You were a model before you took up cooking as a career. Why the switch?
Modelling allowed me to explore different cuisines and cultures; and fuelled my passion for food. I love modelling, but a career in food is more fulfilling.
Why did you decide to participate in Masterchef?
I participated on a whim, not thinking that I would actually get in. The experience is like a rocket into the industry.
Did getting eliminated on Masterchef come as a dampener to the food dream?
Not at all, it ignited my food dream even more.
In Masterchef, you were known for your modern take on Indian food.
My cooking style is a slightly modern take. I love taking ingredients and techniques and making a dish my own.
Why Goa for your first restaurant?
Goa is a beautiful destination and the property where Antares sits reminds me of my home town in QLD in the Great Barrier Reef.
How is the food in Antares going to be different, since you talk of an Australian take on it.
Australian cuisine certainly, with a hint of Asian influences.
Do you plan to settle in India?
I will be staying for the entire season in Goa, then make frequent visits.
What is your favourite cuisine?
Australian. We are lucky to be so multicultural and have little influences from every cuisine for our own.
Your favourite Indian dish?
Keema and gulab jamun.
What’s next?
I have just finished writing my first cookbook. For now my focus is to make the restaurant a success.
