Masterchef contestant keen for another shot

HAPPY LOSER: Masterchef contestant Jess Smith is not downhearted about her elimination from the show and is ready for new challenges.PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY 100815WCBRCCO01

Although her roast capsicum aioli split, the Masterchef judges said it tasted delicious - it was the tough squid that got Wanganui contestant Jess Smith eliminated from the popular show.

"The pressure is incredible, as soon as I chose the squid I realised I didn't know how to prepare it or how long to leave it on the grill and it just went downhill from there," said Jess.

The 23-year-old said she was keen to audition when she heard TV3 had picked up the show after TVNZ dropped the series.

"I think they had around 1000 applications, and 50 of us went to Auckland for the auditions, where they whittled us down to 25."

Jess said she enjoyed meeting the other contestants and being with like-minded people who enjoyed food and cooking.

"The judges were pretty good - Al Brown is really down-to-earth and he is genuine and likes to have fun, but I found Josh Emett with his piercing eyes a bit daunting."

Despite being eliminated early in the series, Jess said she loved the experience and thinks she will audition for another series. "One of the contestants was on her fourth audition, so I'm keen to have another go, and I'll know what to expect next time round.

"Although it was tough having microphones attached and cameras on you, it was good experience, because cooking is such a performance these days."

Jess said the contestants got to visit Al Brown's restaurant, Depot, in Auckland's Federal St, and said the kitchen there was exposed so diners could watch their food being prepared.

It was a far cry from cooking at the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge where Jess has been a seasonal worker. "The opportunity for Masterchef came at a good time, because I had just finished work at the lodge for the season ..."

Jess said she will soon be moving to Tauranga and is not sure what she will be doing there.

"I'm open to any opportunities that present themselves, and if it involves cooking that's fine."