Meet the Finalists: The Hirsute Hashtag Slingers

In the third of our meet the finalists interviews we talk to James Whatley and Alfie Dennen aka The Hirsute Hashtag Slingers.

James is in the middle at NomNomNom 2008 along with an assortment of recording devices in the Farmers' Market.

and here's Alfie

What makes you two the perfect NomNomNom pairing?

Alfie: The combinatorial magic of sartorial flair, entertaining banter, dropped kitchen utensils and Reality TV Show Chef Swears make us at the least, an amusing addition.

James: Alfie and I have been known for late night cooking experimentation in the past (melon + whisky, who knew?) and, given the new requirements set for this year’s competition; I can guarantee our enthusiasm for the culinary unknown will be unmatched by any other finalist.

What impact do you think social networks and bloggers have had on the world of cooking and/or restaurant reviewing?

Alfie: I almost feel sorry for all those Sunday Times foodies who no-one reads anymore, don’t you James?

James: Wait, the Sunday Times still writes about food? Dude. Everyone knows it’s been about THE PORN for years now. Food porn. Obvs.

What's your most memorable kitchen disaster?

Alfie: Falling asleep on the sofa after a long day with sausages in the oven. I lived in a house that smelled like barbecue that week. Also, didn’t die so you know, a win really.

James: I was a finalist in 2008 and my dessert of choice was Baked Alaska. Except the flan was from a packet, the oven wasn’t big enough for the baking part and, by the time the judges got ‘round to tasting the damn thing, it’d melted. I think I scored points that day merely out of sympathy.

If you were marooned on a desert island, what food couldn’t you live without?

Alfie: Fruit. I’m currently obsessed with my blender, I’ll make you a smoothie if you like?

James: Are we marooned together? I mean, if Alfie’s got the smoothies covered then I’m bringing the ice cream. Dude. Ice cream smoothies?! COME ON! We’d be legends amongst the natives ...

And finally (aside from bribery), what is the special element that will ensure that your team wins?

Alfie: Genetic level insight into tastiness. Oh, and good outfits.

James: Curses Alfie! You’ve given away our ‘we’ll be the best looking’ plan!
Ok ok ok.. so that aside, our special element will be also be our own worst enemy as the constant strive for perfection will either help us win the whole thing, or ultimately cause our epic demise…

If the other finalists can survive cooking alongside Alfie and James they deserve a prize for that alone!  Look forward to seeing the outfits guys.  They've got a lot to live up to now!