Top Scottish chefs take on kitchen cook-off at food hall Bonnie & Wild

Apr 27

2 min read

Some of Scotland’s best chefs are sharpening their knives for the ultimate kitchen cook-off at Edinburgh food hall, Bonnie & Wild.

Six chefs will battle it out for the top spot at the ‘Battle of the Chefs’ event taking place at Bonnie & Wild on Sunday 4 May, at 2pm, as part of the Edinburgh Seafood Festival.

Scotland’s first national chef and MasterChef: The Professionals winner, Gary Maclean and TV chef Jimmy Lee are among the competitors.

Joining Gary and Jimmy are Suki Jayaratne and Shehan Fernando of award-winning, Sri Lankan street-food kitchen, Kochchi; Nick Watkins of El Perro Negro, which has twice won the ‘UK Burger of the Year’ award; and Ivan Stein, co-founder of The Gannet restaurant, who recently launched Chooks, which specialises in buttermilk-fried chicken, at Bonnie & Wild. The six chefs all have kitchens at the food hall.

Gary said: “One of the very best things about Bonnie & Wild is the collaborative, convivial atmosphere we have here. This event is all about putting on some great food with some great people, and everyone having a bit of fun, in a friendly competition.”

Shehan said: “We’ll be whipping up a fresh take on Sri Lankan food, and offering a modern Scottish homage to Sri Lankan comfort food. Expect bold Sri Lankan spice, punchy flavours and something a little unexpected on the plate. And of course we will be bringing the fire, quite literally. Let’s just say our roast pan stack might steal the show… unless someone brings a blowtorch.”

Nick Watkins of El Perro Negro added: “I can’t wait to go head-to-head with the other chefs as it gives us the opportunity to show off what we can do. As ever, the beef will be front and centre. The heat is on, and the pressure is definitely building.”

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