I wanted to be an engineer, says chef Gary Mehigan

Masterchef Australia host Gary Mehigan is a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. He loves laughing, travelling and of course, good food. But, like everyone, he gets down occasionally and like us, turns to food to boost his mood. "Comfort food is the best!," Mehigan says. "For me, comfort food is a whole roasted chicken with crispy roasted potatoes. Simple but heartwarming."

When it comes to breakfast, Mehigan keeps it snappy on week days and treats himself on weekends. "My daily breakfast is usually something on the run," he says. "A quick piece of toast or some muesli with yoghurt. On the weekends it is a coffee and eggs with the whole catastrophe, toast, mushrooms, avocado, bacon and some gorgeous Yarra Valley Feta."

Food wasn't Mehigan's first choice for a career. He says, "I always wanted to be an engineer like my dad, but he didn't think I had the focus, which is how I ended up in food. He knew I loved cooking with my grandfather, who was a chef, and encouraged me to follow in his footsteps."