Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and the lovable Jean-Christophe Novelli return to our TV screens this Sunday night for the Season 18 premiere of ‘MasterChef Australia’ on 10.
In the first episode – which I’ve been lucky enough to review – the judges are joined by 40 of Australia’s best amateur cooks, who will battle it out in the MasterChef kitchen for one of the 24 aprons available.
I must admit I’m not a regular ‘MasterChef’ viewer; I usually dive in for a season and then disappear for two or three. But I’m pleased to say, I’m back on the bus and I can’t wait to see how this season pans out.
The premiere episode is known as the audition episode and sees the big group of 40 split into two teams of 20. The first group of 20 are given 90 minutes to cook the best dish they’ve ever cooked.
If they blow the judges away, they’ll earn themselves a white apron and a spot on the show.
I actually loved this concept, it made for great viewing seeing what contestants could come up with on the spot. I also enjoyed it because it got me thinking what I would create to give myself the best shot.
In the episode, we see the cooks plate up dishes including Charred Octopus, Cured Kingfish, Squid Ink Spaghetti, and Black Sesame and Yuzu Chiffon Cake. Andy Allen even declared one guy’s dish the “best dumplings he’s ever eaten” in the MasterChef kitchen – high praise!
At the end of the episode, 10 cooks of 20 cooks are handed a coveted white apron before the judges spring a last-minute twist on the remaining contestants.
I’ll have to keep that hush-hush but tune in 7pm this Sunday night on 10 to find out!
