MY MASTERCHEF CANADA SEASON 3 AUDITION EXPERIENCE
You know what I did last summer? I did something brave. For the past couple of years, I have had several people suggest that I audition for MasterChef Canada. To the world at large, I am a PhD law student and legal researcher. However, those who have followed my journey over the past few years know that, putting it plainly, I love food (blogging, teaching, growing, rearing, buying, cooking and eating). My love for food is however not something I just stumbled upon. I come from a family of foodies and there are very few things which bring me as much pleasure as a well cooked home meal. Far from being a fix-it-in-30-mins kind of cook (which is a valid form of food relationship), I am one of those home cooks who believe that good food takes time and would spend hours cooking a classic French or Italian dish. Thus, I felt a cooking competition like MasterChef Canada was not for me. I was content with watching it on TV, screaming at the screen, analyzing the dishes, telling myself I could do better and criticizing the several home cooks.
When applications opened for season 3, I was met with the usual encouragements to apply which I initially ignored. On the last day of applications, I went on the CTV website and submitted an application. The whole process must have taken me about 15 minutes or less. I didn’t even have time to submit a video with my application. In my mind, I was never going to be called but at least I could tell my friends that I applied. The following day, I missed a call. The caller left a voice message. I could not believe my ears when I realized the call was from the producers of MasterChef Canada. I returned the call and had a lengthy chat with one of them. That was the beginning of the application and audition process for MasterChef Canada season 3 which this post chronicles.
At the end of the lengthy phone call, I got an email invitation to MasterChef Canada’s Edmonton auditions which was to hold in about a week on July 4th, 2015. I almost passed out. This was real! Feelings of excitement, confusion, joy, fear and anxiety flooded my mind. I immediately started thinking about what to make for the auditions. I consider myself to be an amazing baker and knew I had to bake something. In my mind, a dessert would make me stand out from everyone else (I later on found out how wrong I was about this). Also, I figured desserts would do well at room temperature. We were informed that there would be no heating/cooking facility at the venue and we might have to wait for a couple of hours before plating our dishes. I kept the audition information to myself. My thinking being that if I didn’t make it through, no one would ever know. It would just be another secret of mine.
On the audition day, I woke up wide eyed and bushy tailed and set about putting the final touches of my dessert together. I decided to make a 3 layered Pumpkin-Chocolate Cheesecake with an intricate web design on top. The cheesecake was accompanied by 3 sauces (Chocolate Sauce, Caramel-Maple Sauce and Raspberry Sauce) and a Chocolate Macaroon filled with Raspberry Buttercream. I must admit, the macaroon was not actually needed but hey, I figured not everyone could execute a perfect macaroon, complete with feet so why not? In my mind, this dish was bound to impress anyone. My major concern was my quiet disposition. I am a chronic introvert and bask in the euphoria of my privacy. I packed my desserts, a special wooden serving plate, hailed a cab and made my way to the audition venue.
When I got to the venue, I was quite early. There were only a couple of guys there waiting. I tend to be early for everything! I looked for a corner and sat down with my dessert in a plastic carrier, secluded from the noise around me. This was the beginning of a loooooong day. People started arriving, everyone filled with anticipation. We were about 50 home cooks in total who were invited to audition on that day. Some were old timers who had auditioned for previous seasons. Everyone had a different personality and story. Some were loud while some like myself were quiet. Although I knew everyone there was competition, it was great being among foodies: people who actually want to talk to you about food and listen to you talk without rolling their eyes. My friends (aka willing Guinea pigs) often want to eat in peace without being told where the dish originates from, how I cooked it and the special techniques involved. Bless them! Everyone had a different food ideology. I must confess that listening to what some home cooks brought made me feel somewhat inadequate.
After a few preliminary formalities, we were ushered into a room where we had 3 minutes to plate our dishes. This was the fastest 3 minutes of my life. When time was up, I looked up and the room had transformed. Everyone had something amazing. I was wrong about standing out with a dessert as there were other plated dessert dishes. I was in the middle of two amazing sermon and tuna dishes. Behind me were the most amazing Tres Leches Cupcakes and in front of me was a Mason Jar trio filled with different types of desserts. After the tasting which took quite some time, we each went through a couple of interviews and a mystery box test. I was one of the last to be interviewed and so went back home pretty late. One thing which impressed me a lot was the time they devoted to every single home cook that came for the audition. They really wanted to get to know us, our food dreams and ideologies. We were told we would be contacted in August to know whether or not we made it. I told no one.
I went home with a feeling of excitement and accomplishment. I had put myself out there and done something I would not naturally do. Though the waiting period was lengthy, I was not nervous or on the edge. The reason for this was that I felt there was no way I was gonna make it through. Yes, my dish showed skills, my interviews went well (I think), but still, I felt there were more interesting people at the auditions. So you can imagine my shock when I got the phone call that I was a finalist and had made the top 40. I again almost passed out (second time). Things got real all of a sudden. I was going to Toronto to meet with those 3 amazing judges and audition before them. I was not sure whether or not I would get into the top 14, and truly, that didn’t matter to me. I was going to do this one step at a time.
So, did I make the final cut? Did I get an apron? Well, we would all have to wait to find out. But whether or not I did does not matter. I count myself privileged to be among the top 40 home cooks in Canada. That is no small feet for a foodie and home cook like myself. Tune in to CTV on February 14 at 7 p.m. ET/PT for the Premiere of MasterChef Canada season 3.
Follow my journey on Instagram and Twitter @grated_nutmeg
Terry Adido is passionate about showing people how easy it is to recreate restaurant quality meals in the comfort of their kitchens. With a style of cooking he refers to as Afro-European Fusion, his meals are influenced greatly by French and Italian Cuisine with a West African twist. If you love good food, you are in for the ride of your life.
Wowwwww congratulations. ..be rest assured iamm rooting for u…and know you r as good as ur fellow contestants if not better..because u have the passion n willingness to pass on knowledge. God bless u in dis new journey
Tanks Inem. I appreciate your support.
Congratulations! Rooting for you all the way. See you at the top.
Thanks Shade. Your support means a lot to me.
Lovely chronical
Doctor Shawn! Congrats on making top 40. Guys, this is a good man. Follow him on Instagram @doctor.shawn
Terry… u av done greatly well. U really inspire me n am so proud of you.
God bless ur endeavours
Thanks Shola. That’s quite heart warming.
I congratulate you my dear, sky is your beginning
Thanks omo ilu mi.
Wow! I really am excited and happy for you Terry! I will be cheering you on from Calgary.. Congratulations!!! You’ve got this..👊🏽🇳🇬 #proudnaijagirl
Thanks Lola. #Naijarocks
Congratulations, Terry! You are never too busy to answer questions from a fellow foodie and home cook, and your appearance on MasterChef just takes this to another level! I will be watching out for you. Eh hehn . . . If there is an invention test, in a nod to your roots, dazzle them with jollof!!! 😉
Thanks Christal. After all, who does not love jollof?
Praying seriously u get an apron. Really wishing you the best.
Thanks Hauwa. I appreciate.
Great chronical Terry! It was a pleasure to meet and compete with you. Wishing you all the best with what the future holds.
Thanks Reno. It was a pleasure meeting you too mr. code cracker. Guys please follow Reno on Instagram @RVACCS88. He has the answer to anything meat-related!
Awwww, Terry. Reading this almost brought tears to my eyes. I knew all along that your cooking skills will take you places because Alberta is way too small to contain your kitchen skills. I see Paris in the nearest future but congratulations on tv debut as Canada Masterchef Top 40. Apron or no Apron, you’re still baking my wedding cake sha. Wherever you are, I will locate you. Miss ya!
Thanks Moji. I will always give you credit for pushing me into baking. Sure, your wedding cake would be on me!
congratulations! seriously praying for you
I know you are. Thanks Nafisat.
Terry all the way….
Thanks Ijeoma. I appreciate.
Congrats bro. Will try and see if I can watch or I’ll wait till dstv shows it.
Thanks Kayode. I will be sure to give updates on episodes as they air.
Congrats Terry, Fantastic! This is so thrilling! I wish you the best!
Thanks Berry. I appreciate your well wishes.
Wow, congratulation. Am happy for you.By the grace of God and for the fact that you share your knowledge and experience with us, you will succeed.God is with you. You will stand out in Jesus name Amen.
Thanks Kay. I appreciate your support.
Nice on boss! Good start! U make us proud.
Thanks.
Nice one boss. We proud of you.
Thanks Isi. I’m grateful.
I’m happy for you Terry. Quite convinced you’ll make it to the top 3. I’m dropping a comment here for the first time though I’ve been a follower. I’m a home cook too here in Edmonton. We kinda have some similarities; lived in Kd, now in Edmonton, bakers/cooks. I so adore your display of talent when it comes to cake decorating and I appreciate how you take time to explain every single detail. I will be here watching you and praying for your success. Go get it guy. #ProudlyEdmontonians.#ProudlyNigerians🙏🏽
Nice hearing from you Joy. Stop hiding! We should have a throw down some time in the summer and chat about good old Kaduna. You will do all the cooking of course.
Congratulations! I have come to understand one thing in life, people like you who feel they are inadequate for competitions come out tops, while the over confident people will swallow their pride to congratulate you. You can and will make it. Am waiting for the good news.
Thanks Nkeiru. I appreciate your feedback.
Always knew you were cut for the top!!! Love your cakes and food presentations…Go get your trophy tiger!!!
Thanks Sola. I plan to work hard for it.
This is the beginning of an amazing journey Terry! Congratulations! I’m sure you get an apron! Can’t wait!!!!
Thanks Umaymah. Thanks for the vote of confidence. Na gode sosai.
No matter the out come you did something good last summer and we’re proud of you. I wish you all the best Terry.
Thanks Temi. That makes me happy to hear.
Congrats and well done Terry! I’m a foodie myself but have not had much time (or not made time) to have as much fun with cooking as I would have loved to. You are an excellent baker/cake designer and your food look lovely enough to eat. Bottom line? I will be living my foodie life through you for a while yet. So, go for it, Do us proud. I believe in you!
Thanks Shola. I’d gladly take on this task which you have bestowed upon me.
Hey boss congratulations.. more shortening on your table
LOL. More like more butter. Thanks.
This write up was so real, I could feel your fears and excitement..you know I usually love to study how you create certain dishes before trying and once I follow instructions it turns out amazing.. Hugs. So proud of you school dad praying for you.. #ProudlyNaija#TeamTerry#excited
Thanks daughter. I appreciate your support.
Terrific Terry… been an ardent follower of you in social media.. I’m really impressed.. the way I screamed at home when I saw the update was like I knew you personally… but I do nah.. after trying up to 10 dishes from your page without hiccups.. whether you own or not, at least you did enter the competition and your horizon has expanded… keep the flag flying and doing us proud. Congrats
Yes oh! You do know me as I you. lol. Thanks
Wish you all the best Terry
Thanks Miap.
Congrats Terry, I’m rooting for you and I have absolutely no doubt that you are one of the best at what you do.
Thanks Ije. I know that you are.
Congrats Terry we will rooting for you here in Lagos. I have asked my sis in UK to record it, I pray they show it there. All the best. The sky is your stepping stone.
Thanks Mama Dee. I appreciate the support.
Congratulations Terry. I’m not surprised you got in……just wondering if any station on DSTV will air the show. Would love to watch every episode and root for you till the end.
Thanks. I doubt DSTV would. I will be sure to provide updates.
Congratulations and well done Terry. Am rooting for you.
Been a follower of your great work and have been able to execute a few very well by following your instructions. Thank you for the free lessons.
Thanks for dropping a note Angela. Glad to hear about your results.
wow. well done Terry! so proud of you. cant wait to see the show.All the best.
Thanks Duchess. I appreciate your support.
Go Terry go Terry go……always proud to show ur creative designs,u ve got what it takes to get d apron. God is on ur side.
We ve got some pending chat..wink**
Thanks Kemi. Pending chats? ok.
Wow.I see you going places Mr Terry.I wish i can watch.I will tell my sister in law who’s based in canada to be on d look out for d programme so that i proudly say my mentor won when the show’s finally over.Victory is yours in Jesus name.
Thanks Bimbo. I will be sure to provide updates.
Honestly you have done Nigerians out there proud.Also,I’m greatly proud and fond of you. All your display always put a smile in my heart with a mouth watering. Greatest height bruv.
Thanks Tito. I’m humbled.
My one and only Terry mania, we are getting an apron Insha Allah, or how ll I be able to seat and enjoy the fruit of being a patient bae? 😂😂😂😂 we are making top 3!The whole of Naija is right behind you.
Thanks Beau. You have to enjoy the fruit of your labour oh 🙂
Awww congratulations Terry. I do not know you but you have blessed my life in such a way that you will not understand. I wish all the very in this competition and I know you will come out of it smiling. Congratulations once again.
Thanks a lot Wilcordia. I appreciate.
God knws aw i so wish, to be able to watch it live ,i tried watching the premiere on d website but it was not playing. I was so excited when i saw you were going for the apron even gisted my husband about it cos i always showed him how well you av been doing as his learned collegue and as a cake guru . we really wish you all the very best in this contest and hopeful about you being the best among all. May God be with you and see you through until you make us proud further. (masterchef 2016 winner is T……..A…….)
Thanks a lot Olaide. Yes the links do no work outside Canada. I will be sure to provide updates.
Waoh! Congrats Terry.no be small thing.way to go
Thanks Amanda.
Well done, Terry!! We will be rooting for you. Meanwhile, I’ve been hunting around for your tutorial on the woven brioche which everyone went crazy about on so you think you can cook grp on fb. Is there a link on your blog?
Thanks. Yes, it can be found here.
Terry D Terry..congrats bro and I have been nursing the thought that I must look for you in canada soonest..trust me I will do so someday…at least to eat one of those mouth watering cakes of yours..the sky is your stepping stone
Thanks Funke. Some day…and you will do all the cooking.
Oh wow, you already own(won) the apron boss… Because to many or virtually all of us you have our Hearts with your humble, meek and pleasant personality which is a major point. To me what more is greater than winning the heart of people by being oneself. Not to worry Terry we all I Africa are behind you (you know what I mean*hahaha) and am sure you have the heart of the European community also not just the Edmonson. Just so you know if there’s one greatest fan left know she’s the one 💯🙌✋💂🏆🍴🙏
Thanks a lot Maryam. I appreciate your support.
Reading this i realise living life doing what u love most is the best way to live life….Go get the apron!
Yes it is. Thanks Feyi.
Wow. Congratulations. Will be rooting for you even if I can’t watch it. Hope to catch it online somehow.
Thanks. I will be sure to provide updates.
This is great! Perfectly voiced. Thank you for sharing. Come to think of it, I never did get to try that cheesecake of yours… Why did we not have a tasting! Haha I think I was just overwhelmed with all the crazy talent and giant personalities to even think about sharing. Someday we will have to exchange desserts!
I see the lady with the amazing Tres Leches Cupcakes found me :-). Yeah, we should totally do a dessert exchange someday!
Congrats terry. So proud of you. The sky is your limit.just keep aiming high
Thanks a lot Bisi.
Wow! Congratulaions Terry. Just know that God is not yet through with u.u will surely get there.All the best.
Thanks Wumi.
Am proud of you Terry!! Your indeed my role model!!**hugs**
Thanks a lot Angie.