The F Word - Series 4 Celebrity food thoughts: Mel and Nic's victory

Date Published:

30/07/2008

All Saints girls, Mel Blatt and Nicole Appleton, returned to the F Word kitchen in triumph as the series 4 winning brigade. We caught up with them to see if second service was a piece of cake or a kitchen nightmare

Were you surprised to win the brigades?

Mel: Yes, considering the other families that took part!
Nicole: Quite surprised actually, although we did think we had a chance.

Was cooking on the F Word harder than it looks?

Mel: Definitely. Cooking in a working kitchen is a lot more stressful that you would think.
Nicole: Much harder, especially the first time when it was the hottest day.

Are you quite competitive by nature?

Mel: I didn't think I was but I guess I am!

Are you more rock 'n' roll and eat out a lot, or do you generally eat at home?

Mel: It depends on how lazy I am feeling but it’s probably about 50/50.
Nicole: We eat at home quite a bit as I enjoy cooking. However we will still eat out two or three times a week, even if it's for lunch.

Are you the main cook in your home?

Mel: I'm the only cook! It's just me.
Nicole: Yes. Although Liam will help. Liam is good at breakfast.

Would you ever buy a product that wasn't organic or free-range if the supermarket didn't offer that option?

Mel: Probably not. Organic and free range would always be my first choice.
Nicole: Rarely. Maybe if I was stuck for time.

Do you tend to get harassed when you go food shopping, with people wanting to know what you eat for dinner?

Mel: No.
Nicole: Usually when we go grocery shopping at our local supermarket people leave us alone.

How did you feel about the whole veal angle of the F Word, with Janet Street-Porter raising and slaughtering two calves?

Mel: I was OK with it, though I don't think I'd ever eat veal again.
Nicole: It was tough for us. We are a bit dotty over animals and find it hard to think of the calves being killed. We understand all the logic behind it, but I still could not watch the week that the calves went to slaughter. I could not have done what Janet did and I admire her for it.

Beer, wine or cocktails?

Mel: All of the above!
Nicole: Wine especially champagne.

Salad or steak?

Mel: Steak.
Nicole: 50-50.

Cheese or chocolate?

Mel: Cheese.
Nicole: Cheese.

What's your hangover cure?

Mel: Don't have one - I guess that's why I always have a hangover!
Nicole: Resolve Plus and lots of water. If that doesn't work, hair of the dog!

Where would your perfect date meal be?

Mel: On a beach, somewhere hot.
Nicole: Nobu or L'Aventure in St Johns Wood.

Do you have favourite foodie place?

Mel: There are loads of lovely delis near to Belsize village where I live – I love shopping around there.
Nicole: Love Belsize village deli and there is a place in Camden Town called something like "Wet and Wild" I am not sure of the name. Fruit from a stall on Hampstead High Street.


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