Haim Cohen confesses after two years: "I told her to go"
The chef and reality show judge revealed the dynamics at the judges' table ahead of the 13th season with Yossi Shitrit. And also: what did he advise Michal Epstein before she won?
The successful culinary reality show on Keshet 12, "MasterChef", continues to generate headlines ahead of its 13th season, which is expected to air soon. Yesterday, Saturday, chef Haim Cohen was a guest on the program "Avri and Sharki" and provided an intriguing glimpse behind the scenes of the most famous judges' table in the country.
Cohen first addressed past participants and the last season, revealing that Michal Epstein, who took first place in the All-Stars season (2024), almost gave up on participating:
"'MasterChef' produces outstanding cooks. In the previous season, Michal Epstein was debating whether to go at all. She consulted with me and I told her 'Go, what could happen'."
Later, Cohen explained his deep connection to the demanding format to which he returns every year: "'MasterChef' has become the culinary diaspora home of the State of Israel. We thought that when the generation goes, the food will go with it - but thanks to the children, they are still here."
The most interesting part of the interview concerned the joining of chef Yossi Shitrit to the panel, and Cohen's past statement that they have "four dictators". Cohen was quick to clarify:
"We are old and there are no fights. The relationship between us is like a couple that was married, separated, and remained friends. There is not too much competition. A dictator is a super-manager, maybe that's not the word that conveyed what I wanted."
In conclusion, the chef summarized the secret of the format's magic: "It is a competition that touches on memories, the contestants surprise us with amazing food."
