Montrealers turned up the heat and got into the kitchen on Tuesday as some avid home cooks had the opportunity to try out for the third season of Masterchef Canada.

“My cooking is my passion, I think it's what makes me the happiest,” said hopeful Tina Scardochio. “You know when they say that you shouldn't work unless it makes you happy, this is what it would be.”

About 50 people showed up to the Montreal auditions, and it fell to professional taster Jonathan Cheung to pick who would move on. He said it takes more than flavour to impress him.

“I think putting your personality on the plate, but making sure it’s seasoned well, is big,” he said. “There’s a lot of really great dishes. One thing I do like about Montreal is that it’s seasoned well.”

Casting calls for Masterchef Canada continue in Toronto on July 18 and 19.