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Tuesday, 9 April 2013

Lalu Wins Knorr Taste Quest Season 1

After a hard fought battle over the course of 15 weeks, Lalu Surdiham, a chef working in Lagos has emerged as the winner of the Knorr Taste Quest cooking competition. It was a grand finale filled with tension that could have been cut with a knife, as the trio of Ifeyinwa Mogekwu, Lalu Surdiham and Patricia Allison got ready to battle to become Nigeria's best.

Unfortunately for them, in a shocking and surprising twist, the judges announced the comeback of Saratu and Gregory, the last two contestants to be evicted from the show, thereby decreasing the chances of the initial three.

  

The battle started with the contestants tasked with making an appetizer within twenty minutes using Kpopo garri, Water leaf, Ikolo (worms) and Offili. It continued with the main course, where the contestants had to create a sea food delicacy using; Cat fish, Electric fish, Stock fish, Coco yam and Cassava. The final task was to whip up a dessert, using; Guava, Dates, Agbalumo, Sugarcane, Zobo leaves and Garri. 

After the judges’ deliberation, Manny, the show’s presenter announced Saratu as the 3rd place winner, Patricia in 2nd place, and Lalu the winner of the competition. Ifeyinwa and Gregory came in fourth and fifth place respectively.

 The third place winner went home with Five Hundred Thousand naira cash, and kitchen equipments worth Three Hundred Thousand naira, while the second place winner was rewarded with a cash prize of One million Naira, and Three Hundred Thousand naira worth of kitchen equipments. 
Lalu, as the winner of the competition, went home with a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, One Million Naira, kitchen equipments worth Three Hundred Thousand Naira and most of all, the bragging rights to be called Nigeria's best. 
Various kitchen equipments such as deep freezers, refrigerators, gas cookers, gas cylinders, pressure cookers as well as a cash prize of Fifty thousand naira cash prize were also given to all twelve finalists of the competition.  To be updated on when the next season of Knorr Taste Quest will kick-off, log on to www.facebook.com/Knorr Nigeria and like the page. 


at 4/09/2013 02:02:00 pm

75 comments:

  1. Queen B9 April 2013 at 14:16

    Na waa for Nigeria, what a country. Foreigners go come our country and we give them first and we go travel their country, dem go give us last. Africans shine your eyes.

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  2. chidi9 April 2013 at 14:24

    How can a non Nigerian be allowed to contest in a quest to find Nigeria's best cook? It should have been called another name like Knorr best cook, etc. Let's learn how respect and protect our nation.if not, Some day a Japanese would win miss nigeria or face of africa. Nonsense!

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  3. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 14:30

    The guy is good sha!watched dem a couple of times!

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  4. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 14:33

    congrats to him:Just ANN

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  5. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 14:38

    Congratulations....Oddyway

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  6. Romance Meets Life9 April 2013 at 14:42

    Not a small thing o, who saw that jump coming :)

    Congrats to all the winners

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  7. ujunwa9 April 2013 at 14:59

    Am happy for you Oyibo pepper

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  8. CFA9 April 2013 at 15:00

    wow...he is soo happy!

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  9. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 15:01

    Congrats to Lalu,i think this show was copied from chopped but we added our own naija arrangement by bringing back eliminated contestants.. E jor oo Judges dont turn this show to Big Brother oooo

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  10. Unknown9 April 2013 at 15:08

    The Final three contestants Patricia, Lalu and Ifeyiwa really did well. I watched the show, the battle of getting to the final was hell and they deserve to be the true top chefs...

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  11. sexy87dainty9 April 2013 at 15:29

    Comgrats lalu, ЂÅ̝̅P̲̣̣̣̥P̲̣̣̣̥Y̲̅ F̶̲̅Õ̳͡я̅ U̶̲̥̅̊. ℓ̊ wonder H̶̲̥̅̊♡̷̴̬̩̃̊w̶̲̥̅̊ nigeria's best cook i̶̲̥̅̊s̶̲̥̅̊ a guy Ω̴̩̩̩̥a̶̲̥̅̊ wa F̶̲̅Õ̳͡я̅ we ladies O°˚˚˚ .

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  12. doll (retired blogger)9 April 2013 at 15:32

    they cheated ifeyinwa jor....

    How can you be top 3 and still come 4th, so she got no prize money?

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  13. jojoophina9 April 2013 at 15:50

    even if the guy wasn't good trust Nigerians to crown him winner simply cos he's no black.... congrats to him thou

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  14. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 15:58

    What rubbish......how can they give an outcast? this nija sef....can a Nigerian win such in his country. Nonsense

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  15. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 16:00

    I knew Lalu would win, he was consitently good throughout the competition. Also happy for Saratu and Patricia

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  16. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 16:03

    it was wrong calling back the two earlier evicted and then displacing someone else that has put so much and already put in the last 3...the so called twist was uncalled for to me and it defeated the whole in the game.

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  17. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 16:26

    I cant wait for a Nigerian to win Master Chef in America.. hisssssssssssss......

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    Replies
    1. Oppy9 April 2013 at 16:54

      Lmao! Do we have chefs that can compete with on such professional level, imagine a Nigerian chef competing on Iron chef. Whoever they challenge will defnitely by a huge margin. It some more training here and there maybe one day we'll see a Nigerian compete on 1 of these shows and win! But not now.

      Delete
  18. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 16:39

    Lalu deserves the win, he was the best throughout. And yes we have had Nigerians contest for America's next top model and such and go very far. Stop being so myopic, the best is the best and deserves the win!

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  19. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 16:58

    I was a great fan of this programme until the last episode. it still baffles me why we act the way we do. The judges made an announcement confirming the last three that made the finals,only for a totally unnecessary, suble and quite based twist to be added to the programme recalling already evicted contestants that have even been awarded prizes. The fuuny thing is that no reason was given for the twist of change in plans.If they do this for such shows i sincerely wonder what goes on in the highly televised beauty pagents. So corruption has permeated every facet of our society. it shows a lack of professionalism and integrity of the organisers of the show. Apart from that major 'bleep' the show did well and i hope future editions will improve in terms of quality, publicity and of course transparency.

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  20. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 17:02

    Lalu deserves it O°˚˚˚˚˚° .

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  21. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 17:24

    Exactly. lets stop being myopic, the best won. A competition shouldnt be rigged just because he's non-nigerian. To prove Nigerians are better cooks, i would make sure i enter for the next one and win it!!

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  22. chamilah9 April 2013 at 17:25

    I smell Racists (˘̯˘ ) , by the way its Knorr Taste Quest not Best cook in Nigeria so its not limited to my Sweet Nigerians alone.......

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  23. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 17:33

    I agree wid u anon 4:39,lalu really deserved it. Sassy

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  24. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 17:36

    Esu Lalu

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous10 April 2013 at 05:21

      ROTFLMSAO!!! U dey craze o! Afi esu lalu naa! LOL

      Delete
  25. Saganity9 April 2013 at 17:41

    Rubbish ... Fools.... Foreigner won .... Nigeria i think its time for us to stand up ... I wish people give us our respect outside Nigeria the way we do give foreigners respect in Nigeria .

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  26. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 18:00

    Myopic indeed, Nenna in America next top model is from Houston Texas, you think she claims Nigerian, and you believe they shortlisted her because she is Nigerian .. Sorry OOOOOO

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  27. Gagnam Waist9 April 2013 at 18:38

    I need that recipe for the starter Ifeyinwa did at the Finals, how can i get it??????

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  28. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 18:49

    So nothing for the fourth person .. eya that ain't fair na.. I wonder the true intelligence behind the twist...

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  29. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 18:58

    I think they should involve more judges and food critic bcos listening to the judges with same old comments was just boring at a time.."I feel like eating more" wats dat

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  30. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 19:05

    Is this guy a Nigerian or a Nigerian citizen? It's a shame we allow foreigners to freely roam our country and even participate in reality shows...#shame

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  31. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 19:46

    Abeg make una no vex which show be this .. who be lalu and wetin be the twist wey dey scatter the show.....

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  32. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 19:55

    Nigerians please this is not being racist but i really do think we have a long way to go... Lalu is a great chef.. But the question still remains will a Nigerian win this Overseas.. mention a full blooded Nigerian that has come out top ten in any show abroad. ''They will soon mention names of Nigerians that have fully nationalized''... We still have a long way to go.. *SMH* in things fall apart style

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  33. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 19:57

    Lalu has come a long way from Sky restaurant (Eko Hotel). Well done

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  34. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 20:01

    Abeg let them bring better judges like Alexandra Guarnaschelli, Aarón Sanchez and Chris Santos, so we just accept it as obodo oyibo show.... hissssss.... yeye Nigerians

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  35. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 20:05

    Chef Fregz should be investigated for his relationship with one of the contestants. He was unprofessional to the core.

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  36. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 20:36

    Lalu deserves it,he was really creative. I particularly loved one they used coconut and he actually put the whhole coconut on the plate

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  37. jimsking9 April 2013 at 20:37

    He is a great chef I know he will make it though I ws surprise sha

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  38. drerhumu9 April 2013 at 21:06

    I The 'twist' was uncalled for and brings up some legitimate suspicions as to the motive of the organisers; I would say deceitful, putting it mildly.

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  39. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 21:57

    I followed this through out, and I was so disappointed at the stupid twist. Imagine someone had worked so hard and just because of favoritism from one of the judges, they brought in a stupid twist to make saratu come 3rd position. Pointless crap. Chef fregz or whatever he is called must not be brought back to the show. Rubbish!

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  40. Fine Bobo Fola9 April 2013 at 22:15

    I didn't really follow the show.. but u know in Nigeria when u hear ''Shocking Twist'' it simply means small ojoro don enter. We don't have conscience in this part of the world and people will do anything to favor their own. Oga at the top i hail.

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  41. Anonymous9 April 2013 at 23:50

    Every country preserves their own. You do not show the world that a non Nigerian can cook more than nigerians. It's all about perception and modifying stereotypes. Imagine how this outcome would effect nigerians in diaspora who apply for a jobs as a chef. I really think such outcomes should be influenced.... It happens all the time. I watched iron chef America many times and believe me, they preserve their own by making an American win most of the time even against top Asian chefs. The other continents see Africans like dull low lifes.... And see knorrr perpetuating that. I fall my hand o. If I had my way, the senate should question the company directors.

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  42. CHEKWUBE10 April 2013 at 00:19

    Those judges Frag abi kilo npe..and the the other one dunno what they are judging,talking off point,I wonder if they ever watch how other international food judges critic the contestants..pls knorr for next season get better people to judge not a chef who after cooking okro soup n eba calls it "Prada eba". By d way I auditioned for that show but believe me d winners had already been picked before d audition.sorry Nigerians if u think u can win any reality show in Nig without a form of connection with d organiser..u r decieving urself.next year u can go thru d stress again but be sure u aint getting nathin.*nkirikaakwa show*

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  43. Anonymous10 April 2013 at 00:43

    I have seen a Nigeeian in American Idol,and next american top Model with the likes of NNenna so Lalu being a foreigner doesnt count

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  44. UgoBabbeeeee10 April 2013 at 03:58

    Stoopid Nigerians....how can they allow a foreigner to come first- outside in foreign land will such a thing happen? even if the Nigerian is qualified will such a thing happen?.....Nigerians stay surprising me with their colomentality and everything non Naija being great....for starters look how you guys hail talentless Eku E......soon you guys will allow the Indians, Chinese, Lebanenese to call shots in Nigeria- you will begin to beg them permission to move about in Nigeria....oga on top you guys will shout but things like this you all will remain mute- some of you dont even see anything wrong with this foolishness....SMH

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  45. Anonymous10 April 2013 at 07:04

    Na wa for us for this country....how the judege and organisers allow a foreigner to win.

    In which country is it done? Not trying to be discriminatory, but I have travelled almost round the world, this won't happen elsewhere.

    Where is our sense of judgement and simple reasoning in this country? LOST.

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  46. Roca Fella10 April 2013 at 10:37

    Na wa oo.. e be like say this small show be get plenty Drama ooo who be Chef Fregz make we begin investigate am now, now.

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  47. Fola Says...10 April 2013 at 10:42

    Let Unilever investigate Chef Fregz...

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  48. REASONS FOR LIFE10 April 2013 at 11:04

    Points for Knorr to note for the next season to be successful:
    1. Let the adverts be clear- All nationals can apply its not strictly Nigerian.
    2. Rules of the game be made clear to all stakeholders so if there are any twists people will anticipate it.
    3. Change the judges and bring qualified food critics with pedigree

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  49. Anonymous10 April 2013 at 12:37

    What was the essence of the twist? To excite the audience or to manipulate the show? Unfortunately, we may never know the truth! Note to Unilever, let us know of an impending twist from the beginning without letting us know the form that it would come of course. In that way, the game is not open to speculation as to the true intent of the shocking twist. I mean, the 3 finalists already had some expectations. Good luck in the next season!

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  50. Nonye10 April 2013 at 13:12

    i have no problem with Lalu or any other non-Nigerian winning, I only hope he has a work permit or sufficient paperwork supporting the immigration status that would permit him to take part in this contest. Nigerian Immigration Service, over to you...

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  51. Styna10 April 2013 at 15:24

    Lalu wins... Yeepee!!!

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  52. Anonymous10 April 2013 at 17:35

    Lalu deserves the win, he was the best throughout. Stop being so myopic, the best is the best and deserves the win! Nigerian's have taken part in American next top model, American Idols even UK X factor. Duh!!! + twist or no twist if you good and confident at what you do, a twist shouldn't be a problem. If Ifeayinwan was better than Saratu, she would have come 3rd. Pls be objective abegi!!! I saw that show from begainging to the end, the best 3 won!!! NEXT!!!!

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  53. Anonymous10 April 2013 at 19:37

    Having watched the show, I don't think the Judges are truly qualified to handle it. We need real and proper food critics. That can't be swayed by emotions. Hope to see a better show next season with fresh judges.

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  54. Rubynnia 10 April 2013 at 21:24

    I didn't watch the show, only get to read the highlights here but a foreigner winning? Can a Nigerian win such in his country?

    I'm so tired of this favourism we placed on outsiders over our own starting from the airport with customs and immigration officials.

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  55. Anonymous11 April 2013 at 01:53

    I know he will win cuz he's a great chef and eko hotel chef for that matter

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  56. Fola11 April 2013 at 03:32

    Madam/Sir Next, I wish you the best lets wait till Nigerian wins master chef in America. And i do think if Saratu was very good she wouldn't have been evicted at all.. So lets leave the judges to search their conscience on the integrity of the twist.

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  57. Anu11 April 2013 at 10:03

    Its only with Nigerians that nothing is ever fair game! haba! We are only happy when we win an cry foul when some else wins. It just goes to show how we as a nation lack integrity and as a result we do not trust each other's judgement.

    @ Fola 3.32AM when a Nigerian capable of winning master chef in America comes along, he or she would definitely win.

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  58. Anonymous11 April 2013 at 12:56

    @ugobabeeee:FYI, Eku Edewor is Nigerian. She just happens to be mixed. Stop talking like you have a complex!

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  59. Anonymous11 April 2013 at 13:08

    It is a surprise that a brand like Unilever, can be associated with such credibility issues. Nigerians deserved to have been hinted ahead of time about a possible twist in the show. Announcing the twist on the last day of the competition, simply looked like some form of tactics done to bring in a favoured one who was later crowned the 3rd position.

    This PR campaign (Knorr taste quest season 1)should have added positively to the reputation of the brand. But with several questions unanswered, It stands to loose its good reputation built over the years.

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  60. Unknown11 April 2013 at 20:42

    Thank you Anu!!!

    Congrats Lalu.... For a non Nigerian and a Guy wow , you deserve much more my dear......

    Oh please Nigerians....* rolling my eyes* so because the winner is Indonesian, the organizers have lost credibility? Not that he was not the best, nor that he was not the most ingenious? So even in entertainment and recreation, politics and tribalism just must rear its ugly head and spoil the fun?
    How many of the commentators here watched the show in its entirety? How many have learnt from the various recipes shown here? Tell me one ingenious one....( I though so)

    Why o why have we decided that we must sacrifice expertise for racism and tribalism in this great country, we love to call the international greats our own when they excel abroad, Sade, seal, Akeem etc but we forget that is because those foreign nations "allowed" them to be GREAT!

    I have always said our racism & tribalism is so deep that if the USA were Nigeria, Obama would probably have been assassinated by now , much less become the first mixed president or non black (in our case) president we would ever have ..... That's why we stay backward and Myopic , cause we r afraid of our own shadows , and refuse to move on......

    And yes the organizers can pull up any twist they darn well want to, to keep ratings up! It's their show .....bite me !!!
    * much ado about things that don't matter*......redirect your beef the a government that has denied you light, water and security....and let us live!!!!

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  61. Anonymous12 April 2013 at 00:59

    its funny that knorr Nigeria and the judges can allow a white man come here and participate in a Nigerian show. when we all know that it cannot happen in their country. when will naija learn? na wah for the organizers o. am sorry, it wasn't a fair win. I hope I remember to watch the show next time

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  62. Anonymous12 April 2013 at 01:03

    so a white guy won? or isn't the show called Nigerian knorr taste quest? una for tell us now say na Nigerian plus Indonesian knorr taste quest. I will understand. yeye. mscheeeeeeew

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  63. Anonymous13 April 2013 at 20:28

    Lalu deserved to WIN.....after all his efforts and hard work ..it swas nt easy ooooo but at least he,,have try his best of his....Welldone Lalu...Congrats...

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  64. Anonymous13 April 2013 at 20:32

    Welldone Pak Lalu....all the Best....your hard work..finally bear the fruits....stay healthy...ooooo

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  65. Anonymous13 April 2013 at 21:50

    I think this has been a very good show.
    I watched all 13 episodes.
    We need to applaud Knorr, and Knorr taste quest.

    This show is the first of its kind in Nigeria

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  66. Anonymous14 April 2013 at 11:43

    the Cincau Man win the game finally....Congrats Cincau man....just proven the hard work, efforts and impressive idea will give the result...by the way...why your face so serious cincau man...too much serious...event in the grand final when you saw the ikolo...suprise...suprise....all the best for KNORR..and welldone for Lalu-cincau man in nigeria...

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  67. Anonymous14 April 2013 at 11:46

    Competition-- win and lost....well done to KNORR....good show indeed...hope to see the next session...welldone to Lalu...the Best Master Chef in Nigeria...show how the culinary in Nigeria will be well known all around the world....Good job every body all the contestant was great...

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  68. Anonymous14 April 2013 at 12:40

    Well Lalu have create a genius recipes out of the box.... and his intelligent and creativity make him WIN..despite that he not Nigerian...but he try his best of the best to learn and to create the best food and recipe out of all..yeah...he was a great Chef...no doubt...Well done to KNORR and Unilever

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  69. Anonymous14 April 2013 at 13:42

    The simple truth is that we always appreciate white men. We will even prefer America garri to our own if there is anything like that so Lalu being good or not who cares the black man mentality

    ReplyDelete

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the comment writers alone and does not reflect or represent the views of Linda Ikeji.

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