Demand is far exceeding supply as pop-up restaurant events organised by finalists from the hit TV programme Masterchef: The Professionals, including Angus man Dean Banks, are selling out within hours.
Dubbed ‘the fantastic final four’, series winner Laurence Henry and fellow finalists Dean Banks, Oli Martin and Matthew Ryle, became firm friends during the competition and have teamed up to tour the UK, to serve their signature dishes to appreciative fans.
Carnoustie-based chef Dean Banks, who consistently impressed the judges with his innovative culinary creations said: “The response has been incredible, with bookings at one venue selling out completely in just two hours, while another sold out in less than four hours.
“The format of each event is that we have a meet and greet session, and each chef serves up two signature dishes, so that diners will enjoy an eight course tasting menu.
“We will also have branded merchandise available, and our team logo should be finalised shortly.”
The tour, which begins later this month has bookings at a number of venues including Cornwall, Reading, Nottingham and Leeds. Scottish venues include Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
The Scottish leg of the tour is expected to begin in late February or early March.
Dean, who describes himself as a “seafood chef who is inspired by the world’s larder” has unveiled plans to open an eco-friendly seafood restaurant in Edinburgh, and is also hoping to host an extended pop-up restaurant in the capital to showcase his expertise.
After a busy Christmas period that saw Dean become a father, cook Christmas dinner for homeless people, and teach budding chefs of the future how to cook a nutritious meal at his former school in Arbroath, he jetted out on Boxing Day to prepare bespoke menus in luxury mountain chalets in Switzerland.
One city that is not on the list so far is Dundee, but Mr Banks has expressed a keen interest in taking the tour to the city: “If there are enough people interested, then we would definitely come to Dundee.
“Ideally, we need a venue that can accommodate 60 to 80 covers and if any restaurant owners in the city are interested, then we can be contacted via Instagram or Twitter to get the ball rolling.”
