Week 5 of the Zimbabwe Cook Off was held last Saturday at Sam Levy’s Village in Borrowdale with eleven contestants left in the competition. There were two rounds of cooking. The first was a challenge round, with Marylin Mnemo and Brenda Hewitt-Voue challenging the bottom contenders of the competition, Devine Rwambirwa and Moreblessing Sewera, along with an additional challenger fresh to Week 5. Marylin, Brenda and Devine cooked their way into the second round of the day. That was the main event, where they joined the other contestants for the mystery ingredient challenge.

The mystery ingredients were: brown rice, relish mix and rump steak. Contestants were given forty-five minutes to think up, and create something to dazzle the judges with. Marylin Mbemo cooked a rump steak coated with relish mix, with brown rice and a chunky veloute sauce. Judge at the event, Chef Christopher Gonzo of Meikles Hotel said that he loved tasting the food presented.

Two further competitors were eliminated after this round, Josephine Munyoro and Jordache Levendale. Judge Stephen Hyde emphasised to all contestants that every week standards must be raised by individuals if they want to stay in the competition.

In Week 6, chicken will be the mandatory ingredient. Contestants will be required to create a desert that has a link to the main dish they present.

The remaining eight contestants are: Devine Rwambirwa, Amy McLeod, Marylin Mnemo, Zayne Guzha, Nicholas Fourie, David McCormick, Ruth Makoni and Brenda Hewitt-Voue. The list will get shorter each week until the competition reaches its end.