THE RESTAURANT: 5 Star Cook Off

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The Restaurant - 5 Star Cook Off Image Name: The Restaurant - 5 Star Cook Off Description: The Restaurant - 5 Star Cook Off Copyright: © RTÉ Stills Library RTÉ. This image may be reproduced in print or electronic format for promotional purposes only. Any further use of this image must be re-negotiated separately with RTÉ. Use is subject to a fee to be agreed according to the current RTÉ Stills Library rate card.
The Restaurant - 5 Star Cook Off Image Name: The Restaurant - 5 Star Cook Off Description: The Restaurant - 5 Star Cook Off Copyright: © RTÉ Stills Library RTÉ. This image may be reproduced in print or electronic format for promotional purposes only. Any further use of this image must be re-negotiated separately with RTÉ. Use is subject to a fee to be agreed according to the current RTÉ Stills Library rate card.
The Restaurant - 5 Star Cook Off Image Name: The Restaurant - 5 Star Cook Off Description: The Restaurant - 5 Star Cook Off Copyright: © RTÉ Stills Library RTÉ. This image may be reproduced in print or electronic format for promotional purposes only. Any further use of this image must be re-negotiated separately with RTÉ. Use is subject to a fee to be agreed according to the current RTÉ Stills Library rate card.

Broadcast Details: Sunday 28th December, 7.30pm

RTÉ LIFESTYLE: This year's five star cook off features racing pundit, Tracey Piggott, and journalist, Kevin Myers

This Christmas The Restaurant is serving up a special seasonal show this year. We are inviting back two five star chefs for another marathon cook-off and they will go head to head in the kitchen at Wineport Lodge in Athlone. There will be no stars awarded on this show, but the critics will vote for their favourite dishes, and the best of three wins. There will only be one winner in this champion of champions cook-off.

The Restaurant is delighted to welcome back the first ever winner of the five star accolade – horse racing pundit and tireless charity worker, Tracey Piggott, and also the only five star winner from the last series, journalist and commentator, Kevin Myers.

Tracey and Kevin will bring their special one off seasonal menu, comprising one starter, one main course and one dessert each to The Restaurant. They will share the kitchen, the chefs and front of house team and compete against each other to impress the judges with their three course menu, and win votes.

In their original shows, Tracey and Kevin delighted regular critics Tom Doorley and Paolo Tulio with their classic food combinations, dedication to detail and quality ingredients. Both went home with the five star rating. But who will have the edge tonight?

Tracey Piggott has once again brought her passion for good quality ingredients back to The Restaurant when she prepares a starter of coriander infused shellfish risotto with Desmond cheese, a venison hot pot with roast root vegetables for her mains, and to round off her menu she will serve a fresh fig tart. Kevin too has gone for a classic menu and will serve lobster ravioli with foam for his starter, the classic tournedos rossini for his mains and he will also serve a tart for dessert, but his is a classic French apple and blackberry tarte tatin.

Both chefs have top culinary credentials, both have a proven track record in the kitchen and both are highly competitive. Which chef will create a seasonal menu to win the ultimate prize? Who will impress The Restaurant’s regular critics Tom Doorley and Paolo Tullio, and catch the attention of this year’s special guest critic TV Chef Gary Rhodes. Tune in and see who wins the 2008 five star cook-off.