Monik Mistry has claimed the title of Orkney's Master Chef after a special night celebrating the local larder in Kirkwall.
Monik, who is Duty Manager and Mixologist at the town's Ayre Hotel, impressed the judges - including celebrity chef, Paul Rankin - with an innovative menu packed with the finest Orkney food and drink.
His dishes of charred aubergine, Orcadian classic mince and tatties, and an exotic spiced pudding were enough to take the title ahead of fellow competitors, Richard Smith, Paolo Cherubini, and Roger Hall, who all cooked up a storm. Indeed, it was Paolo's starter of seared hand-dived scallop with prawn tartare and crisp chorizo on chickpea puree that claimed the 'dish of the night' title.
The event, organised by Orkney Food & Drink, and sponsored by NorthLink Ferries, Highland Park, and Huws Gray, with Orkney Builders kindly installing the competition set in the Orkney Theatre and Coltherd Ltd carrying out the electrical work free of charge, showcases the very best products from across the islands, with Orkney beef, lamb, seafood, gin, fudge, and rhubarb all making an appearance on the menus.
A sell-out crowd took in proceedings which began with a special canape and drinks reception supporting local produce and producer stalls before the four contestants took to the stage to begin crafting their dishes. All four contestants were tasked with cooking a three-course meal, with each dish judged by Paul Rankin, Orkney Food and Drink chair, Collin van Schayk, and previous local Professional Master Chef winner, Gary Nicolson.
The complete winning menu from Monik was:
- Charred aubergine with a spiced tomato and basil sauce, served with bere bannocks and pickled beetroot yoghurt
- Mince and tatties reimagined: a modern fusion of Orcadian heritage and Indian tradition
- Exotic spiced pudding with fresh rhubarb syrup
Project Manager for Orkney Food & Drink, Kerry Leask, said: "Congratulations to Monik on his win. Having taken part in a previous Master Chef competition, I know first hand how nerve wracking it is, and to be able to cook such delicious dishes under that kind of pressure is no mean feat. Each plate from the contestants looked and tasted fantastic, and they all made use of Orkney's incredible range of food and drink, which is what the event is all about.
"Thanks must go once again to our sponsors for their support - it just wouldn't be possible without them - and to the audience who were kept entertained by our fabulous hosts, Marcus Cordock and Rosemary Moon. Finally, huge praise to our four entrants on the night, they did themselves the local larder proud."