Ever since I found out about Alice’s journey in the Master Chef kitchen, I have been more than excited and proud to know her and to support her. She has been very entertaining to watch on TV and has made the show ever more appealing.

It is evident to me that there is much hype around the controversial spectacles that she wears. One thing is clear here; Alice is Alice and has always been Alice. Through those glasses of hers, she is able to view the world in a positive light. A natural learner and a high skilled teacher, her wackiness and consistent eccentric attitude is carried throughout all facets of her life.  Her glasses do not define her; they are not even a vehicle for her personality. They are no more than merely an object that Alice thinks is ‘cool’. I believe that the ‘jury is out’ on that one, but I am able to see through them, just as she is able to do from the other side.

If you knew Alice, you would know that she loves the big ‘daggy’ clothes from the 1990s. I spent one entire school holidays, sorting through her disaster of a wardrobe and making her through out pieces of clothing that were no longer needed. I did not win with the Cockatoo T-shirt or the one with the Tuxedo on it.  But I did try my best.

If you knew Alice, you would know that ‘eclectic fashion’ is her thing. She has never been one to follow trends. She is a trend creator. And not all of her trends I like. She is an individual. And individually she will express herself through choice of colours and styles. (Wait till she brings out her ‘onesies’)

If you knew Alice, you would know that she shares a remarkable interest in fitness. As a school gymnast and a walking promotion for Cross Fit, Alice is never far from an exercise. One year, we walked around a football oval talking of her plans to climb to the Everest Base Camp. And determined as ever, she did.  Alice does everything that she puts her mind to.

If you knew Alice, you would know that she will stop and talk to everyone. As embarrassing as it is sometimes, like when she walked out of shop bowed, and said “sayonara”. Alice is Alice. And Alice loves to talk. She is never without a smile, her glasses and a couple of Sushi Rolls from Chapel St.

If you knew Alice, you would know that she is weird and wacky. She is the ‘dumbest smart person’ I know.  I will not explain that one any further, other than to say she received the Dean’s Award at Melbourne University. Alice’s over the top, exaggerated expressions are no different to any other Drama Teacher who has had a coffee. (Not speaking from experience there.)

If you knew Alice, you would know that her passion in life is food. She not only enjoys eating it but cooking it. For this reason my Dad has put a lock on his fridge. Many times we have sat in the backyard of my parent’s place, pondering the world outside of teaching. Alice has always wanted to do something more. She loves her students, but I really believe that it is the social interaction that really excites her. Her bubbly ‘out there’ peculiar attitude and passion for food has lead my Dad to give her the nickname of “Alice in Saucepan”.

If you knew Alice, you would know that it is all about the food on Master Chef and it is not about her appearance. Her clothes, her glasses and her personality are not indicators of her passion for cooking. They also do not indicate the quality of her cooking. And as Master Chef approaches its final weeks, I am hoping to see Alice in her finest moments. I want her to win. I want her to realize her dreams, because she deserves it just like anyone else. But that is something we are all going to have to wait for….

I wish you luck my love…. And if even if you don’t win, I have nearly wet myself with some of your commentary…

To follow Alice’s progress, please ‘like’ her fan page: Alice Zaslavsky on Facebook

“You do not have to wear glasses to be able to see..”
~Mango