MASTERCHEF SECRETS
THE AUSSIE JUDGE EXPOSES A FEW KITCHEN MYTHS
Gary spills the beans
They’ve been together for nine years, which in the entertainment industry might as well be a lifetime. No, we’re not talking about a Hollywood romance – rather, the tight trio of
Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt
Preston, the charismatic and charming judges of MasterChef Australia.
But just because the three food experts are great friends, it doesn’t mean they’re not willing to throw each other under the bus!
Speaking to the Weekly from his Melbourne base, chef Gary is happy to dish the dirt on his fellow “musketeer” George (38), who he and Matt (53) reckon has taken his healthy eating regime too far. “George, he’s the policeman of the group and tries to keep us healthy on set, that’s his job,” he ribs.
“He’s become a little obsessive,” Gary continues with a laugh. “He catches
Matt and I in dark corners eating things we shouldn’t.
“On a big tasting day, he’ll make us salads. But if you let me free in the kitchen, I usually do a kind of dirty Asian-style meal – it’s got to have a hot, sticky sauce,” the chef reveals. “There’s got to be bad stuff in there to make it taste supergood as far as I’m concerned.”
Much has been made of the judging panel’s relationship, with headlines across the ditch declaring a war of sorts between the three foodies. Don’t believe it for a minute, he says.
“Our families catch up, we go out to dinner. We love travelling and eating together – it’s ridiculous. We’re like a band of brothers!” Gary laughs.
For six months of the year, the trio are inseparable as they film the series, which is currently airing its ninth season on TVNZ 1. Despite its longevity, or perhaps because of it, Gary (50) says he’s still blown away with what the contestants plate up.
“What thrills me most is when I’m surprised by the creativity – that makes my day. When I can turn around and say I would never have thought of that myself – and I do that a few times this series!” he says.
“You have chefs teaching themselves complex techniques from YouTube!
It’s incredible.”
The dad-of-one is juggling many plates as a successful restaurateur, MasterChef judge and TV chef, as well as travelling to far-flung corners of the world to learn local cooking techniques. But Gary is always happy to be back on the MasterChef set – and while he does get to sample those incredible competition dishes, he admits the judges have to cook for themselves while they’re working!
But there’s little doubt he will be back for another season.
“We kind of, every-so-often, grab ourselves and go, ’Look at how well we get on and still enjoy each other’s company,’ and the common bond is food,” he tells. “We are in our little foodie bubble and all we do is talk obsessively about food!”