In an Exclusive Interview, Jake Kelley Reveals How Calculated Risks, Modern Mexican Cuisine, and Growing Confidence Led to His MasterChef Victory
After highs and lows throughout the season, MasterChef: Global Gauntlet winner Jake Kelley impressed the judges with a near-perfect finale meal. A love letter to modern Mexican cuisine and a celebration of smart execution, the home cook looked more like a professional chef. Reflecting on his journey, Jake is ready to take his culinary career to the next level.
From the Mexican chocolate cake that earned him an apron to the corn profiteroles and mushroom ice cream in the finale, Jake never took the easy path to victory. Although some of his plates seemed overly complicated, the judges appreciated his creativity. As Joe Bastianich commented in the finale, Jake's food makes people think, question, and step into the uncomfortable. Those sentiments are a great accomplishment for a chef.
Recently, I had an opportunity to chat with Jake about his impressive MasterChef win. When asked about some of the gambles he chose, like making a dessert in the audition, Jake pleaded ignorance in part. Although he did not realize how hard it would be, the rea...