Crossword Genius

These could make chef from Claridge's heat each fish? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

starters

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'chef from claridge's heat each fish?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'these could make' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'make' could be 'start' (starting is a kind of making) and 'start' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'ers' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for starters that I've seen before include "Novices" , "Hors d'oeuvres, sometimes the first course" , "Prawn cocktail" , "Arts rest for beginners" , "Competitors entered for a race" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.