Chef Curtis Stone on new-look MasterChef

Celebrity chef Curtis Stone says he’s chuffed to be in the mix for MasterChef’s new judging line up. So could the LA-based restaurateur and face of Coles make a move home to Australia work?

Chef Curtis Stone unveil the new Coles convenience-focused store at The Glen in Glen Waverley. Picture: Sarah Matray

Curtis Stone has not ruled out a judging role on the new-look MasterChef.

The LA-based chef says he is chuffed to be in the mix for Ten’s long-running cooking show, but remained coy about his future.

He has returned home to Melbourne this week to unveil the new Coles convenience-focused store at The Glen in Glen Waverley.

“I love the show first of all,’’ he said.

“It’s been an incredible show that’s really changed the landscape of food here in Oz. I’ve been involved in it for the 11 years it’s been on the air, did the first season as a guest.

“I’ve got some pretty crazy time commitments in the US but getting back over here and being a part of it and dropping in and out of the show has been really fun.”

Curtis Stone on set of MasterChef 2019

Stone added: “That would be tough to negotiate with my wife (the time needed for filming). I’ve got a pretty full schedule back in the States, but you never know.”

Stone said the trio of George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston had left a lasting legacy.

“It’s new for everyone right. The three judges George, Gary and Matt are all good friends of mine and have done such an incredible

“It’s a real star born to itself and it’ll be interesting to see what happens next.

“It’s a long time and I think they left a really incredible mark on Australian television and that show in particular. One thing people forget is they’re human beings with lives and they’ve probably got ambitions to do other things and MasterChef takes up a lot of time.

“Eleven years in one role doing anything is a long time. They’ll carry on doing amazing things.”

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Stone will do a cooking demo at Coles The Glen tomorrow morning for the official launch after tonight having dinner with his mum.

“I love coming home, yeah absolutely,’’ he said.

“My family is still here and I’m still good mates with a bunch of the guys I went to school with. I love the Aussie way of life and getting that into my kids somehow where ever I can.”

The supermarket is the first of its kind in Victoria, focusing on fresh convenience and gourmet foods, and features a number of innovations.