Greek Australian Chef Philip Vakos Comes ‘Full Circle’ on MasterChef Greece

MELBOURNE – Melbourne-based chef and restaurateur, Philip Vakos has made headlines once again for his culinary talents, this time, on this year’s diaspora-driven season of MasterChef Greece, which premiered on Sunday, January 18.

Skillfully blending traditional Greek influences with distinct Australian flavors, Vakos’ lamb dish wowed all three judges in the audition stage of the show, earning him a spot in the competition and the official ‘M’ branded white apron.

This season not only celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the popular program on Greece’s Star channel but shines a light on the gastronomic talents of cooking connoisseurs with Greek heritage from countries around the world, including Australia, Dubai, Egypt, Germany and Switzerland.

Fifteen years since his first appearance on Season two of MasterChef Australia, 42-year-old Vakos has now returned to his roots in more ways than one to honor the cooking methods passed down to him. In spite of his initial nerves, Vakos’ vast experience in the field and Hellenic spirit have continued to guide him forward on the show.

”It’s a full circle journey for me … it’s where my essence comes from, it’s where my family started” Vakos said during the first episode.

“I feel like I belong. it’s destiny”.

Behind the flames

Originally from Tasmania, and an accountant by trade, the third-generation Greek attributes his passion for the Hellenic palette to his Cretan ancestry, with his skills initially seasoned by his grandmothers, yiayia Katina and yiayia Eleni.

Family has played a key role in forming Vakos’ ambition and unplanned return to the kitchen flames of the MasterChef franchise, highlighting just how his personal relationships have profoundly impacted his professional journey, with the recent loss of his father, especially motivating him.

For the past 12 years, Vakos’ wife, Heleena has acted as co-runner of their restaurant, Bahari | The Hellenic Palate, in Richmond, and helped to launch and operate their Mediterranean Ready Meals company, ‘Phlavour’.

Holding down the fort in Melbourne, Heleena told The National Herald that cheering Vakos on from home with their 3 ½ year old son, Evander has, at times, been “challenging”.

“They (Philip and Evander) both normally spend a lot of time together … It’s quite strict for contestants on the show so they don’t have a lot of access to phones or technology”, she said.

“We (Philip and I) both share the parenting and the work, so it’s been hard for sure. I do show Evander some little clips, so he can understand what Philip is doing – but he’s still little, so the concept of time is tricky!”

Vakos has always showcased his connection to community, keeping busy over the years with chef demonstrations, numerous television appearances, and cultural events across Australia including Melbourne’s annual Antipodes Festival.

Over the weekend at Antipodes, his wife represented them both, sharing “hot” and “νηστίσιμα” Phlavour meals with the growing crowds.

*Video from Phlavour’s Instagram page at Antipodes *

Despite the current distance, Heleena expressed her gratitude for being able to see her husband do what he loves and has high hopes for the future.

“To be able to cook, in Greece, where it all began for his Grandparents is a special thing. We would love to spend more time in Greece and be able to immerse our little one more in Greek culture.”

She added: “Stay tuned … I’m excited to see what the future holds … nothing venture, nothing gained”.

Until he returns to Melbourne, fans can watch Vakos continue his MasterChef legacy as part of the ‘Red Brigade’ on Channel Star.

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