Dara Yu gives MasterChef Junior Season 8 finalists the poignant advice, exclusive
While she might have returned to MasterChef Season 12 seeking redemption, Dara Yu appreciates that MasterChef Junior set her on a path to culinary success. Now that the MasterChef Junior Season 8 finalists have been revealed, Dara shares some advice to the talented, young chefs.
As a finalist in MasterChef Junior Season 1, Dara forged a path that was slightly uncharted. While she has always had a passion for food and cooking, the influence of young culinary stars was at its infancy when MasterChef Junior started.
Today, age does not define culinary creativity, proficiency or greatness. Looking the two MasterChef Junior Season 8 finalists, Grayson and Liya, that statement is quite clear. From visually stunning plates to masterful cookery, these cooks are measured by their skill not the number next to their name.
What advice does Dara Yu give the MasterChef Junior Season 8 finalists?
While Dara is set to compete again on MasterChef Season 12 Back to Win, she appreciates that making the finals of MasterChef Junior is a huge accomplishment. Specifically, she shared exclusively to FoodSided, the following:
“A huge congratulations to the Season 8 finalists! You should all be incredibly proud of the hard work you put in to get to this point. Being on Season One of MasterChef Junior completely changed my life. After my experience on the show, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in food. I’ve had incredible opportunities, like being invited to the White House and working on the opening team of Dominique Ansel Bakery at 16 years old.”
Although Dara has found her success in the culinary world, that journey is not always the simple one. Ups, downs, struggles and triumphs are part of the story. Still, she believes that one sentiment above all needs to be part of the conversation.
Dara Yu shared the following advice ahead of the MasterChef Junior Season 8 finale.
“My biggest piece of advice for the Season 8 finalists are to explore your passion and pursue as many opportunities as possible. If you choose to continue your professional cooking journey, reach out to chefs who inspire you and cook the food that you want to learn how to make. You have the advantage being young and hungry to learn and chefs want to support a young person with that type of drive. Also, don’t forget to have fun being a kid and enjoy this remarkable time of your life.”
Will Grayson or Liya win the MasterChef Junior Season 8 title? Be sure to watch the finale on Thursday, June 23 at 8 p.m. on FOX. The 2-hour finale includes a road to the finale and their last battle.
In addition, fans can watch Dara on MasterChef Season 12: Back to Win. New episodes are Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. on FOX.