Masterchef 2012 lydia elimination interview:
The passionate and determined Lydia discusses her Elimination at the hands of Peter Gilmore's chocolate bombshell.
The MasterChef Pressure Test, as its name implies, has the power to make even the most confident cook consider beating a hasty retreat. When the challenge happens to involve an 8-layer work of dessert art, courtesy of one of Australia’s best chefs, it’s a whole new level of terrifying. Unless, of course, you’re Lydia Guerrini...
“I was just so excited to meet Peter Gilmore; I've been a huge follower of his for years,” she says, with the casual air that suggests she took the whole experience very much in her stride.
Singled out by George for the incredible energy she brought to the Pressure Test, Lydia credits some of her fans back home with making her even more determined to succeed. “I had received three very loving letters from my kids and my husband that morning, so with that and a photo of my family in my head the whole time, their support and love really fuelled me up, so I just gave it my best shot and had such a blast!”
Proud of her Pressure Test performance, Lydia nevertheless wishes she’d had just a little more time at her disposal. “Squeezing time in to make a second batch of cream at the last minute was the curveball for me,” she admits candidly. “I gave it a shot, but in the end I had to stop otherwise the presentation of the dish may have been compromised, and a 3 Hat dessert really demands a visual presence and no less, so I banked on that.”
Though understandably disappointed, Lydia’s exit from MasterChef 2012 hasn’t stopped her mind racing with what she would have brought to the table had her competition continued. “Oh wow, where do I start? I love a well made paella with a divine soccorat... Make it an Arroz Negro (because I LOVE black squid ink!)... And perhaps dishes that reflect my time spent living in Japan, Italy and the United States. Cooking that’s steeped in rich and vibrant Mediterranean flavours does it for me... You know, food that brings you to your knees!”
Still glowing from making in into the prestigious ranks of this year’s Top 24 – an achievement she says, “Felt like these big dark wooden doors had opened up and the sunlight came streaming through,” – it’s all systems go for Lydia as she finalises her post-MasterChef campaign. And judging by her plans, which kick off with launching her personal website, she doesn’t know how to dream small.
“LydiaGuerrini.com launches on Friday 25 May. For me, entering the MasterChef competition was all about what I can create for and with people. My website is interactive, with a recipe forum for everyone to post photos and to chat about their creations, a place to ask questions and get free tips on cooking, and dinner party diva kind of food! My online store will launch before Christmas and everything you'll find there will be, like my brand name, 'Absolutely Georgeous!’”
Episode Name: Thursday - Week 3
Summary:
The losing 11 contestants from yesterday compete in today's elimination challenge. It features a taste test and cook off so the challenge is tough. One contestant is sent home at the end of the challenge.
