On the 2024 season of MasterChef Australia, it’s Josh versus Josh. In the left corner, we have Josh Clarke, hailing from Queens, New York. And in the right corner, we have Josh “Pezza” Perry, a butcher who lives in Tasmania. But while both of these Joshes have been killing it on MasterChef Australia, Clarke currently has the upper hand.
In last night’s episode, Clarke whipped up some exceptional quail and nduja empanadas, alongside an nduja lychee sauce. The judges loved how the spiciness of nduja contrasted with the sweet flavour of the lychee. Clarke’s meal was so divine that it was labelled the best dish of the night.
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“Man, I was hungry for a win, and I’m glad I finally got my first one today with my empanada,” Clarke wrote on social media. “Shoutout to Lachlan, Lilly, and Nat for their amazing dishes today as well!”
If you want to know the backstory behind this rising star, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything we know about MasterChef Australia’s Clarke.
Who Is the 2024 MasterChef Australia Contestant Josh Clarke?
MasterChef Australia’s Josh Clarke grew up in a rather unique cultural setting. When the kitchen bench was just chin height, Clarke watched his Irish Mum, Caroline, work to the bone in an Irish pub. Meanwhile, at home, his Jamaican Dad, Jason, was always cooking Caribbean cuisine. Together, they instilled a love of cooking in Clarke that has stayed with him to this very day.
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During his early 20s, Clarke left college early to backpack across the globe, and the experience reinforced Clarke’s love of the culinary arts. Every dish he ate in Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Mexico, amongst others, made him hungry to learn more about each culture’s cuisine.
In 2018, Clarke met the love of his life, Laura, on a Byron Bay farm, and the rest is history. The pair are now married with three children.
Clarke has always wanted to do a chef apprenticeship, but starting a family put this dream on pause. He’s now hoping that his time on MasterChef Australia will kick-start his culinary career.
If you want to follow the 2024 MasterChef Australia contestant Josh Clarke on Instagram, click the link here.
MasterChef Australia 2024 airs Mondays though Thursday at 7.30pm, only on 10 and 10 Play on Demand. Miss an episode? Catch up on 10 Play.
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