PRAKRITI ROY speaks to THERESA VISINTIN, a contestant on Star World’s Masterchef Australia, who spills the beans on getting a second shot at the title
You’re back on the show. How does it feelIJ
It’s very exciting. I am a big fan of the show since the first season, so I knew that there will be a second chance. I was determined to make the most of it. That’s why, after elimination, I didn’t go back home to Vancouver, Canada but stayed in Sydney and honed my skills.
Whom did you train within the hiatusIJ
There was Reynold from last season. I spent a couple of days with him. Then there was Ava from one of the previous seasons. I also approached a few restaurants and they let me learn things in their kitchen.
What all did you learnIJ
Theory and actually working under a chef are two completely different things. Doing work hands-on with them is a great confidence booster. You get to learn so many techniques.
Was there any change the second time around in the kitchenIJ
For sure. When I was gone, the others were still learning so much. So I had to work that much harder while on the outside. I am more confident now. Initially, I was too emotional about it. Now, I am having fun.
Why didn’t you opt for Masterchef CanadaIJ
Australia has been my home. I lived here for 31 years before I got married and moved away. Plus, for me, Masterchef Australia will always remain the original version of the show.
You were competing against your brother Jimmy…
Jimmy and I have been apart for long since he stays in Singapore now. So, it’s great that we got to spend so much time together. Also, it was great knowing that your brother is there in the kitchen with you and he is someone who understands you so well.
You’ve been on TV before, as a soap actress in the 90s. How is it different this timeIJ
The two experiences are different from each other, there is absolutely no comparison. As an actor, you are pretending to be someone else. On Masterchef, you can’t be anyone other than yourself. There is so much pressure in the competition and what you see on the screen is totally raw.
Any plans of going back to actingIJ
I have actually always kept my acting options open. Even in Vancouver, I keep doing a little bit on and off.
Whom do you consider as your biggest competitor in MasterchefIJ
I always felt Matt Sinclair is someone to watch out for. He is such a great cook and capable of doing great things.
Your favourite judge.
That’s a hard one as they’re all so great. But I would say Matt Preston. For me, it’s his comments that have been the most supportive and uplifting. He is quite understanding as well.
If you had the opportunity to cook for a legend, who would that beIJ
Heston Blumenthal has always been my favourite guest on the show. I know it’s impossible to decide beforehand what I would like to cook for him as there are always a lot of rules when he comes in. But I would definitely go for something fun, whimsical and colourful. Heston is iconic for playing with his food.
Desserts or savouries — what’s your strengthIJ
Right now, it’s desserts. They usually have so many elements and I feel I have a good hold of the kind of flavours that go together.
You spent time away from your family. How did you manage to keep goingIJ
I was away for almost six months. But I told myself that I must make the most of my sacrifice. I didn’t want to waste the time spent away from my family. It helped that they supported me and encouraged me to keep going.
Why do you think Masterchef Australia is more popular than the other versionsIJ
It is because of relationships. People are not pushing to compete in a hateful way. Rather we try to help each other grow and strengthen each other. The show also shows the food in a way that you can understand the recipes. The recipes are also on the website for other home cooks to try.
Do the judges also contribute to the popularity of the showIJ
Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Colambaris are the perfect trio for judging a show like this. They are fun, wise, talented and endearing.