TV chef says there’s no place quite like home

ROOTS: Masterchef star says Perthshire produces some of the best ingredients

A Masterchef star has hailed Perthshire as home of some of the best food in the world.

Theodore Chana from Braco was a contestant on Masterchef: The Professionals in 2016 and has returned to his roots after four years of globetrotting.

Despite working with world-class chefs and tasting some of the finest cuisine, the 27-year-old insists there is no place like home.

“I’ve been all over the world and have worked with celebrity chefs from all over the world but I still believe Perthshire is the place to be,” he said.

“Seeing all different places and tasting all different food has made me appreciate how amazing the produce and scenery here in Perthshire is.”

Theodore started his career at Cromlix House Hotel, near Dunblane, now owned by Andy Murray.

He has also spent time at Kinloch House Hotel in Blairgowrie and the Gleneagles Hotel before jetting off to Australia to start his travels.

Since returning to Scotland, he worked at the Stag and Thistle in Crieff before turning to private catering. He regularly goes foraging to find the freshest ingredients and soon hopes to open a restaurant in Perthshire.

“Private cheffing is very different to the atmosphere of a restaurant kitchen but I’m really enjoying it,” he said.

“A lot of the venues are amazing, like castles and big houses which are privately owned, so it’s great to be able to get in to see them.

“It has been a crazy few years and I’ve been working non-stop since I got back so I’m looking forward to a holiday when I can fit that in.

“I had the opportunity to cook for the Queen at her Holyrood Palace garden party in the summer which was amazing.”

Before he puts his feet up, Theodore will share his passion for Perthshire produce with a 10-course tasting menu at the Venachar Lochside restaurant in Callander.

He will host the event on January 12 alongside fellow Masterchef: The Professionals contestant Jecca Maxwell, using locally-sourced ingredients to create canapés, bread, seafood dishes, ravioli and desserts.

Theodore said: “I’m really looking forward to the event, I’m itching to get into the kitchen and get started.

“I love cooking using fresh, local ingredients.

“I learned from my mum, who is an amazing cook. I definitely get some of my talent from her.”

Theodore has returned to Scotland after four years of globetrotting.