‘s hit cooking series Great British Menu returned to screens with one less chef, and three professionals battled it out for a chance to impress chef Paul Ainsworth and to cook a banquet for the judges.
After making headway with their starters in Tuesday’s episode, Livia, Jack, and Eddie focused on creating their mains and desserts while highlighting a legendary Brit of the past.
Hailing from , Livia’s main paid tribute to TV icon Cilla Black as she crafted a dish that included her favourite things, liver, bacon, oranges, cabbage and an oxo cube.
Eddie took inspiration from Emmeline Pankhurst, using black garlic and tofu ragu as a nod to her strength and determination, while Jack crafted a dish of lamb Cumberland sausages and barbecue ribs in a homage to Alfred Wainwright.
Although the meals impressed Paul, viewers highlighted that the dishes were lacking in size, including one who remarked: “That main course isn’t going to fill you up.”
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Great British Menu fans complained about the portion sizes (Image: BBC)
Another unimpressed viewer remarked: “That’s a kids portion #GreatBritishMenu.”
As a third fumed: “When will the chefs learn that it is supposed to be a banquet not three random things on a plate.”
Among the reactions, a fan added: “Always makes me laugh how they make a big bowlful & then each portion is about a teaspoon.”
During the results, Livia struggled to keep up with Eddie and Jack, who had previously tied with 16 points. She trailed behind with 13, and her Cilla Black-inspired dish was only awarded a five.
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Great British Menu chefs returned for week 2 (Image: BBC)
In his feedback, Paul informed Livia: “The pork jus was really well made. I loved the textures in there. Unfortunately, the pork belly itself was just undercooked, almost raw, and the fat was very white. It just wasn’t well executed.”
He added: “I liked the glaze on your lamb sweetbreads, but unfortunately, the texture was all very pappy.
“The chicken liver parfait—I think you know it wasn’t set enough. I know that they’re Cilla’s favourite thing. However, I think you were just a bit too focused on the brief and the inspiration and didn’t have enough focus on the actual execution.”
Sadly, her dessert, Strawberry Fields Forever, failed to raise her score enough for the competition, which meant Livia was out of the race and subsequently eliminated.