Firstly, congratulations for making it to the final three on this year’s show. What was the experience like?
Definitely the most stressful thing I have ever done, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I learnt so much: about myself, about cooking and I met some amazing people. I really hope that having put myself through such an emotional and public culinary journey, I can keep on cooking professionally. My plan is to offer bespoke catering and private dining experiences, along with some cooking holidays for parents and kids.
Why enter the competition in the first place?
It took years of dinner parties, and persuasion by friends and family. I knew I could make tasty food, but I was never fantastic at presenting it like they did on Masterchef. But I wasn’t going to let that deter me, so when I turned 40, I had a “life begins” moment – and took the plunge.
Where do you live, and what did you do before Masterchef?
I live between East Finchley and Muswell Hill, and have a travel business which I’ve been running for 13 years in Camden.
So tell us what you’re planning to do now in the area?
I’m hoping to find some lovely venues for pop-up nights and supper clubs. I’d take over the kitchen for the night and offer my Middle Eastern menu. I love the idea of communal tables as my style is very much sharing plates. It’s the next best thing to having my own restaurant without the commitment and stress.
Where do your influences in cooking come from?
Having had many opportunities to travel both growing up and with my career, I developed a love of interesting and exotic tastes, particularly during trips to Israel, Egypt and Morocco. This, combined with my mother-in-law’s family’s north African roots, inspired my passion for Middle Eastern spices and flavours.
And why NW5?
I love Kentish Town and Tufnell Park: there are some really lovely small businesses opening up here. My heart lies in north London, and these particular areas are very accessible by bus and tube.
Care to divulge any underrated places to eat in north London generally?
I think there’s a fantastic food scene but perhaps it’s less well known for this. I love the very unassuming and low key places like Dotori in Finsbury Park, Gokyuzu in Green Lanes and most recently Patron in Kentish Town.
And finally, what are your top three joints round here?
Ice cream from Ruby Violet, dinner at the Bull and Last and Pizza East for the atmosphere.
