his flavours.
After heading back to the MasterChef kitchen the three semi-finalists were then challenged to serve the judges a two-course menu. Steven wowed with his chicken main course served with sweetcorn. Marcus said it was “brilliant” and Monica described it as “very clever”.
Matt served hay-roasted guinea fowl with chicken liver parfait. His dessert was chocolate indulgence with Icelandic yoghurt, custard apple and a parsnip tuille dusted with citric powder.
Although the judges like Matt’s menu they said that the chicken liver parfait was too soft and Gregg thought that the dessert was a little too “sharp” in flavour. Unfortunately this meant that Matt left the competition.
Last night Louisa, Craig and Tom were sent to cook at Raymond Blanc’s flagship, two Michelin-starred restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, in Oxfordshire, under the watchful eye of executive chef Gary Jones.
The contestants were asked to create their own version of Gary’s signature dish, spiced Cornish lobster with Jersey Royal potatoes, before being let loose in his kitchen.
Louisa, who had never prepared lobster before, slightly undercooked the shellfish, which Gary picked up on. However when it came to day two and the chefs joined Gary’s kitchen for service, she thrived in the high pressure environment. She said she was “loving it” and was praised for being “a star” in the kitchen.
Tom struggled to stick to Gary’s military timing to serve his 80 salmon dishes. He said that the number of covers is double what he usually has to prepare. Gary said he did well; he just needed to speed up!
Craig was praised for the plates of agnolotti which he served, but Gary said he needs to be more vocal in the kitchen.
Back in the MasterChef kitchen and inspired by Gary, the chefs set to creating their two course menus to serve the judges.
Tom served Dexter beef and braised beef shin with celeriac, liquorice puree and a liquorice sauce. Although the judges liked the beef, Marcus said that he was left with a strong flavour of liquorice after eating. And, sadly, the mousse and jelly in his dessert didn’t set correctly.
Unfortunately, the judges decided that this was the end of the line for Tom and he was sent home. Louisa and Craig join Jamie and Steven for the final week. It’s going to be emotional!
By Monica Turnbull
Twitter: @Monica_Turnbull
