Loreto Riera: A Young Chef’s Rise from Mutxamel to MasterChef Junior

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Loreto Riera, hailing from Alicante, etched her name in MasterChef Junior history by winning at the remarkable age of eight. She became the youngest champion of the TVE series, surpassing her older rival Jesús who had held the record at twelve. Rumors swirl that Loreto’s family, including her father, mother, and grandmother, are planning a playful surprise for her dad’s restaurant, Les tapes de la iaia, located in Mutxamel.

You were giving your all in the repechage. Were you confident you would clinch the title?

She responds that confidence was never guaranteed. Yet she carried a dream and cooked with love, trusting that the final results would reflect that effort.

What does it mean to be the youngest winner in the program’s history?

She feels a surge of pride and a rush of excitement from breaking a long-standing record. She is doing well, savoring the moment while staying calm about what lies ahead.

Did the judges award your dishes a perfect ten?

She believes so too, noting that the dishes were prepared with care and tasted delicious, reflecting a genuine effort and confidence in her flavors.

You dedicated your dishes to your grandmother and friends. To whom did you dedicate this award?

She explains it was for her father and grandmother, saying her father cooks thanks to her grandmother, and she cooks thanks to her father—a lighthearted tribute that captures her family’s influence.

What did MasterChef teach you?

She highlights the exposure to avant-garde techniques, mentioning spheroids, curtains, airs, and foams as new tools that expanded her culinary horizon.

“I would like to work at my father’s bar or Jordi Cruz’s restaurant”

Will you keep expanding these skills?

Her response is a confident yes — she plans to push forward and explore new possibilities with clear intent.

Do you see yourself cooking at your father’s restaurant one day?

While pediatric ambitions once drew her toward medicine, she envisions a future that could include either pediatric care or cooking, signaling a versatile passion for both paths.

So, if you were a chef, where would you like to work?

She envisions two possibilities: her father’s bar and Jordi Cruz’s ABaC restaurant, a choice that reflects her admiration for both family influence and high-level culinary leadership.

And Dabiz Muñoz, who judged the dishes, what about StreetXO?

She recalls visiting StreetXO and appreciating the kitchen’s energy and the visible bustle from the bar. She admits she doesn’t enjoy loud environments, but she does respect the chef’s creativity and skill.

But becoming a chef means handling pressure. How did she manage the heat on the show?

She handled it well, maintaining composure and focus throughout the competition.

What was the welcome like in Mutxamel?

Residents welcomed her warmly. The mayor extended a heartfelt greeting to Loreto and her peers, and the public response has been incredibly supportive. On the street, she enjoys people snapping photos and soaking in the recognition.

Is there pride in being Mutxamel’s first MasterChef winner?

She expresses pride, describing the experience as a source of great happiness for her town and family alike.

“Now I walk on the street in Mutxamel and they take pictures of me, I like it very much”

Will you return to your school, CEIP El Salvador?

She loves school, with a small gripe about early mornings. The school remains an important part of her life even as her cooking journey accelerates.

Will you propose new dishes to your father for the menu?

Yes, and the plan includes a surprise dish that might join the menu. Loreto hints that more ideas could emerge over time, keeping the menu evolving.

Will you cook these ideas yourself?

Yes, though her father will lend a hand due to gymnastics, school, and music commitments. A busy and balanced life is on the horizon for Loreto.

Where would you like to cook and for whom? Perhaps even own a restaurant?

Her dream venue is Jordi Cruz’s ABaC, and if she had her own place, it would be medium-sized to accommodate her signature techniques like spheroids while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.

Who would Loreto invite to join such a venture?

Her most admired chefs include Martín Berasategui and Jordi Cruz, figures who inspire her culinary path.

Will she continue cooking, playing the saxophone, and doing gymnastics?

Yes, she plans to keep all of these passions active, not letting any single interest fall by the wayside.

How are her academic studies progressing?

Her studies are going really well, a steady foundation that supports the adventurous culinary journey ahead.

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