Ed’s Bar & Grill junior chef Johnny Stevenson
has spoken of his disappointment at missing out on winning
The title of BBC Master Chef 2008.

Johnny was narrowly beaten to the title by former barrister James Nathan from Bristol. However, the ex-banker from Lisburn said the show became a major part of his life.

"Competing on Master Chef has given me experiences that I will hold dear to my heart throughout my whole life," he said.

In Wednesday's hour-long episode, the finalists became the sole caterers for a luxurious wedding at Blenheim Palace, and cooked for seven chefs who hold 17 Michelin stars between them.

Johnny, a single dad, who has two young children, said he still felt like a winner because his skills had really improved since competing on the show.

"I am now able to deal with food in a way that I could not have done before. My big highlight was cooking at Troisgros restaurant in France," he said. "Troisgros is up there with my top five restaurants in the world. I have my tasting spoon stuck proudly on my home kitchen wall!"

It is now his dream to open up an eatery in Northern Ireland - possibly Lisburn. "Master Chef has confirmed that food is the industry I want to be in and my life goal is to open up a bistro-brasserie in Northern Ireland," he said. But for the time being I am proud to continue working & developing with Eds. Especially working for Andrew our executive Chef, who has offered so much support. And I would like to thank the management of Ed’s for allowing me all the time off for recording & taking part in the show”.

"The show was demanding as I had to try to see my kids as much as possible while giving 100% to Master Chef, which was hugely demanding. "However, if it were possible, I would apply again next year, I had that many fantastic experiences.

"I would have no reservations recommending people with an interest in food to apply, though it is nothing like cooking at home and to have cameras watching every move can be daunting, so it is not for the faint-hearted."

In the mean while Johnny continues to put his culinary skills to excellent use at Ed’s Bar & Grill Lisburn, & would encourage any budding chefs to talk to a manager about joining the team at Ed’s. Again congratulations to Johnny from all the team at Ed’s. In the mean time if you see Johnny, please say “Hello”.