Since publishing this story, Network Ten has announced the death of MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo on April 30, 2023. MasterChef Australia Secrets and Surprises will now premiere on Sunday, May 7, with the full support of Zonfrillo’s family.
It’s time for MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises, which means it’s also time to get to know the hopeful home cooks who will be facing off in the kitchen this season. Andrea Puglisi is a 36-year-old rope access technician from Western Australia, and now, he’s also one of the MasterChef Australia 2023 cast members.
Andrea’s Love for Food Began In Italy
Andrea was born and raised in Turin, northern Italy, and his love for cooking began at a young age.
His father and Nonna were both whizzes in the kitchen, and soon enough, Andrea was inspired to learn from them. And with a large family and five siblings, there were plenty of mouths to feed!
Soon enough, Andrea was spending most of his time in the kitchen, where he learned to cook pasta and sauces from scratch.
Andrea’s Career Before MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises
When Andrea’s family took over a café, he began working alongside them. Soon enough, this led him to venture into the hospitality industry. He’s worked as a venue manager, bartender, and vineyard farmhand, and soon, he’ll be making his mark as one of the MasterChef Australia 2023 cast members.
Over the course of his career in hospitality, Andrea had the privilege of working with many talented chefs, all of whom influenced his cooking style.
More recently, Andrea took a step back from working in hospitality, and currently works as a rope access technician.
Still, Andrea continues to cook Mediterranean and pescatarian dishes every day, with Italian classics like spaghetti and clams being one of his favourites to cook.
Follow Andrea on Instagram here.
Related: Introducing the ‘MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises’ Top 18
Related: Where to Follow the ‘MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises’ Cast on Instagram
What Andrea’s Bringing to MasterChef Australia 2023
Andrea is all about big flavours and intuitive cooking, and while competing on MasterChef Australia, Andrea hopes to refine his dessert skills and push himself out of his comfort zone. Most importantly, he’s determined to enjoy the ride and embrace the challenges along the way.
Beyond MasterChef, Andrea dreams of opening a tapas wine and cocktail bar in a tropical location.
With his Italian roots and diverse culinary experiences, Andrea is a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen, but how will he go on MasterChef Australia? Only time will tell.
MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises premieres Sunday, May 7 at 7.30pm, only on 10 and 10 Play on Demand.
Want more MasterChef Australia? Read all our content here, and check out the stories below:
- The Heat Is on: ‘MasterChef Australia 2023’ Brings Both Flavour and Drama
- Get Ready to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with ‘MasterChef: Dessert Masters’
- Introducing the ‘MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises’ Top 18
- The Secrets and Surprises Are About to Begin on ‘MasterChef Australia’ 2023
- ‘MasterChef Australia’ 2023: Adi Is a Doctor Who Combines Science and Cooking
- Alice Is a Gifted Academic, But Will She Win ‘MasterChef’ 2023?
- Amy Grew Up Watching ‘MasterChef’, and Now She’s Ready to Win It
- Antonio Is a Software Developer Who’s Ready to Win ‘MasterChef’ 2023
- Brent Is Back for ‘MasterChef’ 2023, and He Wants to Inspire Others
- Cath Is Ready to Make Her Culinary Dreams Come True on ‘MasterChef’
- Jessica Is an Optometrist Who Sees Herself Winning ‘MasterChef’ 2023
- Declan Is a Carpenter Who’s Ready to Get His Hands Dirty on ‘MasterChef’
- Grace Refuses to Let Endometriosis Get In Her Way on ‘MasterChef’
- Larissa Is Ready to Take on the ‘MasterChef’ Kitchen
- Malissa Is Ready for Her Once-In-a-Lifetime ‘MasterChef’ Experience
- Phil Is Ready to Bring His A-Game to ‘MasterChef’
- Ralph Is Bringing His Passion for Food and Family to ‘MasterChef’
- Rhiannon Is Ready to Follow Her Dreams on ‘MasterChef’
- Robbie Is Bringing Aboriginal Asian Fusion to ‘MasterChef’
- Rue Has Her Eyes on the Prize on ‘MasterChef’
- Theo Is an Electrician Who Plans to Show His Spark on ‘MasterChef’
- “Deeply Shocked and Saddened” — ‘MasterChef Australia’ Judge Jock Zonfrillo Has Died Aged 46
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