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I almost quit cooking after my father died, says Masterchef
Ross Lydall23.10.09
Masterchef winner Steve Groves today told how he almost quit cooking after his father died from cancer.
Groves emerged victorious from last night's final showdown, having consistently wowed judges Michel Roux Jnr and Gregg Wallace with innovative dishes.
But the 28-year-old, who grew up in Brightlingsea, Essex, and is junior sous chef at Launceston Place in Kensington, said he almost stopped cooking after his father David's death in 2001.
He told the Standard: "After that I was stuck in a bit of a rut. I lost focus. I thought of joining the police or fire brigade. But tough things happen in people's lives and going through that makes you stronger."
Groves secured victory over fellow finalists Marianne Lumb and Daniel Graham in BBC2's Masterchef: The Professionals with a three-course meal of roast quail with scotch egg, venison loin with roasted beetroot, and raspberry and bitter chocolate mille-feuille.
He had earlier impressed the judges with dishes such as poached hen's egg infused with wood smoke, and banana cake with Guinness ice-cream.
After studying at catering college in Colchester, Groves worked in a restaurant in the US. He returned to Britain six months later in 2000 when his father was diagnosed. He worked for seven years at a restaurant in Poole, then joined Launceston Place last June, under head chef Tristan Welch.
But diners may have to wait some time before his winning dishes make it onto the menu. Groves, who has three sisters and lives in west London, said: "Maybe there will be a few, but that is up to Tristan. People who want to try my food may have to wait until I get my own place. The [Guinness ice-cream] dish isn't really a restaurant dish."
Roux Jnr, who has two Michelin stars at Le Gavroche in Mayfair, said Groves had the talent to reach the top. Wallace added: "I have no doubt Steve is going to have a glittering career and will be a serious player in the culinary world."
Private chef Marianne is publishing a book while Daniel is understood to have lined up a job with Roux Jnr. Groves said last night's challenge - to cook for 30 Michelin-starred chefs and former Michelin inspectors - was the toughest of the six-week show. He added: "I had no idea I had won. We had all in equal measure made a lot of mistakes and a lot of good food."
He said his favourite original dish on the show was one which Roux Jnr described as "controversial" - a pudding that looked like an old-fashioned bag of sweets. Groves said: "I like to excite people but that can go a little bit over the top at times. At the end of the day, I want to push the boundaries."
Reader views (12)
What ever happened to the other fat guy that used to partner with greg?
- Mark, St Albans
Is it just me, or does anyone else have a crush on Michel Roux Jnr. What a man!
- Suzi, London
I was glued to the series, and so very glad to see professionals at work again.. I have become so bored of seeing celebs trying their hand at these types of shows. The pro's were truly inspiring and I am so pleased for all the finalists. My big question is what is the prize for the winner? I look forward to hearing more about Steve in the restaurant world.
PS: Hope Ludo (the Welsh/French dude) will be cooking at a restaurant near me soon too!!
- Dan O., London
he cooks food get over it....
- Rsaviour, london
Great programme, watching the chefs strive for excellence in their chosen field was compelling viewing.
Full marks to the BBC, looking forwarded to the next series
- Simon Hanley, Hanworth
I thoroughly enjoyed the Masterchef programme and totally agree all three finalists were fantastic and could have won. The food looked amazing and it was clear how committed all three were to their profession. Steve was a deserving winner. While it's understood a lot of the 'kitchen drama' is exaggerated it was great to see M Roux encouraging the contestants as well as Steve, Daniel and Marianne working together as a team, helping each other, even in the final stages of the competition. While they all desperately wanted to win they all genuinely respected each other's skills and talents.
- Chloe, London
An excellent and thoroughly enjoyable programme. I though that Michel Roux Junior.s eagle eye averted some catastophies at the RCOP's dinner. A deserving winner.
- Georgette Behar, London, England
Well done Steven, just a wonderful programme this time what a brilliant chef good luck young man.
- Sorraya, croydon
I really enjoyed Masterchef this time. Although all 3-finalists were fantastic, Steve Groves just went that little bit further.
Great show and Great Luck to these very talented individuals.
- Diana, Torquay
While I think he's an excellent chef, do we always have to have a sob story dragged into every 'reality' TV show?
- Paul, London
Absolutely deserved to win. His food was amazing, yet using simple ingredients and he was calm and collected at all times. I think he'll do well. Congrats to Steve - take it to the max!
- Kirsty, Dorset
A pleasure to watch all three deserving to win I would love to taste all there food
- Patricia Culling, dewsbury england
