Monica Galetti can be recognised as one of the judges in the MasterChef: The Professionals show. Over the years, you have probably watched her giving soothing, yet blunt, criticism to chefs during the heated moments of the competition. However, there is a lot more to her story.
Roots in Samoa and New Zealand
Monica was born in Samoa in 1975. Samoa is an island with rich traditions and tight‑knit families. Food plays a big role there. When Monica was small, her family moved to New Zealand. It was a new world. A fresh start.
She didn’t grow up dreaming of a chef’s hat. She just loved cooking little things at home. That feeling of pride when everyone tastes your dish is powerful. Monica felt it.
In school, she picked hospitality as her focus at the Central Institute of Technology in Upper Hutt, New Zealand. She learnt cooking basics, kitchen safety, and how to run a team.
A Bold Move to London
In 1999, Monica took a big risk. She sent her résumé to top London restaurants. She had no guarantee of success. She didn’t know anyone there. The idea of moving so far away was terrifying. Yet she went ahead.
Her hard work paid off. She landed a role at Le Gavroche, a famous restaurant owned by Michel Roux Jr. The kitchen was tough. The hours were long. Many new chefs quit after a week. Monica stuck it out. She learnt fast. She helped prep sauces, chopped countless vegetables, and soaked up advice from senior chefs.
Bit by bit, she climbed the ladder. She became the first woman to hold a senior chef position at Le Gavroche. Think about that; kitchens at that level were still mostly men. Monica broke through by showing she belonged.
Becoming a TV Judge on MasterChef
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In 2009, Monica stepped in front of cameras as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals. It was a whole new challenge. She had to give feedback live. She had to stay steady when contestants cracked under pressure.
Her style stood out. She didn’t shout or belittle anyone. Instead, she spoke clearly and kindly. If a dish was too salty, she said, “This needs more balance.” She’d show chefs how to tweak a sauce or adjust seasoning. You could feel her genuine desire to help them learn.
Imagine you’re on that show, heart pounding, hands shaking. Monica’s calm words would be a lifeline. She might say, “You’ve got a great idea here. Keep pushing.” That kind of support matters when nerves take over.
The Birth of Mere: Monica’s Own Restaurant
In 2017, Monica took another leap. She opened Mere in London with her husband, David Galetti. He handled the wine; she ran the kitchen. It was a partnership in every sense.
Mere mixed French cooking methods with flavours from Samoa and New Zealand. Dishes were thoughtful and personal. You might try a fish course with coconut and lemongrass. Or a dessert that reminded Monica of tropical fruit back home.
Running Mere was no small feat. They poured their savings into the space. They hired a team. They worked day and night. If you’ve ever tried starting your own project, you know there’s no downtime. Yet Mere got great reviews. Food critics praised the menu. Diners lined up for reservations.
After seven years, Monica and David made a hard choice. In 2024, they closed Mere. It wasn’t a failure. It was the right moment. They loved their time there. They’d met amazing people and served memorable meals. But every chapter has to end sometime.
Life Beyond the Kitchen: Social Media and Beyond
Monica shares her world on Instagram as @galettigram. She posts snapshots of dishes, travel photos, and family moments. Her style is relaxed. You’ll see her laughing with her team or showing a simple meal she made at home.
On X (formerly Twitter), she’s @monicagaletti. Her feed is quiet. She doesn’t post much there. Instagram is where she connects most. You’ll find stories of behind-the-scenes prep or a quick note about a new project.
She also appears on shows like Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby. There, she helps out in hotel kitchens and meets staff. She digs in and does the work. That’s her style—hands-on, genuine, and curious.
Stepping Back to Focus on Family
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In 2022, Monica decided to leave MasterChef: The Professionals. She wanted more time with her family. She also wanted to focus on other ventures away from TV.
That choice showed what really matters to her. She cares deeply about her loved ones. She values time in the kitchen and time at home. Fame is fun for a while, but family and real work keep you grounded.
Final Thoughts
If you ever feel blocked, think of Monica. She didn’t have a clear-cut path. She made attempts. She underwent a multitude of gruelling lessons in demanding kitchens. She remained humble and kept progressing.
Perhaps you are not aspiring to be a chef. Maybe you are pursuing a different form of a dream. Regardless of which, her story still matters. Passion matters. Hard work pays. Kind deeds open opportunities. And best of all, being true to yourself makes the journey worthwhile.
