Jonathan for MasterChef S22 Heat 5 / BBC
Age: 37
Job: Musician
From: Harrogate
How would you describe your cooking style?
“I’d describe my style as rooted in classic French cookery, but with a slightly chaotic edge. I love taking on ambitious, traditional dishes and working at them over time to get them right. I’m not overly precise or methodical in how I go about it though.
“It’s a bit more instinctive, a bit more hands-on, and that probably comes across when I’m cooking.
“I’m a big believer that flavour comes first, and for me that often means a great cut of meat with a properly made jus. When that’s right, everything else just falls into place.”
What is your favourite ingredient to cook with?
“My favourite ingredient to cook with is beef. It’s always my go-to for midweek meals, whether that’s a slow-cooked beef shin ragù or just a really good steak. It’s versatile, full of flavour, and you can keep it really simple or really take your time with it depending on what you fancy.”
Why did you take part in the show?
“I entered because it felt like the perfect combination of two things I love – cooking and competition. I’ve always enjoyed pushing myself in the kitchen, and the idea of testing that under pressure, against other passionate cooks, really appealed to me. It just felt like something I had to give a go.”
Would you like to work professionally in the food industry?
“I absolutely love what I do now and don’t have any plans to change careers. Playing music alongside my best friends feels like a dream achieved.
“That said, I’d definitely love to do more within the food world alongside it, especially hosting cookery demos. I stepped in for a chef last minute at a food festival I was performing at, and it was such a buzz. Being able to combine performing with cooking like that just felt like a great fit.”
MasterChef continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
