TV Masterchefs team up for special fund-raising event

Two TV MasterChef quarter finalists are teaming up next month to raise money for research into a life limiting disease.

Matei Baran, who appeared on the show in 2016, and last year’s contestant Max Gott are creating a luxury five course tasting menu for diners at Max’s restaurant – Bistro Forty Six in Jesmond – on 4 April.

All profits will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which is also the beneficiary of a cook book – Big Chef Mini Chef – Matei has just published.

It was inspired by his six-year-old son Armin, who suffers from the disease, and features healthy recipes he and other children helped Matei prepare.

“The reaction to the book has been fantastic,” he said.  “People from all over the country have got in touch saying how much it’s going to help them.  It’s also so important to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis, which is such a horrible disease.

“It will be fantastic to cook with Max.  We have very different styles of cooking – I think people are in for a real treat,” said 41-year-old Matei, who has been working in the North East since moving from Romania 10 years ago.

Max and his brother Ben opened Bistro Forty Six in 2015.  It has received critical acclaim and won awards for its distinctive “field to fork” style, where the majority of ingredients are hunted and foraged locally.

“That’s what we’ll be doing on the night,” said Max, “and I’m sure we might be persuaded to talk about our experiences on MasterChef.”

He added: “We’re delighted to help Matei and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.  I know our guests will have a great night and help raise money for such a good cause.”  Matei will also be signing copies of Big Chef Mini Chef.

Tickets, which cost £39.95 per person for a five course tasting menu, must be purchased in advance from Bistro Forty Six www.bistrofortysix.co.uk

Big Chef Mini Chef is available from www.mateibaran.com