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A BBC MasterChef finalist has teamed up with a local college to pass on his culinary skills and expertise to a new generation of young chefs.
Danny Parker, who reached the final stages of the 2014 MasterChef: The Professionals competition and is head chef at Newcastle’s House of Tides restaurant, presented Gateshead College catering students with an exclusive cookery masterclass.
Danny demonstrated how to prepare a salmon dish, explaining how to make the most of flavours and presentation.
He oversaw the session and offered students hints and tips on how to make the most of their culinary skills in preparation for careers in the kitchen.
Richard Marson, 18, who is studying a Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery, said: “The session was really interesting and it was great to hear about Danny’s career first hand. It’s inspirational to see someone who has accomplished so much at such a young age, he really encouraged us to do our best.
“I really enjoyed getting to know what went on behind the scenes at the MasterChef competition, the hints and tips Danny gave us will really help when we all go into work.”
Danny Parker reached the final stages of the BBC Two’s MasterChef: The Professionals competition last year whilst developing Newcastle restaurant House of Tides with owner Kenny Atkinson.
Stockton-born Danny, at the age of 25, is an accomplished chef who developed his skills at Wynyard Hall in roles as chef de partie and sous chef. He began his career as a kitchen porter at 14, before working his way up to commis chef.
Danny said: “The Gateshead College students were very attentive and the staff were really supportive and encouraging. I really enjoyed teaching the students and I hope that one day I can spend more time teaching and passing on what I have learned to the next generation of young talented chefs.”
At Gateshead College, 17,243 students successfully completed their A Level, technical and vocational studies during the academic year 2013/14 – a success rate of almost 92% (8.2% above the average for all colleges).