In programming gold Chris Badenoch, from Masterchef Australia Series One will appear as a competitor on Channel Seven’s Iron Chef.

I am sure the production company and SEVEN will be canny enough to put him up against Neil Perry, Iron Chef Australia/Asia after the snaffu that Neil got himself earlier this year about the Masterchef contestants. The uber-chef  said (see previous blog post here) that the Masterchef contestants would struggle to survive in a real kitchen, and that it was a “game show”.  Neil later said he had been misquoted.

It will be interesting to see if Chris will be able to produce four dishes in an hour as his food philosophy is very meaty, slow cooking. But he will have his partner in life and of his new restaurant, Julie Jenkins, to be his sous chef. I will just be watching the show for that dynamic.

The Herald Sun states:

Badenoch and Jenkins are now business, as well as romantic, partners. Josie Bones will be a beer bar with matching food.

“All the doubters out there have been proven wrong,” Badenoch says.

“We’re doing the restaurant together and it will be a combination of our ideas.”

Badenoch says he relished the chance to return to television.

“It (Iron Chef) was the opportunity to push myself,” Badenoch says.

“It’s one thing cooking against other amateurs (on MasterChef). Going up against guys of this calibre (Perry/Grossi/Brahimi) is a rare opportunity.”

Victoria’s Sacha Meier, Head Chef and manager of Lorne’s Ba Ba Lu Restaurant and Bar, will also be one of the challengers onIron Chef.

Other challengers are Sydney’s Dan Hong (Head Chef, Lotus Bar and Bistro), Adelaide’s Judyta Slupnick (Head Chef and owner of Phore Seasons), as well as Perth’s Matt Stone (Head Chef, Greenhouse Restaurant) and Herb Faust (Head Chef, Scotch College).

Iron Chef will screen on Channel 7 in mid-October.

Neil Perry talks to TV WEEK about his role on Iron Chef and his comments on this season of Masterchef.

The article says:

You’ve Turned down TV gigs in the past – what drew you to Iron Chef?

I’ve always watched the Japanese [version] and I have a lot of respect for what the guys do, so I thought it was a real honour to be asked to be an Iron Chef. I just didn’t realise how hard it was going to be!

How worried are you that you’ll be beaten by the challengers?

Oh, tremendously! Being an Iron Chef means I’ve got absolutely nothing to gain and everything to lose.

Is it tougher than Masterchef?

I don’t know. It’s completely different, as it’s professional against professional, whereas Masterchef is about amateurs. The ferocity of [the challenge] – four world-class dishes in an hour – is really pressurised and I think the level of cooking that people [will] see might be a little more extraordinary than on Masterchef.

While you said your quotes were taken out of context, were the Masterchef producers angry that you described their contestants as “nobodies”?

I spoke to the judges and the producers and they all know exactly what I said. It upset me a little bit because [the article] missed the point, which I still stand by – that all these contestants coming off the show are terrific, but they really need to utilise that 15 minutes of fame and really work hard. I am 53 and I ‘m still working really hard to be relevant in this business.

Do you think people like Julie Goodwin will stick around?

Julie Goodwin will have her moment in the sun, but I don’t know if it will continue – I hope it does. With reality TV, there are always new contestants ready to take your spot, [but] if you own restaurants and work really hard at it, you have more longevity.

Why weren’t you at the Masterchef grand final?

I was invited, but Sundays are off limits as it’s the only time I get with my family. I only get about 40 days a year to spend with them, so I just couldn’t give that day up.

Do you feel bad for spending so much time away from your kids?

Yeah, you’re really torn. It can be really difficult, because I often don’t see my kids in the morning, as they’re not up when I leave, and then they’re in bed when I get home. I miss a lot.

What kind of dad are you?

Too relaxed! My wife calls me “the yes man”. My girls wrap me around their little fingers and pretty much get whatever they want.

Does it put a strain on your marriage?

No, we just work it out. We’ve had to realise that this is the life we’ve chosen. We do try and take time out together for date nights, plus we love having Sunday lunch with the girls. Josephine’s boyfriend, Matt, comes along now, so it’s an extended family.

Are you cool with her dating?

Yeah, I’ve learnt to cope! She’s happy and he’s a good kid. There are plenty of ratbags out there, and she’s not out gettign drunk.

Will you retire in the near future?

I think I’d honestly still love to be working in restaurants when I’m 80! It’s a lifestyle.

You’re a keen Twitter user – where do you find the time to tweet?

Just in the office doing all my work before I hit the kitchen! When the Masterchef drama happened, people were just so vehement and vile towards me on Twitter.

How did that make you feel?

You can’t take it personally, but, yeah, it does hurt. In my twenties, I’d probably have tried to punch them out, but at 53, you just go, “Wow, these people really have nothing else going [on] in their lives.

Gosh I hope that last comment wasn’t aimed at me… but I think he makes a good point about there will always be more reality TV stars to take someones place.

Masterchef UK is down to the final three and, as is only proper for this end of the competition, is adding location porn to the regular food variety. In the first episode of the final three competition, our three contenders – Dhruv, Dr Tim and Alex – land in Jodhpur – stunning! As is customary at this point in the competition, there are challenges all week, but no eliminations until the final day.

Naturally, they haven’t made the journey alone. Gregg and John, looking more dishevelled than is really appealing, are waiting and bellowing that they’ve chosen India because it’s all about FLAVOUR. This seems to be particularly targeted towards Alex, who has been putting up stylish plates of food, but his lack of seasoning has been the grand narrative. Dhruv uses a lot of spices in his cooking, so hopes to do the cornucopia available justice, while Dr Tim merely notes that it is “not like Norfolk”.

The challenges, after the jump.

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The Masterchef love continues for the Junior version of the show with it debuting at 2.2 million viewers, it easily beat The X Factor which had 1,074 viewers.

Even if Junior Masterchef sheds 500,000 viewers it will still be a successful show. It definitely is out rating last year’s Celebrity Masterchef, so expect a second series next year. I am sure there will be a lot of parents wanting their kids on the show so they can get their hands on that fantastic scanpan set.

Also in a nicely timed PR exercise the tickets to Masterchef Live the stage show and festival are on sale now. Go to the official website http://www.masterchefliveaustralia.com/ to buy them.

How can we miss Masterchef if it really won’t go away?  Another week goes by and our season two contestants keep themselves in, at least, our peripheral vision.

Matt Preston alerted the Twitterverse to this story, about Callum’s dream of having his own show, asking whether people would watch it.  Would you?  I’d watch it once, and – to be honest – would be hoping for it to be more Julie Goodwin than Poh, as it would make for a more entertaining blog post!

I fear that Callum has no real understanding of the television world, even after his months of immersion.  ”It [hanging out with Poh] made me jealous because her job is so fun – it’s MasterChef without the pressure of being eliminated.” They might not call it “elimination”, but networks do have other ways of making unsuccessful shows disappear.

Adam Liaw has been busy blogging, and posted a fabulous piece about the chefs he met on the show.  I hope Claire is taking note of the comment about Shaun Presland: “Your food is defined by your passion, not your ethnicity.”  It’s a really fun post, with some interesting insights and genuine laugh-out-loud moments.

Aaron Harvie has taken to social media like a duck to water, and has been dropping hints of an upcoming project with Matthew Caldicott.  He was also spending time yesterday with “some of the MC boys”.

For those of you with pay TV, the real Masterchef is starting on Monday.  Some of you hardcore fans might have already found ways to see this series (I’m guessing it’s the one from earlier this year), but if you haven’t it is definitely worth checking out. It’s on Lifestyle Food at 7.30.

Finally, if you are still jonesing for a reality TV cooking fix, check out The Restaurant on BBC Knowledge, Thursdays at 7.30. You might be able to catch the opening episode again on repeat during the week – I watched it and was instantly hooked (shameless plug for my recap here).

Ok this is a great ad, and I am starting to think I might be interested in watching it, they look like they are plating up some good dishes.

Seepi a regular commenter on this blog just wrote I wish they had kept Irmgard in a bit longer, and I have to agree.

I am not sure she was the greatest cook, but she was definite personality. I don’t think she would have done very well in the Mise En Place challenge as precision did not appear to be her forte, but I reckon she would have had fun doing it. And it would have been interesting to see her in a taste test challenge.

Even though we hardly got to know her TV Week had a tiny article about why she applied for Masterchef:

Winning a place on Masterchef’s top 50 was a much-needed boost for grandmother Irmgard Kastner, who has endured a roller-coaster of tragic events in the past few years.

Irmgard was heartbroken at the loss of her 19-year-old grandson Mark Zimmer in November 2008, when he was allegedly murdered in a hit-and-run attack Victoria’s Narre Warren.

“Mark died in my son’s arms,” Irmgard reveals. “So I’m not just mourning Mark, but also my son. He’s a broken man now. Mark was so loved.”

Irmgard says she feels unable to move on with her life until the case goes to trial in May, but in the meantime, Masterchef has provided a welcome distraction.

“I feel a bit stuck right now and I think after the trial, I’ll be able to move forward,” she explains. “Masterchef is a big distraction because it’s such a positive experience with really wonderful people. And that’s what I needed.”

The 67-year-old, who has worked in hospitality for many years, is also struggling to adjust to single life after losing her beloved husband, Alfred, to a massive heart attack in 2007.

Alfred a chef, shared Irmgard’s passion for food and she fondly describes him as “quite a character”.

“He would have been a bit jealous to see me on Masterchef,” she laughs. “Chefs always want to be the centre of attention – they’re misunderstood artists, I think. But he would have been thrilled for me.”

It is a pity they don’t give the viewers the ability to vote one contestant into the top 24, as Irmgard was a bit of a fan favourite.

MasterChef Chris Badenoch Says He Has No Regrets

Adelaide Now has an article that states that MasterChef Australia bad boy said even though being on the show turned his life upside it wouldn’t swap it for the world. On the show Chris hooked up with another contestant Julia Jenkins, and had a few other women on the boil as well.

However I am unclear whether he is still with Julia as on twitter today, @projectnat tweeted Chris from masterchef wants my number ha

He is currently doing food demos at the Melbourne Show.

Justine And Lucas To Commence A Monthly Degustation Menu

From Tuesday 6 October when former MasterChef contestants Lucas Parsons and Justine Schofield meet, greet, cook and eat with diners at Ninos Hideaway   at Westfield Bondi Junction. Contact restaurant for details.

The Apprentice To Start On 28 September at 9.30pm On Channel 9

The Australian version of The Apprentice, with Mark Bouris taking on The Donald role starts on Monday the 28th of September at 9.30pm with a 90 minute episode. The winner will work with Mr Bouris on a six-figure-salary. The contestants are from all walks of life, from all around the country, with the youngest aged 19 and the oldest competing at 54. I am really looking forward to this show, and will be recapping it.

Kyle Sandilands Off Air For A Month

News.com.au says Kyle Sandilands has been suspended for a month without pay. He has also been asked to attend counselling The Jewish Museum have also offered him a tour.

Sonya Kruger And Todd McKenney Are Sacked From The Breakfast Show

This Dancing With The Stars have been told not to come back from their current holiday to host the 106.5 FM breakfast show. The ratings of the show halved since they took it over with no improvement in the latest ratings period. (Source Daily Telegraph)

Exit Interview With Australian Idol’s Ashleigh Toole

Who Mag has a great interview with the first person to be eliminated from the top 12 Ashleigh Toole. She said she had been rehearsing “Complicated” by Avril Lauvigne for Rock Week, but did not get to sing it.

Adam Brand Who Won Dancing With The Stars Is Dating His Dance Partner

Adam the twice married country singer is now dating his dance partner from the show of Dancing With The Stars. There had been rumours for quite sometime about the pair. He is 39, and she is 19. Not sure what I think about that.

Who Mag interviewed Adam but did not ask him about the age gap.

Exit Interview With Anthony Capon Winner Of Project Runway

Who Mag has an interview with Anthony where he talks about what is next for him. He said he will continue to work as assistant designer at Etal, who refreshingly design for people up to size 18.

It’s probably clear to all who’ve been reading my guest posts on Masterchef that it’s filling my spot of “show I love to hate”. That position has been empty since Kitchen Nightmares demoted itself down the order to “show I now merely hate, and therefore no longer watch” thanks to an ill-advised American adaptation that was half abuse, half recap. I wasn’t expecting Masterchef to fill that vacancy; from the moment I first heard that we were getting a local version, I was looking forward to it.

Like many Australians, I took advantage of the working holiday visa and spent a while living in London, working strange temp jobs, and spending most of my meagre earnings at the pub. Of course, since the Labour government came to power, many things – including licensing hours – have changed, but back then, with Major in charge, pubs closed at eleven and were open for a bizarre period of time on a Sunday. Sunday opening gave us enough time for a hearty roast with Yorkshire pud, a couple of pints of bitter, and then we’d head home for a lazy afternoon in front of Masterchef. That’s right – it was on once a week, on a Sunday afternoon.

The show was hosted by Loyd Grossman, a Bostonian whose bizarre native accent had been rendered even stranger by his time in Britain. Each week, he judged the competitors – who competed in heats of three hopefuls a time – with the help of a couple of guest judges: a chef, and a celebrity. The competitors were true amateurs; they were the types of people you’d also see on Mastermind. I recall – although this is through a haze of 18 years and the beer fog I’d be in at the time – cardigans with elbow pads. The show had a cosy feel to it. Each week, I looked forward to the results, which were delivered with Loyd’s trademark: “We’ve deliberated, cogitated and digested”. I don’t remember there being a prize, beyond being crowned Masterchef.

When we finally took the plunge into “pay TV” this year, I was excited to see that Masterchef was on. Not just the vanilla Masterchef, but also Masterchef: The Professionals. The format had changed since those days in Clapham South, and Loyd no longer presided over the competition, but I was still hooked. Hooked by the catchphrases (“cooking doesn’t get tougher than this!”), by the extreme volume of the two hosts/judges, by the rapid pace (six contestents cook from mystery ingredients – three go on; three cook in a professional kitchen; three cook a two course menu – one goes on… all in 30 minutes) and by the focus on food, rather than the personality quirks or flaws of the contestants. In fact, the prize seems to be nothing more than the Perspex trophy and the prestige that comes with the title. With that, though, doors do seem to open up.

That’s what I was hoping for with the home-grown version, but ours has trended more towards an American model and away from the original. Remember when Survivor first started? Well, do you also remember Shipwrecked? This was a British version, but instead of alliances and challenges, the aim was to adapt to a more hostile environment than what the participants were used to. There was no prize, but there were occasional lively spats over who’d taken more than their fair share of Hob Nobs from the bikkie tin. The British Masterchef is, of course, no Shipwrecked but they share some bloodlines. It’s not about the cash. It’s about both the journey (but not “the journey”) and the destination. It’s about nurturing and developing talent, not being sidetracked by squabbles.  It’s also, despite how that sounds, quality entertainment.

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Thanks for your responses to my guest posts! It’s been great fun being here. No doubt I’ll see you around in the comments on Raver’s posts…

And so it has, for the winner of the most recent season of the REAL Masterchef, Mat Follas.  Given that Mat spent a lot of his life in New Zealand, I’m amazed that nobody here has tried to claim him as a local.  That’s gotta be a first. Anyway, Mat has just found a venue for his own restaurant and is working to get it open in just over a month.  He keeps a blog, which includes recipes, news on the food he loves, and some inside goss on his time on the show. Here’s hoping it goes well.

Other finalists

One of my only criticisms of the current version of Masterchef in the UK is the section in the quarter finals where a contestant is eliminated without getting a chance to cook.  This decision is made on the basis of their performance in the “ingredients test” (identifying, say, particular birds, cuts of meat, spices…) and in the “passion test”, where the prospective semi-finalists have to demonstrate how much they want this (and, for those who have only seen the local version of the show, “this” seems to be nothing more than bragging rights – there is no $100,000 cash prize, no book deal… just a trophy designed to go straight to the pool room). I dislike this, particularly, as it seems to favour the articulate, as well as those who are willing to pimp out their emotions for the camera.  It’s the only time of the UK Masterchef week that I really talk back to the TV.

This is all preamble to the news that finalist Andy Oliver was, indeed, a finalist who really wanted “it”.  Despite losing to Mat, he has chucked in his job to follow his dream of a career in food.  He’s recording his “journey” over at The Cook’s Broth.  I don’t know how many of the local contestants would be willing to do this:

i went about making a list of london places which do the food and have the kind of style & vibe i love, so these are the places i’m planning to work in: Bocca di Lupo, The Modern Pantry, Moro, Nobu, Brindisa

There may be other places too, but as i’m mainly offering to work for free it cant last forever, so plan is to take full time cooking job at one of them or somewhere similar in perhaps a month or 6 weeks. In the meantime i’ve got to be Frugal McDoogal because the bills still gotta be paid!

Now that’s what I call having a calling!

According to the Evening Star, the other finalist, Chris Gates, has made a few TV appearances and has had some offers from restaurants, but is still working in his old job.  He’s blogging over at the creatively named Christopher Gates.

It’s hard to compare the skills of these guys and our local contestants, given that cooking plays such a ridiculously small part in the local version, but I haven’t seen anything from the locals so far that matches what these guys turned out on a regular basis.  Subtext: don’t give up your day jobs, MCAers!