Masterchef cook-off to find new face of the Last Wine Bar

Rob Parker, new head chef at the Last Wine Bar

ROB GARRATT
26 November 2009 13:00



As our television schedules have become full of celebrity chefs showing off their work, the increased profile of the profession has led many more to seek out a life in the kitchen.

And when it came to finding a new chef, one Norwich restaurant was so sure of a high demand it decided to use a television programme as inspiration.

Bosses at The Last Wine Bar and Restaurant held their own Masterchef-style cook off to decide who should to lead their kitchen.

And even though it attracted entrants from all over the country, Norwich's own Rob Parker impressed the judges with his three-course meal, and was chosen for the job ahead of five other finalists.

He will succeed long-standing chef Dory Masri, who is returning to his native Beirut after 11 years at the stoves.

At just 28-years-old, Mr Parker has already made a name for himself, most recently as head chef at the Maids Head Hotel in Tombland.

He said: “It's a bit of a baptism of fire, it's not really what I am used to, a bit of a profile leap.

“I came to the restaurant with my girlfriend and said 'if there's really anywhere I'd like to work it would be here'.

“I've worked in a lot of kitchens where you are restricted by guidelines and it's nice to be somewhere where you can spread your wings a little bit.

“Now is the time to prove myself, and I believe I have the right ingredients in myself to pull it off.”

For the interview Mr Parker was asked to cook one dish, but turned up with a three course meal of scallops and black pudding on bruschetta with a tomato dressing to start, and a main course of twice-cooked belly pork with fondant potatoes.

For desert he prepared a trademark rich lemon tart, which Mr Parker says we can expect to see on the menu soon.

Last Wine Bar director James Sawrey-Cookson said: “Recruiting a head chef is the most important appointment any restaurant will ever make.

“Dory Masri had built such a huge following during his 11 years at The Last that we needed someone who 'got' what we are all about, and who, from day one, will maintain the high standards for which we are known.

“That's why we decided that a cook-off, combined with a rigorous interview, was the right way to find our new chef.

“Rob really wowed us with his cooking, and he showed a genuine understanding of what The Last is all about. We are really delighted to welcome him here.”

Mr Parker, who took over the kitchen on Monday, lives in Lower Clarence Street and has a partner, Agnieszka Rychel, 24

Originally from Buckinghamshire, Mr Parker moved to Norwich eight years ago and has also worked in the kitchens at Dunston Hall, Barnham Broom and as head chef at Ha Ha Bar and Grill.

Before this he worked for Roux Fine Dining at Restaurant 24 in London, and his is CV also includes competition entries to prestigious international cookery competitions, including Hotelympia and the World Culinary Olympics.

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