Simon Gault answers your questions
During a busy lunchtime on a hot sunny March day at Euro Bar in Auckland MasterChef judge Simon Gault very kindly took time to answer some of your questions posed on our messageboard. Here's how he dealt with questions about his "celebrity" status, fave places to eat - and who cooks when he goes to his parents&
Are you enjoying MasterChef NZ now that it's out there?
Yeah I think it's fantastic - am loving it. I'm pleased by the reaction to it - everybody that I talk to raves about the show so you know I'm sure there's the odd one who's negative but I haven't had that - they generally do that behind my back!
Was there ever any doubt you wouldn't do this?
I got a call saying was I interested and I'd done an audition for a different show a couple of years ago and obviously they'd made up their mind that they wanted me on board - so when I was asked, I jumped at the idea
What is it about the MasterChef experience that you've enjoyed?
The greatest thing about being involved has been the people - and seeing them grow as cooks; chefs - seeing the pride that they have, seeing how much they care, their dedication and doing the very best that they can and dusting off the flour and getting up and fighting again when the chips are down.
That brings us to a question from Leanne and Rosie who want to know what qualities do you look for in a top quality chef and how do you if they make it?
You sense who has the passion and the desire and you see the pride in which they have when they put something up that's fantastic and their determination - it's fantastic.
Did you learn from any of the contestants?
Absolutely - I learnt every day you know, every time you go out for dinner or to someone's house for dinner, or home, I'm learning all the time. That's the great thing about food - you never stop learning.
Rob Crawford wants to know: Do you now consider yourself a celebrity chef?
No. Because I'm still doing what I do at work - MasterChef is purely, simply and exactly the same as I do in the kitchen on a daily basis.
Tracey wants to know What's your favourite restaurant in Sydney?
Icebergs (in North Bondi) - their attention to detail; they have that 5 percent magic.
Amanda hill wants to know: Is there anything you won't eat?
No - I'll try anything.
Brent Cooper asked: How did you rate Ellbulli? Especially with Ferran Adria seemingly hanging up the apron?
It's probably one of the greatest dining experiences I've ever had - and talking of trying anything I had sea enema with rabbit brains which was definitely interesting and probably something I don't wish to repeat - however, the experience was truly something that I think any serious cook should aspire to do once in their life. It's not just about top end restaurants, you know there's a restaurant called Penang in Station Road in Otahuhu which is cheap, cheerful, bright lights, plastic table clothes, bring your own wine where the food is fantastic - I love those sort of restaurants. You know going for yum char; any restaurant can be a truly amazing experience.
Hastn says Just wondering if you've met Gordon Ramsay and some thoughts if you have?
No, I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him. Without a doubt, it is indicative of a lot of chefs - but he has a particular mannerism about him which some like, some hate - having not met him, I don't want to pass judgement on him.
Danandluce wants to know are there any decisions on the show that in retrospect you wish you could reverse?
Yes there is one - where I questioned our integrity and I raised that with the other judges and the producers and we do rectify it. (You'll have to stay tuned to see what he's talking about!)
Would you ever cook with coke? (Carlos Garcia presented
a dish cooked in coke in the early stages of the
competition)
I'd cook with sand if it worked - but Coke's never inspired me.
Stephanie wants to know when you go to your mother's for dinner - who cooks and do you like homely food?
Love homely food at my parents' place - going there for dinner is always a treat - and the cooking is split pretty much between myself and my partner!
Don't forget if you've missed an episode of MasterChef New Zealand, you can watch them again here!
Also, get Ross Burden's MasterClasses on becoming a top chef here!
