Jock Zonfrillo, the MasterChef Australia decide and award-winning Scottish chef, has died unexpectedly aged 46.
His household confirmed he handed yesterday in an announcement: “With utterly shattered hearts and with out figuring out how we are able to presumably transfer by life with out him, we’re devastated to share that Jock handed away yesterday.
“So many phrases can describe him, so many tales will be advised, however presently we’re too overwhelmed to place them into phrases. For many who crossed his path, turned his mate, or have been fortunate sufficient to be in his household, maintain this proud Scot in your hearts once you subsequent have a whisky.”
A brand new season of MasterChef Australia was as a consequence of air this week, however has been postponed.
In an announcement, Community 10 and Endemol Shine Australia stated: “Community 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened on the sudden lack of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia household. Jock handed away in Melbourne yesterday. MasterChef Australia is not going to air this week.”
Zonfrillo joined the MasterChef staff as a decide alongside former winner and chef Andy Allen and meals critic Melissa Lengthy in 2019 after the exits of Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston. Whereas some have been involved the modifications would influence scores, the present has continued to be one in every of Australia’s prime performing actuality competitions and sells internationally.
The restauranteur was born in Glasgow, Scotland, as Barry Zonfrillo. By 15, he had an apprenticeship within the kitchens of The Tunberry Lodge earlier than working beneath Marco-Pierre White. He was named head chef at The Tresanston aged 22 within the UK earlier than transferring to steer the kitchen at Restaurant 41 in Sydney, Australia, the place has beforehand spent a 12 months working. He opened two eating places of his personal in 2013, one in every of which, Orana, was named Australia’s Restaurant of the Yr by two publications, in 2018 and 2019. Zonfrillo was named Hottest Chef in Australia in 2018 by The Australian newspaper.
Regardless of his success, Zonfrillo was compelled to place each of his eating places, Orana and Bistro Blackwood, into administration over unpaid money owed. In 2002, he intentionally set hearth to an apprentice chef, Martin Krammer, who had been labored slowly. He claimed it was a sensible joke that went incorrect however a decide awarded damages of A$75,000 ($50,000). Zonfrillo declared chapter in 2007 after Krammer issued a collectors’ petition.
He launched a memoir, Final Shot in 2021. Former mentor White claimed “nearly all the pieces” Zonfrillo had written about him was “unfaithful,” however Zonfrillo defended the chapters, saying, “That is the story of my life.”
Zonfrillo is survived by spouse Lauren Fried and 4 youngsters.
