After wowing guests at the prestigious Chef’s Table challenge on MasterChef: The Professionals, Stu Deeley has revealed he’s got plans in place to open a restaurant in his hometown next year.
Birmingham's Stuart Deeley has impressed Masterchef judges Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing throughout the latest series of Masterchef: The Professionals with his innovative fusion-style food that has landed himself a coveted place in the BBC2 competition’s final. Last month it was revealed that the 28-year old chef was leaving his position as Head Chef at renowned restaurant The Wilderness leading to suspicion that he had plans to launch his own venture. Last night just hours before the show’s season finale he confirmed rumours, revealing he is set to open a restaurant in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter early next year. "I have a backer in place and we have found a site we like and are in talks”, said Deeley, according to local news source Birmingham Live.
MasterChef: The Professionals 2019 Finalists
Faced with undoubtedly the most daunting challenge of the competition, The Chef’s Table, where the four finalists are required to cook for the country’s leading culinary talent, Stu remained unfazed and unflappable in the kitchen. His unusual dish of pork belly with black pudding, braised fennel, fennel purée, yuzu gel and langoustine raised some sceptical eyebrows beforehand; however the verdict was an unprecedented success. Many of the Michelin-starred chefs present at the event praised his impeccable execution, and genius flavour combinations pronouncing it "A masterclass in beautiful ingredients cooked perfectly". Fellow Brummie Glynn Purnell, and chef owner of Purnell’s exclaimed “Fusion is the future…you smashed it dude” – a comment that brought huge pride to the young chef who regards Purnell as “the pioneer Brummie TV chef” and “King of Brum”.
Speaking of the inspiration behind his creative cuisine Stu credited the influences of growing up in such a multi-cultural city: “I’m very lucky – I haven’t had to travel and it’s saved me a fortune”. His vison for the restaurant is to pay homage to the city he has grown up in with industrial style décor “reflective of Birmingham’s rich history – what it was and what it is now”. The food will be his signature “Brummie fusion food” that he has demonstrated to much acclaim throughout the competition. Watch this space!
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