The heat in the kitchen never bothered Steven Attard, the winner of MasterChef Malta, who said his background in emergency medicine contributed to his calm and composed presence in the kitchen and helped him stay focused under the pressure throughout the competition.
Speaking to Times of Malta days after he was crowned winner of the TV show’s third season, Attard explained how he worked as an emergency doctor for a year.
“Nothing really stresses me out,” the 35-year-old medical and aesthetic specialist said.
“During my time as an emergency doctor, the environment was extremely intense and stressful. So, when I’m in the kitchen at home, or in front of all the lights and cameras on MasterChef, the pressure never bothered me.”
Attard works as a self-employed doctor at the Heart Clinic, and said his current flexible schedule allowed him to finally participate in the show after previously making it to the audition stage in earlier seasons. He explained his previous work schedule had hindered him from moving further past audition stages in Season 1 and Season 2.
From watching cooking shows to winning one
Steven, as a young boy, would be a shadow of his mother, Jill, as she worked in the kitchen. Photo: Steven AttardAttard grew up watching his mother cook for the family, fondly remembering her dishes from simple weeknight dinners to elaborate Easter lunches. But it was television that truly ignited his passion for food.
From watching BBC’s cooking game show Ready, Steady, Cook, to the numerous cooking shows by British chef Gordon Ramsay,
Attard began looking up recipes and adding his own twist.
He once considered pursuing a career in catering and planned to study at the Institute of Tourism Studies after his A-levels, but missed the application deadline.
He then discovered his passion for chemistry and decided to pursue a career in medicine.
Yet, his love for cooking never dwindled.
“Cooking is my way of making people happy and showing my love for them,” he said. “I never applied to MasterChef to win, but because I love to cook.”
Asked if he has a favourite dish he loves to create, Attard described himself as a “seasonal chef”, as he prefers to cook with fresh ingredients in season.
“In summer, I love making fish with a lemon butter sauce and potatoes. I use fewer ingredients, and I let them shine,” he explained. In winter, he prefers warm, hearty stews.
“Sometimes, I don’t even need to look at the ingredients list, but I simply look at the photo of a dish, and I can adapt it and create it myself.”
No pressure in the kitchen – Attard’s background in medical work helps him stay focused. Photo: Masterchef Malta FacebookHis time on MasterChef Malta introduced him to new cooking methods and techniques, including plating and presentation. He said the Lambrosa Challenge, where he worked with judge and chef Victor, opened his eyes to the way Michelin-star chefs think.
The experience also caught the attention of Italian celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo, who was a guest on the show, and told Attard he should be working in his kitchen.
Balancing medicine and the kitchen
Attard is in no hurry to drop his medical career but now wishes to find a balance between his two loves – his job and cooking.
“I love my work at the Heart Clinic, even though it is stressful, I enjoy every minute of it,” he said, adding how his work gives him the flexibility to pursue in his career and find ways to practise his culinary skills. “I already have some interesting collaborations with different chefs and restaurants lined up,” he explained.
Cooking is my way of making people happy and showing my love for them- Steven Attard
“MasterChef was a walk in the park. Now comes the hard work, where I am running between restaurants and meeting new chefs. But I love it. I love the fast-paced environment of a kitchen, and I’m very excited to work with different chefs.”
He also has private chef sessions booked and hopes to focus on everyday food rather than Michelin-starred cuisine.
Fans of the show can meet Attard at a Meet & Greet at Eurospin Malta in Mosta on January 17 from 10am to 12pm.
Those who wish to show their culinary skills can apply at masterchefmalta.net to star in Season 4.