Joe Bastianich returns to ‘MasterChef Junior’
Kids aren’t generally known for their refined palates or willingness to explore their culinary options. Sure, there are exceptions out there, but the little ones I know all love their fish-shaped crackers, hotdogs and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches — with the crust cut off of the bread, of course.
Those exceptions, though, can really be something else, especially when they combine those refined tastes with the kitchen skills to back them up, as every season of “MasterChef Junior” reminds us. A new season of the culinary competition premieres Friday, March 2, on Fox, with a fresh batch of exceptional youngsters eager to test their skills and their taste buds to the panel of three judges.
That’s right — three judges. Longtime fans of the show might remember that last season featured only two permanent members on the judging panel: chefs Gordon Ramsay (who’s been with the series since its inception) and Christina Tosi (who joined in season 4). A rotating slate of guests rounded out the judging trio, but this season features a return to three permanent judges — and the third one has a familiar face. Joe Bastianich, who served alongside Ramsay in “MasterChef Junior’s” first three seasons, stages a return to the front of the kitchen for this year’s competition.
Far more than in its parent show “MasterChef,” “Junior” features all three judges toning down the toughness and cranking up the affection for the chefs-in-training competing for a big cash prize. Culinary mistakes are met with helpful advice, and even Ramsay’s infamous temper is somehow kept in check; he can even come across as a softie, if you can believe it!
The result is one of the most pleasant cooking competitions on television. Watching a kid sear a fillet or bake a soufflé with far more talent, skill and competence than most adult home cooks could ever pull off is a joy, and the series has left by the wayside the bickering and scheming that’s all too common in reality series starring adults.
And that’s really all “MasterChef Junior” is at its core: extremely talented kids showing off their technical skills while three helpful adults look on. The new season of “MasterChef Junior,” featuring the return of Joe Bastianich, premieres Friday, March 2, on Fox.