{"id":50175,"date":"2018-03-28T15:06:39","date_gmt":"2018-03-28T19:06:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=50175"},"modified":"2018-03-28T16:08:10","modified_gmt":"2018-03-28T20:08:10","slug":"brock-grad-to-cook-up-storm-on-masterchef-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2018\/03\/brock-grad-to-cook-up-storm-on-masterchef-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"Brock grad to cook up storm on MasterChef Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Brock community may recognize a familiar face when tuning into the Season 5 premiere of <\/span>MasterChef Canada<\/span><\/em> next week.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Alumnus Michael Griffiths (BSc \u201916, BEd \u201916) has used his culinary prowess to secure a spot as one of 21 finalists in the televised national cooking competition, which kicks off Tuesday, April 3 on CTV.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Griffiths\u2019 focus was on Mathematics and Concurrent Education during his time at Brock, the 24-year-old Richmond Hill native has always had a passion for food.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Brock alumnus Michael Griffiths was chosen to compete among 21 home cooks in the MasterChef Canada finals.<\/p><\/div>\n

As a child, he was frequently found in the kitchen helping his mother prepare the family\u2019s meals, and later on in his university years, he often impressed his roommates with his culinary skills.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was during his time on campus that Griffiths learned to balance the many interests \u2014 math and food among them \u2014 that contended for his time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was always very engaged. I played rugby, worked as a senior supervisor at the recreation services desk and worked with a number of mathematics and outreach programs,\u201d he said. \u201cBrock was the kickstarter for a lot of my different adventures.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a wide variety of interests still on his plate, Griffiths decided to pursue his dream of being on <\/span>MasterChef<\/span><\/em>, all while simultaneously working to earn his Master of Mathematics at the University of Guelph.<\/span><\/p>\n

At first glance, there may seem to be little overlap between mathematics and culinary arts, but Griffiths said that is not the case.<\/span><\/p>\n

He believes his math background gives him an edge in the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know how to think critically. I know how to think logistically,\u201d he said. \u201cIf I\u2019m having a party for 50 people, I know how to work out what I need to do in order to put forward an amazing dish that everyone can enjoy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Griffiths knew the timing was right to attempt to claim the coveted <\/span>MasterChef Canada<\/span><\/em> title.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith the support of friends and family, I took the leap,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

He applied for the show online last summer, submitting a video of himself whipping up a dinner party for a group of close friends and talking about the role his family has played in his love affair with food.<\/span><\/p>\n

He then attended an open audition in Toronto, presenting a homemade sausage dish that impressed a judging panel made up of local chefs and sent him on to the next round.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sworn to secrecy until details of his <\/span>MasterChef Canada<\/span><\/em> journey are revealed on air, Griffiths was unable to say much about his on-screen experience, but did reflect on the surreal feeling of stepping onto set for the first time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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MasterChef Canada judges, from left, Michael Bonacini, Alvin Leung and Claudio April. (Photo: CTV)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cAs one of the final 21 home cooks, you walk into the <\/span>MasterChef<\/span><\/em> kitchen and that\u2019s when you get to meet the judges for the first time,\u201d Griffiths said of his encounter with renowned chefs Michael Bonacini, Alvin Leung and Claudio Aprile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s when I felt like a 12-year-old boy. I was in my element, in my dream. Then we were given a schedule to prepare our meals for the judges.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Griffiths urged the Brock community to \u201cstay tuned\u201d for what comes next.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI really hope you like what you see.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He is thankful for the encouragement he has received from the Brock community, which has \u201chit home in such an incredible way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is another example of the outstanding support the Brock community has always provided for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Griffiths hopes to inspire his fellow Badgers to continue to work hard and follow their passions, even if it takes them down an unconventional path.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFollow your heart and realize that what you\u2019re working hard on may not be your end goal passion, but I guarantee there\u2019s a connection to your future there,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

MasterChef Canada<\/span><\/a><\/em> premieres Tuesday, April 3 at 9 p.m. on CTV.<\/span><\/p>\n