Grace’s Own Celebrity Chef
Are you aware that we walk the hallways of Grace Church School alongside a cooking legend? Referred to as “Julia Child’s long lost grandson” by the one and only Gordon Ramsay, Alex Weiss ’18 won the first season of MasterChef Junior. From there, with apron and knives in hand, Alex hit the ground running. As graduation is on the horizon for seniors, I was curious about what is in store for Alex’s future.
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Q. When did you realize you had a talent for cooking?
A. I only realized I had a real talent for cooking when I began to experiment in professional kitchens alongside chefs after my success on Masterchef In 2013. As I found my comfort in kitchens, it became clearer that cooking was the craft I had the skills for.
Q. What is your favorite food to eat?
A. My favorite food to eat is tapas. I think that the multiple small bites make for a more exciting meal.
Q. What is your favorite food to cook and why?
A. I love to cook fish, especially more so as of recently working at Republique, a French restaurant in Los Angeles, this previous summer, where I was positioned on the fish station. My favorite thing to cook for myself and/or my parents is just a simple roasted market fish with roasted veggies.
Q. What was your experience like being on MasterChef Junior?
A. My experience on Masterchef (MC) was really positive as I was able to learn more about my passion on a new level. It was the ignition of my career in restaurants.
Q. Do you see cooking having a role in your future?
A. I foresee cooking being my main focus in the years to come. I hope to continue working in more restaurants after culinary and business school. Food will still be my passion.
Q. What is the most absurd thing you have eaten?
A. The most absurd thing I’ve eaten is a fried pickle dipped in chocolate at a fair. I don’t recommend it.
Q. Favorite restaurant in NYC?
A. Absolute best meal in New York is at Del Posto for a real impressive night out.
Q. What doors have been opened to you since you won MasterChef Junior?
A. Job opportunities, company sponsorships, and networking have been some of the most important things that have come from my success on MC. I was able to travel and meet chefs in the industry, as well as work alongside some of the best in NYC and LA during my summers throughout high school. I was able to jumpstart my career from a really early age because of my experience on MC.
Q. Where ideally can you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
A. Ideally, I see myself working in restaurants across Europe and gaining a traditional French background in culinary. Following that, I hope to piece together the skills and knowledge I have gathered to start the process of creating something of my own in the food world. Additionally, I hope to build more partnerships in the industry to expand my role and gain more experience.
Can you share your Market Fish and roasted vegetable recipe?
Who does the dishes when you cook at home?!