At Malahide Yacht Club on Wednesday five cooks battled for places in the final. Dermot Reidy and Simon Parker represented the CAI.
The judging panel provided detailed feedback and awarded points. Audience reaction counts too, and there were plenty of positive comments.
Another five cooks will compete in leg 2 tonight. After that a sophisticated algorithm will determine which six will come back next week for the final.
Thanks to Vincent Lundy, the judges, Malahide Yacht Club and sponsor Dunnes Stores for an enjoyable evening.