Tooting banker is MasterChef champion
Tooting banking and international finance professional Thomas Frake will have to wait for his dream of opening his own restaurant because of lockdown
The 32-year-old cook became the MasterChef 2020 Champion on April 17, becoming the 16th amateur cook to claim the prestigious title.
Battling against fierce competition from 59 other amateur cooks, through eight weeks of culinary challenges and an exhilarating final cook-off, Thomas was awarded the MasterChef 2020 trophy by judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace.
Thomas, pictured, said: “Honestly, it’s a dream come true. It’s been immense and the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. I can’t see me not working in food for the rest of my life because it just makes me happy seeing other people happy with it.
“This has absolutely put a fire under me for sharing my passion for food with other people. I’ve enjoyed it so much. The whole process has been completely life-changing. I’ve been through the entire MasterChef journey and wouldn’t have changed anything from the experience for the world.”
Thomas’ winning menu started with a monkfish scampi made with monkfish tails in a beer batter, flavoured with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, served with pickled fennel, pickled gherkins and tartar sauce flavoured with tarragon.
His main course was ox cheek braised porter beer and bone marrow and, with crispy tobacco onions, shredded Brussels sprouts with bacon, carrots cooked in carrot juice topped and onion seeds and a horseradish mash, all served in the ox cheek braising juices.
Thomas finished his menu with a dessert of Salted Caramel Custard Tart, topped with grated nutmeg, and served with popcorn ice cream and toffee popcorn.
Thomas started cooking from the age of seven, although that passion didn’t run in the family. He said: “My mum cooked to feed five men, so it was plenty of big one-pot wonders and roasts.
“But she and my nan used to bake with me and my three younger brothers making cupcakes and jam tarts. I was quite fussy growing up, but once I moved out permanently at 21, I properly started cooking.
“I loved the classics like pie and mash, and fish and chips growing up, but my real appreciation for food started after travels to Greece and Spain, experiencing the Mediterranean diet for the first time.
“I can remember the first time trying freshly grilled fish and tzatziki right by the sea, and then I realised what food was all about.
“I love to understand why and how ingredients are cultivated where they are, the people that farm them, how food then influences the culture, the origin of recipes.
“That’s why I love the classics – amplified and done well. Understanding process and ratios is very important for me. It’s as much about the chemistry as it is about the passion and art.”
MasterChef judge John Torode said: “Thomas is a real talent and his food has always been about putting a smile on your face. I admire Thomas’ work ethic, he’s a grafter. He’s able to take a classic and deliver it with real style and finesse. That’s the gift of a great cook.”