[Raio Z] Christina Batista interview: “The Portuguese community in Australia has been very supportive of me while I’ve been on this journey.”
The Raio Z traveled to the land of kangaroos and reached an Australian with Portuguese roots: Christina Batista was a stay at home mum inspired by the ’50s and was one of the contestants of the 5th season of Masterchef Australia. Today her life is totally different. In an interview between your professional and personal life, Christina savor us with their greatest passion and tells us how was her experience at Masterchef. Christina also explained in its coexistence with communities of Portuguese immigrants and their struggle for gay rights. (To read the english version, hit the yellow button.)
Zapping: You became known, in the Masterchef Australia, as the 50’s housewife. But who is, after all, Christina Batista?
Christina Batista: Who is Christina Batista? Firstly I am a mother to 2 beautiful children. I am passionate about all things food and fashion related. Overall I’m pretty easy going but can be tough when I need to be.
Z: How did start this passion for cooking?
CB: I grew up in a Portuguese household, how could I not be passionate about food! I think that as a people we love good quality food but most of all love to share that food with loved ones! I guess its in my blood.
Z: Explain to us the importance that Masterchef has had on your life.
CB: MasterChef has had a huge influence on where my life has taken me. Before I went on the show I was a stay at home mum, now I’m a food writer, caterer, chef ambassador. I get to do cooking demonstrations and create recipes for brands. Plus I now get recognised on the street by strangers which is weird and exciting all at the same time!
Z: What are the best and worst moments of your participation on the tv show?
CB: There were so many great moments on the show, but the stand out for me was when my family surprised us! Being able to share the MasterChef experience with my partner and mother, then to have my son open the doors and have my daughter run into my arms was priceless!
Z: You ended your participation in the TOP 5. How does it feel to be so close to victory?
CB: It was tough leaving so close to the end, but I think leaving at any moment would have been hard. I was just so happy to have gotten as far as I did!
Z: Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston are the judges. What’s your favorite? And which one you feared the most?
CB: George was my favourite, he had so much time for me! And lets face it, if he hadn’t spoken to me during that hot dog challenge I don’t know if I would have made it through! As for who did I fear the most, it was probably Gary. But only because he would always question what we were doing, and put doubt in the back of our minds, just like when I made the Caesar Salad! But at the end of the day they are great guys who are still so supportive of us all.
Z: The Masterchef Australia has been broadcast in over 35 countries and is the most praised versions worldwide, including Portugal. In your opinion, what differentiates Masterchef Australia from other Masterchef shows?
CB: I’ve only ever watched the UK and US versions of the show, and I think the Australian one is the perfect blend of the other two. Just enough Drama that the US one has and just the right amount of food like the UK one. I also think that Australians are lots of fun and that comes across on the show.
Z: The 6th season debuted with regular participation by Kylie Kwong. What you think about this season and what are your expectations?
CB: I have been loving this season of MasterChef with Kylie, she is a great addition! And the calibre of cooking so far is out of this world! Its been great to watch and I have high expectations of the contestants seeing what they can already do!
Z: Christina and Andrew Prior formed the rainbow team. What kind of relationship you built with Andrew? It was important to raise awareness?
CB: Andrew and I are still great friends, and although he lives in Melbourne we are in constant contact with each other. It was very important to me to be open and honest about who I am, I wouldn’t hide that I was in a relationship with a man so why hide that I’m in one with a woman?
Z: None Australian state allows gay marriage. The Australian Capital Territory have legalized same-sex marriage, but banned it less than a week later. How do you fight for your rights?
CB: My family (my partner, children, mother and sisters) go to rallies on a regular basis. I have also spoken at a few and have done several interviews regarding Marriage equality. I have also taken part in the Australian Marriage equality’s recent campaign for marriage equality in Australia.
Z: Adoption and foster parenting for gay people is legal in some Australian states. It’s part of your plans to enjoy this right?
CB: My two Children (Damian – 10 and Anabelle – 7) keep me very busy at the moment. However I would never rule out fostering children later in life, when they grow up.
Z: Tell us how did born your connection with the Portuguese community.
CB: Both my parents are from Madeira and so I grew up within the Portuguese community here in Australia. My relatives in Portugal and Madeira have been very proud of all my accomplishments so far on the show.
Z: How is your experience with the Portuguese community in Australia?
CB: The Portuguese community in Australia has been very supportive of me while I’ve been on this journey. This year I was invited to host the Portuguese Food and Wine Festival in Petersham.
Z: The Portuguese culture influences you in the kitchen?
CB: Both Portuguese culture and cuisine influence my cooking. Sitting at the table and eating with loved ones is something that I include in my everyday life. Flavours of smoked paprika, garlic and parsley along with Pork, Seafood, Polenta and beautiful olive oil are all flavours that I use on a regular basis.
Z: Tell us your plans for the future.
CB: At the moment I am writing for both my website www.christinabatista.com.au along with a few others, I am also doing lots of cooking demonstrations along with cooking classes where I teach people traditional Portuguese dishes and am an ambassador for several brands and charities. As for the future I am in discussions to have my own cooking show and cook book, I also hope to have my own food truck soon which will then lead to my very own Cafe. But most importantly I am planning a trip back to Portugal in 2015!
Z: The Portuguese are fans of Masterchef Australia. What do you want to say to your fans and followers of the tv show?
CB: I would like to thank everyone for their love and support! You have all been so kind to me and I love reading your emails of support! I hope I do you all proud and thank you again!
Z: Quick answers:
Addiction: Food!
Favourite Book: I love reading cook books, thats what I read the most, but I also love a good murder mystery.
Favourite Movie: I just recently saw Chef and fell in love with it.
Favourite Music: I actually really enjoy listening to Pop music, anything that I can get up and dance to!
Favourite Series: Its no surprise that I love Mad Men, and Boardwalk Empire. Friends holds a special place in my heart as its what my daughter and I love to watch together.
Favourite dish: Thats got to be “Carne de porch a alentejana” (Pork meat from Alentejo/Carne de Porco à Alentejana).
In the kitchen I don’t use: Vegemite! I hate the stuff, YUCK!
The person I admire the most: Its a toss between my mother and older sister Susana. My mum is such a strong person and a great mum! As for my sister she is just simply amazing!
Can’t live without: Cooking!
I don’t leave home without: My red lipstick and my phone (oh and my wallet! Always need cash).
A good day is when: I get to come home and wrap my arms around my children, watch a movie with them and share a great meal.
Z: Final Question: Your life could be a dish? And why?
CB: I guess my answer would be that there isn’t one, my life is constantly changing and evolving. I wear many ‘hats’ in life, constantly juggling my personal and professional life.
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Review: Margaret Costa