Departing My Kitchen Rules duo home in time for dinner

Taranaki pals have been knocked out of My Kitchen Rules.

Sporty mates Paul and Laurence may be the first casualties of My Kitchen Rules, but they aren't limping off the field.

Beaten at a pinch by their "alter egos" Travis and Jeremy, the Taranaki duo caught a plane home yesterday in time to cook dinner for their families.

They entered the competition to push boundaries and indulge their love of food, but lost by a meagre two points to the single lads from Otago.

"[Travis and Jeremy] were our alter egos, they were bachelors (and) we lived through them because we are both married with children," ex-Hurricane hooker Laurence said.

Both agreed there were some good times behind the scenes but noted a few stronger personalities in the bunch.

"There were a few peacocks, Harry and Travis were always competing which was interesting to watch."

Other than a touch of friendly banter for alpha male status they had no dirt to dig on fellow competitors and would be happy to catch up with any members of the group off air.

Celebrity judges on the other hand were somewhat standoffish and had little to do with the pair who had made an early exit.

"They helped to create a bit more nervousness for us, but it was really good when they gave us feedback - we didn't get to know them as well as the others."

Paul and Lawrence were second to host an Instant Restaurant whipping three-courses to showcase the best bits of their hometown.

They plated up a smoked eel and potato salad entrée, shin beef ragu with homemade pasta for the main and chocolate terrine with plum sorbet and macadamia praline for dessert.

While there were no major disasters in the kitchen they would perfect the little things if given another go.

"It was nice in the fact that we didn't go out dropping the ball, we went out competing and we were just shy of making it through by a couple of points," Paul said.

The team took a disappointing result with their heads held high in a show of good sportsmanship and were pleased with how they had been represented on screen.

A bit of air time had helped to increase their profiles - introducing Paul as an artist and opening both to a new set of fans.

"We get a few sideways looks now - it's mostly children and old people," Laurence said.

"It's only children and old people," Paul added.

The Battle of the Regions continues as Waikato childhood sweethearts Jay and Sarah host the first Instant Restaurant for group two.

- nzherald.co.nz