High Grange Devon appoints MasterChef finalist Chiara as Head of Feasting
High Grange Devon is delighted to announce that Chiara Tomasoni, finalist of MasterChef: The Professionals 2024, has joined the team as Head of Feasting. In this new role, she will work alongside founder and fire chef Luke Vandore-Mackay, leading the creation of the Silo Chef’s Table, Woodland Feast Nights, Fire Suppers and bespoke catering events across the South West, showcasing the magic of cooking over fire with Kamado Joe barbecues.
Luke Vandore-Mackay said: “Chiara brings extraordinary talent and energy to High Grange. Having seen her composure and skill on MasterChef, and then worked alongside her over several collaborations, it quickly became clear she was the perfect person to help us grow our feasting offering. Chiara has the same obsession for sourcing that I do – she’s probably even more obsessed than me. She wants to cook honest, delicious, seasonal food in a magical setting, surrounded by nice people and that’s really, when you strip it down, all High Grange has ever been about.”
Chiara said: “I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be joining High Grange Devon as Head of Dining. Over the past few months, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Luke and the High Grange team, and what began as a one-off collaboration now feels like a natural step into a new chapter.
“What excites me most about this new path is leaving behind the all-too-familiar stainless-steel kitchen box in favour of the open air – the sound of birds and trees, the crackle of wood and the deep connection between food, time and place, which has always been central to my cooking. I’ve discovered that fire cookery can be both gentle and intense, subtle and bold, meditative and chaotic- and I look forward to embracing all these facets and translating them into delicious dishes.
“Here in our little pocket of Devon we are blessed with some of the finest produce this country has to offer, grown and reared with such skill and care. My mission will be to deliver unforgettable dining experiences that give these beautiful ingredients the space to shine, honouring them with fire, and cooking up dishes that reflect the landscape around us – abundant, generous, and alive with flavour.”
This appointment marks a significant step for High Grange, which has become one of the South West’s leading destinations for fire cookery since opening in 2020. Alongside its Fire School and catering, the new feasting programme will broaden the experience for guests and showcase the very best of seasonal cooking in Devon.
Chiara’s Story
Chiara’s culinary odyssey began amidst the rich traditions of Italian cuisine, where food is more than sustenances, its a celebration of life. From a tender age, she found herself immersed in the kitchen, crafting tortellini alongside her father, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion. This early exposure instilled in her a profound appreciation for the communal power of food, a theme that resonates deeply in her current role.
Before donning the chefs apron, Chiara pursued journalism, focusing on food and environmental issues. Her travels around the globe enriched her palate and perspective, as she cooked with locals, absorbing diverse culinary traditions. This global tapestry of flavours and techniques now informs her teaching, offering students a unique blend of authenticity and innovation.
Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the S.L.O.W. principles: Sustainable, Local, Organic, and Wild. She emphasises the importance of minimising waste, utilising every part of an ingredients from crafting crispy mackerel skeletons to brewing stocks from vegetable offcuts. This mindful approach not only honuors the ingredients but also imparts a deeper respect for the environment.
Chiara’s expertise and dedication have not gone unnoticed. High Grange Fire School was recently assessed by independent cookery School Association ‘ICSA’ accreditors, achieving the highest scores for teaching standards and facilities, culminating in the coveted ‘Centre of Excellence’ Award alongside a coveted ‘Green Award’ for their sustainability and exceptional outdoor experiences. Underpinning this success, last year Chiara showcased her culinary prowess on BBCs MasterChef: The Professionals, where she impressed judges with her creativity and skill, reach the final three in December 2024.
MasterChef. Tell us about your journey to BBC MasterChef: The Professionals
When did it start?
I applied last winter really early in the morning one day, and the filming started in May so there was a lot of anticipation!
What have you learned about yourself? I have learned that the fact that I haven’t got a traditional cooking background is a strength rather than a weakness, as my cooking and my creativity aren’t bound by the rigid rules of traditional French cuisine.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The Critics Challenge, with such tight time limits and so much at stake, was definitely the toughest, but nothing will ever compare to the pre-Skills Test anxiety!
What has been your biggest success
I would say it was the Chef’s Table round. My pea ice cream sandwich dessert was a winner and cooking in such an incredible kitchen, for chefs that I have looked up to for years, was a true privilege.
How will you apply your learnings to your teachings/kitchen career?
I have learned so much about what I am like in high-pressure situations, and I have also picked up a huge number of little tips and ideas from fellow competitors and amazing chefs I met throughout the MasterChef journey.
What tips can you give any other budding chefs wanting to apply to Masterchef?
My biggest tip is to just go for it, it can be so daunting at first to put yourself out there in such a bold way. Don’t compromise on your beliefs and cooking ethos, be yourself and be brave!
Finally…describe your unique cookery school experience at High Grange Fire School to someone who may never have been?
Expect to get immersed in the cooking process as well as the provenance of the food you’re cooking and learn to appreciate the journey of the ingredients from our organic farm to your plate.
Anyone coming on our courses and feasting events will leave feeling thoroughly spoiled, inspired, equipped with new knowledge to put into practice and, of course, well-fed!
Join Chef Chiara Tomasoni at High Grange fire School and embark on a gastronomic journey that celebrates the essence of sustainable and heartfelt cooking.
BOOK A COOKERY CLASS OR GOURMET EXPERIENCE WITH CHIARA AT HIGH GRANGE HERE
Find out more about High Grange Fire School Experiences HERE
