Stu on life after MasterChef New Zealand
Hows life been since being part of Master Chef NZs Top
12?
Life has been as busy as always, my wee girl Grace always
keeps me on the toes. Since the show finished Ive been running a
few fund-raising events which has been so rewarding for me to give
back to the community that supported me during the show.
What was your biggest learning curve?
Everything was a learning curve for me, moving to the big
smoke living with new people and being on TV reality show things
like that.
Which dish you created were you most proud of?
I was most proud of my Chocolate Tower of Terror. It was
such a hard challenge and I was glad I came out on top.
What have you learned most from the experience?
The thing I have learnt most about my MasterChef
experience is a strong ideas about what type of cook I am. I love
cooking my easy, fresh, style of food to Friends ,Family and of
course other foodies.
You all shared a house who did you get on best with and
why?
All us boys got on really well. Everyone in the house came
from a different background and all brought different attributes to
the house, so if you where just 'laxing out having a beer you
would chill with Cam and the boys - if you wanted a laugh you
would talk to Jax and Michael they are honestly so funny.
Conversely, who didnt you feel you spent enough time
with?
I would have liked to spend more time with the Guest
judges, they would come and go so fast, it would have been good to
have a good chat with them and pick their brains.
What do you make of this years winner?
I think Nadia will be a fantastic MasterChef, She is
passionate, and driven to do well, and the most important thing is
that she is a really nice person.
Which MasterClass do you wish youd been part of and
why?
Thats easy - the one I missed...
Whats your biggest regret about not getting further in
the competition than you did?
I guess I have a small regret of being so close to the
final and just missing out, but I take my hat off to Jax and Nadia
both did an amazing job at the final and both could have won, as
could many of the contestants in this years MasterChef. 95%
skill 5% luck not magic!!
When you were evicted, what would you have changed about
the challenge which saw you forced to leave?
There was nothing wrong with the challenge that saw me
eliminated. Looking back I didnt perform the best on the day and
thats all it takes - one bad day.
Which challenge would you have liked to have taken part
in and why?
The Final of course.
Will you continue to pursue your cooking dreams now that
the show is over?
The cooking dream for me has just began. Im just in the
processes now of starting up my own Cooking Classes up. To combine
my ability to teach and my passion for food is a winning
combination. I would like to see it grow into cooking programmes
for kids , families and special events and even catering for
special events.
Whats next for you?
Grow my business and most importantly keep loving the
family and loving food.
What advice would you give to future contestants, should
there be another series?
If you are a sensitive person who doesnt take criticism
well, apply for another show!
Fill in the gap: the kitchen utensil I look like the
most is...
A wooden spoon
