Modern Italians Simone and Viviana triumphed in tonight’s MKR semi-final, setting up an epic Grand Final battle against mother and son Caz and Fergus from 7.30pm Tuesday, 19 November on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Tonight’s clash – the Italian showdown we’ve all been waiting for – saw Simone and Viviana and Mike and Pete face off over three courses in Kitchen HQ.
Before the elimination-cook off, an emotional Viviana said: “It has already been an incredible journey. Being at the semi-finals with my best friend has been the best experience of my life no matter how this goes.” Focused, Simone said: “I have only one thing in my mind. We are obsessed with winning this competition.”
“For Italians, family is absolutely everything. I care about Simo so much. We are like brother and sister,” Viviana added.
The battle was intense as Mike and Pete came out guns blazing, ready to make the most of their hard-fought 15-minute advantage from the last Kitchen HQ battle.
Judges Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge praised Simone and Viviana’s Gnocco Fritto with Carpaccio Di Manzo (Beef Carpaccio with airy puffs of Fried Dough) for entrée. Manu said: “I love the flavour, love the combination of ingredients on the plate. Absolutely delicious,” but he admitted the oil needed to be hotter for a crispier dough.
Mike and Pete’s Salmon Tartare with Balsamic Pearls and Crostini entrée was hit and miss. After initial reservations, the judges agreed the unusual favour of passionfruit in the dressing worked, however, the crostini lacked love.
Simone and Viviana’s main, Risotto Salsiccia with Taleggio and Porcini, was a gamble. Colin admitted: “I was worried you made it too early, and it was going to overcook, but it still had a little bit of bite to the rice.” Colin praised the “beautiful” porcini, adding the taleggio was “the star of that dish.”
Manu added: “It was still not a perfect risotto. I think you could have easily added another ladle or two of stock in there.”
Mike and Pete struggled with their main dish, Crumbed Scotch Fillet with Mashed Potato and Pickled Cabbage, and it showed on the plate. Colin acknowledged the fillet was “cooked well” but the lack of seasoning and thick crumb let the whole dish down.
With so much on the line, both judges agreed the mains were not up to semi-final standard.
It all came down to dessert as Simone and Viviana soared with their “textbook perfection” Rum Baba with Chantilly Cream dessert. Colin said: “This was a lesson in baked goods. It’s not an easy dish, very technical, but it was packed full of flavour.” Manu agreed the star dish had “a beautiful balance of flavour.”
Although Mike and Pete’s Ruby Chocolate Tart with Strawberry Ice Cream was “one of the best” ice creams Colin had competition, the pastry was too thick on the tart, and the dish couldn’t compare to Simone and Vivana’s stunning effort.
One step closer to MKR victory, Viviana was overwhelmed: “It feels unreal. Honestly, I cannot believe that we are Grand Finalists!”
Simone added: “We have worked very hard for it. I am very proud of us.”
Departing MKR, Pete said: “We’ve enjoyed almost every moment. It’s been a wild, wild ride!” Mike added: “It’s back to reality. I’m really proud of you, Pete.”
