'I applied and never really thought it would actually happen': Northern Ireland chef earns national acclaim on BBC MasterChef
Ulster University PhD researcher impresses judges with inventive dishes showcasing Northern Ireland’s finest local produce and flavours
There’s a new star in the galaxy of successful chefs in hotels and restaurants here!
Killyleagh-based Adam Morrison, a PhD researcher in food at Ulster University, has emerged as a culinary star in the current series of BBC MasterChef.
Adam won rich praise for the creativity of his dishes, based on locally sourced ingredients, especially seafood, and skills from high-profile judges chef Anna Haugh and restaurant critic/journalist Grace Dent on the prestigious show.
His imaginative blends of ingredients to create rich flavours and skilfully crafted courses also helped to highlight superb local foods, especially seafood, fresh fruit and whiskey, here to an audience in Great Britain, still Northern Ireland’s most significant market for local food and drink producers.
Adam’s acclaimed menu was heavily influenced by local Northern Irish produce and foraging for different natural ingredients.
“I always watched MasterChef growing up and thought one day I’d love to do that. Food and cooking are what I love and it really is my passion,” says Adam.
“Going onto the show, I wanted to try and take my food to the next level! I applied and never really thought it would actually happen. Getting the chance to go on MasterChef really is a dream come true.”
Adam’s research focuses on using market intelligence to inform new product development for producers
“We’ve been delighted by the impressive achievements of our friend Adam Morrison in the latest series of the excellent BBC MasterChef competition for the next generation of UK chefs,” says Michele Shirlow, FoodNI chief executive.
“Adam, a PhD researcher in the Ulster University’s Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management, worked with us recently in the Tesco Kitchen within the Food NI Food and Drink Pavilion at Balmoral Show.
“He really dazzled the judges with his exceptional skills using the very best local food and whiskey to novel dishes with stunning flavours.”