MASTERCHEF: L-R: Contestant Newton and host / judge Gordon Ramsay in the “Silenced By The Lambs” episode of MASTERCHEF airing Wednesday, July 12 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. CR: Michael Becker / FOX. © 2017 FOX Broadcasting. CR: FOX. © 2017 FOX Broadcasting.
A lucky few will be able to taste and see the work of MasterChef contestant Mike Newton tomorrow evening. Even if you don't get a taste, everyone is welcome to watch the seventh episode of this season's MasterChef at the Starpower Showroom watch party from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Newton has advanced to the top 17 chefs on season 8 of the American competitive reality TV series. On and off the screen, he is never seen without his iconic black cowboy hat. Outspoken Gordon Ramsay is joined by Christina Tosi and Aarón Sanchez as judges. The watch party event hits pretty close to home for Newton, who lives about 90 miles west of Southlake.
"Mike's from the area, he has also done quite a bit of real estate here,” says Jeff Tucker, Newton's manager. “He's pretty well-connected with the folks in Dallas-Fort Worth at large, but Southlake is pretty close to his stomping grounds."
The event is free and kid friendly. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP here.
Adult beverages, sodas and waters will be served. Newton will be onsite, showing his famed skills and serving a special dish for a lucky few at the watch party. Newton's Cowboy Chow-Chow will be available for purchase. In addition, his Cowboy Cupcakes will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.
"We love the location,” Tucker says. “[Newton] really liked the locale, plus the fact that it has a kitchen in it. He can do pretty much anything he wants to showcase what his skills are. It just seemed like a really great fit."
Donations to the Tarrant Area Food Bank will be accepted on the nonprofit's behalf. The charitable aspect is nothing new to Newton's watch party scene.
"I think to date, we've probably raised about $20 thousand for different philanthropies,” Tucker says. “That's one of the things he likes to do. He makes sure that whatever community he is going to, he's trying to find a way to give back."
Watch parties have been held across North Texas for each episode since early June. When asked if the attendance has grown, Tucker chuckled.
"Yes," he says. "Tomorrow night ought to be a pretty large turnout. Our groups that have been following us locally have been on point as far as always being there in support and letting us know they're going to be there."
Starpower Southlake, TX
1600 E. Southlake Blvd.