Series 9 – Week One
Episode 2 of 23
MasterChef returns for its ninth series, and a double bill tonight, with more fantastically talented amateur cooks who want to take a shot at lifting the coveted MasterChef Champion title.
Out of the hundreds that auditioned, fifty amateur cooks are through to battle it out over five weeks of heats, producing some of the most inspiring as well as some of the most disastrous food ever seen on MasterChef.
First up it’s the second of the heats, as the next set of hopefuls pick up their knives and show off their culinary skills. Who will prove that they have what it takes to line up with last night’s successful contestants?
Firstly, they must overcome the notorious Invention Test and prove that, in only one hour they can deliver an amazing plate of food with no planning.
No-one goes home after this because next they have to survive the extremely tricky Palate Test, a brand new MasterChef challenge.
Tonight, Chef John Torode demonstrates to the viewers at home Pigeon Wellington with Glazed Shallots. Without seeing the demo, the amateurs are given just a few minutes to taste this dish before being asked to write down exactly what it is in it, using their sense of smell, and palate. Then they are asked to recreate John’s dish in just one hour – without a recipe.
At the end of these two challenges, some of the hopefuls will have reached the end of their MasterChef journey.
Next, the remaining contestants must face their first taste of a professional kitchen, as they must try to stand up to the pressure of a busy lunch service in London’s Caxton Grill. Paying customers’ expectations must be met and with only one hour to get to grips with the dishes the heat is really on.
Then, it’s back to the MasterChef kitchen for the final test of tonight’s Heat show – cooking their own two brilliant courses to impress John and Gregg. The contestants must draw on all their skills and influences as they prepare this food; it is their last chance to win a place in the quarter-finals.
Only the best will survive, and join last night’s two heat winners to battle it out in the quarter finals, going head to head to cook their best two courses not only for John and Gregg, but for three exceptional MasterChef champions who know exactly what the contestants are going through – Shelina Permalloo, Steven Wallis and James Nathan.
Who will have what it takes to earn one of 12 places in the next round – the daunting Knockout week?
Only the best will survive, taking their first step towards being crowned MasterChef Champion 2013.
Judge John Torode
Judge Gregg Wallace