Chiswick’s James Nathan wins search for the nation's top amateur chef

After an eight week search for the nation's top amateur chef, John and Gregg decided that Chiswick resident James Nathan had the edge over competitors Emily and Jonny.

"MasterChef is an intense experience and to have beaten such talented competitors is overwhelming, bordering on the surreal. Each episode revealed a new batch of fiercely passionate and skilled cooks and I need to pinch myself to remember that I won.” said James.

It was his recipes of Smoked mozzarella ravioli with cherry tomato sauce and basil cream, Tea-infused venison with roast potatoes, pickled red cabbage and rich port sauce and Chocolate and orange sponge pudding that judges said clinched the title for the former photographer.

Since winning MasterChef 2008, life for James has predominantly focused on turning himself from a talented amateur to a professional chef.

He has worked alongside legendary chefs including Michel Roux Jnr, Michael Caines, Brendon Fyldes, Shaun Hill and John Campbell amongst others and has worked in various restaurants including the two Michelin starred Le Gavroche, Gidleigh Park, The Vineyard and Bentley's Oyster Bar.

From an early age 34 year old James wanted to be a chef and was forever by his mum’s side preparing meals for his five older siblings. He is currently working at Richard Corrigan’s restaurant, Bentley's Oyster Bar in Piccadilly and will be cooking up a storm in a special evening on November 27th at Hammersmith's Bianco Nero.

November 17, 2008