Ep 17. Central Fish

The Great British Menu returns with another intriguing episode featuring the country's top chefs competing for the chance to showcase their culinary skills at a grand banquet honoring the NHS heroes of the coronavirus pandemic. In episode 17 of season 13, the chefs are challenged to create outstanding Central Fish dishes that celebrate the wealth of seafood found in the heart of the UK.

The contestants are judged by a discerning panel of food experts, including veteran restaurateurs Paul Ainsworth, Matthew Fort, and Oliver Peyton. They are tasked with selecting the best three dishes from the six contestants to represent the Central region in the finals.

The episode kicks off with a visit to St Ives Bay in Cornwall, where Chef Jude Kereama sources the freshest seafood ingredients for his dish. Meanwhile, Chef Alex Bond takes his inspiration from his travels to Norway, where he learned about the art of curing salmon. MasterChef winner Gary Maclean shares his Scottish heritage with a local twist, creating a dish based on traditional Cullen Skink soup.

Chef Nick Edgar impresses the judges with his innovative use of monkfish, while Chef Hrishikesh Desai opts for a classic fish and chips presentation with a twist. Chef Liam Simpson-Trotman creates a dish that emulates the Central region's industrial heritage, using hake and beetroot to represent the iron and steel industry of the area.

As the competition heats up, tensions rise in the kitchen as each chef strives to create a dish that will impress the judges and secure their place in the finals. The judges provide insightful feedback, praising the chefs' creativity and skill, but also pointing out any flaws in their execution.

Ultimately, three chefs are chosen to compete in the finals, each bringing their own unique take on Central Fish cuisine. Who will emerge victorious and have the honor of serving their dish at the NHS Heroes Banquet?

Tune in to the Great British Menu to find out which chefs will make it to the finals and craft the ultimate Central Fish dish. The competition promises to be intense, the flavors sublime, and the outcome unpredictable, making for an exciting and entertaining culinary journey.