GALWAY man Barry Johnson has reflected on his "short but intense" experience on Channel 4 show The Taste adding "I'm really glad I took part. On my day I know now I can cook as well as anyone. On my day!"
The London-based charity worker initially wowed the judges with his first dish but his journey ended last night when he was sent home by his mentor and hero Anthony Bourdain.
The 28-year-old - who celebrated his birthday yesterday - created his version of a Tiramisu for his challenge dish, but was criticised by the judges for using shop bought ingredients including Lady Finger sponges.
@BarryCabj my favourite contestant gone, gutted! It must have been a mistake! Happy f***ing birthday x #thetaste
— Tara Hofman (@Taras_Table) January 14, 2014
The judges found the dessert, which contained lemon and basil jelly and strawberry and pepper crumb, dry and the jelly flavourless.
The three judges Nigella Lawson, Anthony Bourdain and Ludo Lefebve were disappointed with Mr Johnston’s efforts because his Tiramisu did not meet the level of expectation created by his previous week’s dish.
He had previously presented cured and grilled macakrel with pickled beetroot, wasabi mayonnaise and samphire tempura.
Mr Johnston may have exited the competition early, but he was a hit on Twitter with many disappointed that the Irishman will no longer be gracing TV screens.
He also uploaded a picture of another attempt at making the Tiramisu that cost him his place in the 10-week competition.
Some u win, some u lose. The offer still sands @Nigella_Lawson @Bourdain @chefludo #hereisoneimadeearlier #thetaste pic.twitter.com/qu4T8mVULC — Barry Johnston (@BarryCabj) January 15, 2014
In last night’s episode Michelin star Irish chef Richard Corrigan set the contestants a challenge of creating a prawn cocktail with a twist.
Mr Bourdain rejected Mr Johnston’s dish for containing too much lemon, and he was criticised for his messy work area.
Mr Johnston had drawn attention earlier in the series after he took the unprecedented decision of turning down Nigella Lawson as a mentor, instead opting to work with American chef Anthony Bourdain.
Mr Johnston admitted his friends ‘would kill him’ for the decision. But he told The Irish Post he chose Mr Bourdain because he is a “hero” to him.
Living in London for the third time in his life, the single charity worker said his favourite restaurants in the city include Polpo, Mishkin and Spuntino, all part of an upmarket chain owned by Russell Norman.
The judges: Ludo Lefebve, Anthony Bourdain and Nigella Lawson“But when I’m homesick I go to Richard Corrigan’s places,” he admitted.“I particularly love Bentley’s.”
Elaborating on his love of London’s dining scene, Mr Johnston said the best meal he has enjoyed in England’s capital came at the sought-after Dabbous restaurant.
“It apparently has the longest waiting list in London but I managed to blag my way in, so for that alone it was memorable,” he explained.
“And the food, of course, was sensational.” But the talented chef, who works as a senior political advisor for Christian Aid, is also driven by his sense of social justice.
@BarryCabj were devastated your out first! If your ever in Abbeyleix please call in and say Hi!!
— Preston House (@Preston_House) January 14, 2014
Rather than flying home this Christmas, Mr Johnston decided to remain in London to cook for the homeless on December 25.
“I needed a good reason to explain that to my Mam,” he explained.
“I figured she couldn’t give out to me if I was doing something charitable.”
Arrived home to a surprise party, @honeyandco birthday (cheese)cake and Ep 2 of #TheTaste Not a bad b'day... pic.twitter.com/DBUISU1qqC
— Barry Johnston (@BarryCabj) January 14, 2014
Yet the day did not quite go to plan.
After cooking macaroni and cheese for 300 vulnerable people, the Irishman accidentally sliced off his nail while chopping onions and had to be taken to A&E.
“No good deed goes unpunished,” he laughed.
The Taste airs on Tuesdays at 9pm on Channel 4.
