MASTERCHEF MICHAEL LEONARD BRINGS THE HEAT TO WILMINGTON

Get ready, Wilmington food lovers—MasterChef All-Stars Live! is heading to the Wilson Center on September 28, bringing with it the fire, flavor, and fierce competition of TV’s top cooking show, live on stage. Fans will get a rare chance to experience high-octane head-to-head battles, culinary creativity, and behind-the-scenes stories from their favorite MasterChef stars—up close and personal.

MasterChef Michael Leonard

Leading the charge is Michael Leonard, the bold and intuitive winner of MasterChef Season 14. Known for his fearless approach in the kitchen and a knack for connecting with food lovers everywhere, Leonard has spent the time since his victory building out his brand, FlavorPerfection, curating private dining experiences, and launching a new culinary venture with fellow MasterChef alum (and now partner), Sophie. Cape Fear Living sat down with Michael ahead of the tour to talk about live cooking, creative evolution, and how pasta—and passion—still lead the way.

What are you most looking forward to on the upcoming MasterChef All-Stars Live! show?

I'm extremely excited to cook alongside fellow MasterChef contestants live! It’s an incredible opportunity to travel and feel the energy of crowds from all across the United States. I can’t wait to get out there and give the crowds the show of a lifetime.

What’s the difference between cooking on the live show and cooking for TV?

Cooking on TV was intense—and in a way, we were cooking live, just not in front of as big of a crowd. I've done many private dinners where I cook 5–7 course meals with everyone watching, and I love that energy. To be able to showcase my skills in front of an audience that’s genuinely excited about food? That’s a dream come true.

What’s one lesson from your time on MasterChef that still influences how you cook today?

Confidence. I learned that you have to own your personality in your food—that’s what makes it unique. Cooking like someone else strips away the heart of it. Inspiration is important, but you have to branch out and experiment. There’s always room for creativity. I always say: I want to teach people to cook like them.

How do you keep pushing yourself creatively in the kitchen after winning such a high-stakes competition?

Creativity doesn’t mean overcomplicating—it means using what you have in new ways. Just because a dish has been done before doesn’t mean it can’t be reinvented. My partner Sophie and I are launching a new food venture called Àimore, blending our culinary backgrounds into fusion private dinners and pop-ups in the DC area. It’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and connection. You can follow along on Instagram @flavor.perfection and @aimore_food.

What’s your go-to dish when cooking for family or friends—and how do you elevate it?Fresh pasta. It’s my go-to. I play around with flavors in the dough—beet, spinach—and experiment with fillings like pesto or cheese. I might make ravioli, gnocchi, or cavatelli. I’m actually finishing up a cookbook that teaches pasta-making techniques, not just recipes, so home cooks can learn the foundations and experiment freely. It'll be announced on my website, Flavorperfection.com, soon.

Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment from MasterChef that fans would be surprised to hear?A lot of people think we’re told what’s coming next—but we’re not. Everything is very spontaneous, including scheduling and challenges. We were constantly in the dark, and that unpredictability was real. As for the live tour? This is my first time doing it, so I’m just as curious and excited as the fans.

What advice do you have for junior chefs or home cooks who want to take their skills to the next level?Don’t be afraid to try new techniques. Recipes are great starting points, but don’t get so caught up that you lose your own voice. I used to recreate recipes, then try them again without one. Worst case? You fail and try again. That’s the process. It’s like painting—recreate first, then add your own brushstrokes.

You’ve cooked under pressure—first on national TV and now on stage. What’s your best tip for staying calm and confident?I won’t lie—I still get nervous! But I use that energy to fuel my performance. When I’m nervous before a challenge, I know I’m ready. I turn those nerves into confidence. Cooking every day helps too—but in the moment, adrenaline is a superpower.

MasterChef All-Stars Live! comes to the Wilson Center, Wilmington, NC, on September 28. Witness the heat, the hustle, and the heart of America’s favorite cooking show—live on stage.

For tickets and tour information, visit: MasterChefLiveTour.com