Ep 14. Birmingham

Come Dine with Me season 34 episode 14 takes place in Birmingham, a city in the heart of England known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant food scene. In this episode, five strangers from Birmingham will invite each other to their homes and compete for the title of the ultimate host.

The first contestant is 45-year-old Jane, a stay-at-home mom who loves nothing more than cooking for her family and friends. Jane plans to impress her guests with a traditional English roast dinner, complete with all the trimmings. She starts the meal off with a homemade vegetable soup and freshly baked bread, then serves succulent roast beef with roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes for the main course. For dessert, Jane offers a classic British pudding - sticky toffee pudding with a rich caramel sauce.

Next up is 32-year-old Alex, a marketing executive who fancies himself a bit of a gourmet. Alex has planned a three-course menu that showcases his love of experimental flavors and global cuisine. He starts off with a refreshing watermelon and feta salad, followed by a spicy Moroccan tagine with couscous and harissa. For dessert, Alex presents his own take on a classic dessert - a deconstructed tiramisu with layers of coffee-infused sponge, creamy mascarpone, and chocolate shavings.

Third on the roster is 50-year-old Martin, a retired businessman who enjoys cooking classic British dishes with a modern twist. Martin has prepared a sophisticated menu that showcases his skills with local ingredients and haute cuisine techniques. His starter is a delicate smoked salmon mousse with horseradish cream, followed by a succulent venison steak with a red wine jus and seasonal vegetables for the main course. For dessert, Martin offers a playful twist on a childhood favorite - rhubarb and custard ice cream with a homemade ginger snap.

The penultimate host is 27-year-old Jess, a veterinary nurse who loves nothing more than creating healthy, plant-based meals for her friends. Jess has planned a vegan feast that showcases the best of seasonal produce and creative cooking techniques. She starts with a colorful beetroot and carrot salad with a tangy orange and mustard dressing, followed by a hearty lentil and mushroom shepherd's pie with a crispy sweet potato topping. For dessert, Jess offers a refreshing mango sorbet with a crunchy granola crumble.

The final host is 55-year-old Kevin, a self-proclaimed foodie who enjoys cooking up a storm in his spare time. Kevin has planned an ambitious menu that showcases his love of bold flavors and luxurious ingredients. He starts off with a decadent lobster bisque with a swirl of cream and a side of crusty bread. For the main course, Kevin presents a lavish seafood platter with fresh oysters, king prawns, and scallops, served with an indulgent garlic butter sauce. For dessert, Kevin offers a whimsical take on an old classic - a lemon meringue pie with a tangy raspberry coulis.

Throughout the episode, the contestants will have the chance to rate each other's hosting skills and culinary creations. The winner will be announced at the end of the week-long competition and will receive a cash prize and the coveted title of ultimate host. With five distinct personalities and five unique menus, the Birmingham episode of Come Dine with Me promises to be a feast for the senses and a celebration of the city's diverse food culture.