So a few weeks ago I was lucky enough to catch up with former Masterchef contestant Justine Schofield during her first visit to Perth. Although only brief Justine managed to pack a lot into her whirlwind trip including visiting PMH, eating out at Pata Negra and catching up with old friends.
Her main reason for stopping by however was part of JVG Events inaugral TRY THIS @ HOME presentation. In conjunction with Buy West Eat Best, the event held at Joondalup shopping Centre saw Justine create four simple dishes that audience members could recreate at home by purchasing $20 showbags filled with all the necessary ingredients needed to do so.
Justine and JVG Events director Jo Garnett in action on the day:
Justine working on the Chicken BLT
After the event I did what any good foodie would do and bought myself a showbag to try Justine's Chicken BLT for dinner that night. The verdict, absolutely delicious, quick, easy and a winner with all who ate it. It's definitely going to become a permanent fixture on my weekly menu - thanks Justine!
My attempt to recreate Justine's Chicken BLT
No visit would be complete without a few questions here's what we chatted about when she was here:
What was it like being on Masterchef: Amazing, it has really changed my life. Not only career wise but also with my confidence in getting the job done.
Do you think being on MC has changed your cooking technique:Yes... at the beginning of the process I was just a home cook, but because of Masterchef I have become faster in the kitchen and have learnt to be more methodical. The way I chop, present my dishes and combine flavours have also changed.
What are you doing at the moment:I've done some work experience at Aria, both in Sydney and Brisbane.
I've done Food demonstrations at the Good food & Wine show in Brisbane, other smaller food demo's, catering, cooking for corporate events, charity, appearances and the most recent thing I'm doing is going to compete the LG world cooking competition in Thailand. I'll be flying the Australian flag and hopefully will do well!
Do you have a favourite ingredient & what do you like to make with it:Tarragon..... bearnaise sauce, butter,really good olive oil, French shallots and cream are also always in my kitchen!
What is your favourite dish:Daube de Boeuf... Amazing if done right.
And of course a good aged piece of Steak and chips with bearnaise sauce.
Justine enjoying a glass of white
What were you doing prior to the show & will you go back to it:I was a sales executive for a security company selling CCTV software.
No I wont because I've now realised have a desk job is just not for me!
Have you had a cooking disaster & what was it:Slow cooking a shoulder of pork overnight in the oven .... waking up the next day and it was charcoal! Someone had accidently turn the heat up and I didn't realise! ... So lunch was pretty much a disaster that day!
What is your favourite restaurant:Marque by Mark Best in Surry Hills, Sydney for fine dining, Quay in Sydney also fine dining, Sel et Poivre, Darlinghurst Sydney for casual dining and Nobu in Melbourne again for casual dining.
And who is your favourite chef:So many!!!!
Raymond Blanc
Alain Ducasse
Mark Best
Matt Moran... to name a few.
Justine & I catch up the day before her Try This @ Home Event
A big thank you must go to Jo of JVG Events for organising such a fantastic event, here's hoping there will be more of them in Perth in the very near future.
