Tonight, MKR’s first semi-final saw a matriarchal match-up for the ages, as mother and son Caz and Fergus went head-to-head with mother and daughter Janey and Maddie in a nail-biting elimination cook-off.
Judges Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge agreed tonight’s cooking standard was “Grand Final level on both sides.”
Manu admitted it was “neck and neck,” before Caz and Fergus ultimately triumphed, becoming the first mother and son team to advance to the MKR Grand Final.
Fellow semi-finalists Simone and Viviana, and Mike and Pete watched on as tonight’s sudden death cook-off saw both teams prepare a three-course meal. The stakes were high as they cooked against the clock with 90 minutes for entrée, 60 minutes for main and 45 minutes for dessert.
Caz and Fergus from NSW entered MKR as Gatecrashers and enjoyed a crucial 15-minute head start tonight as winners of the last Kitchen HQ challenge. Their cooking skills shone with an Asian-inspired menu of Grilled Pork Jowl with Nahm Jim Jaew for entrée, Choo Chee Ocean Trout with Papaya Salad for main and dessert of Panna Cotta.
After previous feedback from the judges, Caz said: “Colin told us not to hold back on the flavour, so that’s what we’re setting out to achieve today.”
Janey and Maddie, from Victoria, challenged themselves with a technical menu of Kingfish Ceviche for entrée, Beef Wellington for main and Raspberry Soufflé with Raspberry Sauce for dessert.
Manu was “smacked in the face with flavour” from Caz and Fergus’ pork jowl entrée. Colin agreed the “very chefy” dish had a “beautiful smokiness.” Janey and Maddie also came out of the gates strong. The ceviche was a “brilliant start” only missing a bit of texture on the plate.
“Both teams couldn’t have had a better start,” Colin admitted.
Caz and Fergus upped the ante with their main: an ocean trout Colin “could eat all day.”
Manu agreed: “They haven’t held back on flavour.” After questioning whether the meat would cook in time, Janey and Maddie were hot on their heels with a perfectly cooked beef wellington. Manu loved the seasoning, but the red wine jus fell flat with a “watery, not beefy body flavour.”
Colin announced Caz and Fergus were in the lead after entrée and main, but with everything on the line, both teams produced stand-out desserts. Caz and Fergus’ “very clever” panna cotta impressed while Maddie’s stress levels rose alongside her souffle.
The “perfect” soufflé exemplified the standard of cooking throughout the night as Manu admitted: “I don’t think I could have made a better soufflé myself.”
After dessert, Caz and Fergus were awarded a coveted spot in the Grand Final for their “standout menu, a lesson in flavour.”
Colin said: “You should be so proud of yourselves.” Manu added: “Great food is more than just great technique, it’s a whole experience.”
Elated, Caz declared: “We’re going through to the Grand Final! One more big push.”
Fergus agreed: “That’s all that matters, that one cook.”
Janey and Maddie hung up their aprons, proud of their achievements in the MKR kitchen. Emotional, Janey shared: “It’s a bit painful getting eliminated but nothing else has mattered more than spending the time with Maddie.”
