Where are they now: ‘MasterChef Australia’ 2016 contestant Mimi Baines joins another cooking show; Con Vailas gears up for food venture

Budding chef Mimi Baines did not end up winning on “MasterChef Australia” 2016, but it seems she has found a new opportunity to show off her culinary skills in an upcoming cooking show.

The 26-year-old blonde beauty will work behind the scenes as a prep-chef in “My Market Kitchen,” also from Network Ten. “MasterChef Australia” Season 5 winner Emma Dean and runner-up Lynton Tapp will host the 30-minute TV series set at the iconic Queen Victoria Market.

Mimi is keeping her fans updated about her latest stint through her personal Instagram account. In one post, she uploaded a photo while filming “My Market Kitchen.” She captioned the image, “Filming in the middle of Melbourne at @popupatch today.” While she’s working behind the scenes, Mimi also gets the chance to get in front of the camera. In one of her Instagram posts, Mimi posted a photo of herself on set with Lynton, captioning it, “On set with @lyntontapp today, teaching him a bit about baking.”

Mimi’s fans are excited for her adventures on “My Market Kitchen,” which airs on weekdays at 3:30 p.m., starting on Aug.22. They miss seeing their favourite contestant after the former product manager got eliminated from “MasterChef Australia” after an unfortunate cheese mix-up. [READ: “Mimi drops the f-bomb after confusing her cheeses; ricotta spells her last cook in the kitchen”]

Meanwhile, Mimi’s former contenders Con Vailas and Karmen Lu are also busy gearing up for their own food businesses. Con puts his skills as a former restaurant supervisor into good use as he opens up his own café called Born in Brunswick in November. The 31-year-old shares updates about his upcoming food joint on his Instagram account. In one post, he uploaded a photo of his best friend and business partner, Ben Korkmaz. Con wrote, “So excited to be opening up @borninbrunswickcafe with this guy. We have been best friends since the age of 4 and have had the same dream forever. Bring on November.”

In another post, Con shared a photo of his “death dish,” the pound cake that sent him home. “Decided to re-create my elimination cake,” he wrote. [READ: “Contestants snub Nigella’s suggestions; Con goes home in a shocking elimination”] Fans wonder whether he would serve it in Born in Brunswick, which will open its doors in North Hobart.

“MasterChef Australia” Season 8 wrapped up in July, with Elena Duggan as the winner. The reality show is now looking for a new set of budding chefs for next year’s competition.