Jamie Rogers is head chef at the award-winning restaurant Twenty_seven in Kingsbridge. Known for his love of quality local produce, Jamie has had an exceptional career to date, working with some of the biggest names in the industry in restaurants across South Devon. Notable achievements include reaching the semi-finals of Masterchef: The Professionals, winning numerous awards at ‘South West Chef of the Year’ and most recently, winning the 2020 Trencherman’s Award ‘Best Newcomer’ for restaurant Twenty_seven.

Jamie is kindly demonstrating his skills at Salcombe Crabfest 2020 – ahead of the event, we’ve spoken to Jamie to find out a little more about this rising star!

Please tell us a little bit about why you became a chef…
I really just fell in love with it from the age of 15 when I started at The Cricket Inn at Beesands washing dishes. To be honest I’ve always enjoyed it, and have never looked back.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
It gives me so many opportunities to be creative every day. I love writing menus and experimenting with new dishes. I also love making people happy.  It gives you such an adrenaline buzz doing a busy service, and it is fantastic to hear that people enjoyed the food.

It is your second year demonstrating at Salcombe Crabfest. What do you enjoy most about the event?
Last year I loved doing the demonstration with Malcolm Church from the Bear and Blacksmith. The Demo Tent was packed and it was such a good feeling cooking in front of all those people. It was definitely one of my highlights last year and I’m looking forward doing a demo again this year.

Last year I also had a stall, which I am planning to do again this year with my friend and local fisherman Scott Butler. Plans are still coming together, but expect fresh seafood prepared in front of your eyes… watch this space!

Do you have a favourite crab recipe?
I love crab. You can’t beat a traditional crab sandwich of course! But for something a little more special in the restaurant we do a crab tartlet with artichoke ice cream, pickled roots, and a squid ink tuille – delicious!

Do you have any favourite food establishments in South Devon?
The Bear and Blacksmith in Chillington, The Angel in Dartmouth, The Elephant in Torquay, and The Wardroom in Salcombe.

Why do you find South Devon so appealing and special?
The produce here is world class. That is what sets South Devon apart. I have eaten seafood all over the world, and there is nowhere that offers fish and seafood as good as here!

Who has been the most inspirational chef or influential person you have worked with?
Simon Hulstone and Paul Ainsworth, both of whom I did Stagiers with.

What is your favourite meal to cook?
Traditional Roast Pork… or Beef Wellington!

What was your favourite childhood dish?
My Nan always used to make corned beef and fried egg sandwiches with brown sauce – that was always delicious!

If you could enjoy dinner with anyone, who would it be with and why?
Probably Gordon Ramsey or Tom Aikens, as they are both so inspirational.

What’s the most unusual thing you have ever eaten?
Sea urchin in Mexico

What is your best tip for an everyday home cook?
Be organised! Proper prior planning prevents poor performance!

If you could choose one person to cook a meal for you, who would it be?
Marco Pierre White

Tell us a little about your popular ‘Locals Menu’ at Twenty_seven…
All year round we run a Locals Menu between 6-7pm daily – it’s a great deal as it is three courses for £20. We aim to use local suppliers for everything, from the butter on the bread to the meat and vegetables. The idea is that we change the menu every two weeks, giving different local businesses the opportunity to showcase themselves … even the smallest producers are considered. The menus are written in such a way to promote the supplier as well as the dish. So far it is proving very successful – it is amazing just how many fabulous local producers we have here in the South Hams.

Crabfest Supper
In order to help raise money for the Salcombe Crabfest 2020 charities, Jamie and his team are hosting a evening at Cliff House, Salcombe, on Sunday 3^rd May 2020, to include a delicious four course meal. For more information and to find out how to book your ticket, click here.

Don’t forget to head to the Chef Demo Marquee in the Creek Car Park, Salcombe on 3^rd May 2020, to see Jamie’s demonstration. For more information about Jamie, visit www.jamierogerschef.com