Wow! What a crazy week it’s been. Adam and I are up to our eyeballs with media commitments and whatnot, so I haven’t had a lot of sleep in the last week, but I wanted to take a bit of time out to thank you all for your support and well wishes. Everyone I’ve met has been really supportive and it means a lot to me.
I came into Masterchef to change my life and I now feel like I’m well on the way to doing that. So much has changed already and I’m really looking forward to keeping on learning and improving and building a career in the food industry. I far exceeded my own expectations in this competition and I really do feel like a winner.
I’ve started this blog so that I can keep in touch with you all and let you know what I’m doing. I plan to fill it with recipes, cooking tips and general mischief. If there’s anything you would specifically like to see on this blog please just leave a comment and let me know! You can also follow me on twitter @callumskitchen.
Callum's Kitchen 
Posted by adamliaw on July 29, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Great looking blog, Cal. Looking forward to seeing it develop from here!
Posted by Daniel on July 30, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Hey Callum, can’t wait to see some recipes posted.. you and Adam have done SA proud, good on ya’s both!
Posted by Roz Tucker on July 30, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Hi Callum, well done – you made us proud. Keep up the great work and enjoy every moment. Table for two please…
Posted by jenni on July 30, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Hi Callum, I am inspired by you and proud of what you have acheived. I am a mother of two boys both grown up and in their twenty’s., you remind me a lot of my 24 year old with some of your mannerism, so I was barracking for you to win. I was happy Adam won, but also cried when you did not take out the Masterchef Title. You should be extremely proud of what you have acheived and now the world is your oyster. You have so much potential and I look forward to hearing of your acheivements. It was pleasing to see George offer you the scholarship and I know that you are going to make an amazing pastry chef. Your attention to detail is amazing. Congratulations does not seem to do it justice.
Best Wishes always
Jenni
Posted by Karen on July 30, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Callum, not only can you cook but you can also spell and punctuate correctly as well! (No prizes for guessing that I’m a teacher. LOL) Yours is definitely a blog that I will enjoy reading.
Posted by Kerry on July 30, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Congratulations Callum. You are a winner which ever way you look at it. I hope you are successful in whatever you do and I hope you are proud of what you have acheived, you should be! Look forward to keeping up with what you are doing. Never let negative comments get to you.
Posted by Adam Hurle on July 30, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Hi Callum,
Great idea doing the blog! I enjoyed following your experience watching Masterchef from my loungeroom. You are a true sincere bloke who tries your very best at everything you did on the show and lookwhere it has got you! Well done!!
Posted by Mick on July 31, 2010 at 12:23 am
Callum, you were amazing. Your ‘boy next door’ friendliness; graciousness in defeat and cooking skills – especially that wow afternoon tea creation in London – are to be admired. You have done your family, Chloe, friends and State proud. Hope your Violet crown creation is going to be posted in your recipe blog. Looking forward to seeing your name up in lights! but don’t rush it, you have an exciting life ahead of you.
Posted by Charley on July 31, 2010 at 12:50 am
Great job Callum!
I was so shocked when Adam won and not you.
You’re amazing, and I think that you should have won.
Matthew Caldicott (did I spell that right?) was my favourite, but when he got eliminated over apricots
(so unfair!!!) you became my favourite.
Thanks for reading this!
Please update on your blog!!!
I’m dying to try your recipes!!!
Posted by Karina Marschall on July 31, 2010 at 1:29 am
CALLUM! you are my hero!
you did the barossa proud. we have taped every episode of masterchef and we have pretty much every newspapaer and magazine you are in ! i hope you come visit the barossa valley soon!
:):):):) goood luck with your future
Posted by callumhann on December 11, 2011 at 11:20 am
I’m in the Barossa all the time 🙂
Posted by Matthew on July 31, 2010 at 1:46 am
You did yourself & SA proud, Callum. I too was crossing my fingers for you to win & even though you didn’t, you still finished up in the top 2, which is a marvellous achievement! I have no doubt that you will make George Calombaris (I apologise if I’ve spelt his surname wrong!) very proud over the next few months & a very bright future awaits you. I will definitely keep reading this blog :-)! All the very best to you :-)!
Posted by mary on July 31, 2010 at 2:23 am
Congratulations Callum on your success, you are an inspiration & me & my family thoroughly enjoyed watching every episode of the series. We were always happy with your success. Keep it up & we know your will aspire to all your dreams. looking forward to watching your successes.
Mary & family.
Posted by Marlene Carpenter on July 31, 2010 at 3:04 am
So pleased you have a blog Callum and I keep up to date on your adventures!! This is only the beginning of your dreams. I was so proud of what you achieved, and I wish you life’s best. Marlene
Posted by Rachel on July 31, 2010 at 3:14 am
Hi and Congratulations Callum!
Everyone here where I live on the edge of the Barossa was wishing you all the best and sending positive vibes your way!! We watched avidly every night!
I really think you are amazing and such a positive role model for young people all over SA. We are all saying here that we can’t wait till you open your own restaurant…and when I go, I WILL be having dessert!!!! 🙂
Best wishes to you for a happy and bright future!!
Rachel
Posted by Palimpsest on July 31, 2010 at 3:38 am
Hey Callum,
First of all congratulations.
Such a huge achievement – and through all of that you have retained a sense of integrity.
I have not watched TV for about 12 years – but somehow – I became captivated by MasterChef – I only caught it in the tail sections.
I hate all the ‘BigBrother’ style ‘life-boat’ reality shows – as they seem needlessly destructive. MasterChef is different – people (generally) were de-selected based on skill and merit (and perhaps some luck).
I am a vegetarian now – and kind of reaching the stage where the thought of eating meat is completely unappealing. I do hope you are able to post a few vegetarian recipes.
Do try to keep the blog up – it will require generosity and determination on your part – but you have those – and other qualities in spade.
Congratulations and very good luck.
Posted by nicolewedding on July 31, 2010 at 4:45 am
Callum, you’re amazing!
Thanks for getting me into Masterchef 🙂
Posted by Joanne on July 31, 2010 at 5:46 am
G’day and BIG congrats on what you did do!
AWESOME through your “ups and downs” as we did view!
WHAT an E-X-C-I-T-I-N-G time you must have had, TRUE!
CONGRATS!!! Now the world’s your oyster, no pun intended too! 🙂
Posted by Monique on July 31, 2010 at 6:45 am
Hey Callum, we holidayed in SA last month and saw the congratulations message on the notice board at your old high school. The Barossa is such an amazing region and we enjoyed great food and wine there. It’s no wonder you have culinary talent in your veins. Only started watching Masterchef in the final weeks but absolutely loved it. Am now suffering withdrawal symptoms. You were incredible! All the best for your cooking future!
Posted by Tatiana on July 31, 2010 at 6:49 am
Hi Callum,
I thought you were fantastic in tackling all the arduous tasks set by the conmpetition.
You have already achieved a lot being only 20. Keep up all that enthusiasm in your life and you will get far.
I wish you could seriously consider having yor own TV cooking show it was so nice watching you on Masterchef, I feel I’ve lost a friend.
Good Luck Callum
Posted by Susan on July 31, 2010 at 6:58 am
Hey Cal, it’s really amazing how you’ve learnt so much from masterchef. Hope to meet you in person one day. Hope you take the experince far.
Posted by Meredith on July 31, 2010 at 8:53 am
Congrats!! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you and to follow your blog!! Well done to a fellow South Aussie!!
Posted by greg tait on July 31, 2010 at 10:45 am
Congratulations Callum on your success in master chef , it was a pleasure watching you cook , all the best in the future and what ever you do, and may it all be exciting and fun and successful ,..
look forward to reading your blog .. cheers and all the best .look forward to reading your cook book , and seeing you in your own cooking tv show , maybe with Matt..
GO Callum GOOOOO !!!
Posted by Sefie on July 31, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Hey Callum, just wanted to add my congratulations and best wishes for your new future! I really hope you enjoy your scholarship with George, and have some time to enjoy Melbourne for the great city that she is. I made macarons for the first time using your recipe from the London challenge (Adriano Zumbo’s one was too scary!), and people keep asking me to make more! Thanks for the recipe, mate 🙂
Posted by Charley on July 31, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Hi Callum,
keep up the fantastic work!!!
I’m a massive fan.
i am 10, and when I grow up i’d like to be like you.
At an age of only 20, you have done brilliantly!
You should have won 😦
You’ve done SA proud.
Good luck and the best of wishes!
By the way, you should have your own cooking show…
Posted by shanghaisally on August 1, 2010 at 12:59 am
Great to see your blog up Callum. Thanks for being such a fantastic contestant on Masterchef and giving young people inspiration to follow their dreams. It’s been great watching you on the show, you’ve shown such courage and strength within you, there’s no doubt you will get far in the food industry.
I really look forward to all the awesomeness that is going to happen on this blog! Keep up the great work Cal.
xx
Posted by Julia on August 1, 2010 at 1:00 am
Hi Callum….Congratulations on being a winner…because you are! I loved you and Adam, and are so pleased you were both in the finals and are such good friends. You both seem such genuine, down-to earth guys. Don’t let that change. Good luck with your exciting future…you deserve only the best. Your family and friends must be so proud of you…as are the rest of South Australia!
Posted by anissarose on August 1, 2010 at 2:58 am
the day your recipe book comes out will be one of the best days of my life!
xo
Posted by Antalya on August 1, 2010 at 3:54 am
You look so cute in chef whites! hehe
i hope you open you’re resturant because i can’t wait to eat there! 😛
Posted by the raw noodle on August 1, 2010 at 7:35 am
Well Done Callum! Looking forward to your posts! 🙂
Posted by lyn on August 1, 2010 at 10:06 am
Congrats, Callum!
Posted by Matthew Caldicott (Masterchef) on August 1, 2010 at 10:36 am
Loving the lay out of the site mate. You need to get another blog up though, keep the peeps happy!
Posted by Michelle Jackson on August 1, 2010 at 11:29 pm
Congratulations Callum,
What a pleasure it was to watch you grow and learn on the show and thank you for helping to inspire many of us back into the kitchen. I loved your recipes, the blog’s a great idea for those of us who would like to recreate your delicious food.
Posted by IzzyLittle on August 2, 2010 at 4:25 am
Well Done Callum
Just when Masterchef started i looked at my family and said “this is the guy who will be in the finals hes the guy to beat”
Dont listen to anyone who says you didin’t deserve to win and dont listen to the nasty comments listen to your heart. I can’t wait to sit in your resturant and eat your delicious food. The day your book comes out I will be the first to buy it. I loved your desserts!!!!!!
Posted by Sook @ Nommy Nom Nom on August 2, 2010 at 5:13 am
Congrats Callum, on all you achieved in Masterchef!! You did brilliant and got a bright future ahead of you. I wish I found my passion for cooking sooner, like you. Not going to stop me though, and nothing should stop you too! Keep cooking and learning! :]
Posted by Amelia on August 6, 2010 at 7:56 am
Well done Callum!! Your done incredibly well and I can’t wait to see what you do next. I love your food style. I’ll definitely buy your cookbook. Enjoy the journey ahead. 🙂
Posted by Irene on August 7, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Hi Callum How are the scholarship going at George’s Restaurant?
Posted by Vanessa on August 8, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Hi Callum, you are an amazing and inspiring young man. I shall look forward to following you rise to the level of stardom you deserve. I would love to see some more vegetarian recipes if possible. It would be wonderful if more young people had your fantastic attitude and manners. All the best.
Posted by puppg g (girl) on August 9, 2010 at 4:20 am
it was such a pleasure watching u cook on masterchef- i LOVE U!!!
Posted by Jeff on August 10, 2010 at 7:41 am
Hi Callum. I’m a friend of Adam’s from his Japan days. I really enjoyed watching you on Masterchef. Your genuine warmth and happiness accentuated your amazing cooking skills and talent. I was also very, very happy and moved to see your friendship with Adam. I could see how happy he was to share the experience with you. You two were wonderful and did the show (and yourselves!) proud. Congratulations on your successes and on the many more to come!
Posted by Sara on August 10, 2010 at 10:04 am
Congratulations! Wishing you all the best on your Masterchef journey.
Posted by joemilli on August 12, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Hello from Canada…we are a day behind in real time but currently watching MC AU 2, we have to download the episodes here, My wife and I are on ep73 and hope to finish this weekend, you are oneof my favourites.
I’m trying to connect with as many foodies as possible as my wife and I have a huge passion for food, I have started a blog recently where I’m trying to get max participation to create the worlds greatest dish. i hope you come view it and participate @ http://joemilli.wordpress.com/
Thank you,
JoeMilli
Posted by shia on November 23, 2010 at 3:15 pm
hey callum,
i live in india and have not seen the finale yet as they telecast it real late here. i see masterchef has ended in july but here its still on the level when there were 7 of you left ,when joanne was eliminated.from the start i saw a winner in you and jonathan.jonno could not win but you did me proudby grabbing the second place! actually i loved all the contestents, they were so supportive throughout with no hard feelings or anything.so am looking forward to see the final in real rather than just reading ’bout it.a new program called masterchef india has started here lately of course derived frm australia.pls tell me some more if you can about you and masterchef.
Posted by Rimi on November 28, 2010 at 7:21 am
Hey callum,
I’m in India, and the telecast of Masterchef Australia is still on here. I couldn’t stop myself from checking out the last week though and i’m really glad you made it to the final week. 🙂 You have a great blog here, but i’m a vegetarian (have been for all my 20 years) and i would love it if you could post some vegetarian recepies. Thanks! and Good luck!!
Posted by Jili on December 12, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Hey Callum,
Thank you for inspiring me to start cooking! I’m the same age as you are, and prior to watching masterchef australia my cooking skills were comparable to a 10 year old. But watching the way you cook, I’ve started taking cooking lessons – and I love it. So thanks a lot for giving me all that inspiration, and good luck for all your future projects!
Posted by callumhann on December 13, 2010 at 10:33 am
Great to hear! That is one of my favourite things about the show, so many people are improving their cooking skills and being inspired!
Posted by Sneha on January 1, 2011 at 5:40 am
Hey Callum ..
I’m not sure if you’ll be reading this, you’ve for a HUGE fan list already 🙂
Congratulations on making it !! 🙂 U really deserve it ! Throughout the show, iv seen that the most selfless people have been you and Adam. both of you deserve this 🙂
I wish you all the very best in life ! Hope you have a great time cooking ..
I’ll pray to God that you become one of Australia’s best chefs 🙂
Takecare n i’ll keep reading your blogs .. cuz iv got this huge sweet tooth and i lovvvee sweets and desserts 🙂
Posted by Avanika (Yumsilicious Bakes) on January 2, 2011 at 6:14 pm
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m your fan!! I stayed away from your site and all other to remain spoiler free while it aired here in India, and I have to say, I was rooting for you since almost the beginning! Can’t wait to see what you do! I hope to become a pastry chef in 5-6 years, so it’s kinda inspiring 🙂