Masterchef Aus contestant Theresa's ultimate goal is to merge media, food and people
Mumbai: Ever since Theresa Visintin earned the apron, she has always been in spotlight on the MasterChef Australia show. She is one of those contestant who has seen ups and down in the competition but despite all the hardship she always managed to get back in the game becoming stronger and better.
The MasterChef Pressure Tests can stretch even the best contenders and the one set by renowned chef Jason Atherton was the most complex one that you have ever seen.
Theresa, Brett and Charlie found themselves in the bottom three and were asked to recreate Atherton’s 'Afternoon Tea' with a twist. The dish involved 44 ingredients and 50 steps. Unfortunately, Theresa was sent home from the competition.
But when given second chance, the 44-year-old prepared her best and survived a tense cook-off against 11 others previously eliminated contested on Star World's cooking show, including her brother Jimmy Wong.
The mother-of-three had a lot riding on the competition since her audition. We asked her about her proudest moment, her experience with MasterChef contestants, her time on the show and about her future plans.
Tell us about the famous Pressure Test by Jason Atherton- 50 steps with 44 ingredients:
That was crazy. I haven’t seen anything like that before. It was difficult, you have less time and too much to do. I have learnt a lot from it but I wouldn’t want to go through it again.
Share one of your proud moment from MasterChef Australia:
My proudest moment was turning into a contestant on the show and getting that apron. That was an amazing feeling, first that I was brave enough to try and then when I got the apron it was crazy. Serving the dish to the judges and having them like it, I just loved that moment.
What drove you to try out MasterChef in the first place?
I have always loved the show. I have watched it since the season 1 when Julie Goodwin won it. Its wonderful to see how home cooks take part in the show and do so well, I wanted to do the same. Finally my kids got older and they supported me, I can’t believe I did it.
This was the first time that sibling were competing with each other in MC. What was it like having your brother in the kitchen with you?
The very first thought I had was how fantastic! It's great to have someone who is going through the same emotion. And it was nice to have my brother Jimmy there, every morning we would have coffee together and look at each other and I knew he felt how I felt. But it’s also difficult, after all it’s a competition and you are competing with each other.
Tell us how you felt when the judges called out your name as the wild card winner:
I was 100% humbled and shocked. I just couldn’t believe it. Then I looked at Jimmy…I knew he wanted it but I could see he was proud of me. We both are proud of each other.
What made you create that winner theme dessert and experiment with rosemary at such a risky time?
I have been open on the show that I worked with Reynold and he made me work with so many ingredients. I remember the techniques that I learnt. I remember when I thought about me getting a second chance, he told me whatever you need to do just do it. It was winter in Canada and I was missing my family, I thought why not put up something on plate that meant something to me.
Before trying your cooking skills, you used to be an actress. Tell us more about it:
I have done few shows. I have worked with Channel 7, ABC and one doctor show. It’s fun, so much fun.
Given an opportunity would you act in your own cookery show?
Of course I would!
Which celebrity is your all-time favourite and what would you like to cook for him/her?
That’s a really hard question. I guess Chris Hemsworth. I loved him in Thor and I would probably cook him something hotty….maybe a nice hot steak.
Now that the show is over, what is your ultimate goal ?
My ultimate goal is to merge media, food and people. I am certainly open to whatever future holds.