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Episode 8

Episode 8 of 20

Theo Randall puts the five remaining students through their paces by challenging them to cook their favourite dishes before suggesting how he would improve them.

Three of the UK's most renowned chefs are going back to catering college. Tom Kitchin, Theo Randall and Michel Roux Jr are each looking for a young student to take under their wing, someone they can mentor and inspire, who can eventually become their protege.

Top chef in Italian cuisine Theo Randall continues his search. In his last day at Brooklands College in Surrey, Theo puts his five chosen students through their paces as he decides who will continue under his tutelage. He is looking for someone with the same feeling about food as he has - someone who shares his passion and vision.

Theo's own mentors were the famous chefs Ruth Rogers and Rose Grey from the River Cafe, who taught him that a protege not only needs skill but the ability to take what the mentor is trying to teach on board. With this in mind, Theo asks the hopeful students to cook their favourite dishes before suggesting how he would improve them.

Showing that flavour and seasoning can make the difference between good and outstanding food and why too many ingredients can overcomplicate a dish, Theo gives the young chefs food for thought. Chicken parmigiana is tweaked, venison wrapped in coppa di parma ham and an orange-and-rhubarb dessert upgraded to a classic polenta cake in an attempt to refine their food.

The ambitious five must take Theo's comments on board and amend their dishes before cooking their improved creations for customers in service at the college training restaurant.

At the end of the show, Theo must decide which student will leave and which four he will take through to the next stage.

29 minutes

Last on

Thu 24 Mar 2016 13:20

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Credits

Role Contributor
Participant Theo Randall
Director Dave Crerar
Executive Producer Karen Ross
Executive Producer David Ambler

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