Launceston Place chef wins Masterchef: The Professionals 2009
Steve Groves, junior sous chef at Launceston Place, has been revealed as winner of Masterchef: The Professionals 2009.
The 28-year-old chef who has worked at the Kensington restaurant for just over a year, beat finalists Marianne Lumb and Daniel Graham to the title after wowing judges Michel Roux Jnr and Gregg Wallace with his preparation of a three course meal for 30 Michelin-starred chefs and former Michelin inspectors.
Roux Jnr said Groves had the talent needed to 'make it to the top'. “Steve showed not only great knowledge of classical cooking but also proved that he could master modern techniques," he said.
The six-week BBC2 TV series saw chefs from kitchens across the country compete for the chance to win the title.
Chefs had to demonstrate a good knowledge of cooking classic dishes and creativity in their own before they could go through to the final where they had a number of tasks to complete such as cooking a Michelin-starred level high tea at Sketch for three of the world’s greatest pastry chefs, and creating a course each at Chelsea football club for sixteen sporting VIPs.
Groves, who worked at Branksome Beach Restaurant in Poole for seven years before moving to Launceston Place, said the competition had been tough, but it had inspired him to better himself.
He said: “In terms of the programme the actual toughest test was cooking for the 30 Michelin starred chefs and former Michelin inspectors. Failure in front of these guys wasn't an option and it was a lot of work to get it right. We were also cooking Michel Roux Jr's menu and with the respect that he commands I really wanted to do his dishes justice.
"To win this competition is amazing, having the chance to cook for Michel Roux Jr was what it was all about. Now I want to concentrate on becoming the best chef that I can be and then open a restaurant of my own cooking British food.”
Groves will be appearing at MasterChef Live in London on 14 November and Birmingham on 25 November.
