ISABELLA BLISS: ‘10 YEARS ON... LOOK AT ME NOW!’
It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since Isabella Bliss, alongside her twin sister Sofia, burst onto our screens for the first ever season of Junior Masterchef in 2010. As the winner at the end of 17 fun but testing episodes, Issy, then just 12, took out the top spot, scoring herself a $15,000 trust fund. All grown up at 22, Issy says her time on TV’S most beloved cooking show was nothing short of surreal.
Post Masterchef I engaged on an international ride, stopping at all types of food events and working on many projects, including a cookbook. After school I dabbled in work at a cafe, market and patisserie, with a pinch of food journalism. In late 2018 I moved to Melbourne and trained at three venues from George Calombaris’ restaurant group, focusing on desserts and larder, then moved to Italian restaurant Becco for six months. I am currently working as a commis chef in Brisbane while studying.
Masterchef?
It’s easy to say how awesome it was that Sofia and I could experience Masterchef together. We weren’t quite prepared for what was to come in retrospect, especially since we both placed in the top three. Being on national television was surreal already, let alone winning!
The be best est lesson was learning how to be grateful. ful. For the food we eat, the ground it’s grown own on and the people that make this happen. appen. Likewise, that we must embrace ace our experiences with open arms and appreciate ppreciate what we have. The most rewarding rding skill was learning how to confidently dently communicate.
I can recall a lot of wonderful and emotional motional moments from the show.
A definite highl highlight was the elimination challenge at th the Flying Fish restaurant. It was my first t time behind the bench of a commercial k kitchen and it sparked my creative side w when I plated up to serve my mum. I was introduced to new exciting cookin cooking techniques like making a consomme a and how to julienne vegetables. T Then my rush of relief the moment I wa was told I passed into the next round. A rollercoaster for sure!
Being on TV at a young age can be daunting. Wh What would your advice be to this year’s c contestants?
The most impo important thing to remember is to cherish thi this experience with your peers and tell a cool story one day.
Are you in con contact with anyone from your season o of Masterchef?
We regularly ta talk in a group chat and for a few years after the show we were having annual reunions on the Gold Coast. I think w we all recognise the show as something s special and still appreciate that connection today.