Fiona on life after MasterChef New Zealand
How's life been since being part of MasterChef NZ's Top
12?
In a word - incredible. The MasterChef experience
has introduced me to some talented people keen to share their
knowledge; I've cooked in some great restaurants around the country
and am now turning the food dream into reality.
What was your biggest learning curve?
Hah! Learning not to freak out when I found people
staring at me! It took me a couple of days to get used to
it. I love it when people stop me for a chat and of course
cooking is my favourite subject so there's a lot to discuss.
Which dish you created were you most proud of?
I'm very proud of my audition dish -
Hapuku with Black Pudding on Sherry Potatoes with Saffron
Aioli, Watercress and Nettle Pesto. Thanks to Simon Gault I
had the chance to serve this dish at his restaurants in Auckland,
Taupo and Wellington. We sold out in each location and the
feedback was overwhelming. Thanks to everyone who ordered the
dish and the restaurant staff.
What have you learned most from the experience?
I left the MasterChef kitchen with a clear focus on the
path ahead - no more excuses, food is my future, cooking is what I
should be doing.
You all shared a house - who did you get on best with
and why?
Without wanting to sound like a "TV" answer, we all got on
really well. Despite the stress of the competition and being
thrown into a house with strangers, the time in the house was
great. Laughed and laughed, and laughed some more.
Conversely, who didn't you feel you spent enough time
with?
I didn't get to spend that much time with Michael -
possibly because I booted him out of the MC house kitchen at one
stage! He has an amazing food knowledge and it's fantastic
he's now doing his apprenticeship.
What do you make of this year's winner?
Nadia's a very talented cook. I love the way she
combines flavours and her food is fresh and modern. The
MasterChef title is an incredible platform to launch a new career
and the opportunity is there for the taking.
Which
MasterClass do you
wish you'd been part of - and why?
I wished I'd been there for every MasterClass -
dammit. Such a great opportunity to learn from the best.
What's your biggest regret about not getting further in
the competition than you did?
I was having the time of my life and thriving under the
pressure of the competition. I was learning, meeting amazing
people and being challenged everyday and I wanted that journey to
continue.
When you were evicted, what would you have changed about
the challenge which saw you forced to leave?
For the children's birthday party challenge I should have
balanced my desire to contribute to the team with my drive to
win. I was so focused on being a great team member I lost
sight of the competition.
Which challenge would you have liked to have taken part
in and why?
Each and every one of them! I've enjoyed watching
the show but I wish I could have been there to experience every
challenge - it's what I signed up for.
Will you continue to pursue your cooking dreams now that
the show is over?
Heck yes. From the day I arrived home after my
elimination I've been working on the cooking dream&
What's next for you?
The launch of that dream - Hapuku Kitchen.
It's a commitment to reconnecting the kitchen with the land and
sea. My aim is to create a place where people can experience
the best New Zealand produce and rediscover the simple pleasures of
growing, gathering, catching, cooking and sharing quality food with
others.
What advice would you give to future contestants, should
there be another series?
Be prepared to work hard - really hard. Immerse
yourself in world of food - read books, go to restaurants, try new
ingredients, talk to artisan growers and producers, understand the
seasons and what's available, practice techniques and check, check,
check your seasoning.
Fill in the gap: the kitchen utensil I look like the
most is...
Well... I'd like to say a tall, slim Microplane, but I'm
more like a pepper grinder..
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