Gemma made a geographical error (Picture: BBC)
A chef on Great British Menu has apologised for incorrectly claiming a famous black pudding came from Northern Ireland.
This week on the BBC2 cookery competition, four chefs from Northern Ireland are competing to represent the region at this year’s Great British Menu banquet, inspired by great innovation from Britain.
After Paul Cunningham’s exit after the starter and fish course round, it was down to Gemma Austin, Phelim O’Hagan and Andy Scollick to impress judge Daniel Clifford and host Andi Oliver with their mains and desserts.
Gemma’s lamb main, Light in the Dark, was inspired by William Reid Clanny, the Bangor-born physician and inventor of a safety lamp for miners.
However, when she described the dish to Daniel, her description of one of the ingredients attracted attention from viewers at home.
Gemma said: ‘The Clonakilty black pudding, obviously a very nice black pudding from Northern Ireland, we’re gonna do that two ways. We’re gonna crumb it and also gonna puree it with a bit of the Cox apple juice.’
Clonakilty black pudding is famously from Cork in the Republic of Ireland, and is made with the same recipe and spice mix originated in the 1880’s in the Twomey family butcher shop in the town of Clonakilty, west Cork.
Cork viewers took to Twitter to point out the error and refuse to lose ownership over the world famous brand, which also produces white pudding, sausages and rashers.
However, Gemma, who is from Carryduff in Co Down and works in Holywood, noticed her error when she watched the show and took to Instagram to apologise.
The 28-year-old wrote: ‘Can I point out… I accidentally said @clonakilty_blackpudding was from Northern Ireland when I know it’s from the south.
‘Nearly forgot to put my socks on that morning with the nerves so I’m really sorry if I offended anybody. #uptheClonakilty #loveCork.’
Gemma apologised for the error (Picture: Instagram)
Gemma used the black pudding on her main course (Picture: Instagram)
The chef later jokingly took a selfie with a package of Clonakilty black pudding and wrote: ‘We are besties again.’
Clonakilty also nodded at the error on Twitter, with their account writing: ‘
The beautiful seaside town of Clonakilty West Cork is where our story began and continues to evolve! (Chef Gemma Austin has since cleared this up over on Instagram, nerves got the better of her!)
‘PSA: Clonakilty Blackpudding always have and always will hold its heritage in Clonakilty West Cork!’
They also commended Gemma on making a tasty looking dish with their product.
While Gemma’s main had some issues, her space-inspired dessert scored a coveted 10, and she will move onto the judges chambers tonight against Phelim O’Hagan, as they cook their menus once more for Matthew Fort, Oliver Peyton and Rachel Khoo in the hopes of representing Northern Ireland in the finals.
Great British Menu continues tonight at 8.30pm on BBC2.
Credit: Original article published here.The post Great British Menu chef apologises for claiming Clonakilty black pudding is Northern Irish appeared on My Celebrity Life.