MasterChef US is not just a cooking reality television show, but a way to take people from all around the world on a gastronomical tour through the US, says celebrity chef Joe Bastianich.
"MasterChef US is an exploration of American cuisine. We keep on going to new places to find out what's cooking in America so that the people are able to explore America's regional food because maybe in India you don't know about the different kind of foods that we have got," Bastianich said in an interview.
Hailing from Italy, Bastianich founded Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group along with his mother and celebrity chef Mario Batali.
On his stint on the "MasterChef" shows, he said: "I have learnt how to balance criticism and mentorship. I think this is the biggest evolution. Maybe in the beginning, I was being more critical but now I have learnt how to balance being a critic and mentorship. That is the fundamental part of being a judge on a show like that."
Bastianich found himself in the middle of a controversy over remarks he made on an episode of MasterChef Italia. The remarks were deemed racist and sexist. He later on apologised for the comments, saying that they were made "in poor taste".
"The customer has evolved over time. People want to have everything. Millennials are motivated to participate in traditional food... In terms of dining, people want more quality, more product at a better price," said Bastianich.
(With inputs from IANS)