Round 1: Alcohol

With a secret ingredient of FIGS already announced, Ed announced the frankly dangerous theme of: ALCOHOL. So the scene was set... the table was laid... for Iron Chef UK!
The contestants assembled from the far reaches of London: Iron Chefs Xavier, Grant, Michael, Dez, Paul, Claire, Shaun and Ed. The mix of french haute cuisine, Australin fusion cooking, and British slop is a mouthwatering proposition.
The inaugural dish of the tournament was Michael's starter. A flaky pastry filled with an explosive mix of cheese and mushroom in a white wine sauce.

Ed followed with ihs main: quails in a fig, olive and red wine sauce, with mash and salad.
Xavier finished the meal with a rum baba and pear, soaked in brandy and served with creme fraiche.
The scores were counted. The chefs were nervous. And the winner of Round 1 was XAVIER!

Full scores out of 20:
Michael: 12.5
Ed: 14.7
Xavier: 15.8