Arts & Entertainment

Rudy Reyes: From Medical Marijuana to TV's 'MasterChef'

Watch the Santee local compete for the title of Masterchef May 22 on FOX.

We've seen Rudy Reyes the activist and political campaigner- now he takes on the role of amateur cook in the upcoming premiere episode of the television show MasterChef.

Watch the Santee resident compete in the season four premiere of the amateur cooking show, along with ten other San Diego area challengers, on Wednesday, May 22, 8-10 p.m. on FOX.

Reyes now adds cooking to his list of eclectic activities, which have included medical marijuana and renewable energy activism, archeology and repeated campaigns for Santee City Council and County Board of Supervisor seats.

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Reyes talked excitedly about his national TV debut, but wouldn't spill the beans on how he fared in the competition.

"It was a great experience and got to meet/network with prominent amateur and professional chefs," Reyes wrote in an email. "I learned so much! I hope I did my community proud."  

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A MasterChef press release explains more about the show:

The best home cooks in America were flown to Los Angeles to present their signature dishes to the judges and the chance to compete for the coveted title of MASTERCHEF, a cookbook deal and the $250,000 grand prize. This season will feature contestants representing 26 states from all walks of life– including an archaeologist (Reyes), a high school gym teacher, a former pro-football player, a biochemist, a student, a firefighter, a paralegal and a delivery driver – all with the hopes of turning their culinary dreams into reality.

In the premiere episode, the hopefuls will prepare their signature dishes and present them to the distinguished MASTERCHEF judging panel: Ramsay (Gordon Ramsay Steak, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill), Bastianich (Del Posto, Osteria Mozza) and Elliot (Graham Elliot, g.e.b.). The judges will taste for flavor, creativity and presentation. In order to earn a coveted white apron and move to the next round, the home cooks must have an immense passion for food and be determined to win. Above all, they must convince the judges – who will taste for flavor, creativity and presentation – that they have the potential to out-cook all their rivals.

Only 40 hopefuls will move onto the next round and compete in an intense lamb challenge. By the end of the episode, only the top home cooks who impress the judges will advance to the MASTERCHEF kitchen and compete to become America’s next MASTERCHEF.

Other San Diego area contestants include:

  • Lynn Chyi
  • Natasha Crnjac
  • Eli Moeller
  • Mark Oberle
  • Gabriella Arjona
  • Jorge Cristo
  • Howard Simpson
  • Christine Kim
  • Ayla Skye
  • Savannah Sturges


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