Grace King has become the 14th contestant eliminated from the MasterChef Australia kitchen, falling just one cook short of achieving one of her biggest goals – making the Top 10.
“It was obviously heartbreaking to get so close and not make it, but that’s the risk you take,” Grace, 23, tells TV WEEK. “I was nervous to watch the Top 10 be announced right after I left. That stings.”
Despite the disappointment, Grace says her elimination day is one she’ll always remember – and not for the reason you’d expect.
“I know this is a crazy thing to say, but my elimination day was my favourite day of the whole competition,” the Melbourne retail assistant admits. “The night before, Aaron, Emily, Luke and I all agreed that the next day would be someone’s last in the competition, and we didn’t want that to become a bad memory.
“We spent the day playing board games and dancing to the radio in the green room. It was so much better than feeling the pressure or competing against friends that you love so much.”
Waiting to comfort Grace after her elimination was the entire cast, along with her partner, Henry.
“He drove me back to the MasterChef apartments where every single remaining contestant was waiting for me with a huge box of oysters and lots of snacks,” she smiles. “It was such a gorgeous way to spend my last night. I felt so, so lucky.”
Grace’s positivity was one of her trademarks throughout the competition, and it’s something she still carries with her as she reflects on the experience. She says two judges, in particular, left a lasting impression.
“I really connected with Poh and Sofia,” Grace says. “Being a young woman in the food industry comes with its own struggles. Poh came into the food world very young and had a lot to prove, so it was incredibly inspiring to watch her stand in front of us every day with so much conviction and knowledge.
“And Sofia is probably one of the smartest food writers around. There wasn’t a dish or ingredient that came up that she wasn’t across.”
Looking back, Grace believes her biggest downfall was being a little too stubborn in the kitchen.
“I think I was trying really hard to stay “on brand” and have a really distinct style of cooking but it limited me,” she reflects. “I wish I had allowed myself to be more flexible and make more mistakes. I think I would’ve progressed more that way.”
Now, she’s channelling everything she’s learnt into her next chapter.
“My friends and I are so excited to properly launch our catering company, Dinner Party,” she reveals. “We’ll specialise in smaller, intimate private events with an ever-changing menu based on seasonality and everyone’s unique vision. Stay tuned!”
MasterChef Australia airs Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm and Sunday at 7pm on Network Ten and 10Play.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
