Despite a history sometimes marred by controversy, MasterChef is returning with a fresh judging panel, and these new judges are determined to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. Grace Dent and Anna Haugh, now co-hosts, discuss their approach to food criticism, comparing themselves to “T-Rexes” and distancing themselves from the show’s past controversies.
Grace Dent has a personal history with MasterChef, having watched it with her father in Carlisle during her childhood. She recalls fondly laughing at the critics on the show, describing them as “utterly ridiculous people, with their overblown egos, thinking their opinions on food matter. Who are these people? And then lo and behold…” Dent, who is also a restaurant critic for The Guardian, has joined the show as a co-host alongside Irish chef Anna Haugh. Both have previously served as guest judges in various MasterChef seasons.
Her childhood experience with the program played a role in shaping Dent’s career aspirations. “There was also a little thing in my head, thinking that looks like an amazing job. You get to go to restaurants and talk about it?”
Dent explains that she and Haugh were aware of each other prior to their collaboration, as “the restaurant and hospitality world, especially in London, is minuscule.” However, working closely together has deepened their connection. Haugh interjects, stating that their relationship became “much closer because we were together, all the time. Finishing each other’s sentences.”
Dent humorously notes that she has never reviewed Haugh’s London restaurant, Myrtle, and jokes that it would be challenging to do so now, perhaps requiring her to “arrive in a wig and glasses.” Haugh laughs at the suggestion, responding, “I would love that. If you come, you have to wear a wig and glasses.”
English Translation:
‘We don’t just point at scallops. It’s full on!’ Grace Dent and Anna Haugh take over Masterchef
Despite a history often soured by scandal, MasterChef is back with new judges – and they are committed to ensuring no one has a bad time. Grace Dent and Anna Haugh discuss their approach to eating, likening it to being “T-Rexes,” and explain why they are not dwelling on the show’s past.
Grace Dent grew up watching MasterChef. She and her father would watch the show together at their home in Carlisle. “We used to laugh our heads off at the critics,” she recalls. “Just utterly ridiculous people, with their overblown egos, thinking their opinions on food matter. Who are these people? And then lo and behold…” She smiles. Dent, who also works as The Guardian’s restaurant critic, is now the show’s new co-host alongside Irish chef Anna Haugh. Both have served as guest judges on various MasterChef series for several years.
Watching the program as a child influenced the direction of Dent’s life. “There was also a little thought in my head, thinking that looks like an amazing job. You get to go to restaurants and talk about it?”
Dent mentions that she and Haugh knew of each other before, sitting next to Haugh. “Because the restaurant and hospitality world, especially in London, is minuscule.” However, their working relationship became significantly closer as they were “together all the time. Finishing each other’s sentences,” Haugh adds.
Dent has not reviewed Haugh’s London restaurant, Myrtle. “And I wouldn’t review it now. For a start, it would be quite difficult to sneak in. I might arrive in a wig and glasses.” Haugh laughs. “I would love that. If you come, you have to wear a wig and glasses.”