'MasterChef: Generations' Season 19 judge Aaron Sanchez criticized for potential ‘racially insensitive’ remark
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Aaron Sanchez faced criticism for a comment on 'MasterChef: Generations' Season 19, which some viewers perceived as racially insensitive. During the show, when evaluating a dish prepared by a white chef from the South, Sanchez remarked positively about his cooking skills, stating, "Straight white guy from the South can cook!"
Critics and viewers took issue with this comment, suggesting that it implied surprise or disbelief that someone from that demographic could cook well. They raised questions about whether Sanchez would have made a similar comment if the chef were Black.
The backlash on social media erupted to such an extent that viewers called the show "insufferable" and criticized Gordon Ramsay, another judge, for allowing such remarks.
A fan on X wrote, "Lmao #MasterChef. Of course Aaron Sanchez is surprised the straight white guy from the South can cook! Would he have said the same to a black chef???? F*cking insufferable show now. @GordonRamsay should be ashamed."
Lmao #MasterChef. Of course Aaron Sanchez is surprised the straight white guy from the South can cook! Would he have said the same to a black chef???? F*cking insufferable show now. @GordonRamsay should be ashamed
— John S Mosby 2A (@JohnSMosby2A) June 20, 2024a
Aaron Sanchez never planned to become a 'celebrity chef'
Aaron Sanchez revealed he didn't envision becoming a celebrity chef from the outset, according to HuffPost. Despite his mother, renowned Mexican chef Zarela Martinez, being a pivotal figure in his culinary upbringing, Aarón's early career path wasn't predetermined. He began immersing himself in the kitchen around age 13, and by 16, he felt a natural pull toward food as his future.
"I was 13 when I started gravitating towards the kitchen. Then it all felt natural. I about 16 when I decided that this [food] was going to be my calling," he said.
Over time, his passion, skills, and charismatic personality propelled him to become one of America's foremost contemporary Latin chefs. Today, alongside owning his restaurant Mestizo in Leawood, Kansas, he has authored several books and continues to advocate for and elevate Latin cuisine in the culinary world.
Why doesn't Aaron Sanchez have any Michelin stars yet?
Aaron Sanchez's restaurants, including Mestizo in Leawood, Kansas, have not received any Michelin Stars primarily because the Michelin Guide, which awards these stars, has limited coverage in the United States.
As of now, Michelin Stars are predominantly awarded in states like New York, California, Illinois, Florida, and Washington, DC. These states have well-established culinary scenes and are regularly reviewed by Michelin inspectors.
Kansas, where Sanchez's restaurant is located, is not currently included in the Michelin Guide's coverage. This means that even if Mestizo were deserving of a Michelin Star based on its quality and innovation in cuisine, it cannot receive one because it is not evaluated by Michelin inspectors. Therefore, until Michelin extends its coverage to more states, exceptional restaurants like Mestizo in Kansas cannot be considered for Michelin Stars.
