17 year old chef aims for Michelin Star

9th June 2011

Seventeen year old Luke Thomas, already an award-winning chef, is preparing to jet off to some of the world's best restaurants to further his bid to become the youngest ever chef to win a prestigious Michelin Star.

Manchester-based Luke is first heading to the Burj al Arab in Dubai, the only 7 star hotel in the world, then moving on to work at Noma, in Denmark, voted the world's best restaurant.

"This is the opportunity of a lifetime," he said. "I have been given the chance to work in some of the best restaurants and hotels in the world. It is going to be a fantastic experience."

Luke, who has already had jobs working for top chefs Gary Rhodes, Heston Blumenthal and Gordon Ramsay, has his sights set on becoming the youngest Michelin star chef in the world. In recent months, Luke has been working alongside Iain Donald, commercial director of the Individual Restaurant Company, whose restaurants include Piccolino and Restaurant Bar & Grill in the city.

Current youngest Michelin star chef is Aiden Byrne who was awarded the accolade aged 22.

"Hopefully I'll beat this by one year," said Luke, "It would be nice to have the award by the time I'm 21."

Source: Manchester Evening News