Western Australia, 29, Hospitality Manager

Born in the city of Dublin, Lee and his family relocated to the small country town of Blessington in rural Ireland when he was 15.

Lee says his fondest memories are celebrating big family dinners and Sunday roasts with extended family.

After high school, Lee found his niche working in the hospitality industry. He has travelled throughout Europe and Australia and has since settled down in Perth with girlfriend, Gemma.

Lee’s love of food started early. He remembers being scolded by his Dad when he was eight for going to bed with a slice of cheese under his pillow. While his palate and bedtime snacks may have changed, his passion for food continues.

Cooking properly since he was 14, Lee says his mother taught him most of his early skills. When he began backpacking, he would routinely write down and practice different recipes he encountered on his travels.

Lee’s signature dish is a medium-rare rib-eye served with blue cheese butter, fat cut chips and crispy onions.

After MasterChef Australia, Lee hopes to own and operate his own brew pub, in Perth, specialising in delicious food and beverages. With a strong focus on local produce, he hopes to have an extensive fruit and vegetable garden on the property, producing homemade jams, chutneys, pickles and olives for sale.

When he is not cooking up a storm or researching his next travel destination, Lee enjoys playing soccer and golf and keeping fit.