Evicted Perth chef plans to keep on cooking

as posted here

Masterchef evictee Josh Catalano has accepted his demise from the Network Ten reality television show in the trademark laidback manner he became renowned, and often criticised for, during his stint on the show.
The Thornlie resident and fishmonger told thewest.com.au while he was obviously disappointed to leave the show, he was looking forward to the future.

His family have welcomed him back with open arms to the family business Catalano’s Seafood in Bassendean where Catalano will help set-up the company’s four new stores at Karrinyup Shopping Centre, Centro Galleria, Garden City and Joondalup IGA’s store.

He also plans to host cooking demonstrations at the Bassendean store and is open to whatever career opportunities come his way.

“Anything is possible …but for now I will definitely stay in Perth and see what happens,” Catalano said.

He has his housemate to thank for his time in the spotlight, who convinced him to audition for the show after seeing the advert on television.

“I never thought from 7500 (people) I would get into the top 20,” he said.

In his Masterchef biogrpahy, Catalano stated he did not want to be a single man for much longer and it seems he may have got his wish.

During his time on the show, Catalano became close with fellow Masterchef contestant Kate Rodrigues, who also hails from WA.

However, he remained coy when questioned about what the future held for him and Kate.

“We are really good friends at this stage…we are pretty close,” he said.

“You’ve got no one else there (in the competition), if you are feeling down it’s a good feeling (to have) someone close to you.”

A highlight for Catalano was being told by judge and renowned food critic Matt Preston that he would pay money for his food.

He said it was an amazing compliment and confirmed to him he could actually cook.

However, he said he criticism from the judges that he was too laidback for the competition did not affect him.

“That’s just me …I’m not going to run around the kitchen in a panic,” he said.

With a big Italian family, Catalano said he wasn’t really into cooking Italian food and was instead “all about the seafood”.

“Seafood is a huge part …obviously (I’ve) got that fresh produce,” he said.

“With me it’s about stripping back the flavours and letting the natural flavours of seafood come out – that’s what I am about.”

Catalano tipped Victorian resident Sam to take out the Masterchef title because of his passion for food.

PERTH
LISA CALAUTTI

as posted here