Now that I think about it, it’s pretty ironic. Watching Masterchef Australia religiously at 9 pm, while my own dinner burned to a crisp in the kitchen. Feeling their anxiety every time a cloche was lifted, revealing a complicated dish; dread while someone realizes their oven wasn’t on and there is 3 minutes to go, laughing at Matt’s ridiculous suits…
So when I was one among the handful in Mumbai invited by Hafele to Wine and Dine with Sarah Todd, Emelia Jackson and Rishi Desai, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Walking into the Hafele Design Studio, I got chatting with the three straightway (after squealing with joy)
Let’s start with Rishi Desai… I’ll call him De-sigh for the rest of this post, for obvious reasons.
“What’s your favourite part of Mumbai? Do people recognize you on the street?”
[Laughs] “C’mon.. I’ve been in India for 24 years. I know every bit of Mumbai. Me khup changla Marathi bolto (I speak Marathi perfectly) Yeah, people do recognize me on the street sometimes. Things have changed a lot after the show.
What kind of food do you love? What’s Kolhapuri food like, I hear it’s really spicy.
I’m a Kolhapur boy. My mom has a shop in Kolhapur where she sells spices. She sends them to me, sealed and frozen so they don’t lose any flavour. My signature dish is slow cooked Goat with cauliflower Puree. People think Kolhapuri food is spicy. It’s not, it’s all about the balance. Kolhapuri food is sweet, spicy, tangy and acidic and it all comes together beautifully. Let me make one thing clear. Nobody outside Kolhapur can cook Kolhapuri food… Nobody.
You have a young son…Is he showing signs of loving to cook?
My son is 8. He tries to cook. I’m teaching him Marathi though.
How can the judges eat so much food in one show? Different cuisines, different flavours, and yet judge so minutely?
Have you seen Matt? He’s huge *gestures*. Well they eat cucumber and drink a sip of tea in between to cleanse their palate.
Tell me about the Judges, what are they like? Who’s your favourite guest judge?
Oh, they’re darlings. It’s hard to pick a favourite. Heston is the sweetest man, one of my favourite people. I was so lucky to be able to cook on all 4 days that he was with us in the kitchen. He makes food an experience. I learnt so much from him on how to add theatre to food – how to cook food that require all 5 senses to be used while eating it.
Matt knows everything about every cuisine. If you give him Konkani food, he will tell you what you’ve missed, what you’ve added too much of, and what you’ve substituted. He just knows.
So, what now? Can your fans expect to see you on a cooking show?
I’m recording a show actually. It’s really interesting. Every episode has a different theme. But I can’t say any more about that yet. You’ll just have to wait and watch.
Sarah and Emelia agree that Masterchef Australia has been the most stressful thing they have done in their lives.
Emelia – I had my life planned out. I had a two year plan, a five year plan, a ten year plan, everything. And then Masterchef happened. So many opportunities opened up and I had so much on my plate. I was under so much pressure to make something of my life.
As the Dessert Queen, you’re famous for your Panna Cotta. Where does all this dessert knowledge come from?
Emelia – I’ve been in love with food since as long as I can remember. My mum and grandmum are fantastic cooks, and I used to help them out a lot. So the interest really grew from there. I have these phases where I’m obsessed with a particular cuisine. When you love to eat, I guess it comes easy.
What new technique did you learn?
Emelia – I really loved learning how to make a consommé, actually. It was such a risky thing to do in the competition. So it was a really rewarding to see the crystal clear broth come out at the end. And a huge relief too!
Sarah, I’ve never felt like more of a midget than while standing next to you. How do you manage to keep the model figure and be surrounded by food all day? When did your love for food begin?
Sarah – I make it a point to balance my love of food with the gym. I eat wholesome food – which is what my cookbook will be about. My love for food probably started with my son, Phoenix. Before him, I used to grab whatever was quick and easy. I later realized that I would have to cook for him – make it tasty and nutritious.
How did you feel on being eliminated? And on being called back the second time?
Sarah – After a point, days and nights in the Masterchef House began to mesh into one. I had been away from my son for 2 and a half months and he refused to chat with me on Skype. I started getting emotional and that began affecting me. So when I got sent home, I got a chance to relax and rejuvenate before I got called back. It was just what I needed.
How has Masterchef changed you?
Sarah – It just taught me to follow my dreams. Life is just like the Masterchef kitchen. You have the best dish one day and fall flat on your face the next. Life doesn’t happen the way you want it to, just keep pushing and things will happen. If you want something badly enough, go out and get it.
To the people at The Great Food Show, Good Food Magazine and Hafele, I owe you one! 🙂
I also interviewed Lord Jeffrey Archer and a Goan fashion designer, Ninoshka. Head over to the Interviews Section of my blog to know more.