FROM the finals of BBC's Great British Menu to opening a new restaurant in Padstow, it would be fair to say chef Paul Ainsworth has had a good start to the decade.
This bank holiday Monday he'll be able to add one more item to his CV when he follows in the footsteps of top chefs, such as Rick Stein, and opens Newlyn's 21st fish festival.
Paul, who has been to the port's market a few times with one of his suppliers, said he was excited and honoured by the opportunity.
"I think the fish festival plays a massive role in supporting the restaurant industry.
"I think it's really good for people to go down and see where their fish comes from.
"Responsible fishing and sustainability is really important and it gives the public the chance to get a better perspective from those who actually catch the fish.
"Not many people know that fish is also seasonal so it's a great opportunity to find out which fish is best to eat when."
After being schooled in London by celebrity chefs Gary Rhodes and Gordon Ramsay, Paul's skills were forged in several top UK restaurants.
In 2006, with the help of Derek Mapp, Paul and friends opened Number 6 in Padstow – it has since gone from strength to strength.
In 2010, Paul and Derek furthered their portfolio when they bought long-established Padstow restaurant Rojano's.
Earlier this year, Paul got to the final of the BBC 2 series Great British Menu where his Fishermen's Mission-inspired course was praised by judges.
"The Fisherman's Mission massively influenced my fish course," he said.
"I wanted to create a dish using humble ingredients and I then asked people at the Fishermen's Mission to taste it and they liked it so I called it the fisherman's lunch. I also asked Keith (Dickson, Superintendent of the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen) for a copy of a newspaper and he said he had just the thing and sent me an actual Fisherman's Mission newspaper which came from Penzance.
"I had this printed off on paper and wrapped my course in it.
"The Fishermen's Mission inspires me because they do something good every day and never expect anything in return. It is a great meeting place with a real buzz about it."
Paul will officially open the festival on the main stage at 10am.
Shortly afterwards, representatives of the Ronnie Richards' Memorial Fund will hand over a defibrillator to the Fishermen's Mission.
article copyright THE CORNISHMAN