A Liverpool cook was selected as the last-ever apprentice of a world-famous Chinese chef in a lavish ceremony to be broadcast on national TV.
Heads of state will also attend the acclaimed appointment of Scouser Dave Critchley who has been personally chosen by renowned Masterchef Zhengxi Wu.
The 36-year-old, who currently works at Lu Ban restaurant in the Cains Brewery complex, will spend a week at the Tianjin School of Cuisine, one of the headquarters of training in Chinese culinary arts.
Dave, who hails from Childwall and got his first job washing dishes in the well-known Halfway House pub, will pocket many of Chef Wu's famous, and secret, recipes, along with much of his invaluable equipment.
A long line of Chinese talented recruits have been schooled by Mr Wu, but the Merseysider will be the first official apprentice of his cuisine from outside of their country.
The link-up involves Dave following lessons online, and he'll have to demonstrate new techniques through Skype videos and webchats.
The south Liverpool man will also need to visit China for regular assessments.
Mr Wu specifically chose to work with Dave, based on his abilities which he saw first hand in China.
Dave went out to China last summer and spent a week there.
One full day was in the kitchen learning and cooking various recipes and dishes, some of which are now on the menu at Lu Ban.
In addition, Mr Wu took him to different restaurants to learn more and to markets and food sellers to educate him about ingredients.
Dave, a dad-of-one, told the ECHO: "It's amazing.
"It's such a privilege and I'm incredibly proud to be selected.
"It feels great, but there's a lot of hard work needed to be put in to achieve the final goal."
Dave has previously worked in Liverpool at 52 Lark Lane, Neighbourhood in Childwall, Alma de Cuba, Noble House and London Carriage Works, taking over from well-known Paul Askew.
He was once the only Liverpool born chef holding two AA rosettes in the city.
