Johannesburg - Popular MasterChef Australia judge and culinary guru George Calombaris says the new Junior MasterChef Australia, which starts on M-Net later this month, is “the best school in the world” for youngsters wanting to learn about the art of cooking.
Calombaris, who will be one of the stars at the Good Food and Wine Show at the Coca Cola Dome in Joburg from September 21 to 24, says there is a difference between the two popular shows.
“With JMC it’s all about fun. It’s infectious as they learn and grow. We judges are a lot more understanding and helpful. We are their mentors… It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about loving to cook.”
He described the MasterChef Australia phenomenon as “crazy” and says it has been the “most amazing experience of my professional life”. MasterChef is a part of the Australian way of life now.
Calombaris is passionate about getting youngsters to cook.
“I want kids to understand where ingredients come from, how they are grown, respect the Earth and respect the animal that has sacrificed its life for us.
“Food is cultural, it is history, it’s the way we live. It’s who we are as people. We as adults need to look after the youth and make sure we show them the way, guide them and inspire them to love and respect food.”
Parents, he says, must encourage them and get them involved from the beginning. “Grow two types of vegetables in the garden and let them plant them and look after them. Once ready, get them to harvest, prepare, cook and eat together. Kids love the connection between the start and the end. Only cook food for them that you would eat. No fast food. They need to know that it’s bad for you.”
Asked what quick and easy recipe he would recommend for parents on the go, Calombaris believes an easy dish is all about great produce.
“A simple omelette with fresh zucchini and mint is so yum. Don’t overcomplicate things. Just get the best and it’s easy.”
His appearance at the Good Food and Wine Show is bound to be a drawcard. Visitors can expect to see how his life has influenced the food he cooks. “Food for me is emotional and should never just fill the stomach only. It should warm the heart and the soul.
“I love taking classic flavours that I have grown up with and turning them upside down. Food should only be serious in the kitchen. In front of the diner it’s fun.”
Calombaris is one of the busiest chefs around. Apart from running seven restaurants in Melbourne and one in Mykonos, he is also writing a new book entitled My Big Fat Greek Cookbook.
“Life is never dull, but I don’t want to die not knowing. I will live every day to the max and I love it.”
The birth of his son, he says, has calmed him down and is the best thing that’s happened to him.
On the question of culinary trends, Calombaris says it’s back to basics that encompass nature. He enjoys watching other cooking shows that have integrity and passion. His guilty food pleasure is ham and pineapple pizza, and his role model, he says, is his dad because he is firm but fair.
If he could cook a meal for someone special it would be for the grandparents he never met and it would be a 22-course menu of the best dishes of that time.
What advice would you give someone wanting to cook for a living? “You must first love, then cook. Cooking isn’t a job, it’s your life. If not, don’t do it.”
* The Good Food & Wine Show runs at the Coca-Cola Dome from next Friday to Monday. It features SA’s first MasterChef Live Experience, and a host of local and international chefs including Rastafarian Levi Roots and Indian expert Anjum Anand as well as live music with Idols finalist Cameron Bruce. - Saturday Star