A Cornish chef more commonly seen competing on TV cookery shows is trading roles to become a judge this Friday.
Jude Kereama, owner-chef of Kota and Kota Kai in Porthleven, will be appearing as a guest judge on Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas this Friday, on Channel 4.
As a contestant on a number of series of the Great British Menu, including representing the south west by cooking in the final banquet in 2021, Jude will know how the contestants in Friday’s show will be feeling.
In each episode of the series, four crafters will battle it out to be the best in their category and receive a handmade trophy.
The judges will be sharing their tips and tricks, with the series also looking at crafts of Christmas past, and travelling the country meeting makers, while presenter Kirstie Allsopp will be bringing more of her own makes for people to try at home.
In Friday’s episode, airing at 5pm on Channel 4, it’s the return of Kirstie’s best Christmas hamper competition, with four culinary crafters going up against the clock to present five tasty treats, beautifully presented, ready to be gifted.
It will be up to Jude to decide the winner, while also cooking up some of his own mouth-watering makes to inspire viewers to get into the kitchen.
In the same episode, viewers will be shown how to create a cute Christmas character for their tree, and flash back to revisit a talented straw weaver.
Jude, born in New Zealand, has lived in the UK for the last 24 years.
After training under acclaimed chef and fellow kiwi Simon Gault, Jude spent many years working in London at a number of top restaurants, including with Antony Worrall Thompson.
'Kota' is Maori for shellfish and Jude’s take on classic seafood with a twist has resulted in 3 AA rosettes and a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
The restaurant was also named in the Top 50 Summer Restaurants in Britain and Patron chef Jude was awarded ‘Chef of the Year’ in the 2019 Trencherman’s Guide Awards.
Jude and his late wife Jane were also among the founding members of Porthleven Food Festival.
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