Former Fort St. John resident reflects on MasterChef Canada experience after elimination

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Former Fort St. John resident Daniel Ebanks’ MasterChef Canada journey has come to an end after being eliminated in episode four.

Ebanks, who now lives in Winnipeg, was one of two contestants this season with ties to Fort St. John, alongside local rancher Marianne Smeaton, who remains in the competition.

Reflecting on his time on the show, Ebanks said being part of MasterChef Canada was “absolutely incredible.”

“You think about being on MasterChef, you try to manifest it, you practice and you put all of your energy into getting on the show,” he told Energeticcity.ca. 

“When you finally get the call, it’s just a dream come true.”

Ebanks added the best part of the experience was connecting with fellow contestants and the judges.

“You’re interacting with chefs who are leading the culinary field, so just being a part of that is really cool,” said Ebanks.

Though his run ended in the October 28th episode’s challenge of preparing a two-course, plant-based meal for families visiting the restaurant, Ebanks said he’s proud of what he accomplished on the show.

“I feel like I put my personality and my stamp on my food every time I stepped in the kitchen,” he said. “I really showed Canada what I bring to the table.”

Ebanks lived in Fort St. John for nearly five years between 2012 and 2016, and said he remembers the city fondly.

“The people of Fort St. John that I got to interact with were great,” Ebanks said. “I think Fort St. John is like a little mini family, I still have some really good friends there.”

He added that his favourite part about Fort St. John and the Peace region is “the beauty of Charlie Lake,” describing it as “absolutely gorgeous.”

He said his biggest takeaway from the competition was confidence, both in his food and in himself as a cook.

“When you’re cooking for friends and family, you’re not sure how valid the feedback is,” he said. “But competing with those cooks on the show really gave me confidence in my food and my ability.”

Ebanks plans to continue sharing his culinary journey on social media through his Instagram account, where he showcases his dishes and cooking style.

“Down the road, there may be a cookbook,” he hinted. “I really want to show people how to make memories and share experiences with people around food.”

Meanwhile, Fort St. John’s own Marianne Smeaton continues to compete on MasterChef Canada season eight, airing Tuesdays at 7 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and streaming on Crave the following day.