When MasterChef Junior recorded its first episode, Culver City’s Dara Yu was not sure what to expect but she knew life had positioned her with a great opportunity.
“I have watched MasterChef, the adult version, but being in the kitchen was different,” Yu said. “Seeing the standard of the food that the adults make made me say ‘oh my goodness’ and added some pressure just thinking about what they were going to expect from us.”
Yu, 12, made it to the final episode where she faced off against Alexander Weiss. Despite not walking away with the grand prize, Yu believes the competition allowed her to grow.
“It was a good way to learn to be in the kitchen with that type of pressure,” Yu said. “Going back to the first challenge, there was pressure but after that I got into the zone for myself and I didn’t really worry about anyone else. I was trying to do my best and I really learned to not worry and just cook.”
From the age of eight Yu has sought opportunities to refine her skills in the kitchen. Through cooking camps, travel and visits to high-end restaurants, this young chef has gained knowledge about cooking unlike many kids her age.
“I have been able to develop a sophisticated palate,” Yu said. “From the cooking camps I have learned how to make more family- style foods and I have learned how to make bigger portions. From the show I have definitely learned to make restaurant quality (food).”
Not the pressure of the show, nor the notoriety that came with it distracted Yu, who was a bit uncertain about the reaction at school due to her weekly appearance on the FOX’s hit show.
“I wasn’t sure if some people would be jealous or if other people would only want to be friends with me because I was on the show; or if people would just not want to be friends with me and be mean to me,” Yu said. “At this point, it really has not changed my school life.”
With the goal to own her a restaurant and one day have a show where she can share her culinary expertise, Yu is moving forward and appreciates her time on TV.
“I went into the show not knowing anyone and not really expecting much concerning relationships but I came out with family,” Yu said. “I have twelve new sisters and brothers and twelve new moms and dads. ”
The next casting call for MasterChef Junior will likely be in January but no official dates have been set yet. Kids have to be between the ages of 8-13 on March 10, 2014 to be part of casting. More information available at: www.MasterChefJuniorCasting. com.
