Meet the chef: Marcus Wilkinson 07 Oct
Meet Marcus Wilkinson: a talented local chef who finished in the final 16 of this year's widely recognised Rotary Young Chef of the Year national competition. Marcus worked extremely hard to perfect a new menu for the judges, seeking local expert opinion on his eclectic menu of mouth-watering crab ravioli, a delicious pesto crusted rack of lamb and an extremely inviting orange chocolate fondant.
Sounds delicious, right? That's why we were delighted to welcome Marcus into The Lincolnshire Kitchen for his first ever live cookery demonstration at the 2016 Lincolnshire Show in June, supported by the renowned Lincolnshire Chef, Steven Bennett. Speaking about his experience, Marcus said: "My first live demonstration in The Lincolnshire Kitchen at the Lincolnshire Show this summer was full of emotions. I remember feeling nervous leading up to the point I was on stage - but as soon as I got on the stage I found myself feeling fairly calm and relaxed, which really helped me to enjoy the experience even more.
"Another great experience was being able to work with Steven Bennett for the first time, and I believe he was part of the reason I was so on stage.
"The feedback I received was better than I could have wished for with it being my first live demonstration. I had great feedback about both my performance and my cooking and now I can't wait to get back on stage at the Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair in November!"
Marcus cooked up a delicious storm of Lincolnshire Poacher cheese soufflé with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil pesto dressing for his first live cookery demonstration - and it was certainly very popular with his audience!
Now, after leaving Lincoln Minster School this year, Marcus is working at the Tower Hotel in Bailgate, Lincoln, with future plans to study at Le Cordon Bleu London in September 2017.
You can see Marcus Wilkinson in The Lincolnshire Kitchen at the Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair on 26 - 27 November, where he will be making the most of Lincolnshire's produce to inspire your cooking this Christmas.
