Come Dine with Me

- Season 5

(2009)

The five contestants from London for this week are: landscape gardener Greg Basire, who describes himself as "mediocrity personified"; events planner Sabrina Ghayour, who likes to win but admits having lost a few times in her life; former model Hugo Preece, a fashionista who likes fashionistas; PR consultant Amii van Amerongen, a young woman attracted to 'silver foxes'; and freelance food writer and silver fox Thoby Young, who is nicknamed Mr. Tarty for more than one reason. Greg Basire is the first to host the dinner party. His Spanish inspired menu consists of a selection of hot and cold tapas as a starter, paella Valenciana as the main ...

The five contestants not only sum up their competition, but all have strong opinions on who they like and don't like. Hugo Preece is second on the list to host the dinner party. He is feeling a bit worse for wear after the long previous evening, but he soldiers on. His menu consists of foie gras and poached pear as the starter, Alaskan salmon and mint peas the main course, and a banana flambé with red wine and lavender sorbet for dessert. Besides the controversial topic of the foie gras and the fact that one of the diners has never eaten Britain's national dish of fish and chips...

Sabrina Ghayour is third on the list to host the dinner party. She is quietly confident and wants now more to win if only to beat those she doesn't like. Her Persian inspired menu, true to her own ethnic heritage, consists of Arabian mezze platter as the starter, spiced rack of lamb with pomegranate sauce as the main course, and rose water & cardamom poached pears with vanilla bean ice cream for dessert. Beyond discussion of the food, the diners become increasingly open about their fellow diners. Some admit to changes in the perception of the others, but one feels like the outsider ...

Amii van Amerongen is the hostess for the evening. With warring factions emerging among the group, Amii decides to be the charming hostess to everyone to keep the peace, although she, with strong feelings about the others herself, is uncertain if she will be able to accomplish this task. In preparation for the meal, she goes to the extreme when going shopping. Her menu consists of bacon wrapped maraschino cherries as an entrée, tian of crab & avocado as a starter, phyllo wrapped noisette of lamb as the main course, and sorbet drenched in vodka for dessert. In the kitchen, she confesses...

Thoby Young is the last of this fivesome to host. The other four have listened to Thoby talk and talk and talk about his knowledge of food during the week, and so he will have to put his meal where his mouth was (as they do not want another dissertation at dinner) to impress. Ethical foodie Thoby hopes that knowing where his food comes from will help make the meal better. His menu consists of buckwheat blinis with smoked salmon and *farmed* (ethical) caviar as the starter, osso bucco with risotto bianco as the main course, and Mr. Tarty's blackberry and apple tart for dessert. ...

The five contestants from Bolton for this week are: cereal packaging coordinator Paul Davies, who sees himself as the comedian and all 'round entertainer; property developer Mark Hogg, who loves almost all types of food (except beets); karaoke manager Yvonne Hurst, whose job matches her love for show business, especially cabaret styled music; project manager Kate Mayers, who dislikes people who argue for the sake of arguing; and artist Sarah Rothwell, who dislikes self-absorbed people. Yvonne Hurst is the first to host the dinner party. Her spice inspired menu consists of Mexican spicy vegetables as a starter, Thai coconut chicken and ...

The five contestants assess their chances of winning based on meeting the other four and experiencing the first party hosted by Yvonne. Being the only single member of the group, Paul will indulge himself in what he considers some harmless flirtation during the week. Mark Hogg is second on the list to host the dinner party, which will be his own birthday dinner. His menu consists of crab risotto as the starter, lamb cutlets as the main course, and tangy lemon tart for dessert. Mark is confident about his menu, which he deems not difficult, but does require time management, ...

Kate Mayers is third on the list to host the dinner party. She admits to be an experimental cook, but will try to be a bit more precise if only because of the timing issues with Mark's dinner last night. She is also trying to be conscious of her guests' food likes and dislikes, but believes good quality ingredients will perhaps overcome some of those dislikes. Her menu consists of caramelized red onion and goat's cheese tarlet as the starter, sunny monkfish as the main course, and Bailey's brulée for dessert. At dinner, Sarah continues her quest of eating the unfamiliar, but has...

Paul Davies is the host for the evening. His guests are all looking forward to the evening if only to see what kind of party the biggest personality of the group will put on. His number one priority is to make a Sarah friendly meal, she being by far the pickiest eater. But Paul will not have that chance as an ill Sarah will forgo this party, much to her dismay, and will send as her proxy her husband Ian Rothwell, who in turn will bring food home to Sarah. The two will score Paul jointly. The question becomes will Mark flirt with Ian as well. Paul's menu consists of risotto with black ...

Sarah Rothwell, recovered just enough from her illness to continue, is the last of this fivesome to host. Her guests are happy about her recovery, but mostly Paul who wants to see her more than taste her food. Her menu consists of roast cauliflower soup as a starter, pork loin with white wine, garlic and rosemary as the main course, and hot fruit tower for dessert. Mark makes an unusual interpretation of the menu, but others feel the menu may be too simple to win. Sarah is just hoping that her absence from last night will have no effect on her scores. But she has a request for her ...

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Lesley Joseph recovered just enough from her illness to continue, is the last of this fivesome to host. Her guests are happy about her recovery, but mostly Paul who wants to see her more than taste her food. Her menu consists of roast cauliflower soup as a starter, pork loin with white wine, garlic and rosemary as the main course, and hot fruit tower for dessert. Mark makes an unusual interpretation of the menu, but others feel the menu may be too simple to win. Sarah is just hoping that her absence from last night will have no effect on her scores. But she has a ...

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The five contestants from Northampton for this week are: football development manager Kirsty Frior, who wants the judging of her party to be accurate to her beliefs; marketing consultant William Henry, who considers himself to be gregarious and loud; medical sales rep Angela Parker, who doesn't like bombastic, opinionated and pushy people; Jenna Smith, a girly girl who judges things more on presentation than substance; and theater director Alex Soulsby, who learned much of his cooking while on global travels. Kirsty Frior is the first to host the dinner party. Her après ski inspired menu consists of mulled wine as an aperitif, cheese ...

The five contestants assess their chances of winning based on meeting the other four and experiencing the first party hosted by Kirsty. Four also comment on the domineering personality of the fifth. William Henry is second on the list to host the dinner party. His Italian inspired menu consists of tomato and mozzarella bruschetta as an antipasti, scallops with broad bean purée as the starter, chicken escalopes in Marsala as the main course, and pears poached in dessert wine with zabaglione for dessert. He plans on serving a different wine with each course, the wines from his own ...

Jenna Smith is third on the list to host the dinner party. She admits that cooking is not her strongest suit, but feels that hosting skills are more important, her hosting which she hopes will result in good times a few laughs. Her guests have little idea of what to expect. Her menu - the secondary aspect to the evening in her mind - consists of salmon and lemon fishcakes as the starter, drunk pigeon as the main course, and plum custard tart for dessert. Unknown to her guests, she has not made any of these dishes before. But she hopes her guests recognize the effort she places ...

The guests are still in shock over the comment made by William at last night's dinner party. They also comment on the open flirting happening between Kirsty and Alex. But do Kirsty or Alex see a future together? Angela Parker is the hostess for the evening. Her menu consists of French onion soup with savory scones as a starter, haggis stuffed chicken with Drambuie sauce as the main course, and chocolate mousse for dessert. She remembers a comment by Jenna which makes her alter her menu. In the kitchen, she confesses she likes cooking but hates touching food. At dinner, two ...

Alex Soulsby is the last of this fivesome to host. He realizes in doing five dishes he is putting himself under some pressure, but he hopes the effort will be noticed with a resultantly high score. His Thai inspired menu, which stems from the fact of having lived in Thailand previously, consists of three starters of pan-fried duck breast, tom yom soup and larb ravioli. Deep fried southern Thai fish curry as the main course, and galangal and vanilla infused white chocolate mousse for dessert round out the meal. Alex hopes that a mishap early in the meal preparation, to which he ...

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The five contestants from Halifax for this week are: single mom Caroline Blackburn, whose friends consider her an airhead; IT analyst Edward Olive, who considers himself a mama's boy; mobile telephone antenna business manager Steve Roberts, who is a take charge person and who hates a former Prime Minister and his family; nursing sister Diana Swales-Pickering, who enjoys evenings out wearing one's finest; and sales manager Leilani Ting, who believes people find her too blunt. Leilani Ting is the first to host the dinner party. Her menu consists of caviar on blinis with a vodka shot as hors d'oeuvres, Stilton, rosemary and potato bread as the starter, ...

The five contestants assess their chances of winning based on meeting the other four and experiencing the first party hosted by Leilani. Some want to win not for its own sake but to beat others. Caroline Blackburn is second on the list to host the dinner party, she who admits the process will either be a roaring success or an utter disaster. Her menu consists of scallops in herb pesto as the starter, poached sea bass with sauce vierge as the main course, and lemon meringue pie for dessert. The food preparation ends up being a mixture of successes and failures, the failures which she ...

Steve and Caroline in particular are still reeling over last night's dessert, which Caroline renamed pastry marinating in lemon soup. Edward Olive is third on the list to host the dinner party. The others have mixed views about what to expect from Ed. His menu consists of goat's cheese tartlet with red onion marmalade as the starter, chicken breast roulade Florentine as the main course, and clementine and almond cake for dessert. The evening has a few verbal fireworks, and ends with those of a more sky lighting variety. Ed's choice of attire to serve his meal may win him some ...

As the week progresses, Steve is the one out of the five that is causing the most flash points with the others, he who realizes he is doing it, and the others realizing that he is doing it. Diana Swales-Pickering is the host for the evening. Her Indian inspired menu consists of sheikh kebabs and garlic glazed prawns as the starters, balti chicken pasanda as the main course, a jalapeño, and pineapple cream pears for dessert. Her spicy menu is despite a side comment by Steve at yesterday's dinner that he just doesn't "get" curries, and generally dislikes spicy foods. Steve's reaction to the ...

Steve Roberts is the last of this fivesome to host. Steve inadvertently may have shot himself in the foot with his behavior at last night's meal, which was off-putting to those that will score his efforts for tonight. His menu consists of seafood money bags as a starter, mini boeufs en croute with rumbledethumps as the main course, and Eton yogurt mess for dessert. In addition to the straight on charge against him, Steve is also asked by Leilani, much as she asked Ed earlier in the week, to don a pair of found clothing, with Steve's being slightly more risqué. Steve will soon find...

The five contestants from Torbay for this week are: part-time estate agent Alison Deer, a clean freak; street warden Gavin Dyer, a loud larger than life man who hates cheese and seafood; sales assistant Carol Sylvester, who doesn't like boring, old fuddy-duddies; American-Brit property developer Patrick Walker, whose friends think is a bit eccentric; and political activist David Ward, who likes fine dining and dressing up for the occasions. Gavin Dyer is the first to host the dinner party. His menu consists of fig, goat's cheese and caramelized onion tartlet as the starter, stuffed pork and mustard mash as the main course, and chocolate...

The five contestants assess their chances of winning based on meeting the other four and experiencing the first party hosted by Gavin. They also assess how they will get on with the others for the remainder of the week. Alison Deer is second on the list to host the dinner party. Her Italian inspired menu consists of roasted red pepper soup with homemade bread as the starter, lasagne as the main course, and tiramisu for dessert. She spends as much time preparing the meal as she does cleaning the kitchen. Part of the meal doesn't sit well with Gavin, the cheese hater. The dinner ...

David Ward is third on the list to host the dinner party. He wants his hosting skills to reflect an air of elegance. Elegance is also in order for his shopping trip, and in order for himself in preparation for his own presentation for the evening. His menu consists of king prawn and queenie scallop salad as the starter, brie stuffed supreme of chicken as the main course, and raspberry crunch for dessert. Gavin has a few embarrassing moments prior to dinner. Carol is surprised that David does know how to cook. Unlike previous evenings with this group, the dinner conversation ...

Alison, Carol and Patrick discuss their problems with the other two, Patrick taking the brunt of the criticism for his open sexual innuendo, especially directed toward Carol, who takes offense to the comments. Alison in general just doesn't like the sexual innuendo, which she considers lowbrow. Patrick Walker is the host for the evening. His "old fashioned hotel food" menu consists of scallops with black pudding as a starter, sole Florentine (pheasant Florentine for fish hater Gavin) as the main course, a jalapeño, lime and mint ice as a palette cleanser (which ultimately does more...

By this, the last party of the week, Alison, Carol and Patrick are just waiting for the entire process to end so that they never have to deal with each other again. But they vow to be on their best behavior for this last meal, which may irk Gavin and David, who have been amused at the fireworks from the sidelines. Carol Sylvester is the last of this fivesome to host. Her menu consists of Channel crab cakes as a starter, lamb stifado as the main course, and raspberry Pavlova and chocolate fondue for dessert. Carol has a kitchen equipment failure which could affect her ability to cook...

The five contestants from Basingstoke for this week are: horseback riding lover Sophie Branfield, who believes she is living every little girl's dream by imminently marrying a rich investment banker; business development director Gill Bulley, who believes in love over money; electrician Richard Carpenter, who's a man's man in that he prefers an evening out with the guys for a few pints; art teacher Gabrielle Hennig, who because of her profession criticizes in what she believes is a friendly way; and marketing manager Spencer Uren, a vegetarian who has a fear of cats. Gill Bulley is the first to host the dinner party. Her menu consists of chicken, ...

The five contestants assess their chances of winning based on meeting the other four and experiencing the first party hosted by Gill. They also assess how they will get on with the others for the remainder of the week. Sophie Branfield is second on the list to host the dinner party. Her menu consists of smoked salmon (pear, Roquefort and spinach salad for vegetarian Spencer) as the starter, beef Wellington (vegetable croustade for Spencer) as the main course, and lemon posset for dessert. The young and wealthy Sophie, who was most critical and opinionated at Gill's party (which some ...

Richard Carpenter is third on the list to host the dinner party. Although he is quietly confident, he is feeling that his home will suffer in comparison to Sophie's mansion and her eleven acre property. Richard's menu consists of butternut squash and sweet potato soup as the starter, rack of lamb (stuffed aubergine for vegetarian Spencer) as the main course, and bread and butter pudding for dessert. With a house full of dogs and cats, the cat-phobic Spencer may have troubles if he saw what happened in the kitchen during the meal preparation, but has troubles with the sight of Tigger, ...

As the week has progressed, definite likes and dislikes between people have emerged, but on the most part everyone has remained civil to each other. Gabrielle Hennig is the host for the evening. She is somewhat apprehensive about the evening if only because of what has come before in earlier dinner parties. Her menu consists of warm Italian mezze of mixed vegetables, quail's eggs and prawns as a starter, Italian rice with chicken goujons and spinach (quorn goujons for vegetarian Spencer) as the main course, and chocolate roulade for dessert. The diners have a good laugh at ...

The diners are still in hysterics about last night's dinner by this the last party of the week. Spencer Uren is the last of this fivesome to host. He is quietly confident he can win based on his own menu and what has come before. His menu consists of poached eggs with asparagus as a starter, blue cheese stuffed chicken breasts (unstuffed for cheese hater Sophie) wrapped in Parma ham as the main course, and raspberry and orange syllabub for dessert. His menu is despite being a vegetarian himself, which he feels he shouldn't force on his guests. Despite some obvious dislikes of his...

The five contestants from South Yorkshire for this week are: salesman Mark Hannigan, who will say controversial things just to get a rise out of people; electrical manager Gary Holden, a connoisseur of fine dining; purchasing manager Kerry Lloyd, a self-confessed chatterbox; Toni Morgan, a motorcycle enthusiast who doesn't like boring people; and fitness instructor Alison Murrie, who at age forty-nine believes she will always be sixteen at heart. Alison Murrie is the first to host the dinner party. Her menu consists of chicken liver stuffed beef tomatoes as the starter, chicken parcels in Parma ham as the main course, and strawberry & ...

The five contestants assess their chances of winning based on meeting the other four and experiencing the first party hosted by Alison, with most believing they can beat her. Toni Morgan (II)' is second on the list to host the dinner party. Her menu consists of frozen raspberry daiquiris as a welcome drink, mushroom & walnut soup or chilled melon soup as the starter, Beaujolais drunken lamb shanks as the main course, and elderflower & raspberry jelly for dessert. Toni risks having never tried to make many of the items on her menu, and isn't fearful as she admits none ...

Beyond hoping and trusting that Toni's finger is all right, the guests from last night are talking more about the fact that Gary seemed to relish taking over the dinner party in Toni's absence and was probably saddened by not having more to do. Mark Hannigan is third on the list to host the dinner party. His menu consists of chicken liver pâté as the starter, chicken with red onion & chorizo as the main course, and Baileys cheesecake for dessert. Mark's game plan is to make the meal preparation as easy as possible (with the exception of never having made pâté of any sort before) ...

Gary Holden is the host for the evening. As Kerry mentions, Gary may have set himself up for a fall as the person who has been the most critical of the week. His menu consists of French onion soup as a starter, fillet steak Rossini on a pâté stuffed mushroom as the main course, and poached pears for dessert. Gary decides on a slightly different tact for the welcome than all the others have done before him. He also wants to show up the other dinners by making things from scratch that others have bought store-made, although Gary does have his line of what he considers cheating and...

Kerry Lloyd is the last of this fivesome to host. Her menu consists of Yorkshire rarebit as a starter, beef in beer as the main course, and toffee apple crumble for dessert. Kerry decides to make things from scratch that she would usually purchase pre-made if only to avoid Gary's criticisms, although she will only go so far to please "Mr. Picky" as she has rechristened him. But will her hard work prove to be more effective than store bought food? She will soon find out if her extra measures were enough to please Gary and the rest of her guests as she announces the winner of the ...