Gary Mehigan Journey After MasterChef: Four years after departing from the MasterChef stage, Gary Mehigan finds himself “living the dream.” The original judge, known for his culinary expertise, shared his exciting journey.
Mehigan’s post-MasterChef life has revolved around combining his two passions: food and travel. This aspiration is one he heard repeatedly from the contestants who graced the show’s kitchens over 11 seasons. Since the pandemic hit, this English-Australian chef has ventured far and wide, spending considerable time in India where he hosted National Geographic’s captivating series, “India’s Mega Festivals,” among other exciting projects.
Reflecting on his adventures, Mehigan described moments when he found himself in awe of the world. Sitting on the back of a truck as the sun dipped below the horizon, surrounded by incense and the vibrant energy of people, he couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of life.
In a recent conversation with news.com.au, before unveiling his latest project with Luxury Escapes, Mehigan emphasized his commitment to “following the joy.” He has consciously chosen projects that resonate with his passions.
The latest revelation in his journey is an exclusive 11-day foodie tour in Vietnam, co-hosted with fellow original MasterChef judge, Matt Preston. While their exit from MasterChef in 2019 surprised many, for Mehigan, Preston, and George Calombaris, it was a decision they had anticipated.
Mehigan acknowledged that the time had come to pass the torch, allowing fresh faces to take the helm. As he finds himself atop a truck or scaling the Himalayas, the realization dawns that these adventures wouldn’t have been possible without letting go of MasterChef. He’s grateful for the opportunities it brought and for the show’s new set of judges.
People still recognize Mehigan as they would a friendly postman, and he cherishes these interactions. He’s enthusiastic about the incoming lineup of judges for 2024, particularly Poh Ling Yeow, the runner-up from the first season. Reflecting on the early days, Mehigan, Preston, and Calombaris considered themselves “the luckiest trio alive.” The casting may have seemed unconventional at the time, but it led to a winning combination that left an indelible mark on the Australian culinary landscape.
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Mehigan and Preston immersed themselves in Vietnam to research their Luxury Escapes foodie tour. They dined at Michelin-star restaurants and savored the best street food, creating the perfect culinary experience for tourists. They curated two lists: one featuring the popular “must-try” dishes and the other, more adventurous options such as snail soup with turmeric.
The tour offers participants a choice between full immersion, starting at dawn and ending late into the night, and a leisurely day with poolside martinis. Mehigan, known for his culinary daring, even pushed Preston beyond his comfort zone during their research trip. The journey involved tasting local delicacies like duck eggs with embryos inside, a delicacy in Vietnam.
While Mehigan savored this unique culinary experience, Preston found some dishes challenging. However, Mehigan’s determined to continue broadening his horizons.
In Asia, street vendors often offer the freshest and most authentic food experiences. These vendors, often spanning multiple generations, excel in their craft. Despite initial concerns about refrigeration, the immediacy of food preparation and sale ensures freshness. Seafood, for example, may not be refrigerated, but it’s freshly caught and sold promptly, unlike in some restaurants where it might linger in refrigerators for days.
In the bustling streets of Asia, a world of flavors awaits those willing to explore and embrace the culinary traditions passed down through generations.