Lorena Castell, a familiar collaborator on the program Zapeando, drew inspiration from her brother’s globe-trotting to shape her menu for MasterChef Celebrity 7. The starter featured a Thai-inspired red shrimp preparation, the main course showcased oysters, and a cream bean dish with Indian accents and a touch of lunar imagery provided the dessert, all part of a narrative built around family memories and travel. The season highlighted a personal story that connected culinary craft with familial bonds, a theme Castell carried through her final menu and conversations with the show’s hosts and judges as she reflected on the journey.
How did Castell feel when her name was announced? Her reaction was one of pure astonishment combined with exhilaration. She recalled a moment of intense pride when the jacket presented to her felt like a badge of the quiet effort she had invested. Confetti filled the set, supporters crowded in with warm embraces, and family cheered—the kind of moment that stays with a person long after the lights dim.
Did she win MasterChef Celebrity seven? The public comments suggested a close result, and Castell herself acknowledged the influence of mentors, including Miki Nadal, who had previously guided her path. She credited a network of friends and professionals who helped shape her approach, and she noted that some guidance came from people who believed in her even before she fully believed in herself.
How did she balance the journey with the guidance she received? Castell emphasized the importance of sharing herself on screen, much like she did with Miki Nadal in a prior season. The dynamic on set allowed room for collaboration and respect, with Cristina Pedroche, Dani Mateo, and Nadal contributing to a supportive environment that shaped her experience, even when filming was intense or challenging. Even when not on set, she understood that the work continued through video segments and shared moments around the table.
Could there be a future collaboration with Dabiz Muñoz? Castell reflected on past seasons and the opportunities they opened, noting that the timing and path for new ventures are shaped by several factors. She recalled exploring projects beyond MasterChef Celebrity, including potential work at RabioXO, and she highlighted a good working relationship with Cristina Pedroche, while focusing on finding her own voice and culinary collaborations with chefs who resonated with her vision.
Was selecting the final menu a difficult process? For Castell, the choice was guided by a clear narrative. She wanted to tell a family story through the dishes, naming her final menu Living Travel to honor her brother and their adventures together. Traveling serves as a core inspiration, and Quique Dacosta’s approach, which emphasizes emotion and storytelling on plates, aligned perfectly with Castell’s intent. Working with Dacosta made the storytelling feel effortless because his culinary philosophy matched her own.
What about the training she underwent? Castell described a focused, intensive weekend in the studio with Quique Dacosta, accompanied by his second assistant, Juanfran Valiente, who played a crucial role. The experience involved building, testing, and refining domes, bases, and cores, a demanding exercise that pushed her to memorize a precise balance of flavors and textures. While the final menu embodied a high-end culinary language, Castell embraced the challenge and later recreated some elements at home, including a cream bean component with an Indian twist that could translate to a home kitchen with careful adaptation.
Did she cook at home again after the competition? Cooking schedules could be hectic, especially around noon when routines and family needs collide. Castell admitted that evenings offered a window for experimentation, a time when she could prepare a main dish for her family or a quick seafood preparation like pad thai. Her personal space sometimes became a small laboratory where she could experiment with flavors and techniques, aided by a pantry of tools and a curious, lively three-year-old. These home experiments became part of her ongoing practice and joy in cooking.
Looking back at the premiere and the moments of tension during the season, Castell felt a deep gratitude for the people who supported her. She recalled episodes where difficult decisions influenced the outcome, acknowledging that the show stretched beyond cooking into a mental test that required empathy and resilience. If a fellow competitor faced a tough moment, Castell would rather support a friend than pursue a harder ending for the sake of the game. This empathy defined her approach to teamwork and competition alike, underscoring the human element behind the televised performances.
She also reflected on the final outdoor test involving Patricia Conde. Castell admitted she had limited insight into what transpired and preferred to watch the episodes as a viewer would, processing the events as they unfolded. The personal nature of the program meant many moments remained intimate and subjective, and Castell suggested that the experience demanded a mental stamina that went far beyond the public eye. The show, she noted, lives in the overlap between on-screen drama and the private realities of the participants.
Was Castell worried about a repeat of intense moments? She acknowledged the emotional toll of the competition, including sleepless nights and the pressure of being observed by many cameras. Yet she remained grateful for the authenticity of the experience and the opportunity it provided for audiences to see who she really was. The public-facing nature of MasterChef Celebrity offered a chance to connect with viewers, a factor she valued as part of her broader career, which includes ventures like Bingo for Ladies and a flourishing artistic focus beyond television. The path forward remains open, with new projects on the horizon and continued collaboration with fellow chefs and performers who share her vision.
In sum, Lorena Castell’s MasterChef Celebrity 7 journey blended family heritage, travel-inspired cuisine, and a personal storytelling approach. Her final menu and the experiences along the way demonstrated a commitment to creativity, collaboration, and a genuine connection with audiences. The season’s milestones, the friendships formed, and the lessons learned all contribute to a narrative that extends beyond the kitchen, reflecting a broader artistic pursuit and a familiar voice in contemporary television and food culture.