Who is chef Joaquin Fernando Aguilar MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 contestant?

Ahead of MasterChef: The Professionals 2023, which airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Monday 23 October, we find out more about the chefs taking part.

Introducing Joaquin Fernando Aguilar, Sous Chef at Club Garcon, London.

Venezuelan born Joaquin, 28, is Sous Chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

He moved to the UK in 2017 and has spent the last six years working in London restaurants. He lives with friends and has a girlfriend, Alicia.

Name

Joaquin Fernando Aguilar

AGE

28

Where are you from/where do you live

Clapham, London. Originally from Venezuela.

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Joaquin studied professional cookery at Instituto Culinário de Caracas in Venezuela. He then spent two years working at two of the country’s most prestigious restaurants - La Esquina Caracas and La Isabela, before moving to the UK and working at Spanish Tapas restaurant Camino for four years. He now works at Club Gascon, a French Michelin-starred restaurant in central London.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO COOKING AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?

“Food and cooking has always played a huge part in my life since I was young. My mother is an amazing cook, and I learnt a lot from being her little helper whilst she prepared meals for our family. I used to bake cakes at home and loved bringing them into school to surprise my friends. I initially started studying business and communications at university, but very early on I realised that my true passion was to become a chef. I feel that when I am working, I am on fire. What I love about being a chef is bringing people joy through my creations.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF COOKING AND ANY INFLUENCES ON IT?

“My style of food is multi-cultural, probably because of all the different experiences that have inspired me. I love classic French, but also Spanish flavours, Italian influences from my grandfather and native Venezuelan influences too. Nowadays, I use all of this to deliver a balance of traditional flavours with modern and innovative techniques. So it’s a real mix!”

WHY DID YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS?

“I applied to MasterChef to really challenge myself. Since I moved to the UK from Venezuela, I have felt so welcome here. But I’ve constantly pushed myself to learn and develop. MasterChef for me was an opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to meet other talented chefs and be part of a unique experience.”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“I have lots of different interests in life. I’m very sociable and love getting together with friends and spending time with my girlfriend. I love playing squash, football as well as skiing and surfing. I’m a big fan of electronic music and a party lover. I also have family all over the world, so I often travel to visit them and love exploring new places.”