Since “Secrets of the Masters” began airing in Q Channel 11, its host, a self-confessed and certified foodie Issa Litton felt that she has become what she never expected to be – a food expert and a food critic! And she attributed this to hosting and meeting the best chefs in her show.

According to her, there were times when she would be recognized as the host of “Secrets of the Masters” in the restaurants she would dine in. The managers would always approach her to ask about her food. And she would give her “expert” advice on how she felt the dish she ordered would have tasted better or what was lacking in it.

Her knack for describing the taste of what she was eating in restaurants or what she was sampling on the set of “Secrets of the Masters” was developed from the show and in the now defunct show “Living it Up” also on Q Channel 11.

“I think I got trained with ‘Living it Up’ because we also have a restaurant segment. I was in charge of the food and I got positive feedback from viewers on how I described the food I was tasting. They said that they also tasted the food from my description,” she smiled. “I’ve found out a formula to comfortably describe food and a way for it to appeal to Filipino taste.”

She added that some of their viewers would visit the restaurant she ate in or featured and report back their experiences on her Multiply site.

“I was happy that I was connecting with my viewers. Through the show it became easy for me to describe food. I just have to be honest. It was also easier because the ingredients are in front of you. It also helped that I also watch ‘Iron Chef’ and I learned from that show how to describe food. I don’t want to cheat our audience and just say the food is okay. Siyempre it’s good because the dishes were prepared by Master Chefs,” she remarked.

So what’s new with “Secrets of the Masters”?

Since its onset, the show has grown from “trial and error” to having a full proof system of presenting the Master Chef of each episodes. Taping once a month for three episodes, the show, according to Issa, has amassed better commercial loads and has become a 45-minute show from being a 30-minute show before.

It has also remained true to its thrust of featuring the country’s top chefs “in an extravaganza of one-of-a-kind techniques and best-kept kitchen secrets!” Every Sunday, viewers witness a Master Chef take centerstage and showcase his extraordinary prowess by exhibiting a delectable collection of dishes with his own distinct mark!

“I’m really always in awe when I meet our chef guests. They are not called masters for nothing. And what’s good about them is that they practice here in the Philippines,” quipped Issa.

So does she have a favorite Master Chef already who she would want to always come back as their guest?

“It’s hard because everyone is an expert and everyone has brought their own specialty on the table. Some are meat people and some are fish and some are pastry chefs. Actually we taped a special wherein they asked me what were my favorite dishes, one was for the main course. But when they asked me for the dessert, boom! I had a lineup instantly… what’s prepared in the show are dishes that are not served in restaurants and I’m glad that I get to taste them first,” she related.

For tonight’s episode of “Secrets of the Masters,” the special guest chef is the Executive Chef of Makati Shangri-La, Chef Karl Krautler. Born in Australia, he started as a Chef de Partie in London. His successful career as a chef paved the way for him to travel around the world as he became the Executive Chef of another hospitality company with branches in Hong Kong, Korea, Yugoslavia, Indonesia, India, Australia, and the US.

Tonight master Chef Karl Krautler will be preparing Soya Jelly with Grated Tuna and Wasabi Mayonnaise and Microgreens, Chocolate Mousse and one of his specialties, Sumac Spice Lamb Cutlets in Grenadine Syrup and Feta Cheese Salad. Chef Karl’s main dish is a splendid plateful of “Sumac Spice Lamb Cutlets in Grenadine Syrup and Feta Cheese Salad.” In Arabic cuisine, Sumac is a type of spice or garnish used in various dishes such as salads. And in Chef Karl’s masterpiece, it would absolutely make a kick.

As to what Issa enjoys most after each “Secrets of the Masters” episodes, it’s going home for home-cooked meals.

“I’m Pinoy. And really after a show like this, when I get home I look for fish and rice or my Yaya’s adobo or tinola because everything is so complicated already in the show. So I just look for Pinoy dishes at home,” she shared.

“Secrets of the Masters” airs on Q Channel 11 at 7:30 p.m. every Sunday.