“I am too strong to battle mere mortals… bring me GIANTS”
Ever since the first airing of MasterChef Australia in 2009, the powerful words of chef Gary Mehigan have been etched in my memory.
I often imagined myself in that hallowed kitchen, baking for George, Matt and Gary, but never in my wildest dream did I picture meeting the Gary Mehigan in person and attending his masterclass in Kolkata. And to make the occasion even more special, I had the privilege of presenting him with Saldanha Bakery’s speciality, the Walnut Cake.
Former ‘MasterChef Australia’ judge Gary Mehigan conducted a Summer Desserts Masterclass at The Kitchenette on Rawdon Street Soumyajit Dey/ My Kolkata
On July 8, Conosh organised a Summer Dessert Masterclass by the former MasterChef Australia judge at The Kitchenette on Rawdon Street. I stepped inside a room buzzing with excitement as organisers, professional chefs, media persons and photographers prepared for the event. I was enamoured by the setup at the cooking studio founded by Devika Agarwal. The equipment and ingredients were neatly arranged under each participant’s table.
Amidst it all, there he was, chef Gary himself, providing last-minute instructions. My heart skipped a beat, and I couldn’t stop beaming. With his infectious smile and great sense of humour, he effortlessly put everyone at ease, and the participants were excited to jump right into this adventure!
The menu — a chef’s delight
The three desserts had summer flavours of fruits, berries, mint and citrus Alisha Alexander
The menu curated for the Summer Dessert Masterclass was a chef’s delight. First on the list was the Pavlova with White Chocolate Cream and Summer Berries. “Every Christmas is Pavlova time in my family,” shared Gary. The challenge lay in achieving the perfect balance — a crisp exterior with a soft, marshmallow-like interior. With his skilled hands, he demonstrated how to make the quintessentially Australian-origin Pavlova, with finishing touches of luscious summer berries and sprigs of fresh mint.
L-R: In the making: Pavlova with White Chocolate Cream and Summer Berries and the Mango Tart with Yoghurt and Green Cardamom Sorbet Soumyajit Dey/ My Kolkata
Next up was the Mango Tart with Yoghurt and Green Cardamom Sorbet. The end result was a brilliant golden brown puff pastry, with just the right balance between fresh fruit and frangipane (almond cream). While making the yoghurt sorbet, chef Gary playfully remarked that he could never teach any Indian about making curd and this light-hearted moment added much cheer to the room!
Then came the Panna Cotta, the highlight of the dessert line-up — infused with citrus flavours and made pretty with candied walnuts. The silky and creamy texture was very different from any panna cotta I have ever tasted.
‘Only practice makes perfect and there is no other substitute’ - Gary’s words of wisdom as he moved from table to table Soumyajit Dey/ My Kolkata
The enthusiasm with which the participants took to replicating a few elements of the desserts and his encouragement as he moved from table to table in the hands-on session was a pleasure to watch. “Only practice makes perfect and there is no other substitute,” he stressed.
Gary’s love for Goa
As the event drew to a close, and chef Gary was interacting with everyone, I got the chance to tell him that our bakery, Saldanha’s, was the only Goan bakery in Kolkata, and he told me how much he loved visiting Goa and enjoyed the poie (Goan bread).
Debra Saldanha and daughter Alisha get clicked with Gary at a Conosh dinner at venue partner Taj Bengal; Tuna Tataki with Salmon Caviar, and Spinach Ravioli with Black Truffles on Gary’s menu Alisha Alexander
I also seized the chance to ask him two questions!
1. Who inspired you to become a chef?
With a twinkle in his eyes, he replied, “My grandfather. He was an outstanding chef”. At that moment, I was transported back to the MasterChef Australia final, which I had watched along with my own grandfather, who was my source of inspiration too.
MasterChef Australia Season 1 contestants Julie and Poh, and (right) the three judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris, and Matt Preston on the show MasterChef Australia / YouTube
2. What was your most cherished MasterChef Australia memory?
“When Julie Goodwin won the first-ever season with everyone’s emotions running high… it is a memory I will always cherish.”
Just like I shall always cherish this one.
The author is the fourth-generation owner of Saldanha Bakery Kolkata and has a patisserie degree from Le Cordon Bleu London