An opportunity for readers based in Kensington & Chelsea to take part in the cult television series “Come Dine With Me”
Many of you will have watched an episode of Channel 4’s Come Dine With Me or at least glimpsed five minutes of this car crash television series.
For those who do not know it, the show takes four or five strangers and over four or five nights, they take it in turn to host what the producers describe as “the perfect dinner party.” The guests rate one another and the one who gets the highest score wins £1,000 in cash.
“Come Dine With Me’s” advertisement seeking contestants from Kensington & ChelseaOne of the most amusing episodes of Come Dine With Me featured four British expats living on the Costa del Sol. Essex girl Mekala Hodgson, wine merchant Greg Van Praagh, “fun loving thrill-seeker” Mandy Strutton and a Frank Butcher-style comedian named John Morton didn’t exactly hit it off. Spending four evenings with them would frankly would have made a dinner with Hannibal Lecter seem appealing.
Though I know several people who have participated, in the main the people who appear are plainly chosen because they are somewhat odd. Freaks, after all, make better television. Channel 4 have done extremely well with the show as a result and as their sarcastic narrator, Dave Lamb, makes a point of utterly trashing the cookery skills and personalities of those competing, viewers generally find themselves laughing at the contestants rather than with them.
Now, the producers are looking for individuals living in Kensington and Chelsea to participate. Do you dare? We’ll all be watching.
The Steeple Times asks the Blue Elephant Group’s Nooror Somany: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?
“Nothing is impossible…. But make sure you feel passionate about what you do.”
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Whatever you do, love what you do.”
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2012?
‘Octomom’ Nadya Suleman. My children are so important to me and I could never exploit them in the way she has done.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I miss not being able to see enough of my youngest son, Kris. He is away at boarding school in Belgium at the moment.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Youth.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the banking crisis?
I’d rather not spend time thinking about it. I believe that everyone has played some part in the current situation.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“I can’t do it.”
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I feel that everyone you should do what they can to help those less fortunate. I personally support the Thai Breast Cancer Institute, the Thai Elephant Foundation and the Pattaya Orphanage.
The judge in “Law Abiding Citizen” states: “I can pretty do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
I’m a lover not a fighter. Life is too short for war.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Jennifer Lopez, Gianni Versace, Liza Minnelli, John Denver and Jimmy Choo.
Blue Elephant chef and co-founder Nooror Somany
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Thai chili dip – with a sea view.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
At any time.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
None of the above. A Bellini is my drink of choice.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
The parties held in Mumbai by my friend Cynthia. The food is outstanding while the warmth and hospitality of the people and the local culture are all second to none.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My best friend Cynthia.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
A pain au chocolat.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
The motto Carpe Diem.
If you were a car, what marquee would you be?
I’d be a classic Range Rover.
Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I love Bollywood movies.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Photos of my family and friends.
Nooror Somany founded the Blue Elephant Group with her husband Karl Steppé in 1980. For more information, go to: http://blueelephant.co.th
