A CHEF is set to put his local recipe for success to the test tonight when he appears on Jamie Oliver’s new television show.
James Boothman, who runs La Bouche in the Central Market, will be a contestant on Jamie Oliver’s Great Cookbook Challenge, which airs on Channel 4 at 8pm.
The Islander will pitch his most impressive recipe, which he says has been inspired by local produce, to a panel of judges for a chance to win his own published cook book. He will also be guided and mentored by the celebrity chef.
While Mr Boothman remained tightlipped on what could be expected from the show, he said it had been an ‘amazing experience’ to cook in the same room as Mr Oliver.
‘Because he is a celebrity chef, I think it often gets lost how hard-working and how talented he is. He has worked in some of the best restaurants around the world and to be able to receive advice from him was a real privilege,’ he said.
‘I got the chance to briefly speak with some other contestants and being in an environment surrounded by like-minded passionate people allows you to draw a lot of inspiration into your own work,’ he added.
Mr Boothman grew up in Jersey and lived in Rozel with his parents. He left the Island at 17 to study at art college in London but, during his time in the UK, he worked part-time in a pub and has been involved in the catering industry ever since.
He returned to the Island three years ago with his family and set up La Bouche in the market.
He said: ‘I grew up in Jersey and in the fishing harbour at Rozel and so I have always been surrounded by great produce, which I have taken inspiration from, and that is reflected in my cooking.
‘Any customers who visit La Bouche this week will have the opportunity to try the dish which I cooked on the show.’
Commenting on how he secured his upcoming on-screen appearance, he said: ‘The opportunity had been brewing for a while. Having done a couple of other television gigs when I was living and working as a chef in London, I was put onto the show by some people I know over in the UK and, after a series of auditions, interviews and cooking demos, I made it onto the stage which is aired on television.’
