He is a Justin Bieber lookalike, aspires to be the next Jamie Oliver and has managed to bag the title of the UK's youngest head chef. Luke Thomas has worked with celebrity chefs at famous eateries such as The Fat Duck, Alinea in Chicago and The French Laundry pop-up at Harrods. His own restaurant, Luke's Dining Room, has gone on to beat Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck to be named the best in Berkshire... So far, the 20-year-old culinary prodigy is on the right track.
And now the rising star has penned his first cookbook – Luke's Cookbook: 100 Classic Favourites Given a Modern Makeover – showcasing a range of family favourite recipes with a modern twist. With easy-to-follow recipes offering hearty comforting grub, simplicity is the aim of the game, as well as pressure-free cooking. "All the recipes are simple," says Luke. "There are no complicated preparation techniques and no ingredients you can't pick up at your regular supermarket.
"If I can inspire a new generation into the kitchen the way Jamie inspired me, that's all I can ask for," he recently told The Independent. What do his foodie delights look like? A classic dessert, chocolate soufflé, is given a makeover with orange and ginger confit, while lobster and muffins are thrown together to make a rather extravagant and unique lobster fish finger sandwich with cucumber relish.
Salads just got more exciting too, with a chicken cobb salad with bacon bits – Luke's take on the classic American salad, with some watercress for a peppery bite and blue cheese for an extra twang.
Luke's Cookbook: 100 Classic Favourites Given a Modern Makeover is now on sale. (Penguin, £20)
