Jackie lavin next star to cook up a storm in glasson

The next celebrity to don the chef’s hat in Glasson is entrepreneur Jackie Lavin. The former model and businesswoman’s culinary skills will be up for judging in this Wednesday’s edition of ‘The Restaurant’ on TV3, sponsored by Aldi.

Other well-known faces lined up to take part in this series of ‘The Restaurant’ on TV3 include rugby player Andrew Trimble, State Pathologist Marie Cassidy, model Roz Purcell and singer Sharon Shannon. ‘The Restaurant’ episode 2 airs this Wednesday at 9pm on TV3.

Entrepreneur Jackie Lavin will don the chef’s hat and apron for the second episode of The Restaurant on TV3. The entrepreneur is hoping to impress critics and diners with a special ‘Celtic Warrior’ menu and she’s even drafted in top wedding and event planner ‘Franc’ to help her transform the décor to tie in with her ambitious menu. She’s hoping the unusual approach will give her the edge she needs to win a five-star rating.

As diners take their seats in the stunning Wineport Lodge in Glasson, Co Westmeath, Jackie is determined to impress. First up is Jackie’s starter menu which entails a hearty soup served in a bread bowl, garnished with a Parmesan Butterfly Crust and Roasted Mussels and Prawns in half shell, sizzled with sea salt, garlic, herbs and fresh lemon juice.

Chefs Louise, Gary and Stephen are a tough crowd. Stephen describes the broth as having “no depth of flavour” unconvinced that it is good enough to serve. Next for tasting is the prawns and mussels. It’s an odd choice to roast the mussels according to Gary but Louise likes the concept and the simplicity of the dish. Jackie remains upbeat but will the diners agree?

Next up in the ‘Celtic Warrior’ themed menu is a meaty main course. Jackie opts for  a feast of roasted meats, carved at your table. Apricot stuffed pork, lamb with herb stuffing served with pea and mint puree, basted chicken thighs wrapped in bacon, served with butter basted baked jacket potato.

The other option is a lighter Smoked Atlantic Haddock and Dingle Bay Prawns au Gratin, served with wilted greens and baby boiled potato.
For dessert, Jackie whips up two choices - an Apple and Blackberry tart served with a shot of Baileys creamy custard and a chocolate bread and butter crunch with toasted almonds, served with Irish Whiskey Cream.

Using the finest Aldi ingredients, Jackie will have to tickle the taste buds of resident food critics Tom Doorley and Paolo Tullio along with her guest critic Lucinda O’Sullivan, Ireland’s most widely read Food and Hospitality Critic.
All that remains now is a star rating. Will Jackie impress the critics or will last week’s chef Alan Shatter remain on top of the leader board? Tune in to ‘The Restaurant’ this Wednesday at 9pm on TV3 to find out!

The Restaurant on TV3 is proudly sponsored by Aldi. For all the latest menus from the show go to www.alditherestaurant.com