Liverpool’s Claire Lara has been crowned the first female winner of the BBC’s Masterchef: The Professionals.
The part-time catering tutor at Liverpool Community College beat fellow finalists David Coulson and John Calton to the title after a series of cooking tasks designed to test their skill and stamina as a chef.
The show saw the finalists visit Noma, the S.Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurant in Copenhagen, to cook under the guidance of chef Rene Redzepi, as well as cook a three-course meal for a selection of Michelin-starred chefs, including Pierre Koffmann, Michael Caines and Brett Graham, chef/ owner of The Ledbury.
Talented chef
Judges Gregg Wallace and Michel Roux Jr said Lara proven “time and time again” that she was “the best” chef in the competition.
“We started off this competition looking for a talent and we’ve uncovered a diamond. (Lara) has that exceptional talent that will take her to stardom,” said Roux.
The competition culminated in a cook-off at the Masterchef kitchen, where the finalists created a three-course meal for the judges.
Lara’s dishes included a starter of Crispy Sea Trout with Balled Apples on Apple Puree with Baby Leek Stems in a Caper and Cider Beurre Blanc; a main course of Roasted Boneless Pigeon with Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Pancetta and Quince Jelly in a Red Wine Sauce; and a dessert of Raspberry and White Chocolate Mille Feuille with Lemon Thyme Discs topped with Raspberries.
Masterchef legacy
Lara, who discovered she was pregnant while filming the series, was lost for words as she was handed the 2010 title.
She follows fellow winners Steve Groves, former junior sous chef at Launceston Place and 2009 champion, and Derek Johnstone, the series' inaugrual winner from 2008 who now works with Roux at Le Gavroche.