Michelin man goes fishin'

TOP Jersey chef Shaun Rankin was in Herm recently as part of his exploration of fresh, local produce.

The award-winning chef of St Helier's Michelin-starred Bohemia restaurant was filming with Channel Television across the islands for a show to be aired soon.

Mermaid Tavern deputy manager Mark Latter has become a passionate fisherman since moving to Herm four years ago, and it fell to him to show Shaun the top fishing spots.

They had originally planned to fish off Selle Rocque on the south-east end of the island, but the day of filming was scheduled far in advance, so there was no guarantee of good conditions. On the actual day, bad weather and sudden force 6 winds made the scramble to the rock dangerous, so plans had to be changed.

Shaun and Mark instead spent the morning fishing for mackerel off Rosaire Steps. Later, Shaun, who fishes competitively in the UK, cooked fish in the open air.

'It was awesome,' said Mark. 'I had lunch cooked for me on the beach by a Michelin-starred chef.'

Later that day, Shaun got together with estate foreman Gavin Hyde to hunt for rabbits. What you won't see on TV is the show producer becoming decidedly squeamish when Gavin turned up with two dead bunnies in his pocket, just in case...

The show also features cheese making in Guernsey, and local produce such as honey, scallops and sea bass. It will be aired in the next few weeks.