Nestled in the heart of Devon, River Cottage HQ stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, where the art of cooking intertwines seamlessly with natures bounty. At the helm of this gastronomic haven is Head Chef Chiara Tomasoni, whose journey from the sun-kissed landscapes of Italy to the rolling hills of England, then being a finalist of BBC Masterchef The Professionals 2024, is nothing short of inspiring.
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.
At River Cottage, Chiara’s days are a symphony of activities from foraging in the verdant countryside to leading classes on fermentation, preserving, and open-fire cooking. Each course is a bespoke experience, harmonising with the micro-seasons and the farm’s organic produce. Students are not merely passive observers but active participants, harvesting ingredients from the kitchen garden and transforming them into culinary masterpieces under Chiara’s guidance.
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. River Cottage HQ was recently assessed by independent ICSA accreditors, achieving the highest scores for teaching standards and facilities, culminating in the coveted ˜Centre of Excellence’ Award buy ICSA, the Independent Cookery Schools Association. Building on this success, 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 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 dining 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 River Cottage 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 RIVER COTTAGE HERE
Find out more about river Cottage Experiences HERE
