COULD you be the best in Ireland? Have you a passion and flair for cooking that sets you apart? Have you a dream to be the best? Well, if you have answered yes to those you too could follow a dream and enter the competition that millions have watched the world over and now the time is ripe for a new MasterChef to be crowned as the global hit TV series picks up where it left off in 2011 and goes in search of a new food champion. And again this year, TV producers are calling on foodies and budding amateur cooks to apply and follow in the footsteps of one last year’s successful applicants in Mike Curran. The Limerick native made it to the final top three and was narrowly pipped by eventual champion Mary Carney, but Mike said that it was a dream come through for him.
“The experience was everything I thought it would be and more”, noted the Xtravision manager who has a passion for food that goes back to his childhood and since the end of the series his love and passion for food has flourished and developed even more. Like most people, Mike said he would have watched the UK version of the program and thought and dreamed about getting on it. He did and while not taking the overall crown, Mike was thrilled with his top three finish and received high praise for his food with the judges noting that it was a very tight finish in the end.
So, with the 2012 version ready to roll, RTÉ Television has announced the search for MasterChef Ireland 2012 and is calling on all passionate amateur cooks to apply to take part in the new series.
Michelin-starred chef Dylan McGrath and top restaurateur Nick Munier will once again be joining forces as judges on MasterChef Ireland 2012.
Dylan McGrath, judge and top chef, said: “We want to find Ireland’s best amateur cook and we want to hear from everyone in Ireland who thinks they have what it takes to be the next MasterChef champion. MasterChef Ireland is such a great opportunity to show off the talent that exists in Ireland at an amateur level, and to showcase the Irish produce that we have. Although we have a small population I’m absolutely confident that we can compete at an international level.”
With phenomenal exposure to the world of food and everything that it has to offer, the producers want to hear from everyone and indeed Limerick who thinks they have what it takes to be the next MasterChef champion.
Last year’s series was a huge hit and really captured the public imagination. This year Shinawil expect it to be even bigger and better.
Nick Munier said: “I’m hoping to see exceptional cooks that operate by instinct and have a natural flair for taste and flavour. This could be a life-changing opportunity for the winner and I want to find someone with the determination and drive to succeed, regardless of their background.”
Applicants will have just under two weeks to apply to take part. Successful applicants will compete against the best amateur cooks in the country to gain a place on the hit television series.
Those who prove themselves worthy of a place in the final 16 will be put through a series of intense tasks and challenges each week to test their culinary talent and skill as they try to impress MasterChef judges, Nick Munier and Dylan McGrath. Contestants will be eliminated at different stages of the series until there is one winner, who will walk away with the title of MasterChef Ireland champion 2012 and the prize of €25,000.
The closing date for applications is the May 28 next.
For more details on how to apply and terms and conditions please go to www.rte.ie/masterchef
