Mark Heirs has always been around food, with his parents owning pubs and restaurants. He used to help out in the kitchens and his love of food has continued to develop into adulthood. Mark appeared on Masterchef 2008 and did very well getting to the quarter finals.
Mark even spent time working in well-known restaurants such as Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck, now he travels doing demonstrations as well as working as a private chef. Keep your eye out for him at food shows throughout the UK.
When Did You First Have An Interest Cooking?
My parents always had pubs and restaurants i’ve grown up in the hospitality sector so becoming a chef was really the only career i ever considered.
How Long Have You Been Cooking Professionally?
Officially 15 years now but I’ve been in helping in kitchens as long as i can remember.
Where Do You Get Your Inspiration From?
I love local seasonal produce so the changing season always inspires me to create new dishes
If You Was Not A Chef, What Would You Want To Do?
I love golf so if i wasn’t a chef maybe id find a golf related career.
How Would You Describe Your Cooking Style?
My cooking style is very simple i like to use the best ingredients i can find and let them do the talking
What Course Do You Prefer To Cook?
I love desserts i always feel you can be a lot more creative with desserts and really have a bit of fun.
What Is Your Favourite Dish/Signature Dish to Make?
My signature dish has to be my gin cured salmon ive done lots of adaptations with it depending on the time of year but in the summer i do it with a hot compressed cumber and foraged wild flowers
What Ingredient Do You Love To Cook With The Most?
Anything bang in season, especially British asparagus its such a versatile ingredient.
What is Your Favourite Dish To Eat?
I love steak tartar, you don’t see it that often anymore but it is hands down my favourite thing to eat.
Which Other Chefs Inspire You?
The roux brothers are a huge inspiration to me. but i also love how chefs like Heston Blumenthal have transformed the restaurant scene into such and special experience and not just a meal
Any Advice You Would Give To People Wanting To Become A Chef?
Don’t expect it to be easy or glamorous but it is the most rewarding career they could pick
Any Thing You Would Like To Share, IE New Book? Development At Restaurant etc?
Just my new website www.markheirs.com it has links to all my current work.