BENDIGO’S Tim Dalton says his experience on reality TV series MasterChef has renewed his passion for the hospitality industry after leaving a career in the banking world.
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Last year Tim was working in card and merchant operations at Bendigo Bank before deciding to pursue an interest in cooking.
Out of more than 5000 MasterChef applicants, Tim made it to the top 50, narrowly missing out on the top 24.
“It was an amazing experience,” he said. “I was working at the bank and wasn’t enjoying it as much as I thought. MasterChef made me realise that cooking’s where my main interest is.”
Tim said he was always a huge fan of the show’s emphasis on good food and home-cooked meals.
“It’s a brilliant show for educating people on fresh produce and inspiring people to cook their own food and use ingredients they might not have heard of.
“I’d always watched it and thought about applying.”
Tim now manages Bendigo cafe The Green Olive, with thoughts of one day opening a restaurant in the countryside.
“Since I was about eight or nine I’ve loved hanging out in kitchens and helping my mum cook. I’d love to open a restaurant with her, something that’s fully self-sufficient with fresh produce.”
Tim said the experience of being around other chefs on the show was invaluable: “It was good to be around people who were like-minded and passionate
about their own cooking and hospitality.”
