by Todd Betzold

 

Last day of auditions for judges Chef Gordon Ramsay, Graham Elliot and Joe Bastianich as they search to find America's next MasterChef and we get some "bring on the tears" moments.

 

Up first we get a chance to see Suzy, the engineer, whose parents are highly against her auditioning and becoming a chef. She has the passion for it, so she comes out and cooks up Tandoori Sea Bass with Couscous over Roasted Tomato. As the judges taste it, not many comments are made, but that usually means a good thing for the contestant. It proved correct again, as Joe said a definite yes and that they were looking at one of the finalists and Chef Ramsay said she was a hot contender. Three yeses and an apron for Suzy.

 

Bad auditions for entertainment purposes followed by Max, the 18 year old student from New York City and youngest contestant ever on MasterChef. He has lived a privileged life and comes off very cocky and as the rich, stuck-up kid. For his plate, Max cooks up Fried Kumamoto Oysters with Steak Tataki. Living the lifestyle that Max lives, the judges were concerned he wouldn't be able to cook with just normal ingredients and not the high-end products he currently cooks with. After a yes from Chef Ramsay and a no from Graham, Joe is the final vote. He thinks Max has potential and votes yes, so Max moves on.

 

We go through a montage of Italian dishes trying to win over Joe, all with no success until we come to Giuseppe, the Italian salesman. Cooking up Stuffed Mussels with Marinara Sauce, all the judges seem impressed with his plate. Chef Ramsay asks who he cooks for and Giuseppe states his family and son, so he calls his son in. The son rates his dad's cooking an 11 out of 10. Tearjerker moment number one....Chef Ramsay gives the son the apron to give to his dad. Giuseppe moves on to the next round.

 

After Christin, the schoolteacher from Tampa, cooks up some sweet meatballs that don't win over the judges, we go through a string of auditions where the contestants get it just right and all earn aprons.

 

The night of schoolteachers continues as we meet Edgardo, a teacher from California. He makes Dungeness Crab with Mango Cucumber Salad, which Joe thought was amazing. Graham and Chef Ramsay both thought it was good, but not too much there, so no vote from both of them and it just isn't in the cards for the teachers tonight.

 

Adrien, the server from California, steps up to the stove next and ties in his Mexican heritage as he makes Achiote Tierra Y Mar Surf and Turf with Homemade Achiote. Joe didn't think enough technique, so said no, but Graham loved the many layers to the dish and said yes. Chef Ramsay also was a yes, but told him he needs to step up to the plate and jump at this opportunity. Add another to the contestants moving on.

 

We see some more bad auditions before we meet Joseph, the southerner whose wife was hurt in a construction accident years ago and he had to learn to cook for her. He cooks up "Swiss Alligator" with Steamed White Rice. No comment from Graham and Joe, but Gordon asks him to bring in his wife...insert tearjerker moment number two. She comes in and rates his cooking a 20 out of 10. Graham says there is a lot of heart and soul in the dish and votes yes. Joe says he doesn't like the dish, but he likes them, but votes no. Chef Ramsay calls over the wife and tells her to give the apron to her husband.

 

Ben, the travel writer from Dallas and final contestant, makes his way to the judges. He breaks out into a Julia Child impression as he prepares his dish, Crispy Fish Tacos on Homemade Tortillas with Jicama Slaw. Ben makes everything from scratch and Chef Ramsay calls him a food geek. All the judges loved it and even Chef Ramsay called him a genius and strong contender, as he was the last contestant to receive an apron.

 

 

The Top 38 begin the competition rounds on MasterChef, Tuesday at 8/7c on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

 

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