Renowned Somerset chef Ayesha Kalaji has been making waves on BBC Masterchef: The Professionals. Hailing from The Queen of Cups in Glastonbury, she showcased her exceptional culinary skills on the television show, representing one of the most esteemed eateries in Somerset.
The Queen of Cups has garnered impressive acclaim, boasting a perfect five-star rating on TripAdvisor based on over 200 reviews. Additionally, the restaurant has secured a coveted spot in the Michelin Guide, praised for its “deliciously different” offerings, and has been recognized in the Estrella Damm Top 100 Gastropubs 2023. Specializing in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, The Queen of Cups took over the reins from the Hawthorns pub in Glastonbury in 2021.
During her appearance on the show, Ayesha embraced her ambition, stating, “I’m incredibly ambitious. I want everything - I want the world. But equally, I love food. I love what I’m doing. If I stopped having fun with it, I’d be doing the wrong thing.”
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In a display of her culinary expertise, Ayesha presented a stone bass on a tahini and courgette puree in episode 12, receiving praise for the dish’s robust flavors and expert preparation, despite some critique regarding its presentation. Her subsequent offering was a trout dish featuring a miso and egg yolk gel with pickled onions, which, unfortunately, did not resonate with the judges, leading to mixed feedback.
Ayesha’s final creation, a lion of venison with a date and caramelized onion puree, drew positive remarks for its delectable flavors and impeccable puree, albeit with a note on its sweetness.
Ultimately, despite showcasing her diverse culinary talents, Ayesha’s journey on the show concluded in episode 12. Judge Marcus Wareing lauded her as “a ray of sunshine” but, regrettably, she bowed out of the competition.
Expressing her disappointment, Ayesha shared, “I’m really gutted. I knew that it wasn’t perfect, but I was proud of the improvements I had made. I’m just so disappointed in myself. I really wanted to do more, to show more - but it just wasn’t good enough today.”