Sún Etheridge -Top 8 Masterchef Contestant 2011, holds a degree in Journalism and writes reviews about anything that takes her fancy. You can read them here.
by Sún, on September 5th, 2011Hi interwebs,
I’ve just realised it’s been almost a month since I posted anything, and I’d like to apologise for being so silent.
I guess it’s a bit of a knee jerk reaction to the whole Masterchef phenomenon. Being an ex-reality TV contestant is a weird space to be in. I was with Masterchef for 9 months in total, which is not only a massive chunk out of my life, but also enough time that being in the Masterchef bubble oddly became my reality. I’m hoping it’s not going to take 9 months to get back to normal!
Such a huge commitment has really driven me to try and make something worthwhile out of the experience. Instead of turning up to the opening of an envelope, I’ve been doing work experience at local radio stations trying to leverage this exposure into a radio career (in my defence I do have a Journalism degree, so it’s not completely outrageous). I’m also applying for an ABC cadetship (serious long shot, but keeping fingers crossed).
I am, of course, still cooking, but I seem to be taking great delight in cooking for me, not for Masterchef. What this seems to mean is vegetarian food. It is pretty surreal to me that I cooked and ate so much meat on Masterchef, I cooked steak the other night and only managed to finish half of it as it seemed so strange to be eating a big chunk of flesh. I still hold by my decision to eat meat, I still think that it’s OK to eat meat occasionally (as long as it’s ethically sourced) but I can’t see how eating meat twice per day, every day, is a good idea. The weird thing is that after trying so hard to cook and eat meat on Masterchef, I now feel kind of ashamed about reverting to vegetarianism. I think it’s because there’s a lot of pressure in Masterchef to be a part of the ‘food snob’ world, and in that world food isn’t worth eating unless it’s an endangered animal that has been sous vide and then covered in butter. Preferably served with crackling and a small flower.
I don’t really know what this blog is going to turn into, but I’ll keep trying to shake off my fear of being typecast as the hippy vego and maybe even get the gumption to post some more recipes someday soon.
Sun x
Hi, I’m an Indian who is following your series of MasterChef Australia (currently airing). I just saw the episode of your elimination and got here from the ‘What happened to her next) text that followed.
I just wanted to say that it’s been wonderful watching you cook (even if I didn’t have a chance to taste any of it!). We’re the same age and I’ve recently made a transition into something that I love, which is not exactly what I studied for. If this helps in any way, there are more of us out there in the world breaking new ground. I’m hoping you are still carrying that sense of calm, personal power with which you left the show.
Also, you talked about being a vegetarian and having to work with & eat meat on MasterChef. I come from a country that has a very strong vegetarian culture, for religious reasons. I grew up with a mother who is an excellent cook AND vegetarian. I eat meat but it’s an acquired taste. For what it’s worth, I think that meat-eaters do have a range of foods available to them but they also miss out on a wonderful world of vegetables & fruits, the subtle flavours of which are in a different class from cooked meat.
I’ve rambled and I hope you’ll put it down to a wee bit of fangirlism that comes the way of a reality show contestant. All the best, Sun, and I hope you continue to bring joy to the world through food and writing!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I particularly agree re vegetarians, I eat a wee bit of meat now, but still mainly vego!
hi Sun, Master chef is telecasting on star world torrent now a days.i m a housewife,24 , from Islamabad,Pakistan.i did my Msters in Media studies and i m a former RJ. watched your exit program yesterday and note your blog. i have so much love for food and meeting people. i love u in the show .ur looks ur whole personality..so close to my heart ..please dont skip writing this blog because u dont know someone,some where waits for ur recipes..i m just a learner and a beginner..i cant get any opportunity like you..but i like to learn through those people u go through a bigger experience like Master chef. best of luck for your life ahead ..
thanks XxX Urooj.
P.S i m weak in English writing so please forgive my grammar and tense structure.
)
Thank you for watching, I’m so glad you found recipes you can use & that you enjoyed it.
Darling Darling Sun,
To be raised a vegetarian and having to eat/cook meat…Kudos to you for having reached this level on Masterchef!
We are vegetarians but my household earns money from seafood.
‘Ethically sourced’ (aka killed) somehow seems like an oxymoron unless you are a carnivore out in the wild hunting your prey without guns and with just physical power.
Stay true to yourself….
Love – Anu
Hi Sun,Masterchef 2011 is just being aired in India – just finished watching the soul food episode today. Since I was holding off from googling to figure out who won, I had no idea you had’nt made it through to the finals…feeling very sad because I was really rooting for you.
All the very best for your food writing and I hope you are hugely successful with it!
Hey sun..was totally impressed with ur receipe during the french vs. english battle in masterchef..n i hav been trying to find the receipe of the egg with chips but in vain..i wud really appreciate it if u cud giv me dat receipe..:)
I just made a leek & potato soup which I foamed with a siphon. Thick cut chips are boiled till soft, dried & chilled, cooked at 125C, chilled, then cooked at 180C. All topped with salmon roe & caviar. Yum!
It was yesterday we saw the episode where you had to leave Masterchef . And I read about your website and here I am. I felt sorry you had to leave, but honestly, I felt sorry for all who had to leave LOL Anyway, I loved you on the show too, and I can’t wait to spend some time on your site, and maybe try to cook one of your recipes. Although that mind end up as a disaster, because I think I am the worlds most terrible cook
But I always have fun trying!
Hello Sún,
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I reconize what you say about eating meat, I’ve been a vegetarian from the age of 13 until about a year ago. Now I just eat meat once a week, and only ecological. (or how do you call this in english? i’m sorry my english is not so good
I really really liked you in the masterchef-show(not only because you’re so beautiful), you were my favourite.
I’m looking forward to try more of your recipes.
I hope you are feeling happy and I wish you the best!!
Mirjam x
(from the other side of the world, the Netherlands)
Sun, I am in New Zealand and just watched your elimination tonight. We are obviously quite a bit behind
. Can you tell me, do you have the passion for cooking, and furthering cooking, with skills etc gained from Masterchef? I enjoyed watching some of your creations, and actually thought you would get into at least the top 4. Love this website, have just found today. Will be adding to my favourites.Thanks
Hey Sun
So sorry to see you leave Masterchef, just broadcast here in NZ. Glad you are being true to you, was sad to see you leave the program. Looking forward to browsing more through your blog, it looks great!!
Great to see you on NZ TV tonight. We admire your courage and wish you every success in the future.
approve my comment on your latest recipe blog thing whatever
say please!!
The pendulum swings Sunnie! And there’s no doubt that fresh fruit and vegies and light lean clean proteins, taken from whatever kingdom with gratitude, build a healthy life – happiness comes from cooking with love and sharing the delights with others!
And that’s what you give us! love Mum
Glad your back, look forward to reading more of your resturant reviews and great recipes in the future.
P.S Try to get a hold of Matthew Evan’s “The Real Food Guide” Matthew is a wonderful “food snob” who does not beleive ” food isn’t worth eating unless it’s an endangered animal that has been sous vide and then covered in butter” :0)
Oh I love Matthew Evans! The Gourmet Farmer is always on my ‘must watch’ list
I don’t have ‘The Real Food Guide’ yet though, I will keep an eye out for it.
Good on you Sun, for staying true to yourself and having some scruples to pick and choose what you do/support and represent. Looking forward to seeing where you end up next…. and some recipes. Take Care
P.S.not everyone thought you were the frowny, hippy vego
Good to have you back Sun!!