Andi Walker did an incredible job on MasterChef the Professionals , and should be proud of what he achieved on the show. I was reading about what inspired him to enter and to be honest did make me a little emotional.
His grandmother sparked his love of cooking and has recently become ill with dementia and wanted to appear on the show as a tribute to her, which I think is incredible and am sure she is more than proud of him.
I remember watching the Law Society episode which happened to be Andi’s best part of MasterChef, they all did incredibly well both for the guests and their show stoppers. During this episode Andi made an incredible dish of Venison, which is rolled in panko and parmesan and had a honey, soy venison sauce. It looked incredible and made me just want to grab it out of the TV and dig into it. What a great job!!
This episode actually ended with a little shock as they all went through and rightly so!!
When Did You First Have An Interest Cooking?
As far as I can remember I have always had an interest in food and cooking, all the way from when I was a greedy little boy.
How Long Have You Been Cooking Professionally?
I have been cooking professionally for 18 years…that makes me feel very old.
Where Do You Get Your Inspiration From?
My inspiration comes in many forms from travelling, reading, eating out and my life experiences.
What Was Your Best Bit of MasterChef 2015?
My best bit was most definitely cooking at the Law Society. It was such a great day to be a part of and to hear so many people talking about it at the time made it so special, the other chefs were all amazing and it was such a highlight when we went back to cook our show stopper dishes and not one of us got any negative feedback, it was such a great feeling.
How Would You Describe Your Cooking Style?
My cooking style is still evolving but I just see it as me on a plate, no gimmicks or messing around, straight up honest food.
What Course Do You Prefer To Cook?
I would say I love cooking with fish the most, I think it takes such skill to get this right.
What Is Your Favourite Dish/Signature Dish to Make?
My favourite dish to make is my duck and broccoli dish with spicy peanuts, yoghurt and honey and soy jus, it’s the only dish that I can say is totally mine, I love it.
What Ingredient Do You Love To Cook With The Most?
I love working with fish, but I love anything that is in season and has been delivered to me with as much love as I’m going to cook it.
What Inspired You To Enter MasterChef 2015?
My Nan aka Nanny Pickles, she’s my inspiration behind my whole career and as she’s quite ill I just wanted to do something that she could watch and see what she has done for my life.
Which Other Chefs Inspire You?
Every chef I met on Masterchef was amazing, and we’re all still good friends, but the main chef I still look towards for approval is Martin Nisbet of Bushel and Strike, he really changed my whole mind set on cooking and I’ll always be grateful for that.
Any Advice You Would Give To People Wanting To Become A Chef?
Only do it if you are serious, it’s not an industry to be played at, and learn the basics!
Anything You Would Like To Share, IE New Book? Development At Restaurant etc?
Please follow me on twitter @chefandiwalker exciting things are happening and I will be tweeting about them as and when they are confirmed.
I want to thank Andi for taking the time and effort in doing this interview, he really came across as a nice guy and a great chef! Good luck to him in the future and I hope I get to taste some of his incredible food soon! 🙂