CAN cooking get any tougher? One young chef is about to find out as he ventures into deepest West Devon. James Nathan was catapulted into the public eye when he was pronounced winner of the BBC's Masterchef 2008 competition. Now he is all set to put his culinary skills to the ultimate test as he takes up a work experience placement at one of the region's most prestigious restaurants — Gidleigh Park near Chagford. James will fulfil one of his dreams later this month by joining the team in the kitchens led by internationally-acclaimed chef Michael Caines. Gidleigh Park is one of just seven restaurants outside London to be awarded two highly sought after and coveted Michelin Stars. Mr Caines was one of a panel of Michelin-starred chefs who judged some of James' cooking in an episode of the hit BBC2 show. He couldn't fault James' dish of turbot in a truffle sauce and told him that he should give up his day job. After winning the competition, James approached Mr Caines about the possibility of working for him — and the executive chef at Gidleigh Park was 'delighted' to oblige. Mr Caines said: 'James is very keen to work at Gidleigh Park and he is coming down for a "stage" as soon as he is free from his commitments with Masterchef. 'He is an exceptional cook and we would like to give him the opportunity to reach his goal of becoming a world class chef.' Speaking to the Times, James said that he has been overwhelmed by the aftermath of winning Masterchef. Regarding his stint of work at Gidleigh Park, James said: 'My whole aim has been to get into one of the best kitchens, in a lovely location and in that respect, you can't get better than Gidleigh Park. 'I was blown away by the response I got when I cooked for the Michelin-starred chefs. 'I knew then that I had made it, it was everything I've ever wanted and now I have the chance to work with great produce, in a great kitchen, with a great chef.' James was hooked by cooking from a young age, largely due to his mother's influence, and when he was 11, he cooked for her 40th birthday. He is trying to pass this passion on to his two- year-old daughter — and already has her eating black pudding and tasting different herbs. He said: 'My daughter is only two and already she has a fantastic palate!' James described his experiences since winning the competition as 'completely surreal'. He said the most profound moment was in the foyer of the BBC broadcasting house when different celebrities came over to congratulate him. He added: 'I was walking through London when a cabbie pulled over, wound down his window and shouted "Well done James!". 'People keep stopping me in the street and it's hard to get my head around it.' James said that his experience through Masterchef helped him to grow and improve as a cook, while he carried on learning all the time. He dreams of owning a restaurant by the sea where he can grow his own herbs and vegetables on site while having an abundance of quality produce on his doorstep. In the short-term, he is eagerly anticipating his visit to Devon and relishing the opportunity to work with Michael Caines.