MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo dies

The Scottish-born chef and presenter died yesterday in Melbourne.

In a press release this afternoon, Zonfrillo’s household described him as an “irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and pal”.

“With utterly shattered hearts and with out understanding how we will presumably transfer by life with out him, we’re devastated to share that Jock handed away yesterday,” the assertion stated.

“So many phrases can describe him, so many tales may be instructed, however at the moment we’re too overwhelmed to place them into phrases.

“For many who crossed his path, grew to become his mate, or had been fortunate sufficient to be his household, hold this proud Scot in your hearts when you will have your subsequent whisky.”

Victoria Police confirmed officers attended a Carlton deal with for a welfare verify and located the physique of a person about 2am on Monday.

His dying just isn’t being handled as suspicious and a report will probably be ready for the coroner.

The household requested for privateness whereas it grieved for the 46-year-old.

He’s survived by his spouse Lauren Fried and his 4 kids.

Community 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened on the sudden lack of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia household. Jock handed away in Melbourne yesterday.
MasterChef Australia won’t air this week. pic.twitter.com/cmtDuJr19P

— MasterChef Australia (@masterchefau) May 1, 2023

Zonfrillo joined Community 10’s MasterChef as a choose in 2019, starring alongside Melissa Leong and Andy Allen.

Community 10 won’t air MasterChef this week. The present was as a result of start its new season tonight.

In a press release Community 10 wrote: “Community 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened on the sudden lack of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia household. Jock handed away in Melbourne yesterday.

“Jock was identified to Australians as a chef, best-selling creator, philanthropist and MasterChef choose however he will probably be finest remembered as a loving father, husband, brother and son.

“Decided and proficient and with loads of grit, Jock was born in Glasgow to an Italian father and a Scottish mom, which meant his early life had been closely influenced by two sturdy cultures and it was his obsession with meals and want for a brand new pushbike that at simply 12 years previous fuelled Jock to knock on kitchen doorways searching for a job.”

Zonfrillo was the previous proprietor of award-winning fine-dining Restaurant Orana on Rundle Road, which operated from 2013 till its closure in 2020.

He was additionally the proprietor of Blackwood Bistro, which operated from 2016 to 2019, and Italian wine and snack bar Mallozzi on Rundle Road, which stopped buying and selling in 2019 much less then seven months after opening.

He’s additionally a former programming director of Tasting Australia.

Community 10 stated Restaurant Orana was “recognised with the coveted distinction of three hats in each 2019 and 2020 and he additionally obtained world accolades, accepting the celebrated Basque Culinary World Prize in 2018”.

“Jock’s charisma, depraved sense of humour, generosity, ardour and love for meals and his household can’t be measured. He will probably be tremendously missed.”

-with AAP