Parting Glass to a Master Chef
I had just woken up when I saw Jock Zonfrillo’s latest IG update. It was surprisingly black in colour and was barely a few minutes old. Came to realise moments later that it was not his. That’s how I got to know about his passing.
Jock, together with Michelle and Andy, made up as trio judges for Masterchef Australia since Season 12, with the latest season, entitled ‘Secrets and Surprises’, was supposed to be premiered last Monday (Malaysia time).
The show, especially since the ‘Back to Win’ season in 2020, has been phenomenal and came at the right time when the Covid-19 pandemic had (and still) affected the lives of people around the globe. It was uniquely different compared to most competitive reality TV shows. The judges, plus the contestants, have warmed the hearts of viewers with their emotional and uplifting support of one another. At one point, the show felt less of a competition, but rather a large support base for people to be inspired and motivated, all while being surrounded by amazing circle of friends and new families from within and outside the competition itself.
Then, there was Jock. He was incredible since the start. As a Michelin star chef, and a protégé of the legendary chef Marco Pierre White, he was undeniably a class of his own. While I was in awe by his culinary skills, especially when he displayed his passion in cooking through the Masterclass episodes, you couldn’t help but have a sense of admiration for the guy. He was humble as a teacher, a great listener, and was willing to be at the same level with his contestants to learn of their expertise and specific cooking skills.
From the show, and through his personal socmed account, I am also able to see what he was; a funny and great friend, a special mentor, and a loving husband and father.
And, that is why I, among thousands of his Masterchef fans, have been affected by his death. It was made worse when it was recently revealed that Jock was secretly suffering from bowel cancer, of which was detected in a colonoscopy in 2021. People would fall to their lowest with that kind of revelation, but he didn’t. Instead, he persevered as long as he could, while he continued with his passion in cooking and witty behaviour, spreading positive words and inspire people around him.
Going to miss his loud yell of support at the end of each Masterchef episode. May his family, friends and fans be strong enough to deal with the loss. The upcoming season premiere will undeniably be a bittersweet experience.
As for now, a share of his words. “Go home, make yourselves a cup of tea, be kind to each other, and we’ll see you back in the kitchen soon.”
By: Muhammad Nazreen. A Malaysian & a Masterchef Australia fan.
