The MasterChef recipe is enjoying success around the world, and Quebec is finally getting in on the action. This week, amateur cooking enthusiasts from all corners of the province took part in the first rounds, attempting to please the experienced palates of Martin Picard and Stefano Faita. Producer Charles Lafortune and the jury moderators tell us about this adrenaline-charged start.
• Also read: Meet the 16 contestants of “MasterChef Québec”
• Also read: In the first episode of MasterChef Québec, a contestant makes a costly faux pas
Thousands of contestants have registered to become Quebec's first MasterChef and win the $50,000 grand prize, but only about thirty lucky people went to the studio this week for the first eliminations. “At the end of this first week we will have 16 contestants who have received the famous MasterChef apron,” explains Charles Lafortune. To choose the best of the best, participants had to compete by preparing different dishes!”
He continues: “The first challenge pitted Mélanie d'Orford and Yvon de Blainville against each other by preparing what each described as 'the best salmon tartare in the world!'” By their own admission, the two chefs had quite an adventure, as they had to get used to a new workplace and deal with a lot of pressure. The croutons for tartare enjoyment were also a big challenge for them, as they forgot them on the grill because of the stress. Ultimately it was Yvon who won the apron. “Mélanie is not bitter at all and has even kept in touch with Yvon since then.”
“We also organized a meeting between Stéphane from Saint-Félix-de-Valois and Fadwa, a radiant young woman from Morocco who did not hesitate to add a touch of flavor from her country to her dish. . This duo had to present a perfect filet mignon. The special thing: Their dishes were so good that they both won an apron! We also offered a dessert challenge to four contestants who made no secret of their sweet tooth. Others took on the challenge of making a seafood pasta dish! In short, we ended the week with our 16 contestants who have to be eliminated week after week until the grand prize of the finale!”
• Also read: Charles Lafortune takes us behind the scenes of MasterChef Québec
• Also read: Stefano Faita and Martin Picard from MasterChef Québec take part in our questionnaire
Beautiful personalities
As Charles Lafortune points out, viewers were able to notice the personality and diversity of the MasterChef contestants. “It ranges from a man who repairs roofs to a cowboy in a hat, from a teacher to a firefighter who is responsible for the meals at his station. There is an 18-year-old candidate and another 61-year-old… And what can we say about Martin and Stefano, who appreciate the participants without being complacent! One thing is certain: the season has started with a bang!”
Patrick Seguin/TVA Publications
Enthusiastic judges
Martin Picard says he and his longtime friend Stefano Faita quickly realized they were embarking on a larger-than-life project. “I think we would have preferred to stand in the cold shower in the first few days of filming rather than experience this intensity!” It's very formatted and we weren't used to that: the management, the cameras, the rhythm! The first week was hard!”
It's not always easy to assess the participants, Stefano admits. “Sometimes we had to take a longer pause than we see on TV to think about it because sometimes choosing the winning dish came down to a small detail!”
Watch the culinary competition Monday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on TVA