He may have been the youngest in the MasterChef kitchen, but that didn’t stop contestant Callan Smith from giving his fellow foodies a run for their money ($250,000 to be exact) in the competition.
And while his time on the show may be up, the 18-year-old from NSW tells TV WEEK he is already cooking up some big plans for his future.
How did you find the whole MasterChef experience?
I’d describe it as a roller coaster that I’d pay any amount of tokens to ride again… after a little break!
Favourite moment from your time on the show?
OPENING THE DOOR TO HESTON… That day was one of those days that will stick with me until the day I die!
Most embarrassing moment?
When I promised the judges a volcano and they didn’t even get a trickle. It’s like giving a kid a volcano for Christmas and it not erupting… I wouldn’t have been happy.
What dish are you most proud of?
Surprisingly I’m most proud of ‘Sushi for Dessert’ my elimination dish. I think it truly sums me up as a person and as a cook and shows not only where I’ve come from but also where I want to be. Life’s too short to play it safe so be risky, be adventurous and be you.
What is your relationship like with the other contestants? Who were you close to?
Being the youngest contestant I was quite hesitant entering the MasterChef house although I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. Everyone in the house got along like a little family and even today we still are and forever will be a little family. Sam and I got along like brothers!
Who was your biggest competition and why?
Sarah is an absolute rocket in the kitchen and I believe struggles to put up a bad dish.
Did you have a favourite judge?
All three of the judges each bought something different to the MasterChef Kitchen and I don’t think I could only choose one!
Which judge did you find most intimidating and why?
I can’t pick one. At first all three were extremely scary although dish by dish you start to warm to them.
Who do you want to win and why?
I really think Sarah has everything it takes to win this competition and hope she takes it out.
What did you miss most while in the competition?
I think I missed family and friends the most whilst being out of the competition.
What’s next for you?
I’m organising two Pop-Up Restaurants at the moment one combining my memories of school and food to be held in October and the other combining my love of theatre and food in a way that turns the typical “Theatre Restaurant” on its head to be held in February!
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
If I had my time again, other than roasting the rice for a little bit longer I wouldn’t change a thing.
