Meet the chefs battling it out in the Northern Irish heat for a place in the Great British Menu final.
Back for series 18, four chefs will compete for NI with canapes, starters and fish dishes inspired by animation and illustration celebrating Paddington’s 65th birthday.
Ahead of their appearance on the popular BBC show on March 14 at 8pm, find out a little bit more about who is hoping to take the top spot this year.
Read more: Meet the contestants on the second series of Eamonn Holmes' Farm to Feast
Meet the NI Great British Menu contestants 2023:
Gemma Austin
Having impressed with her dessert last year, she is determined more than ever to represent Northern Ireland at the Banquet, with this year being her third appearance on the show.
Gemma followed in the footsteps of her mother, who worked as a chef in a local Belfast restaurant and helped mould her love of cooking.
She worked full time at a variety of great establishments, working her way through kitchens, including commis chef to sous chef of a 2 rosette kitchen.
Gemma opened her own restaurant, A Peculiar Tea, serving themed dinners and afternoon teas in Belfast. She hopes it celebrates everything that is playful and fun, and a temporary escape from ‘the real world.’
To make sure her dishes are memorable, she often engages all five of the senses, and will send dishes out with music and aromas of things that relate to the plating.
John Hollywood
Newcomer John started his career in Graffitti Cafe, burning toast and making omelettes - but he loved every minute of it, and has been in kitchens ever since.
18 years later, John has worked in some of the finest restaurants in Northern Ireland. He was part of the original brigade at The Muddlers Club which attained a Michelin star.
He then decided to branch out into Asian cuisine and techniques in Yugo, and helped open up its sister restaurant - Yugo East - during the pandemic.
He left Belfast and moved to Bangor where he became Head Chef in The Boat House. This is where he developed his own style, always using local Irish ingredients. He has a local forager working with him who sometimes delivers unusual ingredients.
Now John has decided to go out on his own, developing products for suppliers he has met, and possibly private dining in people homes in the future.
Kerry Roper
Newcomer Kerry was born in London, but couldn’t imagine representing any other region. Having lived and loved Northern Ireland for the past 12 years, she sees it as the only place she calls home.
Kerry has had the privilege to work with, and learn a lot from, Michelin starred chef Danni Barry. Now being Head Chef and Development chef at Stix and Stones in Belfast, she enjoys using her creativity to create not only delicious food, but visually pleasing plates that pack a punch of flavour.
Kerry describes her style as evolving. Though she may have more to learn than some seasoned chefs, she’s prepared to showcase her skills, and challenge herself to outwork others.
She prides herself on using good produce and food that is cooked well - she will always cook to the best of her ability.
Matt Jordan
Newcomer Matt is determined to show off his skills in the GBM competition, having worked in some of Northern Ireland’s most famous kitchens.
Matt worked at the Ledbury (2*) for just under two years – it holds the reputation for being one of the hardest kitchens in the country, but he loved it and would do it all again. Matt has been working at SHU (Michelin recommended) on and off for eight years and is now heading up the kitchen. SHU kitchen has a very high turnover of food - he can do up to 200 covers on some services.
A self-confessed control freak, Matt wants every plate that leaves the kitchen to be at a high standard. His food is seasonal, clean on the plate, and packed with as much flavour as possible.
He is not a fan of foams and gels that have no reason for being there. Everything on the plate must taste amazing, and work together.
Matt is ultra-competitive and hopes his menu is a winning one.
The Northern Ireland chefs will enter the Great British Menu kitchen on Tuesday 14 March 2023 at 8pm, on BBC Two & iPlayer.
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