MasterChef Junior interview: Mashu Nishi talks signing up, making friendships, overall experience
Not to hype up this interview too much, but we do think that this one is really great not only when it comes to Mashu speaking about his experience, but sharing some honest feedback about some of the friendships and memories that go along with it.
CarterMatt – What made you want to be a part of the show this season?
Mashu Nishi – I really loved cooking and loved the show. Also, it was the last year that I could try out since I was 13 at that time, so I just went for it.
Was there a specific challenge this season that you enjoyed the most?
I enjoyed my first challenge the most (ie. top 40 challenge when I had to make pasta). Gordon told me that I made other Italian chefs jealous with my Egg yolk ravioli, or raviolo, and that really made me happy.
Was cooking in this past episode all the more exciting because of getting the Michelle Obama interview and meeting Julie Bowen?
Oh yes definitely! I mean, who wouldn’t want Mrs. Obama to give us a special message, and who wouldn’t want to meet Julie Bowen and have her taste our food? This past episode was so fun in so many ways even though I was eliminated. I was so surprised when Julie Bowen approached me after filming to hug me and told me that I did an amazing job and to never give up my dream. Those words were so encouraging to me.
What’s the thing you learned about yourself and your cooking as a result of doing the show?
I think what I learned the most was that if you never try, you will never know. And that goes for pretty much everything. I was always afraid to try out for MasterChef Junior because … well, to be frank I thought I would never get in. So when my last opportunity came for me to try out for the show, I jumped right to it. So I would like to say for anyone who is afraid to try out for something or do anything, just try because you will never know if you never try.
You and Donovan seemed to be very supportive and caring for each other as you left the kitchen. Did the two of you form a good friendship?
Yes. Donovan and I formed a great friendship. Actually, he was like a little brother to me. We have so many things in common and we always tried to help each other out. One of the many things we had in common was our love for Asian cuisine. We went to this local Japanese restaurant around the hotel many times together. We always liked talking about what kind of things we cook at home, who our favorite chefs were, and the list goes on. So yes, it’s safe to say Donovan and I became great friends.
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Thanks to Mashu for his time and his candor answering the questions! Remember that there is another new episode airing on Fox Thursday night, and we’ll have a sneak peek of the episode for you tomorrow morning at the link here. (Photo: Fox.)