MasterChef Junior interview: Mark Coblentz talks season 5 experience

Mark Coblentz was one of two home cooks eliminated from MasterChef Junior last week, and over the course of the season, he showed a lot of passion! He also brought an interesting perspective to the show as a “meat guy” who knew his way around the grill; unfortunately, it was the Beef Wellington, a signature dish of one Gordon Ramsay, that did him in on Thursday night.

Below, you can check out our exclusive exit interview with Mark, which was conducted via email over the weekend. In this, we discuss Beef Wellington, his favorite challenge from the season, and what some of his culinary goals are from here.

CarterMatt – Was it tough watching last night’s episode back knowing what happened at the end of it?

Mark Coblentz – Yes, it was a little tough watching myself on TV last night. I was replaying what I could’ve done differently or what I should’ve changed with my dish, but it was still a great experience.

What was your first reaction when you learned you were cooking beef wellington?

At first, I was very intrigued. I had made salmon wellington before, but never Beef Wellington. But, I was really looking forward to this challenge because I love trying new things and testing my skills.

Is it something that you’re looking forward to making in the future? What sort of food do you enjoy cooking the most?

Yes, I do look forward to making Beef Wellington in the future, but with a little twist. My food style that I like to cook with is a French-Southern blend. I enjoy making Southern food and stepping it up a notch with French influence. And so, I really want to make Venison Wellington next time I harvest a deer.

Looking back, what challenge this season would you consider your favorite?

My favorite challenge this season would probably be the team challenges. I enjoy working with others and sometimes stepping up to help lead if we are struggling as a team. Also, I enjoyed making the Beef Wellington. This was a new dish and used some skills I have never “flexed” before, and I am all about trying new things!

After going through this experience, do you have any goal in mind as to what you want to do with food for the rest of your life?

My main goal in my culinary career is to please everyone who comes through the door. I want to do that by opening up a restaurant in my home town, and hopefully expanding to have one in every southern state. But, I need to work hard and perfect my craft before I do that! That is why I can never think I’m too good not to do anything! There is always something I can learn!

Hungry for more MasterChef Junior coverage?

You can get some further exit interviews, plus episode reviews, previews, and more, by heading over to the link here right now! (Photo: Fox.)