With the Dessert Masters 2024 finale just around the corner, fans are on the edge of their seats as their favourite chefs make their way closer to sweet, sweet victory.
One contender marked as one to watch from the beginning is the modest John Demetrios, aka “Sugar John,” celebrated for creating some of the “sexiest” desserts to ever grace the show’s kitchen.
Let’s learn more about his journey and what he’s been bringing to the competition.
What’s John Demetrios’ baking background?
John grew up in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, starting his culinary career in a local bakery. From these humble beginnings, his career quickly took off.
He completed a four-year baking apprenticeship in just two years and, at 19, headed to London to begin classical training. There, he rose to lead the pastry kitchen for three-Michelin-star chef Pierre Koffmann at Koffmann’s in Knightsbridge.
Returning to Melbourne, John helmed the pastry team at Circa the Prince before becoming Head Pastry Chef at the iconic Vue de Monde.
But his international adventures weren’t over. John sharpened his skills across Scandinavia, working in Norway and Denmark before settling in Sweden as Head Pastry Chef at two-Michelin-starred Oaxen Krog under chef Magnus Ek.
In 2017, John returned to Australia to take on the role of Executive Pastry Chef for the entire Vue de Monde group.
Most recently, he’s been serving as Executive Pastry Chef at LK Hospitality, overseeing renowned venues like Omnia and Yugen.
John’s standout moments on Dessert Masters
John has been a consistent showstopper this season, wowing judges with his fine-art-on-a-plate creations. One of his most memorable dishes came during Episode 7’s elimination challenge, where contestants showcased four of Judge Amaury Guichon’s signature techniques.
John’s Alter Ego dessert was a masterpiece: a hazelnut base layered with dense brown butter and caramel ganache, a sponge cake flavoured with hazelnut and cognac, and passionfruit curd with blood orange juice. Topping it all was a stunning chocolate carnation.
Armoury described it as “perfectly thought out and executed,” while co-judge Melissa Leong praised John’s work as “masterful.”
And who could forget his recent take on Snow White, which earned him the nickname “Sugar John”? An exquisite trio of decadent desserts inspired by the food in the fairy tale – pumpkin soup, gooseberry pie, and, of course, a blown sugar “poison” apple.
Each element also reflected his experience in Melbourne, Sweden, the UK, and the Netherlands. Talk about a feat!
Will John win Dessert Masters 2024?
With his charming humility and undeniable talent for crafting extraordinary desserts, John is a Dessert Masters fan favourite. No doubt, many would love to see him crowned champion.
With the countdown to the finale officially on, it won’t be long until we see if John can take home the Dessert Masters’ crown!
Where to find John on social media
If you’d like to follow John on socials, you can find him over at Instagram: @johndemetrios
Dessert Masters 2024 airs on Sundays and Mondays on Channel 10 and 10Play.
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