On the evening of November 17th 2023, Pangbourne College had the return of the highly anticipated Come Dine With Me competition! You can watch the full video here.
The culinary prowess of our talented pupils took centre stage once again, crafting unforgettable dining experiences that left a mark on the taste buds of both judges and spectators alike. Inspired by the famous TV show with the same name, this culinary challenge encompassed the meticulous preparation of meals and ambience, each carefully tasted and scored on a scale from 0 to 10 by a panel of judges consisting of both academic and operational staff.
Representing all seven divisions (Houses), each team showcased their culinary skills by cooking a designated meal and presenting it most exquisitely and creatively possible.
The gastronomic journey commenced at Hesperus, where a 007 casino setting greeted the judges. The ambience and collective effort of all participants were met with high praise, setting the tone for an evening of culinary delights.
Next on the culinary tour was Illawarra, where a feast of four seasons and delightful canapes awaited the judges. From homemade spring rolls to watermelon and feta cheese, sausage rolls, and captivating performances of singing and poetry, the students set an exceptionally high standard, impressing the judges not only with their culinary expertise but also with attention to detail.
Dunbar followed, serving starters with a remarkable on-site chef, complemented by creative shell plates and piano melodies in the background. The sophisticated printed menus and the chef's multitasking on the hot plate had particular admiration from the judging panel.
St. George transported everyone to a Hawaiian atmosphere with their fish course, complete with lively games and performances. The team was praised for their exceptional ambiance and the unique goody bag provided at the conclusion of the meal.
Harbinger's beef Wellington-inspired environment captivated everyone, with judges expressing that they would gladly pay “good money” for such a delectable meal, surpassing even the standards set by their grandmothers.
As the night approached its sweet conclusion, Macquarie presented a western-themed dessert spectacle fit for a Hollywood cowboy film. Vanilla ice cream, crumble caramel, and apple treats were accompanied by dramatic acting, dancing, and an all-around delicious dessert experience.
The final stop at Port Jackson, or rather, PJ's Casino, featured petit fours with Belgian dark chocolate and orange, elegantly finished with a dusting of premium cocoa powder. The judges were impressed by the atmosphere, card tricks, and the delightful lemon tarts.
The announcement of the winner took place during assembly, two weeks later declaring Harbinger as the well-deserved winner. Once again, “Come Dine With Me” showcased great creativity, teamwork, and exceptional gastronomic skills, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
