MasterChef Italia 2024 kicked off its competitive phase on December 26, bringing together 18 aspiring chefs who have successfully earned their white aprons through rigorous selections. This season, viewers are eager to witness the culinary talents of these contestants as they face unique challenges and eliminations under the watchful eyes of judges Bruno Barbieri, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, and Giorgio Locatelli.
The first task on the agenda was the iconic Mystery Box challenge, which encourages contestants to draw upon personal memories and experiences related to their culinary roots. Each chef will cook dishes inspired by their familial “nests,” setting the stage for their culinary prowess to shine. Following this, the contestants will navigate the scenic backdrop of Marano Lagunare (Friuli Venezia Giulia) for the first outdoor cooking challenge. The picturesque surroundings of the Natural Reserve at the mouth of the Stella River will provide the perfect setting for this competition, where chefs will face off to impress both judges and local fishermen.
Among the competitors is Alessia Amendola, the daughter of famous Italian actor Claudio Amendola and renowned voice actress Marina Grande. Despite her elimination during the blind test, where judge Giorgio Locatelli favored another dish, Alessia expressed satisfaction with her cooking and holds no grudges about her departure from the competition. “I feel, though, at peace with myself. I cooked a pesto more or less balanced: the flavor was there. Happy not to have made chef Locatelli taste something unpleasant,” she shared with Il Corriere della Sera.
Alessia’s love for cooking stems from her family heritage, with culinary traditions passed down through generations. Memories of cooking with her family, especially her experiences learning recipe techniques from her father, have shaped her passion. “A time I decided to make ragù alla bolognese, I called my dad to guide me through the steps of the recipe. That ragù was probably the best I've ever made,” she fondly recalls. Alongside her devotion to cooking, she remains committed to her career as a voice actress, aspiring to merge her two passions. “I would love to work as a private chef and organize events, all the time celebrating the joy of cooking,” she said.
This season’s MasterChef promises exciting encounters and culinary innovations, with 18 contestants ready to battle for the title of MasterChef Italia. The show has captivated audiences for over 14 years, thanks to its authenticity and the winners it has produced. “MasterChef has continued to please the audience for 14 years due to its authenticity,” remarked judge Bruno Barbieri, shedding light on the show's lasting success.
The MasterChef Italia format not only entertains but also builds community, forging genuine relationships among contestants and chefs. The emotional journeys of the competitors enrich the competition, reminding everyone of the universal love for food and cooking.
With the Masterclass officially underway, viewers can tune in every Thursday at 21:15 on Sky Uno and streaming on NOW. Whether rooting for Alessia or any of the other talented chefs, audiences can look forward to witnessing their extraordinary culinary journeys and the many dishes they will bring to the table this season.
