Crazy Delicious seeks ambitious creations

Jayde Adams is to host a new food competition series for Channel 4 and Netflix.

Crazy Delicious will feature chefs Heston Blumenthal, Carla Hall and Niklas Ekstedt  – and take place on an edible set.

Over the six episodes, the trio will judge competitors who are challenged to make the most inventive dishes they can.

Channel 4 says: ‘Each week, three passionate and inventive cooks work magic with commonplace ingredients, such as the humble carrot, some of which they will pick, pluck and snip from an enchanted garden on the stunning Crazy Delicious set which also contains edible blossom, chocolate soil, and a drinkable babbling brook. 

‘Inspired by the vibrant and viral world of #foodporn, the competition challenges the cooks to create dishes that are both a taste sensation and a feast for the eyes.’

Adams added: ‘This show is like nothing you’ve seen before, from the incredible, edible set to the crazy and delicious meals created by our cooks. 

‘I love food and working with real-life food gods Heston, Carla and Niklas has been brilliant, I’ve learnt so much as well as being able to try so much wonderful food. 

‘I said to the universe a year ago that I wanted to host a food show and here it is! I feel like one of the luckiest women in the world. I cannot wait for you all to see it.’

The cooks taking part in the competition will be challenged to create new takes on recognisable meals such as chicken pie and pizza.

Blumenthal, who is known for putting science into cookery to create hugely experimental dishes, said: ’In Crazy Delicious we’re asking for dishes that not only taste great but are also visually spectacular, emotionally powerful and nostalgic so it’s incredibly tough.

‘They say fortune favours the brave and to be truly creative requires bravery and a willingness to fail big time. The cooks in Crazy Delicious were certainly fearless. I’ve spent my career trying to perfect these kinds of dishes and I know from experience that creativity and perfection do not always sit comfortably together. I was amazed at how ambitious some of the cooks were.’

American Hall, who is passionate about soul food,  added that ‘we’ve had our minds blown’ by the creations while Swedish chef Ekstedt added: ‘ I’ve been so impressed by the dishes we’ve seen and tasted, particularly with how the cooks were able to infuse flavours and techniques from a variety of cuisines. I didn’t really expect that from British cooking.’ 

Crazy Delicious will air on Channel 4 – and be available on Netflix outside of the UK – in early 2020.

Published: 14 Nov 2019