by Gina Scarpa and Todd Betzold

 

On Monday night's MasterChef, the competitors were sent out to run one of the best restaurants in the country, before the losing team had to fish their way through the kitchen to stay in the competition. Tracy, Jennifer and Adrien were overcome with nerves for this test, and in the end, the judges sent Tracy home. Today, we caught up with her in an exclusive interview to learn more about her MasterChef experience.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When did you start cooking?
A. Tracy: I started cooking when I was about 8 years old. My grandmother was the first one to show me the ways of the kitchen! Ever since, I've been glued to it.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you want to do MasterChef?
A. Tracy: My neighbor and dear friend Sylvie had urged and convinced me to try out... she was sure I would do well. I thought, if she's sure, and I love cooking, maybe I should give it a go.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When picking your team as captain, why did you pass over Christian, who seems to be a frontrunner in the competition?
A. Tracy: I passed over Christian because he was a line cook previously. I wanted to win an amateur competition with a completely amateur team. I love Christian and it was hard to not choose him as I knew he would be hurt. In regards to overall "WOW-ing" of the judges and creativity, Adrien Nieto seems to be leading the pack.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Was there anyone who stood out to you in the competition?
A. Tracy: Ben Starr stood out in the competition for sure. He stood out for all the right reasons... there is not a kinder soul that exists! He is surprisingly talented, humble, beyond hilarious, and has a plethora of knowledge on pretty much everything. When I grow up I want to be Ben Starr!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What were you thinking when they revealed salmon as the pressure test?
A. Tracy: The first thought was "This salmon is half the size of me!" The next thought, "Aw crap, what do I actually need to do here?" I was thinking that the challenge was going to be tough.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Have you started any of your cooking classes they offered to you when you were sent home?
A. Tracy: Actually, prior to the classes, I chose to take the opportunity to work in their restaurants. Right after the show ended I spent over two months staging (apprenticing) in a few restaurants. I feel super lucky and really grateful to both Joe and Graham. They allowed me in their dream kitchens for a few weeks! I went to Graham Elliott's in Chicago, and Joe's Del Posto in NYC... then, I actually went back to Patina in LA. to learn as well. Regarding the classes, I am beginning them this fall.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What is the biggest thing you are taking away from this experience?
A. Tracy: The biggest thing I am taking away from this experience is definitely the friendships with the other competitors. If it were not for the show, I would not have met the amazing people who have impacted my life so greatly.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Did doing this show help inspire you to continue your dreams of cooking?

A. Tracy: The show not only inspired me to pursue my dream, it also opened my eyes and doors to the different avenues you can go with cooking. I had never been exposed to the variety of ways in which I could make cooking a part of my life. I had never thought seriously about catering and since the show has wrapped Alejandra Schrader and I have launched our own consulting and catering business, Cucina Cocina, with the hopes of someday having our own community cooking school.

 

MasterChef airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 9/8c on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa and "Like" her on Facebook! Follow Todd @tbetzold