A Lisburn chef is set to show the MasterChef judges what he is made of as he hopes for a place in the Quarter Final in Thursday's episode.
26-year-old Andrew Cassling is currently head chef at the newly reopened rooftop bar and restaurant Tetto (formerly Babel) in Belfast city centre.
Andrew also has experience at Hide in London and was part of the opening team which won a Michelin star and Pensons in Herefordshire.
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MasterChef: The Professionals is back on BBC One for its 15th series, as 32 ambitious chefs battle to become the 2022 Champion.
Presiding over the cooking competition, are new judge and acclaimed chef Anna Haugh, Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing and celebrated MasterChef judge, Gregg Wallace, all eager to discover a brand new culinary star.
Over six weeks, the chefs will have their skills, creativity and culinary knowledge put to the test in a series of demanding challenges as the judges hunt out the most impressive talent in the industry.
When asked what inspired him to enter the show, Andrew wanted to prove he is up there with the emerging Northern Irish talent.
He said: “I have worked with a previous MasterChef: The Professionals contestant and wanted to test my metal and see where I’m at in terms of the country’s upcoming chefs.
“I actually started off as Front of House when I was 15, but a few friends were in the kitchen, and I wanted a piece of the action. I have never looked back since.”
Describing his style and influences, Andrew added: “My style is based around classic cookery using familiar flavours but with a modern flair and my inspirations come from my travels.
“I’d say there are many highlights of my career, but my top few would be being part of Hide during its opening and the knowledge that came with it, where I realised the more you know, the less you think you know.
I could also say the same about Pensons and Wine and Brine, which all won either Michelin stars or Bib Gourmands.”
Andrew will be competing on MasterChef: The Professionals tonight (Thurs) 9pm, on BBC One and iPlayer in a bid to get through to Friday’s Quarter Final at 8pm.
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