“Doing Well Is Not a Michelin Star”: Masterchef’s Jean-Christophe Novelli on Inclusive Hospitality and Life in Australia

Masterchef Australia judge Jean-Christophe Novelli is known for his explosive, table-slapping expressions of praise on the most watched reality TV show in the country. A delighted “FAN-TAS-TIC!” is akin to a Paul Hollywood handshake on The Great British Bake Off, but where Hollywood is more reserved on screen, the acclaimed French chef says he leads a quiet life off camera.

“Last night I made myself some pasta, and that was a treat,” says Novelli, speaking to Broadsheet on one of his days off during the months-long filming of Masterchef’s 18th season in Melbourne. “Normally I’m in bed early. I basically get myself into a routine to make sure I am ready for the job, because when you have the privilege to be part of a show like this, you got to be 100 million per cent ready.”

Novelli keeps to himself during his free time, listening to Louis Theroux podcasts, watching French crime shows, or Dragons’ Den. As you’d expect, he also loves cooking. “I’ve got a professional kitchen in my room, Thermomix, pressure cookers, so I’m lucky,” he says. “There are some lovely organic places [in Collingwood] like Friends of the Earth. Just to be in Australia makes me happy.” 

Last year, rumours arose that Novelli was leaving Masterchef, as the Michelin-starred chef had signed on to host British TV show The Heat, filmed in Barcelona. “One is a sprint, and one is a marathon – I love them both,” he says.

Australian fans were also concerned about his apparent lack of screentime in last year’s season, which he judged alongside Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow and Sofia Levin. But Novelli says he’s very committed to both gigs, as well as running his award-winning cookery school, The Novelli Academy, in the UK. 

The academy is located on an old farm in Hertfordshire, England, where he lives with his wife Michelle and their three sons. His two eldest are involved in the business, though “they’re not interested in being chefs,” says Novelli. His youngest, Valentino, is an active and caring nine-year-old, who is also autistic and non-verbal.

Novelli says he and his family haven’t dined in restaurants for years because it’s very challenging to do so with Valentino. The chef doesn’t place any blame on his child’s needs, but says “it’s not easy”. The more other people understand about autism, the better, he says. “When I take my little boy to the park, parents are looking, thinking something is not right. So there’s that moment when you feel uncomfortable. It’s a bit like we don’t belong to this little enjoyment. It’s the same with going to a restaurant.”

Learning more about what Valentino needs in his environment to feel safe and regulated is why Novelli partnered with Mastercard this year on its Inclusion Matters campaign. Mastercard provides resources, co-designed with Autism CRC, to help hospitality businesses become more inclusive. One of its initiatives, called Sensory Notes, is a restaurant menu that includes sensory detail in dish descriptions, which was piloted at two venues during this year’s Australian Open.

“Even for me as a chef, sometimes I struggle to understand a restaurant menu, so imagine how difficult it is [for someone with autism] to understand how you’ll present your dishes, the textures of the dish,” he says. “I understand how overwhelming restaurant experiences can be for autistic individuals and their families. Everyone should be able to enjoy hospitality. Everyone.”

Novelli opened his first restaurant, Maison Novelli in London, in 1996 and he acknowledges the challenges restaurateurs and cafe owners have in considering the needs of all their customers. What matters most to him is having the knack to please customers, both “as a very good chef and to be able to give that harmony into your restaurant,” he says. “Doing well is not a Michelin star.”

Masterchef Australia premieres 7pm Sunday April 19 on 10. Mastercard’s Inclusion Matters resources are available for businesses online.