This week on Recipe to Riches there was some serious competition for who had the best savoury pie.
Immediately, I wanted to try all three pies. They all looked like good contenders to me. Don from Ottawa, Ontario, made his curry take on a traditional meat pie that he named Blasphemy Tortiere. Sheena from Parksville, British Columbia, shared her Enchilada Pie. Alcide from Welland, Ontario, made his traditional Acadian Meat Pie. This week we had Indian-fusion, re-interpretation of the term “pie” and a 100% traditional take on a savoury pie, all of which were exciting. On top of that, we had coast-to-coast Canadian participation!
The Kitchen Commander had to bring drama to each one of them which impacted each recipe as they made 100 pies. Rob Rainford told Sheena said a real chef would not use canned tomato sauce so she had to make hers from scratch. Although I agree that her homemade recipe should have a sauce she had made herself, that is not an industry standard issue. That made it feel contrived.
Alcide thought his job was going to be a little easier than he had imagined because he did not have to remove the bones from the chicken but then discovered that both the chicken and the pork would come into a commercial kitchen deboned. As a result, that would impact the flavour and sauciness big time.
Don was told that Vikram would never use store-bought Masala so he would have to make his own from scratch. Again, that did not feel like a commercial kitchen issue and just an additional foodie
challenge for the contestant.
Despite the curveballs that came their way, I feel everyone did a great job. I also found it ironic that Sheena had an emotional moment and was told that it was unacceptable and yet Alcide teared up in the show a lot and no one told him to suck it up. There was a small hint of bad sportsmanship in one small moment of the show but other than that, it was very positive which I continue to be thrilled about and impressed with.
No spoilers yet about the winner from me yet but I will say I am so happy with who won and which product I get to review although all of them looked delicious. I disagree with the judges that it is a seasonal dish. I would eat any of these savoury pies any day of the year.
So far, every single one that I’ve wanted to win has been sent home. I feel like my approval is the kiss of death this season! And I agree that the “challenges” they face because of industrial kitchen standards are little more than added drama for TV. Gotta say this show is not living up to expectations this season, for me. I turned it this week at the halfway point, as I didn’t think I’d buy either product.
Oh that is a bummer and a shame that the ones you want to win didn’t! Yes, a lot of unnecessary drama which I was afraid of and Chef Rob Rainford can be such a sweet guy and they’re making him out to the be such a toughie. Sorry to hear you’re not enjoying it as much this season. Season 2 was getting a little nasty to me so this is much better for me but if the products you want to win don’t, that is disappointing.
I agree with you again Suzie but that’s no surprise to either of us :0) I totally wanted the winner to win this week and I’m excited to pick some up asap. I feel like the other one I can make on my own all too easy. I can even make it in my slow cooker for that matter. I noticed the bad “sportsmanship” as well and that made me speak out loud while watching. lol As for your other comment about the spices and tomato sauce, I’ve worked in a kitchen or two and know many “chefs” that would use store bought versions of both to save a buck and much valuable time. Why wouldn’t the other contestant have to use home made tortillas if they were really that worried? I would use from scratch tortillas before using from scratch garam marsala. Either way I’m excited to try the winner’s product and excited to read your review on it. Lots of love and healing!
Yay Fran! Love hearing your perspective. I am glad the winner made you happy. You noticed that bad sportsmanship too? Phew, so glad I wasn’t the only one. Hate that crap.
OMG, homemade tortillas? That would have been a nightmare but it’s a very valid point!
Thank you Fran. At least I have the show to enjoy while my back is healing. 🙂