Mike Judges cooked his way into first place after reaching the final round of the Valentine’s competition, which was launched by Covers Home Ideas, in partnership with Spirit FM. Entrants to the competition were asked which celebrity they would most like to share a meal with in their new kitchen and why. Mike’s chosen answer of George Clooney, along with his explanation, stood out to the judges. He said: “We’ve lived in our house for two years and have done some building work to prep for a new kitchen. The room is currently best described as ‘rustic’. We are still finalising the kitchen we want to buy and my wife is getting rather stressed about the situation. I frankly owe her a date with the Clooney by way of apology! Only he could buy me some brownie points here I think.” Mike was pitted against fellow finalist Andrew Merrett from Littlehampton, who had chosen Harry Potter author J K Rowling. The duo battled it out in a test of culinary prowess where they were asked to cook a sirloin steak and warm salad, which was first demonstrated by Head Chef of Goodwood Hotel, Mark Forman. The final dishes were judged for taste, seasoning, presentation, contestant’s ability to follow instructions and being served on time. Along with Mark, fellow judge Rob Bongard from Sheraton Kitchens, decided Mike had just edged ahead with his dish and was announced the winner. Mike said:“My wife has been wanting to refurbish and modernise our kitchen for so long, and I am over the moon that I can now finally do this for her. I really can’t believe I got to the final, let alone won! It really is the best Valentine’s present I could give - thank you so much to Covers Home Ideas for making it so special!” Richard Murrell, manager of Covers Home Ideas, said: “We are so thrilled to be able to give Mike and his wife a Valentine’s Day to remember. Mike really demonstrated his culinary expertise in a nail biting final and we look forward to seeing the kitchen remodel when it’s finished!” Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage at www.chichester.co.uk/ 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ChichesterObserver 3) Follow us on Twitter @Chiobserver 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! The Chichester Observer - always the first with your local news. Be part of it.
