Suvechha Sarkar
Season 15 of Fox’s ‘MasterChef: Dynamic Duos‘ brings the competition to a remarkable close. The familiar panel of judges, containing Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich, and Tiffany Derry, returns to evaluate the contestants in episodes 17 and 18. In this Finale, the spotlight is on the top three duos, each of whom is a home cook working together to prove their culinary vision. For the first time in the show’s history, the judges search for the best duo in the country, based on teamwork, creativity, and flavors that can set them apart as champions.
The Grand Finale Kicks Off With Top Three Duos Preparing a Three-Course Meal
The Finale begins with the judges taking a trip down memory lane, recalling how this season had duos of mother and daughter, brothers, husband and wife, and even a divorced couple. Gordon then introduces the first duo to compete: the aunt and niece, Tina and Aivan. Cheering them on the sidelines are the latter’s parents, Hong and Christina, and Tina’s daughter, Jessica. The second duo tonight is Rachel and Julio, who have persevered throughout the show. Tonight, Rachel’s brother, Mikhael, and Julio’s brother, Renan, are there to support them. The latter reveals that his brother has always been a passionate foodie. The third and final pair is Jessica and Jesse, who believe they are unstoppable together. Their cheering section contains the former’s parents, Richard and Lauren.
Gordon announces that tonight, only one of the duos is going to take the MasterChef Trophy and $250,000 home. As it is finally the time to lock in, Joe informs that the contestants have to make the judges an outstanding three-course meal, including an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert. One by one, each of the pairs explains their vision for their night’s menu, with Tina and Aivan going first. They are going to highlight their Vietnamese heritage, especially seafood. Rachel and Julio’s menus are called “immigration,” where they will speak about the story of their families who immigrated from Spain to Cuba and Italy to Brazil. Jesse and Jessica are looking forward to cooking a culinary love letter to New England, where they grew up, met, and fell in love.
The competitors rush to collect their ingredients as the 60 minutes for the appetizer begin ticking. Once they start cooking, Jessica notes that she and her partner are going into the Finale with full force. With 20 minutes already gone, Tiffany arrives at Rachel and Julio’s station to learn what they are preparing. The judges suggest that they ensure that the dough of their dish is crispy and cooked all the way. Meanwhile, Gordon approaches Jessica and Jesse to learn that they must pressure cook and then flash fry to properly cook their protein. However, he remarks that the couple is working super fast and asks them to pace themselves. As 30 minutes on the clock tick away, Joe arrives at Tina and Aivan’s station. Upon tasting their vinaigrette, he points out that it’s very sweet. He also cautions them from overcooking their prawns since it can be disastrous.
With the Appetizers Complete, Each Contestant Faces Mixed Reviews
In the panel, Gordon notes that Jessica and Jesse have a lot going on, and their purée needs to be smooth to make it work. Tiffany adds that Rachel and Julio are taking too many risks with their preparation because the pork and dough must be cooked correctly. Joe quickly adds that they also have to ensure a proper balance. However, he and Gordon feel that Tina and Aivan’s choice of making a salad at this stage in the competition isn’t a wise choice. Tiffany remarks that the judges want to see some skills along with the other elements on the plate. Jessica and Jesse’s pork belly is taken out of the cooker and put into the fryer as the time reaches the final 10 minutes. Five more minutes pass when the judges begin growing concerned, noticing Rachel and Julio falling behind. Julio hits a snag once he starts struggling to stick the empanada properly.
As Gordon urges Rachel and Julio to hurry up, they finally put their dish in the fryer. In the final three minutes, Jesse horrifically discovers that the Brussels sprouts that he put in the oven were burnt. Without wasting a second, he begins refrying them to salvage the situation. The competitors hurry and complete plating their preparations while the time comes to an end. It is now the time for the judges to taste their carefully cooked dishes. Tina and Aivan are the first to come up, with their Vietnamese prawn salad with crispy leeks and chili garlic vinaigrette. Although Gordon loves its colors and taste, he wanted something complicated in the Finale. While Tiffany compliments its refreshing essence, Joe promptly agrees and adds that the plating is beautiful. However, he would’ve loved more components on the plate.
Next up are Jessica and Jesse, who have cooked pan-seared scallops and pork belly with corn purée, pickled jalapeno, apple gastrique, and crispy Brussels sprouts. The judges praise the dish’s plating and how the complexity of the preparation has been perfectly executed. However, Tiffany points out that the corn purée is quite thick despite its good taste. Lastly, Julio and Rachel have presented them with saffron empanada with braised mojo pork, apple fennel salad, garlic and paprika aioli, and cilantro sauce. All three of the judges remark on its visual appeal and incredible flavor profile, but Gordon has an empanada that is only 50% filled with protein instead of the required 90%. As the appetizer service of the night ends, Tiffany reminds the competitors that their entrée carries significance. If they can really ace this next round, they will have a stronger position in the dessert round.
As the Entrée Challenge Unfolds, the Duos Showcase Heritage and Innovation
Joe asks each duo individually what they have decided to prepare for the entrée. While Tina and Aivan are aiming at creating a Vietnamese dish with a modern twist, Julio and Rachel will explore the former’s Italian heritage and his Brazilian culture. Lastly, Jesse and Jessica reveal that they have decided to take the judges to the winter season in New England. As the 60-minute countdown begins, the duos waste no time in collecting their components. Going into the round, Jessica feels she and Jesse have a slight edge compared to the others. However, their concern is how they can cook their short ribs on time when it usually takes two to three hours at home. However, they impress the judges by moving quickly and putting the protein inside the pressure cooker within the first five minutes. Things take a turn when Jesse notices that there is no build-up of pressure in the cooker.
Although it gradually makes Jesse stressed, it dissipates when the pressure in the cooker finally builds up. With 45 minutes remaining, Gordon goes to Julio and Rachel and learns that the pair has divided tasks between them. The judge remarks that the smell of the sauce is delicious and wishes them luck. As 10 more minutes pass, Tiffany approaches Tina and Aivan, who inform the judge that they are cooking their protein medium rare. Although Aivan’s grandmother used to cook the dish with small white fish, they are modernizing it by utilizing salmon. Tiffany asks them not to burn their skin and taste the dish because every part is crucial. Once the time goes just under 25 minutes, Joe arrives at Jessica and Jesse’s station and asks the latter to slow down and enjoy the moment.
After returning to the panel, Joe states that Rachel and Julio are taking a big risk cooking lobster for the first time during the Finale. He continues that the squid they are using has a bitter flavor, an interesting contrast to the previous protein. Tiffany chimes in that Rachel and Julio are cooking a sauce that usually takes time. She adds that Tina and Aivan are modernizing the latter’s grandmother’s dish, but she is concerned about the salmon’s cooking. Joe promptly informs them that Jessica and Jesse are using many cooking techniques with several components. However, Gordon remarks that their biggest challenge is that the protein needs to be perfectly soft when they turn the pressure cooker off. As soon as the clock hits the 15-minute mark, Aivan notices that the salmon has scales on it despite Tina having checked it. So, the former is becoming nervous because they are running out of time.
In the Entrée Round, Each Chef Earns Praise For Bold Flavors and Techniques
Tina first removes the scales from the fish herself before putting it in the pan. With 12 minutes remaining, Gordon expresses his concern for Rachel and Julio, whose tortellinis aren’t done yet. Joe also shares the same feelings, hoping they do not explode when they touch the water. As the final 5 minutes on the clock begin ticking, Jesse and Jessica bring their protein out of the pressure cooker, but the judges discuss that unless it is perfectly cooked, the entire dish will not be good. In the last 3 minutes, the judges urge everyone to begin plating their dishes. Once the time ends, it’s now the turn for the judges to taste the entrées prepared by the duos.
The first to take their dish to the panel are Tina and Aivan, who have cooked Vietnamese crispy skin salmon with lemongrass chili sauce, garlic rice, and bok choy. Although Tina and Aivan aimed for a medium-rare cook on the salmon, Tiffany finds hers to be a little medium. Fortunately, Gordon and Joe have gotten two perfect medium-rare salmon. Irrespective of this, all the judges praise the exceptional taste of the dish, with Gordon adding that this is their strongest preparation yet. Right after them are Jesse and Jessica, who have cooked braised short ribs with cacio e pepe gnocchi, baby carrots, fennel mushrooms, parmesan frico, and veal demi-glace.
Gordon finds his protein to be prepared to utter perfection with great flavors and compliments that they did an incredible job preparing it within 60 minutes. However, Tiffany remarks that her protein is chewy because of the cartilage, which needed more cooking. Surprisingly, Joe’s short ribs are also tender, and he greatly praises their multiple techniques. Lastly, it is the turn of Rachel and Julio, who have prepared squid ink tortellini with lobster medallions, moqueca sauce, and cilantro oil. Although all the judges greatly complimented the details and precision of the dish, Tiffany states that she had hoped the tortellini would be a little creamy.
As the Final Hour Begins, the Duos Dive Into Ambitious and Risky Desserts
With that being said, the competition moves on to the last dish of the night: the dessert. After a quick recap of the previous two courses, the judges waste no time learning what each duo will prepare. While Tina and Aivan will be preparing mango mousse with almond crumb, sesame ginger tuile, and yuzu sorbet, Rachel and Julio are going to make piña colada layer cake with vanilla chantilly, caramelized pineapple, and cherry coulis. Jesse and Jessica want to impress the judges with a dark chocolate ganache tart with marshmallow meringue, raspberry coulis, maple pecan brittle, and crème fraîche ice cream. Since they will receive only one hour to prepare the desserts, the contestants waste no time by immediately jumping into action.
Aivan is nervous because although she and Tina have gained momentum, desserts are not their strongest suits. Gordon expresses his concern for Julio and Rachel since turning the piña colada cocktail into a dessert is an ordeal. When Joe agrees and states that he has never seen a precedent for the same, Tiffany quickly adds that it is a lot of risk. They further discuss how Jesse and Jessica’s chocolate mousse should have a proper texture and the tart should be appropriately crunchy. According to Gordon, Tina and Aivan’s biggest make-or-break challenge will be to set their mango mousse on time. With 45 minutes already gone, Gordon reveals that Aivan is using liquid nitrogen to set the mousse, which Joe remarks is an unconventional technique. Tiffany approaches Tina and Aivan after 10 more minutes have passed.
Upon learning who has taken up what role, Tiffany suggests they must ensure everything is perfect. Halfway through the round, Gordon arrives at Julio and Rachel’s station and asks them to be careful since their dessert is a new invention. Meanwhile, when Joe learns that Jesse will use liquid nitrogen for the first time to make the ice cream, the judge becomes doubtful if it’s really a good time to try it. Nevertheless, the latter wishes them good luck. Tiffany states before the other judges that although Tina and Aivan have cooked everything, they need everything to be ice cold for their glaze to work. On the other hand, Gordon and Joe note that Rachel and Julio’s dessert is complicated since they are using liquid nitrogen to set every layer. Gordon also adds that Jesse has to use the liquid element slowly to ensure the confection doesn’t break in the ice cream.
After the Final Tasting, Gordon Announces the Winner of the Season
A predicament befalls Rachel when the pineapple layer of their dessert gets overset. Although the judges grow increasingly concerned, she eventually succeeds in getting it out. As 60 minutes on the clock ticks away, the contestants finish plating their dishes right in the last few seconds. During the tasting, Tina and Aivan are again the first to present their preparation before the judges. As soon as they taste it, they waste no time in highly complimenting the exceptional flavor. In the end, Gordon adds that they have cooked like pros tonight. When Rachel and Julio bring forth their dessert next, Joe immediately remarks that they are in uncharted territory. When Gordon asks what they can expect to see once they cut into it, Rachel explains that it will have a sponge in the bottom, cherry jam, pineapple jam, and coconut mousse covering all of it.
Unfortunately, when Gordon tries to cut into the dessert, the outer layer turns out to be sticky. Rachel admits that it’s clearly not what they wanted and accepts that she might’ve put too much gelatine. All three judges tell them that the dessert is incredibly delicious, but sadly, its functionality didn’t work out. Last but not least, upon seeing Jessica and Jesse’s dessert, Gordon immediately remarks that it looks elegant and exceptional. The judges then proceed to compliment how well all the components in the dish are balanced on the plate. Joe elaborates that each part of the preparation has a unique flavor. Ultimately, Gordon, Joe, and Tiffany excuse themselves to discuss how each of the duos has performed and ultimately select the winner of this season. The tensions are at an all-time high once they return before everyone.
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