The Gala Dinner of the Concours Mondial was plunged into controversy last night when Aussie wine writer Mike Bennie accused the risotto of being raw. “Anyone who eats a full plate of this is an idiot” opined Mike and judging by the number of rice grains heading back to the kitchen, or cucina as they say on the Isola San Servolo (Island without Service), Mike was in the majority.

“Basta!” was the reply from the cucina. “This is Carnaroli rice and is supposed to be al dente” with lots of flamboyant hand gestures. A true clash of civilizations ensued with many leaving before dessert was served, mistaking the palate cleanser for pudding. With cultural confusion a major problem in wine tasting competitions, just what will happen next year in Plovdiv we can only wonder.