Jock and a hard place – but celeb chef says he’s up for a challenge
“This year is the year of change, it’s a new decade – there’s a lot going on.” Jock Zonfrillo had no idea just how prophetic his words would prove when we chatted on set in the first few weeks of filming this year’s MasterChef Australia.
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“This year is the year of change, it’s a new decade – there’s a lot going on.” Jock Zonfrillo had no idea just how prophetic his words would prove when we chatted on set in the first few weeks of filming this year’s MasterChef Australia.
Coronavirus was just a problem in China. It was yet to have started its march across the globe.
It’s certainly not the change the award-winning, Scottish-born chef was excitedly forecasting.
Instead, COVID-19 has hit the MasterChef set hard. Filming is still under way on the 12th series of the popular Channel 10 show.
Producers have introduced greater hygiene protocols to protect the cast and crew, with contestants to wear gloves and wash hands regularly; while the judges will taste individually portioned meals, with no cutlery or plates to be shared.
Planned travel has also been cancelled. International chefs such as MasterChef favourites Heston Blumenthal and Nigella Lawson have had to bow out.
But worse than that, most of the returning stars of this Back To Win season, along with the judges, are struggling with the fact their cafes, catering businesses and restaurants may close.
Last month, Zonfrillo’s Rundle St restaurant, Orana, closed its doors indefinitely, and he fears the food industry may be forever changed.
“When you are talking about an industry with only 5 per cent profit margins, to close for months is something that could be impossible to recover from,” he said.
“Fridges and freezers are empty, shelves are bare. It’s really difficult for all of us.
“Usually, there is a stigma attached to having to close a venue. But there are literally thousands of us in the same boat. And we are getting through this together because that’s what people in hospitality do.
“We are the ones who give up our time to host charity dinners and rally to help others in times of need.”
Zonfrillo believes MasterChef – with its recipe of “mateship, positivity and bloody good food” – is the tonic people need right now.
And as you’d expect with 24 returning contestants – including SA’s Poh Ling Yeow, Callum Hann, Laura Sharrad, Tracy Collins and Rose Adam – at the top of their professional game and hungry for redemption, there’s been some very good food.
“Some of the dishes we’ve had have been absolutely stonkers – just incredible,” Zonfrillo said.
“There was a dish someone did that I cooked on the weekend. I’ve cooked a couple of the dishes that I’ve seen along the way tells you the standard of cooking.”
It’s been no challenge for Zonfrillo to sample sometimes up to 24 different dishes a day.
“Everyone’s been laughing at me saying ‘You’re going to get fat eating all that food’, and I’ve actually lost weight,” Zonfrillo said.
“I love food; there’s no hardship eating 24 different great dishes and then coming in (from his trailer) and having lunch.”
And continuing filming has been a joy in these uncertain times.
“It’s just been really nice to be a part of this next chapter of MasterChef,” Zonfrillo said. “It will never end. It will still be cracking on long after I’m gone.”
– with Siobhan Duck