Ep 3. London - Sarah

Come Dine with Me is a popular reality TV show that has become a cult classic in British households. Aired in 2005, the series features four contestants from a particular area in the UK, all vying to host the best dinner party and win a cash prize of £1000.

Season 1 episode 3 takes us to London, where we meet Sarah, the gracious hostess of the evening. Sarah is a cheeky, buoyant young woman, who primarily works as a makeup artist and an occasional cabaret artist. Her main goal is to provide her guests with a remarkable evening filled with laughter and good food.

The episode begins with Sarah extending a warm welcome to her guests as they arrive at her house. The contestants' personalities are diverse, with quirky Scottish comedian Grant, fitness fanatic Karen, and polished MP assistant Laurence making up the group.

First up is Scottish comedian, Grant, who seems to be on a mission to lighten up the atmosphere by cracking jokes and pulling faces at every opportunity, much to the amusement of everyone. As the guests settle in, Sarah presents her homemade soup, which comprises of roasted vegetables and a spicy kick of chili. The soup is delicious, and everyone seems to be enjoying it.

As the night progresses, Sarah becomes more and more animated. For the main course, she serves a hearty lamb shank accompanied by a generous portion of mashed potato and a side of green beans. The food is both delectable and filling, and the guests pile high their plates with enthusiasm. The lamb is succulent and tender, prompting Laurence to describe it as "juicy and rich."

Whilst the dinner is lovely, a heated debate breaks out between Grant and Laurence regarding the politics of their respective parties. Karen tries to restore the peace by steering the conversation towards her love for health and fitness. Incredibly, her career once involved working as a Geisha in Japan. She uses chopsticks effortlessly to eat her food, leaving the others awestruck.

For dessert, Sarah serves a mouth-watering sweet potato pie with pecan ice cream. The guests are blown away by the dish's sweetness balanced by the nuttiness of the ice cream, and everyone is happily indulging in it.

The evening ends on a high note with Sarah's cabaret performance as she belts out a song, much to the guests' excitement. Grant joins in, accompanying Sarah's singing with a whistle of his own.

The show ends with Sarah thanking her guests for their company and graciously accepting the compliments on her fabulous cooking. But will her effort stand out enough to bag her the prize?

Overall, Come Dine with Me Season 1 Episode 3 is filled with gustatory thrills and spills, owing to the hosts' vivaciousness and their exceptional culinary skills. The show is an entertaining watch, especially for those who love their food with a pinch of drama. A definite must-watch for foodies and reality show enthusiasts alike.