One thing is for sure last night’s MKR was a tear jerker.
With a score of 52 for their three course menu, the girls win signalled the end of the competition for miners Alex and Gareth who only scored 49 for their second appearance in a sudden death cook-off.
Both teams had just 90 minutes to plate up their entrée for hosts Pete Evans and Manu Feildel and guest judges Karen Martini, Guy Grossi, Liz Egan and Colin Fassnidge.
Rosie and Paige presented the judges with an entrée of cauliflower fritters with yoghurt sauce and tabouli.
Colin was glad the team chose to make the cauliflower the “rock star” of the dish, saying it had “flavour and texture …overall, the dish worked.” Guy agreed, complimenting the team on their choice of entrée elements, saying they were simple ingredients “that were just made to sing on the plate.”
Alex and Gareth plated up an entrée of five spiced prawns with green papaya salad.
Karen said it was a good strong entrée and “loved” the use of spice in the dusting powder, while Liz said it was “a great looking dish with gutsy strong flavoured spices,” noting a hint more of chili would have made it “perfect.”
For main, Rosie and Paige served roast quail with speck, peas and mint. Karen said it was a “classically perfect dish.” Manu applauded their main stating: “Finally, someone is capable of delivering …well done. Beautiful flavour!”
Alex and Gareth continued the seafood theme with their main of snapper with green chili coconut broth.
Karen said the boys “nailed” the complex Thai flavours. Colin agreed saying “the fish was perfect, melting…dish of the day, so well done!” “It was a sensational main course, perfectly cooked fish, some of the best fish we’ve had cooked in the competition,” added Pete.
In the dessert round, Rosie and Paige showcased their flourless Persian cake with rosewater jelly.
The judges agreed the girls achieved the perfect balance of rosewater in the dessert with Colin adding the sugar topping on the cake and jelly flavour was a “match made in heaven.”
Alex and Gareth’s donuts with chili chocolate ice cream and rhubarb impressed the judges, however all noted the donut wasn’t the hero of the dish with some inconsistencies in its cooking. The unexpected hero was the ice cream.
“The choc chili ice cream was the was the best thing on the plate,” said Guy. “Your chocolate ice cream was restaurant quality, you could sell it, it was that good!” added Colin.
“We’re bummed to be leaving early, but will try to take our dreams and make them a reality,” said Gareth on their elimination. “Our experience on MKR has been crazy but amazing!”
MY KITCHEN RULES airs Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm and Sunday at 7.00pm