Latest news with #MasterChefAustralia
Refinery29
15 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Poh & Sofia's Best Outfits On MasterChef Australia 2025 (So Far) & Where To Buy Them
The food sure looks stunning on MasterChef Australia 2025, with some of the top returning contestants from previous seasons battling it out for the highest honour. But alongside Depinder Chhibber's delicious creations and Sarah Todd's weird but wonderful oyster ice cream, there's something else that has caught our eye. When we're not busy drooling over the food, our attention is solely on Sofia Levin and Poh Ling Yeow's incredible style. The judges became known for their effortlessly chic looks during MasterChef Australia last year, and they've upped the ante in 2025. Say goodbye to boring fashion in the kitchen, because these leading ladies have been busy making bold statements with unique silhouettes, striking colours and patterns. Yeow has always loved to make a splash — whether that's as a frantic contestant or a calm and encouraging judge — so if you're wondering how to take a leaf out of her book, we've got you covered. We've rounded up all of Poh and Sofia's fashion moments from MasterChef Australia 2025, along with where you can buy the coveted pieces as well.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
An unforgettable evening of gin, gourmet delights and great company at Juniper Moon Gin's Cape Town launch
The star of the night was, of course, Juniper Moon Gin. Image: Vuyile Madwantsi Cape Town winters have a way of pulling us indoors, with crisp air, gentle rains, and the allure of cosy nights spent with good food and even better company. On one of those cold, rainy evenings, I found myself invited to the exclusive launch of Juniper Moon Gin in the heart of the city. The promise? A night of indulgence perfectly paired with crafted cocktails and a curated menu from some of the best culinary minds in the business. Despite my less-than-cocktail-appropriate choice of attire - a cute black dress I've been over-wearing lately - I arrived at the event feeling just the right mix of excitement and nerves. Social events aren't my strong suit, but Lisa, my ever-reliable plus-one, held my hand through it all. On arrival, we were greeted by the warm hum of chatter and clinking glasses at a snug venue tucked away in the Gardens. The evening began with a welcome drink, a gin and tonic, naturally and an informal mingling session among Cape Town's socialites, gin enthusiasts, and foodies. As the night unfolded, we were ushered into an intimate dining area, where a long, elegantly set table awaited us. The gin that stole the show The star of the night was, of course, Juniper Moon Gin. The tasting experience was guided by MC Steyn Fullard, who walked us through the intricate notes and unique distillation process of this proudly South African spirit. The first sip was an experience in itself, smooth, balanced, and layered with citrusy bursts of lemon, orange, and grapefruit, rounded off with earthy coriander and spice. Fullard encouraged us to add a few drops of water to our gin, a subtle tweak that unlocked even more depth in its flavour profile. 'It's like wearing a delicate perfume,' he quipped, 'a light, beautiful blend that lingers just enough.' Here's what sets Juniper Moon Gin apart: its unique vapour extraction process. While traditional methods rely on maceration, where botanicals are steeped directly in alcohol, Juniper Moon Gin uses racks to suspend its nine botanicals above the alcohol, allowing the flavours to infuse gently via vapour. This results in a subtler, more refined gin. And while the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, we know there are seven indigenous South African ingredients, including a dried flower whose identity remains tantalisingly undisclosed. Former 'MasterChef Australia" finalist Ben Ungermann. Image: Vuyile Madwantsi A culinary adventure The evening's menu was a masterpiece in itself, crafted by a dream team: former "MasterChef Australia" finalist Ben Ungermann, master mixologist Sebastian Rodriguez, and local culinary legend Chef Harald Bresselschmidt of Aubergine. Each dish was paired with a signature Juniper Moon Gin cocktail, spotlighting the versatility and elegance of this spirit. Ungermann's wildebeest tartare, infused with spekboom, nasturtium gel, smoked quail yolk, and seeded crackers. Image: Vuyile Madwantsi One standout dish was Ungermann's wildebeest tartare, infused with spekboom, nasturtium gel, smoked quail yolk, and seeded crackers. Presented under a dramatic fynbos smoke dome, it sparked lively conversation at my table. For me, the dish was a hit-and-miss, while the presentation was theatrical and the flavours bold, raw meat just isn't my thing. However, it was a crowd favourite, judging by the empty plates swiftly whisked back to the kitchen. Crispy triple fried pap bar, artisan homemade aioli, black garlic gel, celery sheets with young celery heart, black caviar with a south african game meat jus. Image: Vuyile Madwantsi The second course, though, surprisingly stole my heart: fried gourmet pap topped with black caviar. Who knew a humble papa could be so decadent? Bresselschmidt's reimagining of South African staples continued with a beautifully tender springbok loin, though slightly undercooked lentils on the plate left me longing for the hearty lentil stews of my childhood. Springbok loin medallion, beluga lentils, sauce with winter savoury and forest mushroom, mulberry gel. Image: Vuyile Madwantsi Dessert was another daring experiment: biltong-infused ice cream. We were encouraged to keep an open mind, but for me, it didn't quite hit the mark. Still, it added a playful, surprising twist to the menu, an approach that perfectly mirrored the ethos of Juniper Moon Gin itself. Dessert was another daring experiment: biltong-infused ice cream. Image: Vuyile Madwantsi The beauty of the evening wasn't just in the food or the gin, it was in the connections. I struck up a conversation with Wessel Pieterse, a fellow Eastern Cape native, over the smoky aroma of the wildebeest tartare. The scent transported us both back to (ePhondweni )! The Eastern Cape bundu scent evoked a sense of nostalgia. As the courses rolled out and the gin cocktails flowed, the room grew warmer, louder, and more alive. Laughter filled the air, proof that Juniper Gin had done its job: bringing people together, one sip at a time. Juniper Moon Gin's launch wasn't just a celebration of a spirit, it was a celebration of South African ingenuity, flavours, and community. From its carefully sourced botanicals to its innovative distillation process, this gin is as much a story as it is a drink. And to the evening's gracious host, Cole Francis, kudos for crafting an experience that was equal parts intimate and unforgettable.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Celebrities react after TV legend's shock cancer diagnosis
Celebrity friends of Magda Szubanski have rallied around the Aussie comedian after she revealed she had stage four cancer on Thursday. In an emotional video shared to her social media, the Kath and Kim star told fans she had been diagnosed with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma. In the clip, Szubanski told how she had anticipated the hairloss she had experienced due to her treatment — but assured followers she was 'being lovingly cared for by friends and family' and had a 'brilliant' medical team. Among the heartfelt messages from fans were uplifting well-wishes from Szubanski's famous friends. One of the first stars to reach out to Szubanski was MasterChef Australia legend and this season's host Poh Ling Yeow who wrote, 'You look beautiful as a Goog my love. And the Mutley laugh has me thinking you're going to be good at this. We're right behind you. Love u and see you soon ♥️🥚♥️.' Sam Neill, best known for his role in Jurassic Park, said, 'Right there with you darling xx.' 'Much love to you Magda! You've done so much to fight for our rights, you've well and truly earned the right to be a 'cranky old moll!' ❤️❤️❤️,' wrote journalist Narelda Jacobs. Fellow comedians Rove McManus and Pete Helliar let the actress know that they had her back. 'Lots of love and support to you beautiful one 💖,' McManus said. Beloved Aussie star Magda Szubanski has revealed she has stage 4 blood cancer. Credit: Instagram 'Sending you all my love Mags!!!!! You (and we) know how strong you are!! ❤️,' Helliar declared. Radio host Carrie Bickmore, who recently celebrated the 10 year anniversary since launching her campaign to raise funds for the Brain Cancer Centre told Szubanski, 'Oh babe. F**k. You've got this 💪 yelling at you now from a distance that we all love you ❤️❤️.' The kind and impactful words of support for Magda's battle extended beyond TV and media personalities. Grace Tame, who was named Australian of the Year in 2021, added, 'Sending you all the love in the world and warm, immuno-safe virtual hugs ❤️🩹 Xxx.' Perth-born model and actress Megan Gale wrote, 'Sending an abundance of love, hugs and strength your way Magda. ♥️♥️♥️.' 'Mags, I'm so bloody sorry to hear this. Sending all my love and strength mate! Love you!!! ❤️ fight this! ❤️,' said former professional tennis player and four time Olympian Rennae Stubbs. Author Briony Benjamin shared her own experience with the disease: 'Oh Magda I'm so sorry to hear this. As a blood cancer survivor I'm sending you so much love. Can you tell that lymphoma to bugger off and leave the good ones alone? Thanks. Sending love xxxxx.'
West Australian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Magda Szubanski: Celebrity friends rally around Kath and Kim star after her stage four cancer diagnosis
Celebrity friends of Magda Szubanski have rallied around the Aussie comedian after she revealed she had stage four cancer on Thursday. In an emotional video shared to her social media, the Kath and Kim star told fans she had been diagnosed with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma. In the clip, Szubanski told how she had anticipated the hairloss she had experienced due to her treatment — but assured followers she was 'being lovingly cared for by friends and family' and had a 'brilliant' medical team. Among the heartfelt messages from fans were uplifting well-wishes from Szubanski's famous friends. One of the first stars to reach out to Szubanski was MasterChef Australia legend and this season's host Poh Ling Yeow who wrote, 'You look beautiful as a Goog my love. And the Mutley laugh has me thinking you're going to be good at this. We're right behind you. Love u and see you soon ♥️🥚♥️.' Sam Neill, best known for his role in Jurassic Park, said, 'Right there with you darling xx.' 'Much love to you Magda! You've done so much to fight for our rights, you've well and truly earned the right to be a 'cranky old moll!' ❤️❤️❤️,' wrote journalist Narelda Jacobs. Fellow comedians Rove McManus and Pete Helliar let the actress know that they had her back. 'Lots of love and support to you beautiful one 💖,' McManus said. 'Sending you all my love Mags!!!!! You (and we) know how strong you are!! ❤️,' Helliar declared. Radio host Carrie Bickmore, who recently celebrated the 10 year anniversary since launching her campaign to raise funds for the Brain Cancer Centre told Szubanski, 'Oh babe. F**k. You've got this 💪 yelling at you now from a distance that we all love you ❤️❤️.' The kind and impactful words of support for Magda's battle extended beyond TV and media personalities. Grace Tame, who was named Australian of the Year in 2021, added, 'Sending you all the love in the world and warm, immuno-safe virtual hugs ❤️🩹 Xxx.' Perth-born model and actress Megan Gale wrote, 'Sending an abundance of love, hugs and strength your way Magda. ♥️♥️♥️.' 'Mags, I'm so bloody sorry to hear this. Sending all my love and strength mate! Love you!!! ❤️ fight this! ❤️,' said former professional tennis player and four time Olympian Rennae Stubbs. Author Briony Benjamin shared her own experience with the disease: 'Oh Magda I'm so sorry to hear this. As a blood cancer survivor I'm sending you so much love. Can you tell that lymphoma to bugger off and leave the good ones alone? Thanks. Sending love xxxxx.'
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
MasterChef Australia star announces huge career move after shock elimination
MasterChef Australia contestant Rue Mupedzi is setting herself up for a huge career in the culinary world after her shock elimination from the Back to Win season on Tuesday. Instead of hanging up her apron for good, the 29-year-old dental hygienist is planning on becoming a pastry chef. Rue, who is known as the 'dessert queen' by fans, announced she plans to head to Europe to pursue her dream as soon as possible. 'My vision board is to go to France and gain work experience in the pastry world for six months to a year, as well as explore Europe,' she said in a new interview with Yahoo Lifestyle on Wednesday. The WA-based kitchen star said her long-term plans included opening her own pastry shop. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Elsewhere, Rue opened up about her return to MasterChef after her headline making appearance on the show in 2023. 'I still wanted to work really hard and do well, but the most important thing to me was to have a good time,' she said. 'Coming back was like riding a bike. It felt like I never left! I integrated back into the kitchen so quickly.' Rue scored a major win on her first go on the hit cooking competition, when she won one of the biggest prizes the contest has seen. The Zimbabwe-born cook was left speechless when she came first in an immunity challenge after judges fell in love with her sweet and spicy BBQ sauce recipe, BarbeRue. Not only was she free from elimination that week, she won the life-changing prize of having her sauce produced, packaged and sold in all Coles stores across Australia for a limited time. Rue suffered the heartache of a second MasterChef Australia elimination this week after a tricky pudding failed to impress the judges. Rue, Tim, Audra and Sarah were tasked with remaking Variations of Sourdough and Strawberry with Elderflower and Balsamic dessert from restaurant's Blayne Bertoncello. The dish included a strawberry sorbet which sat atop a sourdough-infused crème pâtissière, a strawberry gum emulsion, macerated strawberries, sourdough tuilles and fried elderflower crisps - all finished off with a balsamic gel. As Rue, Audra, and Tim all struggled with their emulsion, which split and was too runny when compared to Blayne's, the temperatures began to soar in the kitchen. In the end, it was the dessert queen herself who was sent home over her grainy crème pâtissière. In tears, Rue told the judges that it had been an honour cooking for them and being on the show for a second time around. 'Just being called back among such amazing chefs made me realise I'm also part of the great people,' she shared. Jean-Christophe Novelli sang high praises of the contestant and her presence on the show. 'You are unique, you've got the most amazing spirit and, for me, I believe you are a ray of sunshine in any kitchen,' he told Rue in a heartfelt speech. Speaking of her final cook with 10Play, Season 15's Rue was left disappointed after being eliminated in a challenge she considered to be her bread and butter. 'I really felt like this was a cook that I was supposed to shine in, and I didn't,' Rue said. 'I had done all these elements over a thousand times, and somehow that didn't show. You couldn't see that on the plate.'
