Episode 4 was the second episode that we filmed, after Episode 10 actually, and the first episode where we hosted any guests, which added a whole different dynamic to a day on set, a different kind of adrenaline rush and more pairs of eyes than usual watching the kitchen goings-ons.

In this episode we’re joined by Allister Kreft, one of our best friends from University days, as well as Tendai, who’s one of my very oldest and wisest friends from back at school in Zimbabwe, and her Kenyan banker boyfriend Duncan. Our glamorous French-Argentinian friends Guillaume and Luciana also join the party and add some real cosmopolitan flair, and one of my favourite cousins, beautiful Lauren, is in town from Swaziland.

The premise is as it always is when I am having people round for dinner, keep it simple but make it pretty. And that’s something that Luisa Farelo our amazing food stylist, and her awesome right hand lady Caro, always helped us to do so well. You can read more about their incredible work here.

Oh, and incidentally, this is one of my favourite outfits of the whole show.
So, thanks to Style36 for sending us such cool clothes to wear, and you can see the whole ‘bitten’ catalogue here.

Rob and Allister join me in the kitchen for a fairly epic steak fry-off, and don’t tell anyone but Al may or may not have sliced his finger open while cutting the ciabatta rolls in half, and there may or may not have been blood and drama (and a new set of rolls required).

Allister is a bit of a wine guru, his parents have the most beautiful little boutique wine farm in Elgin, Belfield, and you’ll get to see it in all its glory in Episode 7 (how’s that for a spoiler eh?). He’s also a wine guy who leaves snobbery at the door and has a very unpretentious approach to food and wine pairing, which I’m sure is half the reason we’re friends. (Well, that and the cost-price wine, maybe?). Allister’s wine distribution company (wine delivered to your door (!)) is called Under The Influence, and you can read more about it here.

Craig (sound guru) and Chris taking shots of the finished dishes.

Allister, myself and Rob in the kitchen

Tendai and Duncan having a little chit chat in between takes

Lauren and I

Lovely Lu and Gui

And also…

Everywhere you look throughout the show, whether we’re in the kitchen or out on location, you’ll notice that we’re surrounded by a bevy of enviably beautiful Le Creuset pots and pans and goodies. I have to say that working with their exquisite products was one of the highlights of the show for me. I was always a fan, and for them to partner with us was an absolute dream come true. So this is my teeny tiny way of saying a huge and heartfelt thank you to the amazing Le Creuset SA team.