Local chef Dave Coulson makes it onto MasterChef
Oct 6 2010 by Sara Nichol, The Journal
A SECOND chef in the North East is making the running in a bid to be named the country’s most promising young chef.
Dave Coulson, who has worked at top Michelin-starred restaurants, made it through to the next stage of BBC2’s MasterChef: The Professionals, this week – the second chef from the region to make their mark on the 2010 series of the show.
The 25-year-old works as head chef at the Eden Castle Inn, in County Durham, and has been busy travelling to- and-from London to compete in the TV show. Already he has impressed judges Michel Roux Jr and dining expert Gregg Wallace and got through to the quarter finals, where he will appear tonight.
Mr Coulson, of Wingate in County Durham, said: “I wasn’t over-pleased with Monday night’s episode, I didn’t feel it was that positive. I’m really happy I got through. The whole show has been a brilliant experience. You get to cook for Michel Roux, which you would never usually get the chance to do.
“I decided to apply for the show because I wanted to become a better chef. I hit 25 and thought it was the right time to give it a go. It’s really daunting when you have to cook in front of the cameras and, after Monday’s show, I was given the nickname ‘Shaky Dave’ as I was shaking with nerves.
“It’s been fun, though, and it was good crack when the cameras stopped rolling and you could relax a bit.”
Mr Coulson is the second chef from the North East who is making a name for himself on the 2010 series of MasterChef: The Professionals.
On Saturday, The Journal reported how John Calton had made it through to the semi-finals of the show.
“It’s been good series for the North East”, added Dave. “John and I have been flying the flag for chefs in the region.” Mr Coulson has more than nine years hospitality experience and has built up an enviable reputation as one of the region’s youngest and most talented chefs.
He has previously worked at Seaham Hall and the exclusive Wynyard Golf Club, both in County Durham.
“I used to work for Wynyard Golf Club,” said Dave. “But I couldn’t get the time off to do MasterChef. So it was a bit of a gamble but I’m glad I did it.
“I was fortunate to have been offered work at the Castle Eden Inn while I did MasterChef, which allowed me to do the show and I’m pleased I did.”
