Foodie, writer, actress and the second runner-up of Masterchef Australia Season 3, Alana Lowes is a familiar name to followers of the popular cooking show, and her calm demeanour and photogenic looks have got her as much attention as her considerable culinary prowess. Now, Alana — who worked as a journalist before her Masterchef stint — is busy writing a food column for one of Australia’s most popular websites, and eyeing a possible sojourn to India to write about, and prepare, some traditional Indian cuisine.
Alana says it is the numerous messages she’s got from her Indian fans that prompted her to think about forging a closer connection. “I love the Indian passion for food and I want to travel and explore this gorgeous country. Also, Indian flavours simply make my mouth water — I cooked an Indian fest for a charity event last month and it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening,” says Alana, who has heard about some of the contestants on Masterchef India.
Alana lost out a spot in the final two of Masterchef Australia by a whisker (a slightly burnt taste to the roof on a tedious baked gingerbread house), and admits the elimination was “devastating”. “But that was quickly pushed aside by the intense relief of heading home and seeing my loved ones,” she says. “The pressure post-Masterchef is purely my own, about wanting to succeed in my career and family life.”
Apart from catapulting her to celebrity status and allowing her the chance “to tell stories through food and travel”, Masterchef also made it possible for Alana to meet her culinary idol Nigella Lawson (incidentally, Alana was called “Nige” by the other contestants because of the dark hair and love for chocolates she shares with the iconic food presenter). Alana recounts, “It was unbelievable meeting her (Nigella), she is one of the most exquisite looking women I have ever seen and I love that she just adores good, honest tasty food!”