Cook off for Clipper Race chef in Sydney Harbour

London chef Lawrence Lingard, who is sailing aboard Chinese entry Qingdao, participated in a cooking show with celebrity TV chef, Miguel Maestre for Channel 10 Australia’s, The Living Room show.

Lawrence took Miguel out on a sail around Sydney Harbour and set him the real life galley challenge that he experiences daily at sea, of preparing a meal for the crew of Qingdao within the strict Clipper Race victualing budget, cooking while the boat is heeling at an angle.

Miguel cooked sausage meatballs with Napolini pasta sauce, after tasting Lawrence’s chilli con carne, a favourite with his Qingdao team mates.

Miguel said: “It was like a helter skelter ride in there, everything was going up and down like a yo yo. The pans were flying around, and it was hilarious to watch the stove as it balanced itself out as we heeled right over. Lawrence must have very strong stomach muscles.

“It was probably the most challenging kitchen I have ever cooked in, but also one of the most beautiful settings I have dished up in. The yacht is very impressive although I would struggle with the seasickness while working in the galley. ”

Miguel had a chance to helm and sail the Clipper 70 yacht, and was also given a tour of Lawrence’s pantry and stores.

Lawrence said: “I learnt a lot watching Miguel film and cook. He has an amazing energy so it was great to be able to work with him and observe his style of cooking and presenting. I’m not sure that he has ever cooked on a moving vessel very well but he certainly embraced the experience and dealt with the challenging conditions very well.”

Lawrence, owner of Simplicity Restaurant in London, is the victualler for Qingdao and is responsible for planning all the menus, ingredients and getting supplies in ports of call during the round the world voyage.

Lawrence is using his experience on the Clipper Race to discover the world through its local cuisine, varying flavours and cultures. He meets international chef’s along his journey who provide inspiration for meal ideas as he cooks up a variety of dishes for his Qingdao team mates.  

The segment will air at the end of January on The Living Room on Channel 10.

Click here to watch the video.