This season of MasterChef went on a global culinary tour. In Global Gauntlet, America’s best home cooks represented four territories: Europe, Asia-Pacific, Americas, and Africa. They faced off in a competition inspired by the World Cup, running a gauntlet of grueling challenges week after week, each time making dishes unique to their territory. Through it all, Gordon Ramsay, Tiffany Derry, and Joe Bastianich watched every plate.
Now just three home cooks remain. Will the Global Gauntlet champion be Heidi Muston representing Africa, Jake Kelley representing Americas, or Peter Egede, also representing Africa? Only one will be crowned America’s 16th MasterChef.
Meet the finalists
Jake (representing Mexico)
“It’s so incredibly surreal to be here. Every ounce of myself, every gram, is going to be put into this finale. I just feel like I have to win. I grew up in a very classic, strong Midwest family. I found out when I was about 6 that I was adopted. The Mexican culture wasn’t really around me growing up. Food was sometimes the only way I was really able to explore that side of myself. I taught myself Mexican cooking. I’m a pharmacy technician, but cooking is really the dream that I want to follow. I have spent so long exploring my Mexican heritage through food. To be cooking it on the biggest stage for any home cook anywhere is incredible. Tonight, I’m ready to go out there and be victorious.”
Heidi (representing South Africa)
“I didn’t think I would be standing here in the finale. Here I am. Little ol’ me! I feel so blessed to be having this opportunity. It’s been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I was born in South Africa, in Durban. I grew up on a sailboat and then I started working on super yachts when I was 22. From working on the boats I always had a big interest in food because these chefs who would come and cook on the boats were incredible. From there, I always had this passion for food. I feel like MasterChef has awoken something in me. I’ve got this burning inside to do more. I’m excited to do more and I feel that all those years of working hard and serving others — now it’s my time, and it’s my turn. I want to win.”
Peter (representing Nigeria)
Gordon reminded them what’s on the line: the MasterChef trophy, $250,000, a full set of kitchen appliances from Thor Kitchen, and the title of America’s 16th MasterChef.
The Challenge
The finale comes down to each cook’s menu. Every one needs an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert, and every dish has to be inspired by their roots and their run through the global gauntlet. The judges want Michelin-star worthy plates.
Round 1: Appetizers
The finalists get 60 minutes to put up three plates, one for each judge.
Peter’s Dish: Steamed Red Snapper with Pepper Soup Broth, Red Pepper Glaze, and Yam Dumplings.
Gordon: “It looks refined. I love the textures, I like the color. You brought your A-game, well done.”
Tiffany: “The fish is really nicely cooked. The dumpling with the broth is really nice. Love the crispy skin.”
Joe: “The poach on the fish is very elegant. This is a refined version of a very humble Nigerian dish. Good job.”
Gordon added he was slightly concerned about Peter’s broth: “It’s a touch salty.”
Heidi’s Dish: Chili-Marinated Black Cod with Mango Salsa, Fennel Salad, and Peri-Peri Cream Sauce
Gordon: “It looks beautiful. I love the colors. It pops. The black cod is the hero.”
Tiffany: “It feels like a salad with fish. I know that wasn’t the intention. I would have liked more cream sauce underneath.”
Joe: “It’s a strange strategy to take on the finale of MasterChef. It’s basically a well-dressed salad.”
Gordon added one criticism: The cod is lost in the slaw. “It’s too much.”
Jake’s Dish: “Kraken” — Ruby Prawn & Octopus Taco with Avocado Crema and Aguachile Rojo Sauce
Gordon: “It’s absolutely delicious. One of the poshest, one of the most incredible tacos I’ve ever eaten.”
Tiffany: “Where I think you could have concentrated more is the tortilla. It got a little dry, but the char on the octopus is very nice. Overall, every bite was an adventure.”
Joe: “You’ve tapped into modern Mexican cuisine. You done good!”
Round 1 appears to have gone to Jake, but it’s still anyone’s game.
Round 2: Entrees
This is the heart of the menu. The entree has to be their north star, the dish that brings the judges all the way into their culture.
The episode leaves the finalists mid-cook, so we won’t see the entrees plated until next week.
Next Time
The entree round wraps, dessert follows, and a winner is finally crowned in “Finale Part 2.”
