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FOOD: Chef has got the recipe for success
WHEN 29-year-old Lee Clarke studied hotel and catering at a Peterborough college, he had no idea it would lead him to cooking for the stars.
WHEN 29-year-old Lee Clarke studied hotel and catering at a Peterborough college, he had no idea it would lead him to cooking for the stars. For Lee has worked at some of the most prestigious restaurants in the country, including The Ivy and Dauphine's of Kensington – counting Hugh Grant, Madonna, Celine Dion and Prince among his customers.
However, Lee's claim to fame doesn't stop there, because he may soon hit our TV screens in cookery challenge programme the Roux Scholarship.
Thousands could watch Lee create several of his culinary delights if he wins though his heat on March 3, which will be judged by the formidable panel of celebrity chefs Gary Rhodes, Michel Roux Junior and Rick Stein.
Former Arthur Mellows Village College pupil Lee, who grew up in Helpston Road, Glinton, said: "When I was at Peterborough Regional College I struggled to start with.
"However, I learned so much from the tutors there and have gone on to work at some amazing places since."
This is the second time Lee, who is currently a personal chef for directors at Shell's headquarters, in Waterloo, London, has taken part in the competition – narrowly missing out on reaching the final in a previous heat.
He said: "I had to submit a written application to get selected. It is a massive challenge doing the show and very nerve-racking, because the competition is fierce.
"However, you don't watch the judges deliberate as they try your food and once they have made their minds up they are really nice about it, even when criticising."
On the menu for Lee's next appearance will be Cornish King Crab with Baby Leeks and Rouquette, King Scallop and Crab Salsa, Orange and Thyme Bavette.
He said: "I have had every celebrity you can think of try my food because they were regular customers at the restaurants I used to work at.
"So I am used to being under pressure when I cook. This year is the last year I will be able to enter the competition because the cut-off age for contestants is 30, so I am determined to win it."
THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS
FOR tutors at Peterborough Regional College, having a former pupil appear in the nation's top cookery competition is a proud moment.
His former pastry tutor, between 1993 and 1995, Sylvia Betts, said: "Someone of Lee's character is always likely to do well.
"We are thrilled to see that Lee has continued in the hospitality industry and is a potential celebrity."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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