Irini Tzortzoglou

If Irini Tzortzoglou's food isn't a testament to her skill as a cook, her victory on the 2019 series of Masterchef speaks for itself. As a celebrity chef, her charisma and confidence coupled with her talent and ability make for an entertaining experience, with her audiences revelling in her expert insight into food. Irini's bubbly attitude and likeable personality made her a fan favourite on Masterchef and a hit at corporate and industry events. While on the show, she was greatly influenced by her experience growing up in Crete, as she produced impressive Greek dishes that the judges, John Torode & Gregg Wallace, and guest chefs, Raymond Blanc and Michel Roux Jr, were highly impressed by.

Born in a small Crete village, Irini's first experience of good food was the authentic, simple home-cooked meals she enjoyed as a child, along with a home full of her family and friends eating together. As a celebrity chef, she reflects upon her journey from a young girl cooking for her family to a famed chef, promoting the value of home-grown, fresh ingredients. While featuring at events, Irini cooks with passion and pride, inspiring her audience to go forth and do the same.

In 1980, Irini moved to London with her husband, who she met whilst working at her Uncle's hotel. Armed with a History of Arts degree, her creative flair and innovative style is evident in her cooking, which is credited to her victory on Masterchef. Irini's advocacy for fresh ingredients and traditional recipes make her a warm, welcoming and inviting chef available to book, inspired by her upbringing in Crete. Despite the pressure-driven style of Masterchef, Irini thrived in the competition, using her joy of cooking to define her innovative recipes. Inspired by her younger years as a chef, her dishes were infused with strong flavours and mouth-watering aromas, cooked with a foundation of simplicity and freshness.