Monica Galetti, the renowned MasterChef: The Professionals judge and chef, has released a new book, *Gathering*, which explores the deep connections between food and family in her life. Drawing on her childhood memories in Samoa and experiences in professional kitchens, the book captures the dishes that define her personal and culinary journey.

Born and raised in Samoa, Galetti credits her Samoan parents for instilling her love of food. She recalls her mother’s baking and her father’s gardening and fishing as foundational influences. The book includes stories such as the seafood platter her husband, David—whom she met while working at Le Gavroche in London—used to propose to her in Biarritz. Despite the book’s range of recipes, Galetti highlights roast chicken as the dish she most associates with family, noting her fondness for picking apart the carcass, a ritual shared with her siblings and parents during Sunday gatherings.

Galetti’s parents have passed away in recent years—her mother in 2014 and her father in 2024—and she found the writing process both emotional and therapeutic as it prompted her to reflect on their role in her life and career. After moving to New Zealand and training as a chef, Galetti left for London at 23 to work at the two-Michelin-star Le Gavroche under Michel Roux, who later encouraged her to become head judge on MasterChef: The Professionals.

Her daughter Anais, now 19, was raised surrounded by fine dining and developed an early appreciation for quality food, often accompanying Galetti to restaurants from infancy. However, Anais has chosen to pursue music over cooking, a decision Galetti supports, citing her own struggles balancing motherhood with the demands of professional kitchens. She emphasized that family should not be a choice against one’s passions.

Throughout her career, Galetti acknowledged the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry but said she was never intimidated and focused solely on the craft of cooking. She described the banter and occasional sexist remarks in the kitchen as something she could handle, drawing on her upbringing in a close-knit family where she was used to roughhousing with brothers and cousins.

Transitioning to television in 2009 introduced new challenges. Galetti faced criticism for her direct style, earning the nickname “Nasty Monica,” which she attributed to the stark contrast between the kitchen environment and the public perception shaped by early social media. Over time, she learned to navigate this landscape, later choosing to step away from platforms like Twitter to avoid negativity.

Galetti declined to comment on the departure of former MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace amid controversy but confirmed she is no longer in close contact with Wallace or John Torode, her co-presenter.

Discussing the state of the restaurant industry, Galetti described it as a mixed picture. While some restaurateurs experience growth driven by young people’s appetite for dining experiences, others face struggles due to rising costs and global instability. Her own London restaurant, Mere, closed after seven years despite earning Michelin recognition; the closure was partly a personal decision to regain family time before her daughter left for university.

Galetti remains engaged in culinary projects, including consulting for Tasi, a restaurant in Samoa dedicated to training local staff. She views this as a significant and rewarding endeavor, especially given the closure of the local catering college and economic barriers for aspiring chefs.

In the UK, Galetti has supported initiatives like 130 Primrose, a restaurant offering training and employment opportunities for homeless individuals. Her involvement began through charity work and highlighted her commitment to using her skills to benefit vulnerable communities.

At home, Galetti describes a lively atmosphere centered around food. She enjoys hosting and preparing dishes such as oka, a traditional Samoan ceviche with coconut milk and lime, which she calls a favorite and crowd-pleaser.

Looking ahead to the upcoming season of MasterChef: The Professionals, set to air in February 2027, Galetti expressed enthusiasm for the diversity of cooking styles showcased. She noted current trends affecting eating habits but assured viewers that competitive standards on the show remain unchanged.