The programmes see Chris winning the competition in April 2007 and tracks his subsequent year as Shanks Apprentice as he strives to live up to the high standards set out by mentors - chefs Paul Rankin, Michael Deane and Bob McDonald and wine connoisseur Jim Nicholson.
These four men, good friends of the late Robbie Millar, established the apprenticeship in honour of the Michelin star chef to discover talented young people with a burning hunger for life in the kitchen and give them the opportunity to follow in Robbie’s footsteps.
However, even from the start the judges know that there is every possibility that this lowly pastry chef could sink or swim. Paul Rankin says: “I think Chris is potentially a special somebody,” however mentor Bob McCullough, head chef in the Deli On The Green in Moygashel isn’t as confident,” I think for young Chris, it will either be or not be. There’s nothing in the middle, he will either do really well or he’ll burn. I think he’ll do well, I think we chose the right one.” Throughout the series Chris visits the Valrhona Chocolate School in France where he learns the art and science of chocolatiering.
Chris also spends time in the spectacular vineyards of Vignelaure in the South of France where mentor Jim Nicholson trains the young apprentice on how the correct choice of wine can make or break a meal. Chris cooks for vineyard owners, David O’Brien and Australian wife Catherine and they find out if he can choose the correct wine along with cooking a five course meal for unexpected guests.
Our Shanks Apprentice also cuts his teeth in the high profile London kitchens of Irish chef Richard Corrigan where he learns some very important lessons about timekeeping and then heads to Lancashire in the North of England to spend some time in ‘Great British Menu’ chef, Nigel Haworth’s training kitchen.
Chris says: “The buzz of the service, every Saturday night – you can’t beat it! I love it – love everything to do with it. I love being able to create things, being able to put something in front of someone and they smile. That’s lovely.” But the question is... can this ambitious teenager survive under the gaze of his very strict taskmasters and did the judges make the right decision by choosing Chris as their Shanks Apprentice?
Shanks Apprentice starts on Friday, September 5 on BBC One Northern Ireland at 9pm.