Chef and TikTok star Daniel Lambert has his work cut out for him as host of Look Who's Hangry, a brand new RTÉ Player series where well-known creators battle it out to invent the most deliciously craved-for creations that defy science, culinary norms and sometimes even taste buds.
Describing the series, host Daniel says: "It’s chaotic, it’s hilarious, and it’s full of food - basically everything that happens when you’re hangry and creative at the same time. We took mad ideas, ran with them, and somehow made them taste unreal."
The series begins with online sensations Mary-Claire Fitzpatrick and James Doyle (AKA Protein Bor Papi) going head to head, tasking chef Daniel with making chilli-iced ham and cheese potato doughnuts, alongside a comparatively more sensible jelly and yoghurt-filled chocolate bar.
Other concoctions to watch out for in the series include an Irish breakfast taco, deep-fried pepperoni rice cakes, peanut butter and jam sandwiches deep-fried in salt and vinegar crisps, and a jerk prawn carbonara sushi roll.
Bitesize episodes provide a comforting and entertaining watch as the creators share tales of their origins and success as social media stars, along with some candid confessions, which include a college meal staple of black pudding and maple syrup pancakes, and one star's suspicions surrounding an egg-shaped engagement ring from an egg farmer fiancé.
Chef Daniel shines as a calm expert in the kitchen, using his expertise to turn everyday cravings into inspired dishes, even catching playful teasing from the creators for doing that signature TV chef move of having "one I prepared earlier".
Ever the professional, he proves his worth and holds his own by plating up these unconventional food cravings with the presentation style and finesse of a Michelin restaurant.
Budding chefs can learn a thing or two about cooking along the way, as Daniel drops insider tips like adding Heinz [Seriously] Good Mayonnaise to scrambled eggs and mashed potato for a richer and creamier flavour, amidst the chaos of then adding that mash to ham and cheese, and turning it into a doughnut.
Each episode culminates in the all-important taste test, where Daniel and the creators, along with the hungry crew, try the dishes and give thorough reviews of their creations. Daniel decides the ultimate winner, who goes home with the satisfaction of having beaten their opponent (and having tested the limits of one chef's innovation and culinary skills).
Speaking about presenting the show, chef Daniel said: "Look, I never thought turning chaos into cuisine would be my full-time job, but here we are. Fronting this series is wild: the ideas are mad, and the flavours bang, and the reactions. If your eyes aren't watering from the spice or the feels, I’ve done something wrong."
It’s a feel-good series to watch, as the creators share a glimpse into the inspiration for their famed online personas and characters, sharing insights into life behind the camera. Inevitably, you’ll be left feeling hungry and creative, ready to take a keen eye to the fridge and cook your own unconventional masterpiece.
Other recognisable faces battling it out in the series include Callyann Brennan vs Cian Mooney, Victoria Adeyinka vs Seamus Lehane, Cliona O'Connor vs Séaghan Ó Súilleabháin (The Kerry Cowboy), Jonny Murphy (The Hungry Hooker) vs Faye Shortt and Amanda Adé vs Tom Murray (Bitta Banging).
Look Who’s Hangry is sponsored by Heinz [Seriously Good] Mayonnaise and is now streaming on RTÉ Player.
