table is; bubbly coupon queen Mirella Martino, cutesy acro dancer Erica Carinci, outspoken gardener Lulu LoBuglio and mellow insurance agent Lou DeSantis. Kicking things off in his own cured meats section of the home, Lazzaro puts together a plethora of meats, cheese and olives for his appetizer: antipasto. Despite being able to perform magic, he'll need to impress his dinner party guests more with his main: stuffed lamb chops and steamed asparagus. Finally for his final course he serves something called Sardinian zeppole for dessert or better described as an Italian doughnut. Can the music-loving cook go out on a high note, or will he be disappearing into an empty money pit?
It's the fourth dinner of a five night Italian food fight and hoping to prove that she is the one to beat is outspoken gardener Lulu LoBuglio. Joining her around the dinner table are loudmouth music producer Lazzaro Pisu, bubbly coupon queen Mirella Martino, cutesy acro dancer Erica Carinci and mellow insurance agent Lou DeSantis. Lulu has been critical on everyone else's dinner party but how will she fair on her own? After welcoming her guests the Sicilian serves her first course of the night: mussels, shrimps and scallops in a peasant style sauce. Lulu serves Mediterranean sea bass for her main. For the final course of the night, Lulu takes her ladyfingers and creates a Torta Di Ricotta for dessert. Can the woman who is unlucky in love get lucky in the kitchen or will it be back to potting plants and getting her hands dirty in the garden for her?
It's the final night in an Italian showdown and confident that he can win the week-long dining challenge is mellow insurance agent Lou DeSantis. Joining him around his bed sheet covered table are outspoken gardener Lulu LoBuglio, loudmouth music producer Lazzaro Pisu, bubbly coupon queen Mirella Martino, and cutesy acro dancer Erica Carinci. Tonight's host is making his pasta from scratch for his appetizer: orecchiette pasta with rapini and sausage. Moving onto his main, Lou gets creative with rosemary-crusted roast pork with rice-stuffed tomatoes and braised cipolin onions and green beans. For dessert he serves strawberry crostata and honey vanilla gelato complete with home-made pastry. Will a Canadian born bragger give everyone the boot or will he prove that his Italian roots are put to good use in the kitchen?
It's the beginning of a week-long wine and dine with five complete strangers and leading the pack tonight is gardening grandma Marise Muir, Joining her around the dinner table are handsome menswear designer Christopher Bates, perky sales manager Heather Grand, opinionated filmmaker Drama En Sabah, and animal loving comedian Elaine Dandy. Mile high club member Marise is having a good ole time in the kitchen as she preps for her appetizer by grating three different cheeses to put in her creamy mac and cheese dish. Despite blah reviews on the app she proceeds with presenting her main; pork tenderloin. Once the guests get to know each other on a more intimate note, Marise serves her impossible pie for dessert which includes one of her favorite ingredients: coconut. Will Marise be flying high with her scores, or will her laughter turn to tears?
It's the second night in a five day food battle and tonight belongs to handsome menswear designer Christopher Bates. Joining him around the dinner table are gardening grandma Marise Muir, perky sales manager Heather Grand; opinionated filmmaker Drama En Sabah, and animal-loving comedian Elaine Dandy. Tonight Christopher is getting cocky in the kitchen as he prepares for his high fashion themed night which comes complete with custom made placemats. Starting things off first is his appetizer, glitterati gnocchi. Up next on the runway of food dishes is the main, luxurious lamb meatballs served with a side of eggplant parmesan. The tensions start rising and things get a little awkward but that doesn’t stop Christopher from serving his dessert, blissful orange cheesecake. Will Christopher's good looks win him extra points or will his guests critique his high fashion night with low reviews?
It's mid-week in a battle between five foodies and tonight’s host is opinionated filmmaker Drama En Sabah. Joining him around the dinner table are gardening grandma Marise Muir, handsome menswear designer Christopher Bates, perky sales manager Heather Grand; and animal-loving comedian Elaine Dandy. Tonight's episode gets confrontational between the host and one guest. How will the controversy of the main chicken stuffed with duck and foie gras, play out at the table? Before the literal drama begins, the host serves his appetizer: wild boar and marmalade. Despite a lack of presentation, being unprepared, confusing his spices and serving the wrong type of cheese, Drama still manages to make it to a third course without any guests exiting stage left. After running out of plates and coming up with an alternative, the overdone Jamaican rum cake is served for dessert. Will Drama make a surprise comeback after making some major flaws, or will he be writing his own horror script based on tonight’s tense events?
It's the fourth night in a week-long dinner party and hosting tonight is animal-loving comedian Elaine Dandy. Joining her around the dinner table are gardening grandma Marise Muir, handsome menswear designer Christopher Bates, perky sales manager Heather Grand, and opinionated filmmaker Drama En Sabah. After last night's uncomfortable exchange between Drama and tonight's host Elaine, it’s her turn to control the situation. After instating a black and white dress code complete with French berets, the funny girl welcomes her four new friends into her home and presents the appetizer: baked goat cheese salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Once Elaine finishes playing with her vegetables and getting her egg whites separated her main is ready for plating; chateaubriand with béarnaise sauce. Despite the overcooked beef tenderloin the gang brings out some laughs with some charades and funny faces until the dessert is served: crème brûlee with orange liqueur. Elaine has some issues though with the torch for the final course of the night. Will the funny girl be laughing all the way to the bank with the one thousand dollars or will she be left crying again?
It's the final night in a week-long showdown for five foodies and hoping to take the grand prize is perky sales manager Heather Garand. Joining her around the dinner table are gardening grandma Marise Muir, handsome menswear designer Christopher Bates, opinionated filmmaker Drama En Sabah, and animal-loving comedian Elaine Dandy. Tonight's host Heather is hosting a pink themed party but will everyone participate? After being a bit forgetful and running next door to borrow a soup ladle from her neighbor, Heather dishes her appetizer tom yum soup to her guests. While dancing around in the kitchen with her high energy, Heather preps for her main course, fish tacos which she admits she has never made before. For her dessert, strawberry meringue and ice cream, Heather takes a risk by making her own ice cream. The night gets a little naughty with a surprise guest at the door before the cash prize is handed to the winner. Will the bubbly foodie dance her way to the top or will she fall flat on her face?
It's the beginning of another five day food fight and this week we're in the Steel Town of Ontario, Hamilton. Kicking things off in the kitchen is outdoorsy camping lover Manon Marquis. Joining her around the dinner table are crazy cat-lady Tracie Thompson, pompous foodie Andrew Whitney, vegan health fanatic Jenny Gladish and dorky jock Brent Henderson. Manon has a yellow file folder of things to do tonight that includes hosting a beachwear themed party. Once the guests arrive in their beach attire the perky host with the french accent invites them to roast marshmallows on an outdoor fire pit. Everyone meets each other then moves to the dinner table where the appetizer of fig and olive tapenade is served. Despite using some store bought ingredients Manon presents two mains, catering to the vegetarian in the group: filet mignon with asparagus and cherry tomatoes along with Coquille St. Jacques. After the surf and turf, the guests are surprised to find out Manon's secret ingredient for her dessert: chocolate cake. She uses mayonnaise to everyone's surprise. Will the funky francophone get frazzled in the kitchen or will her secret recipe be the secret to success?
It's the second night in a week long dinner party and tonight’s host is pompous foodie Andrew Whitney. Joining him in Steel Town are; outdoorsy camping lover Manon Marquis, crazy cat-lady Tracie Thompson, vegan health fanatic Jenny Gladish and dorky jock Brent Henderson. Tonight's host admits that he’s never made his recipes before, although that doesn't have the know-it-all worried. As the guests mingle over a rhubarb cocktail, Andrew preps his odd appetizer: dandelion salad and goat cheese phyllo blossoms. After some tooting of his own horn the main course of wild salmon with asparagus, pearl couscous and slow roasted potatoes is plated and served. After blindfolding his guests and making them guess the taste of a food item, Andrew makes sure that his dessert is perfect. He sifts away to get the soft texture for his blackberry panna cotta with amaretti cookies and compote. Will the big man on campus sweat the small stuff or will he take over steel town as the host with the most?
It's night three in a week long wine and dine and taking the reins tonight is crazy cat-lady Tracie Thompson. Joining her around the dinner table are outdoorsy camping lover Manon Marquis, pompous foodie Andrew Whitney, vegan health fanatic Jenny Gladish and dorky jock Brent Henderson. Putting on an apron and getting her hands dirty this evening, Tracie preps her appetizer for her guests: succulent southern sampler which includes southern fried shrimp, fried green tomatoes and to everyone's shock, alligator. All items on Tracie's menu tonight are being put through the deep fryer which has the guests a little worried, especially the vegetarian. For the main, Tracie prepares deep fried catfish for Jenny and chicken fried steak with gravy for the other four. Tracie doesn't let up with the unhealthy ingredients of fried food and carbs and now sugar. Closing off hump day, she makes her pastry from scratch for the dessert: pecan pie and surprises the guests with a bit of southern blues rock. Will a southern menu send Tracie in the wrong direction or will she be flying high with a thousand dollars in her apron pocket?
We're coming around the final bend and running the kitchen tonight is the vegetarian of the group, healthy yoga fanatic Jenny Gladish. Joining her around the dinner table are outdoorsy camping lover Manon Marquis, pompous foodie Andrew Whitney, crazy cat-lady Tracie Thompson and dorky jock Brent Henderson. When she is not making her own shampoo, Jenny is in the kitchen making things like her appetizer: ginger carrot slaw for tonight's group, but not before playing a little game in the backyard. Jenny is all about making the meat eaters dine like her tonight, which is why she is forcing them to eat clean and vegan. For the main course she serves a spring vegetable curry bowl which isn't spicy enough for Brent. She makes up for that in her dessert: Mexican chocolate pudding complete with a chili pepper on top. Can a holier than thou veg-head convert a crew of carnivores, or will they all be driving to a fast food drive thru on their way home?
It's the final night in a five day food fight and up at bat tonight is dorky jock Brent Henderson. Joining him around the dinner table are crazy cat-lady Tracie Thompson, pompous foodie Andrew Whitney, vegan health fanatic Jenny Gladish and outdoorsy camping lover Manon Marquis. Bachelor Brent has slipped into his Canadian tuxedo and is ready to host his denim themed party. Greeting his guests in his denim on denim attire, Brent invites everyone to play a little game of eight ball. The now friendly group move to the dinner table where an appetizer of store bought pita with baked spinach dip is served. Brent sets forward an entree he's calling the road house special which consists of smoked beef brisket served with loaded double baked potato & goat cheese garden salad. Not to mention one order of smoked tofu for our resident veggie Jenny. After smoking out his guests, good ole boy Brent serves up his twenty one layer which lacks two layers crepe cake with homemade ice-cream. Will our lovable frat boy bachelor be able to smoke out his competition and shotski past the completion or will he be left sulking all by his lonesome?
It's the first night of our week long dinner party showdown and we've hit the road to Vancouver, British Columbia. The guests for the evening include party boy Nav Dhillion, wine snob Robin Yeager, Italian stallion Alessandro Limongelli, plumber chick Rachel Schatz and our host, trippy hippie Syd Spencer. Will a clumsy cable guy win a warm reception or will the pressure short circuit his change of winning?
It's the second night of our week long dinner party showdown in sunny Vancouver, British Columbia and hoping to take it to the next level is party boy Nav Dhillion. Joining him around the table are wine snob Robin Yeager, Italian stallion Alessandro Limongelli, plumber chick Rachel Schatz and trippy hippy Syd Spencer. Will the Punjabi party boy keep his cool long enough to take the lead? Or will the night end up going down in flames?
It's the third night in a week long dinner party competition for $1000 and of course the bragging rights. Taking the lead tonight is the Italian stallion Alessandro Limongelli. Joining him around the table are plumber chick Rachel Schatz, wine snob Robin Yeager, trippy hippie Syd Spencer and party boy Nav Dhillon. Will Alessandro be just an Italian cliché? Or will he walk away with the win and proves that he's the real deal?
It's the second last night on a 5-day food challenge. Taking her turn in the drivers seat is potty mouth plumber chick Rachel Schatz. The guests arrive wearing their own suits and are surprised by a trip down the lawn body slide. After a quick change, the guests are ready for Rachel's appetizer, tomato bocconcini salad. After some tense discussions at the table Rachel is ready to plate her main course, mushroom risotto with herbed chicken. The night ends with Rachel serving her final course, cranberry orange white chocolate biscotti and vanilla ice cream. Will Rachel spring a leak on her way to victory? Or will her hopes fall short and get washed down the drain?
It's the final day in a 5 day dinner party challenge and we’re in sunny BC to see which west coaster has what it takes to win. Our wine snob Robin Yeager is at the helm tonight. The guests get comfortable around the table as Robin serves her first course, crab cakes with chili lime cream sauce. Back in the kitchen Robin plates and serves her main of osso buco with chanterelle mushroom risotto and seasonal vegetables, to her awaiting guests. Now it's time to wrap up the dinner with Robins dessert, phyllo pastry cups with lemon cream filling, topped with fresh fruit. Will the wannabe wine critic win over the palate of her guests? Or will her chances be corked at the coveted prize of $1000?
It's day one of our week long dinner party challenge and we're living the life of a hog as this week is bacon week. The first to take to the kitchen is hard-core historian Jamie Patterson. Seated at her table eagerly awaiting a feast is Caribbean princess Atavia Surtees, flamboyant showman Sherwin Modeste, gregarious Greek Effie Tsergas and Gosling doppelganger Greg Moar. Jamie is used to preparing for the battlefield as she has a passion for war reenactments, next to that a dinner party is just a walk in the park. Jamie's love for the 1920's has set her theme for the night: Roaring 20's. Her wig is on and makeup prepped as she greets her guests. Once everyone is seated Jamie plates and serves her appetizer, bacon wrapped figs. Once the group gets to know each other a little bit more Jamie is ready to serve her main, bacon wrapped chicken souvlaki and mashed sweet potatoes and salad. The party almost comes to an abrupt end when the policemen raid the apartment. Luckily for Effie they are allowed to continue drinking as well as enjoy Jamie's final course, maple bacon butter tarts. Will Jamie be the last one standing? Or will this battle claim its first casualty?
It's day two in a week long culinary challenge where five foodies duke it out for their chance at $1000. This week is all about the swine as the participants are tasked with including bacon into their dishes. OINK!. Tonight, Caribbean princess Atavia Surtees is taking the drivers seat for the night. Joining her around the table is flamboyant showman Sherwin Modeste, gregarious Greek Effie Tsergas, Gosling's doppelganger Greg Moar and hard-core historian Jamie Patterson. Atavia starts her evening off by "lei-ing" her guests…it is a Caribbean theme after all! Everyone sits down to the table ready to go hog wild for Atavia's Jamaican/Italian appetizer, escovich and Mediterranean pizza topped with spinach, feta and prosciutto. Seems like the challenge of using bacon was a bit confusing for Atavia. After a bit of a wait the antsy guests are finally served the main, jerk chicken breast stuffed with savory bacon jam served with coconut scented basmati rice and mango and mint salsa. Night two in the tropics is coming to a close but not before the dessert, Jamaican Christmas cake served with fresh fruit, whipped cream and candied bacon. Will the Caribbean princess reign supreme? Or will her lack of bacon inspired dishes get low votes from the judges?
It's the half way mark of our week long dinner party challenge and this week it’s all about the bacon. Hosting tonight is flamboyant showman Sherwin Modeste and joining him around his table is gregarious Greek Effie Tsergas, Gosling’s doppelganger Greg Moar, hard-core historian Jamie Patterson and Caribbean princess Atavia Surtees. Sherwin gets straight to work and plates his trio of appetizers, garlic shrimp, baby BLT and green salad with feta and bacon bits. Things start heating up as Sherwin serves his main, jerk grouper served with bacon wrapped vegetables, rice and beans. Effie feels the heat as she tries to put the moves on the men at the table. With the heat rising at the table Sherwin heads back to the kitchen to prepare his dessert. Hoping to cool things off and redeem himself, Sherwin serves his dessert, soursop ice cream and candied bacon. Before the night comes to a close the guests work off their dinner with a little Caribbean dance. Will Sherwin ring the alarm with the right amount of spice? Or will his meal launch him to the back of the pack?
It's day 5 in our week long food battle where we will see one person crowned as hostess with the mostest. Hoping to come out on top is tonight's host, gregarious Greek Effie Tsergas. Joining her around the table is Gosling’s doppelganger Greg Moar, hard-core historian Jamie Patterson, Caribbean princess Atavia Surtees and flamboyant showman Sherwin Modeste. Before greeting her guests Effie starts off the night her favourite way-by downing a quick drink. Once seated at the table Effie is ready to serve her app, bacon wrapped meatballs and rice. Her app didn't bare all her talents but that doesn't stop Effie from showing it off. Despite her best oinkilicious efforts Effie delivers her main to a very picky litter: pork tenderloin wrapped in peameal bacon stuffed with apricots, prunes and more bacon. Hoping to grease up her guests with her dessert Effie quickly plates and serves her donuts fried in bacon grease with fresh berries. Will Effie bare just the right stuff? Or will she show too much and bare witness to the humiliation?
It's the final day of our five day dinner party challenge where we will crown one swine lover with $1000 dollars and the title of hostess with the mostest. Last but not least is Greg Moar’s turn to take the heat of the kitchen. Joining him around the table is hard-core historian Jamie Patterson, Caribbean princess Atavia Surtees, flamboyant showman Sherwin Modeste and gregarious Greek Effie Tsergas. As a special treat Greg serves the guest a special Amuse Bouche, which gets their nerves racing. Once the guests are seated at the table it's time to get the dinner party started. Greg prepares, plates and serves his appetizer to his awaiting guests; pan-seared scallops with a micro leaf salad and bacon vinaigrette. The night becomes magical as Greg shows off his talents….or lack there of. Once the show is over Greg heads back to the kitchen to plate his main. Greg wows his guests again as he serves his main; blue cheese, bacon and panko crusted pork chops, medley of vegetables and celery root mashed potato. To cap off a week of bacon Greg serves his final course, his dessert-mini whipped cheesecakes with an apple bacon jam and fresh berries. Will Greg's night be simply magical? Or will his chances of winning disappear by the count of 3?
Tonight is night one of a week long dinner party competition and this week we’re traveling east to see if Newfoundland has what it takes. Taking the first stab at hosting is cabaret cutie Krista Hynes, and joining her around the table are flighty cat lady Bev Pike, bad boy baymen Dave Lush, quirky old soul Rebecca Puddester and Mr. know-it-all John Riche. After Krista adheres to the 5 second drop rule in the kitchen she plates her traditional with a twist app: Jigs Dinner Pot Stickers. Although before they have time for more bonding Krista is ready to serve her main: chicken with bacon mash, carrots and corn. To wrap up the night Krista serves her final course consisting of Chocolate Jam Truffle, Orange Ginger Trifle and Caramel Screech Shooter. Will Krista's meal rock The Rock? Or will she get Screeched out in the end?
It's night two of a week long dinner party challenge and we're in the Rock to see whether the title will go to a bay man or a townie. Hosting tonight is flighty cat-lady Bev Pike and joining her around the table is bad boy bay man Dave Lush, quirky old soul Rebecca Puddester, Mr. Know-it-all John Riche and cabaret cutie Krista Hynes. To soak up the alcohol Bev quickly plates her app and serves it to her hungry guests-curried crab cakes. Bev hurries back to the kitchen just in time to plate her overcooked Prime rib with aus jus, roasted potatoes and grilled asparagus. Without delay Bev plates and serves her final course of the evening: bakeapple cheesecake, blueberry meringue squares and partridgeberry pastry bites. Although Bev saves the night by ending it off with a bang, including fireworks and a howl at the full moon. Will Bev get burned by the pressure? Or will her night go off with a bang?
It's night three of a week long dinner party challenge and we’ve headed east to Newfoundland and Labrador. Taking on hump day is bad boy bay man Dave Lush and joining him around the table are quirky old soul Rebecca Puddester, Mr. Know-it-all John Riche, cabaret cutie Krista Hynes and flighty cat-lady Bev Pike. Everyone shows up in good moods expecting a roaring good time. After opening his beers with his mouth Dave seats everyone at his table. To honor his east coast heritage Dave fries, plates and serves his appetizer: cod tongues with avocado and dill dressing. The softer side of Dave gets exposed as he recites a poem that opens up the floodgates. Before everyone becomes a puddle Dave treats his guests to his main: filet mignon, seafood stuffed mushroom caps, saffron garlic mash. The tears come back full stream when Dave opens up again about his daughter. With no time for a delay Dave serves his dessert-sticky toffee pudding. To cap off the night, the guests are pulled outside for a rocking good time. Will this bad boy bay man win over his guests by showing his softer side? Or will the pressure to perform just make it too hard to succeed?
It's the second last night of a week long dinner party challenge and we’re down by the bay visiting the foodies of Newfoundland. Jumping in the front seat is quirky old soul Rebecca Puddester. Joining her around the table are Mr. Know-It-All John Riche, cabaret cutie Krista Hynes, flighty cat-lady Bev Pike and bad boy baymen Dave Lush. Rebecca is ready to impress as she serves and plates her appetizer: orange and ginger butternut squash soup. Rebecca wows them with her east coast inspired main: spinach and mushroom stuffed pork tenderloin with a southern shore bakeapple sauce wild mushroom risotto and sautéed snow peas. Rebecca is hopeful that she’ll wow them with her dessert-chocolate coffee liqueur torte. Will the old soul know enough to deliver a winning meal? Or is she too far ahead of her time?
It's the last night of a week-long dinner party challenge in Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Know-it-all John Riche has patiently waited his turn in the kitchen. Joining him around the table are cabaret cutie Krista Hynes, flighty cat-lady Bev Pike, bad boy bay man Dave Lush and quirky old soul Rebecca Puddester. Wanting to impress his guests John creates not one but three soups for his appetizer-crab and lobster tomato bisque, briny cod chowder and cream of asparagus, leek and turnip top soup. To keep the night moving John serves his main course with confidence-lemon and oregano grilled Newfoundland lamb with tabbouleh, rosemary roasted potatoes and Greek salad. Ending on a dirty high John plates and serves his evening-chocolate mud cake with raspberry coulis and vanilla bean ice cream. Will John impress his guests with his cooking know how? Or will his false confidence get the better of him?
It's the first of a 5 day dinner party challenge and taking the drivers seat tonight is compulsive dieter Alicja Kachnicz. Joining her around the dinner table is mystery shopper Ruth Brown, newlywed Nidhi Mahajan, bus driver Avni Hyseini ad phys-ed teacher Dave Goode. Alicja starts off on the right foot by having a few too many drinks during her cooking prep. After a rocky mingle the guests get comfortable around the table as Alicja starts to feel the heat in the kitchen. After throwing out the sauce Alicja plates and serves her app: salmon cakes and cucumber avocado salad. A hair mishap sends Alicja into a rage and back to the kitchen to try and redeem herself with the main: BBQ sauce smothered chicken with cheese, mushrooms and bacon served with wild rice with mushrooms and parmesan green beans. Alicja finally gets out her aggression by challenging her guests to an arm wrestle. The dessert can't come soon enough as she serves her final course-drunken tiramisu. Will Alicja be able to drink her way to victory? Or will she make her guests split hairs?
It’s the second day of the competition and we’re in Brampton with mystery shopper Ruth Simpson. Joining her around the dinner table is mystery shopper Ruth Brown, newlywed Nidhi Mahajan, bus driver Avni Hyseini, phys-ed teacher Dave Goode and compulsive dieter Alicja Kachnicz. After a slow cooking day Ruth greets her guests to an even slower paced mingle. The guests quickly move to the table and wait for the app. Ruth picks off the burnt pieces from her toasted bread and plates and serves her app: roasted garlic bruschetta and goat cheese beet salad. Ruth reveals her darker side with ghosts stories because really, nothing cleanses the palate like creepy stories. With no time to spare Ruth serves her main course: pan seared chicken in a tomato wine sauce served over rice. Even though Ruth went to the trouble of omitting the alcohol for Avni she accidently missed one long brown piece of hair on his plate. To keep the night moving Ruth brings out the noisemakers for a quick game of alcohol trivia. Trying to win her guests over for the last time Ruth serves her dessert: crepes served with fruit compote, whipped cream and toasted almonds. Will a soon be senior keep up with the cool kids? Or will stories of days gone by be too much for her guests to
It’s hump day on our culinary dinner party challenge and taking her leap in the kitchen is newlywed Nidhi Mahajan. Joining her around the dinner table is bus driver Avni Hyseini, phys-ed teacher Dave Goode, compulsive dieter Alicja Kachnicz and mystery shopper Ruth Simpson. The group arrives and all put on Ditka’s to get into the culture of the night. Not forgetting her North American roots as well Nidhi blends east and west with her first course of the evening-tandoori chicken sliders with a cucumber yogurt sauce. The guests might not have been in love with the app but they are in love with the idea of creating an online profile for Avni’s dating life. The night seems to be going well so Nidhi keeps the ball rolling by quickly serving her main-deep fried chili chicken served with vegetable and egg fried rice. Nidhi puts her guests in check with a quick spelling bee before rewarding them with some sweets and her last course of the day-galup gamoon with vanilla bean ice cream. Can the hot Hindu spice up the competition? Or will the heat blow her out of the competition?
It’s the fourth day of a week long dinner party blowout and tonight’s host is bus driver Avni Hyseini. Joining him around the dinner table is phys-ed teacher Dave Goode, compulsive dieter Alicja Kachnicz, mystery shopper Ruth Simpson and newlywed Nidhi Mahajan. The group arrives ready to place as much judgment on Avni as possible, starting with his table setting. Unfazed in the kitchen Avni works on his appetizer while his guests get thirsty at the table. Before they get too unruly Avni serves his first course of the evening-chicken noodle soup served with homemade bread rolls. To loosen up his guests Avni offers massages although not everyone is eager for the pampering. Avni feels confident in serving his main course which highlights meat and egg…who wouldn’t love that?-meat roll with a hard boiled egg center served with potato and beef moussaka. To make up for his lack luster food Avni tries to lighten the mood with some long jokes. After a quick check for hairs Avni is ready to go with his final course of the evening. He plates and serves his dessert and is surprised by the outcome-chocolate crinkle cookie served with vanilla ice cream. Although before the guests retire for the night Avni shakes up the evening with a belly dancer for entertainment. Will this picky perfectionist win by a hair? Or will Karma come in to ruin his chances?
It’s the final night of a five day battle and tonight playing on home turf is phys-ed teacher Dave Goode. Joining him at the dinner table is compulsive dieter Alicja Kachnicz, mystery shopper Ruth Simpson, newlywed Nidhi Mahajan and bus driver Avni Hyseini. Dave puts the groups through some stretches to get them loose and limber for the evening. Once seated at the table Dave brings in his first course of the evening and serves it to the group-mango, avocado, shrimp and salsa Martini. After the group opens up about some risqué wishes Dave heads back into the kitchen. Underestimating his cooking time Dave cranks up the heat to get things going faster. With his table guests getting impatient Dave plates and serves his main course-filet mignon with mushroom cream sauce served with herb roasted tomato salad, asparagus and fingerling potatoes.. Not wanting to make them wait Dave quickly serves his dessert-peach and strawberry ginger crumble with vanilla ice cream. With a full stomach Dave puts everyone to work…against each other with a not so friendly game of dodgeball in the backyard.
It’s the first day of a five day dinner party dust up and for the first time every we are in the nations capital-Ottawa. The first foodie challenge to impress their guests is trophy wife Julie Goldblatt. Joining her around the table is competitive mean girl Jill Hache, meticulous manscaper Joshua Abrams, blue collar dad John Villeneuve and firecracker francophone Nicole Ducharme. The night kicks off to a fun start as the guests show up wearing their best 80’s attire and a lot of flammable hair. A quick meeting and it’s time for play as Julie gets them active in a game of pin the tail on the beaver. After working up an appetite the guests are seated around the table and Julie serves her first course of the evening- french onion soup. Receiving mixed reviews for her appetizer Julie is hoping to win them over with her main course-herb encrusted lamb with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. Here to prove that Ottawa isn’t a boring city Julie brings out the tequila for a group cheers. With their taste buds washed away Julie takes the opportunity to serve her final course of the evening-no bake cheesecake with cherry topping. Before the night is over Julie brings out her final surprise of the night violinists playing Mozart. Will Julie pull all the right strings to win over her guests? Or will her meal fall flat?
It’s the second night in our week long wine and dine in Canada’s capital Ottawa and our host for the evening is competitive mean girl Jill Hache. Joining her around the table are meticulous manscaper Joshua Abrams, blue collar dad John Villeneuve, firecracker francophone Nicole Ducharme and trophy wife Julie Goldblatt. The claws are coming out tonight as the group is instructed to come dressed in animal print…Jill’s favorite pattern. After a PURRfect mingle the guests sit around the table in anticipation for the food. In the kitchen Jill prepares her first course of the night and takes it out to her awaiting guests-gazpacho and salad with maple citrus vinaigrette dressing. Fearing that her chicken will get to dry Jill quickly plates and serves her main course-safe and pecan encrusted chicken stuffed with cheese and prosciutto. Jill takes tha pause after dinner to open up about her bullying past but will her guests think that she’s changed? Before the girl fights get to out of hand Jill plates her final course of the evening-s’mores in a glass, blow torch and all. Will an animal print party bring out the claws? Or will Jill become the king of the jungle?
It’s the third day of a five day dinner party war and we’re in the nations capital to see which foodie is the hostess with the mostest. Tonight’s host is meticulous manscaper Joshua Abrams and joining him around the table are trophy wife Julie Goldblatt, competitive mean girl Jill Hache, blue collar dad John Villeneuve and firecracker francophone Nicole Ducharme. Joshua plates and serves his first course of the evening-pecan-encrusted halibut with goats cheese and seasonal beet quinoa risotto in a mustard seed cream sauce. While Joshua goes to the kitchen to prepare his next course he brings in a surprise guest to serve another round of drinks. The dinner guests get entertainment by not only a mixologist but magician-mixologist?. Once Joshua has stalled for enough time he serves his main course-red wine braised beef with roasted garlic sweet potato parsnip puree, brussels sprout slaw sautéed in duck fat with horseradish remoulade and home baked beer bread. To keep the night moving Joshua quickly plates and serves his dessert-dark chocolate nut butter cake with a berry coulis. Will the meticulous manscaper be polished enough to win? Or has his chances of winning become a disappearing act?
It’s the second last day of a five day dinner party challenge and five Ottawa foodies are competing for the grand prize. Tonight, blue collar dad John Villeneuve is in the drivers seat hoping to impress. Joining him around the table trophy wife Julie Goldblatt, competitive mean girl Jill Hache, meticulous manscaper Joshua Abrams and firecracker francophone Nicole Ducharme. Without delay John serves his first meal of the day roasted beet and goats cheese arugula Rideau salad. Before his guests have time to complain about the time John is ready with his main course-coq au vin served on egg noodles with haricots verts amandine and buttermilk bread. To cap off a successful evening John plates and serves his final course, dessert-grilled cinnamon peaches with maple mascarpone. Will this dad make his family proud? Or will he be renegaded to the dog house?
It’s the last day of a week long food fight and five proud residents of Ottawa are ready to find out who is on coming out on top. Tonight, firecracker francophone Nicole Ducharme is ready to show why the French do it best. Joining her around the table are trophy wife Julie Goldblatt, competitive mean girl Jill Hache, meticulous manscaper Joshua Abrams and blue collar dad John Villeneuve. With everyone seated around the table Nicole plates and serves her appetizer of black olives stuffed with feta, cherry tomatoes and herbed olive oil with a fresh baguette. Hoping to wow her guests Nicole brings out her main course-chicken breast stuffed with brie and apples, twice-baked potatoes with chipotle and lime and bacon-wrapped asparagus. To cap off the night and a successful week Nicole serves her dessert to her awaiting guests-mock apple pie with fruit sorbet. Will this francophone create a winning menu? Or will her night be lost in translation?
It’s the first day of a week long food fest and starting it off is cute and kooky cook Brenda. Brenda is taking her guests far away with her Parisian bohemian chic theme. After an underwhelming first course, it’s another complicated course for her main. Brenda soon realizes she needs to drop one of her three desserts. Will this French foodie impress her guests with her big ambition? Or will they just be turned off by too much food?
It’s the second day of a week long dinner party war and tonight’s host is cocky entertainer Jahte. Tonight is a pajama-themed dinner party and Jahte is keeping it casual and saving time by serving everything family style. Before his guests catch on to his laziness, Jahte serves dessert, accompanied by an exclusive musical performance. Will Jahte’s meal create a family atmosphere? Or will having to serve themselves cause family drama?
It’s hump day! Stuck in the middle of this week-long food fight between strangers is vibrant banker Ramon. Tonight Colombian native Ramon is strutting his way through the kitchen in style. This high heel loving, extravagant host is planning to be the centre of attention using his country’s colours to make the night vibrant for his guests. After rave reviews and emotional conversations at the table, the final course of the night is served. Before the cabs arrive, Ramon has one final surprise for one guest. Will this night be a drag? Or will Ramon win the crown and end up as the Queen of the competition?
It’s night four of a five night dinner party challenge worth $1000. Tonight’s globetrotting theme puts travel nut Yazmin in the pilot’s seat. The guests arrive looking worldly in their most prized travel destination outfits. Yazmin is staying on track and navigating her way through the courses by hanging her recipes on the cupboards. Following a shaky take-off, Yazmin serves a Greek inspired main course. Coming in for the landing, it’s a hard to pronounce dessert from Mexico. Will Yasmin fly straight to victory? Or will her party crash and burn?
It’s the last day of a week long quest for the title of host with the most. Last up to the plate is funny mom Martha. Tonight, the theme is ‘salt and pepper’ complete with black and white dress code and personal mini shakers. After this sassy mom rumbles through her collection of useless kitchen tools, the appetizer is ready to be served. Her main course is a breeze, thanks to following her recipes to a tee. But before the final dessert of the week is served, the guests are asked to play an improv game where they mime each other. Will Martha end up on center stage? Or will her performance put her in the penalty box?
The five contestants for the week, all from the Niagara area, are: Karen Bishop, a self-professed cougar who doesn't like to be called grandma even though she is one; correctional officer Judy Marlow, a divorcée who is looking for who will truly be her Mr. Right forever; entrepreneur George Mcpherson, a guy's guy who doesn't really care about people let alone four strangers with who he's spending the week; seamster Domenic Pisano, who gets gas by almost everything in life, especially those things that stress him out; and innkeeper Maria Toye, whose friends consider her a little too wild. Karen Bishop is the first to host the dinner party. Her menu consists of Rainbow Bridge salad and honeymoon canapés as the appetizer, beef Burgundy as the main course, and raspberry casino clafouti and Maid of the Misty chocolate mousse for dessert. Despite many of her guests believing the Niagara theme of the menu a bit cheesy, they are at least expecting that many of the ingredients, such as apples, are indeed local. Karen ends up having a few kitchen mishaps, which are in part evidenced by the smoke detector going off more than once during the day. The three women end up bonding, which may scare off the two men, who are the collective cougars' targets, despite most having thought that married Domenic was gay. The party ends with Karen's personal version of pin the tail on the donkey.
After yesterday's first dinner party, the five contestants talk about their impressions of the other four. The second to host a dinner party is Maria Toye. Her menu consists of scallops as the appetizer, honey-mustard glazed salmon as the main course, and crêpes with sautéed fruit as the dessert. Maria, a wine connoisseur, prepares what wine she will be serving early in the day to allow it to breathe, and which she herself will not be drinking during her meal prep to keep a clear head. Maria knows her meal is simple, but she trusts the quality of the ingredients and the prep will shine through. Many are surprised that Judy ended up being able to make it tonight in one piece considering how drunk she was last night. Many of the guests find host Maria a bit loud, and thus will be bringing their imaginary earplugs to soften the noise. Maria issues the first dress code of the week, namely sexy formal. Maria's boisterousness looks to dominate the evening, until a discussion about fate and destiny takes over. George, who had a plan to be sweet during the week, breaks his silence which may place a damper on the love the cougars have felt for him thus far. The party ends with a wine inspired activity.
George Mcpherson is the next host of the dinner party. Conceited George has no doubt in his mind that he will win the week, especially since the three women have been fawning over him thus far. George plans to cater to the cougar mentality, especially to the leader of the pack Maria. His menu consists of squash and goat cheese ravioli with mushroom sauce as the appetizer, beef tenderloin as the main course, and blueberry cobbler for dessert. Despite his cockiness, George admits that he's never set a formal dinner table. On the most part, the food George presents impresses his guests. The first question is if George can continue to cater to the cougar mentality for the entire night, which is directed largely by Maria and Judy. And the second question is if an encounter between George and Judy, which was fostered by George, is enough to turn the other guests off.
Judy Marlow is the next on the list to host the dinner party. Her menu consists of strawberry daiquiris as the welcome drink, watermelon Caprese salad and jalapeño poppers as the appetizer, baby back ribs as the main course, and better-than-sex cake for dessert. Judy issues the second dress code of the week, pretty-in-pink. For who the first time is always the best, Judy decides not to practice preparing her meal, instead winging it on the spot. Judy, who has been drunk and beer guzzling so far this week, shows a softer side of herself for her party, which is accentuated by the pink. Beyond a high score, Judy may get her ultimate wish for the night in the form of "Uncle Pete". Judy hopes that a little magic will cap off the evening in style.
Domenic Pisano is the final host of the week. Domenic believes he will win the week hands down, not realizing that he has an uphill climb with some of his guests who believe he is arrogant and pretentious. His Italian menu, which reflects his ethnic heritage, consists of antipasto and insalata Caprese with figs as the appetizer, breaded flank steak as the main course, and amaretto trifle as the dessert. Domenic issues the third dress code of the week, prom night 1988. Domenic hopes to produce a party atmosphere with his prom night. Domenic ends up doing little cooking for his meal, as it is mostly assembly work, and he uses many store bought shortcuts, beyond the antipasto components which include packaged polenta, dried pasta, powdered pudding mix and store bought cake. He hopes his guests will not notice. Regardless, he defends his decisions. Domenic will find out what effect his shortcuts have on his score as he announces the winner of the $1,000.
The five contestants for the week are: mechanic Larry Boccioletti, nicknamed Butch, a barber-shopper who procrastinates; financial advisor Vicky Celestini, whose goal for the week is to win, not to make friends; multiple business owner Minesh Dattani, whose greatest pleasure is knowing that he is only one of three people in Ontario that owns his specific make of sports car; Marie Renaud, a swinging single who has a love/hate relationship with the opposite sex; and trucking company employee Tricia Warren, who is stubborn and a hot head. Marie Renaud is the first to host the dinner party. Her menu consists of spicy pumpkin soup as the appetizer, cabbage rolls with perogies as the main course, and zucchini bread for dessert. Marie admits to being a bit of a mess and disorganized in the kitchen and one who just wings it. She hopes that some last minute decisions concerning all three courses will be inspired in the case of the appetizer, and a save in the cases of the main course and the dessert. The cleanliness issue may disgust one of her clean freak guests. Upon her guests' arrival, the three women initially bond, while they tiptoe around elderly Butch, who admits to being nervous, and Minesh, the latter solely because he perpetrates a ruse for this initial meeting to see how they would react to him as a person. As the party progresses, the focus may turn on Vicky, whose "I'm not here to make friends" attitude comes through. Marie hopes that her hosting skills and party game will shine through the food issues.
After yesterday's first dinner party, the five contestants talk about their impressions of the other four. The second to host a dinner party is Tricia Warren. Her New Orleans menu consists of sazeracs as the welcome drink, spicy alligator bites and chicken & Andouille sausage gumbo as the appetizer, jambalaya as the main course, and bananas foster as the dessert. Tricia issues a dress code to match her menu, namely green, purple and gold of Mardi Gras. She also ends up making her ice cream for dessert the old fashioned way without an ice cream maker, which she hopes will impress. The concept of alligator ends up being a risk as the conservative eaters may not appreciate it. She takes another risk by never having made any of her dishes before. Tricia takes some valid yet somewhat unconventional substitutions to her gumbo by using ingredients to replace the missing okra, which may or may not work in her favor. Her shortcut for the jambalaya may prove to be the same, however this one depending if she gets caught. She ends up having a slight problem with the dessert but hopes that what she ends up not being able to accomplish will not be missed. The Mardi Gras themed activity which she has her guests do as she prepares dessert she wants to top off the evening.
Minesh Dattani is the next host of the dinner party. Pretentious Minesh has no doubt in his mind that he will win the week, especially since he has the kitchen with double all the bells and whistles to be able to do it. His menu consists of supersonic gin and tonics as the welcome drink, tandoori chicken as the appetizer, grilled wagyu beef steaks as the main course, and deep fried chocolate bars for dessert. Minesh pays a pretty penny for the meat and for the wine parings, both which he wants to impress in and of themselves. Despite some of his guests not wanting Minesh to be loved solely for his money, some are nonetheless wowed by some of the toys Minesh has in his lavish house. Minesh may end up paying a price for the extravagant method of serving his main. By the end of the party, one part of the question of whether money can buy happiness will be answered.
Vicky Celestini is the next on the list to host the dinner party. Vicky has been the most openly critical of the week, so she may get what she has been dishing out in return tonight. But Vicky has no doubt in her mind that her party will be the best of the week, as she admits that she is a poor loser. Her menu consists of mojtos as the welcome drink, spinach salad with antipasto skewers as the appetizer, basil and provolone stuffed white veal as the main course, and fluffy hazelnut surprise for dessert. She issues a swanky sixties dress code. In looking at her menu, her guests are not overly impressed, they who believe it is much too simple for Vicky's big talk. In addition, Marie has trouble with the concept of veal. One of Vicky's imperfections is discovered in her bathtub. She can handle that as long as the imperfections that end up coming out of her kitchen are not discovered. Regardless, Vicky still believes she's perfect by the end of the evening, which may be the most important thing in her own mind.
Larry Boccioletti, better known as Butch, is the final host of the week. Butch, the old timer of the group, wants to show that experience counts for a lot, although he does admit that he has been nervous about hosting all week. He realizes that he has at least one person to bring onto his side to win, as he and Marie have been at odds with each other since the beginning. He may not realize that the other three also see him as a grumpy, boring old man. Butch's menu consists of bacon and onion quiche as the appetizer, chicken cordon bleu as the main course, and crème de menthe parfait as the dessert. He issues a barbershop dress code of red and white. Butch uses an old fashioned and labor intensive method to make his ice cream for the dessert. In reading the menu, his guests see the entire meal as being old fashioned. His guests are amazed that Butch rivals Minesh in the big boy toy department, albeit in a more old school way. What Butch brings to the dinner table at the beginning of the meal does support the adage that size does count. What he brings out near the end of the meal shows the rest what his passion in life is. The clearing the air session near the end of the party ends up being cathartic for some. Butch will find out if experience will trump the week as he announces the winner of the $1,000.
