Standish913.com has been blessed to do an exclusive interview with...
"RYAN KATE"!
Let's get into some exclusive questions...
STANDISH: What is the first thing you ever remember cooking?
My parents say that my first attempt at making food by myself was when I was three years old and I put popcorn in the microwave for 3 hours instead of 3 minutes and almost burned our house down haha. I don’t really remember that though and I’m not sure microwave popcorn counts as cooking. My mom says I started cooking as soon as I was old enough to climb onto the countertops and my earliest memories of cooking were helping my mom and grandma in the kitchen. I think the first thing I remember cooking by myself was a chocolate cake in an easy bake oven. I never could have imagined that that what started as a childhood hobby would lead to cooking and food changing my life.
STANDISH: Who is someone you looked up to as a child & still do today?
Gordon Ramsay
STANDISH: What is something you hate doing in the kitchen?
Cleaning it after I’m done cooking.
STANDISH: What's the most nerve racking part of being on Master Chef?
The most nerve racking part of being on Masterchef is something is contestants refer to as “the snake.” The snake is when all of the judges walk in a snake-like pattern starting from front to back in between the cooking stations to inspect the final dishes after the conclusion of the cooking challenge, but prior to duos being called to the front to present their dish for individual assessment. The snake is very intimidating because the judges say very little if anything at all and it is impossible to read their faces as they determine which dishes will be in the top, and which dishes will be in the bottom. The Masterchef Kitchen is rarely silent, but during the snake, it is so quiet you could hear a pen drop.
STANDISH: What's it like working with Gordon Ramsay?
Working with Gordon Ramsay is truly an awe-inspiring experience. A moment I will never forget, was when he came to my aid during the dinner party challenge on MasterChef Dynamic Duos. After my duo partner Kayla had to stop cooking to receive medical care for a cut, Gordon saw that I was cooking solo against the other duos and he stepped in to help me catch up. He understood what an early setback it was for me to lose my partner during the challenge and before I knew it Gordon was cooking right next to me! Those few minutes we cooked together were vital to my success. His initiative meant so much to me and his assistance not only helped me to complete the dish, but also allowed my duo partner to get proper medical attention she desperately needed. I am both humbled and honored for the opportunity I had to cook with Gordon Ramsay.
STANDISH: Did you expect to land Master Chef?
I was hopeful, but not expecting anything. I have auditioned for every season since I turned 18. So I have auditioned 4 times before I finally made it this year. I had my fingers crossed that I would make it this season because I thought the dynamic duo theme was really cool and it would be a great opportunity to spend time with my long-distance best friend and luckily my wish came true!
STANDISH: What is your favorite food for take out? Why?
Chick-Fil-A is my favorite takeout food! I love that they have a variety of options, great customer service, and I put Chick-Fil-A sauce on everything it’s so good!
P.s. if someone from Chick-Fil-A reads this I would love a gift card. (Can’t blame a girl for trying!)
STANDISH: Tell the readers your reoccurring kitchen nightmare…
My MasterChef Junior elimination. It still frustrates me to this day that I had my Salmon en croute out of the oven cooling when a judge told me to put it back in the oven. My salmon was then overcooked because I had put it back in the oven a second time, but the only reason I did so was because of a judge’s recommendation. That recommendation is what ultimately led to my elimination and sometimes I wonder how things would’ve gone if I had ignored the suggestion and just decided to go with my gut feeling.
STANDISH: What is the most underrated cooking ingredient in your opinion?
SALT!!! Salt is often overlooked as an ingredient because it’s just a simple staple pantry ingredient, but salt has the ability to change the flavor of the dish SO much. If you have heard the saying; “If your absence goes unnoticed, your presence never truly mattered.” Whoever said that must not know how to cook because when a dish doesn’t have salt, it’s the first thing that a good chef can notice is missing. A lack of salinity may go unnoticed by the average person or some people may say there’s something off about the dish, but they can’t identify what the dish needs. However, those with a trained palate know that the presence of salt is essential to the balance of any great dish. Salt may just be a small part of the dish but it’s one of the only ingredients that can go well with anything!
STANDISH: What do you listen to while you chef it up?
I love to listen to music or podcasts when I cook. My fellow MasterChef cast members, Michelle and Zach, are currently working on a new podcast and I am looking forward to listening. If you are a foodie yourself, you should check it out!!
STANDISH: How many times a week does the walk-in cooler hear your screams?
Never. If I’m suffering y’all’s ears gonna suffer with me, we in this together now.
STANDISH: If you could change one thing in the world today, what would that be?
If I could change one thing in the world, I would end world hunger. Growing up I was very privileged to never have to wonder where my next meal would come from. I am so grateful that I have always had access fresh ingredients but for so many people that is not the case. Unfortunately, thousands of families across the globe struggle to put food on the table every day. Food is such a passion of mine but it is also a basic necessity to live. It breaks my heart that there so many people that struggle with hunger and malnourishment. I will always do my best to make a difference by volunteering at food banks like the North Texas Food Bank, by helping feed the homeless in my community, by donating canned goods several charities, cooking for nonprofit events and organizations like National Charity League, and I encourage others to do their part as well! I may not be able to change the whole world, but I can try. Food has changed my life and I if I can change the lives of even one person at a time, through food I will do my part to make a difference.
STANDISH: What are your social links?
Primary Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan__kate?igsh=MXBxcHhnc2t6NjB5bw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Secondary Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefryankate?igsh=MWFja2w1MTYwc3JodA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RyanKateB?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
Twitter/X: https://x.com/chefryankate?s=21&t=25TF-wyTNdQZWQEawEq2Lw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxoW3c9zfVzsusL9QOIQng
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryan_kate?_t=ZP-8xXQBD3uvRX&_r=1
STANDISH: Anything else you'd like to include?
I would like to take a moment to thank my family, friends, fellow foodies, and the MasterChef team for supporting me and giving me the opportunity to use my voice and platform for a positive impact in the culinary world! As one of my favorite movies says: “Anyone can cook!” - Ratatouille
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