by Todd Betzold

 

Award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay, restaurateur Joe Bastianich and acclaimed chef Graham Elliot are back for Season 3 of MasterChef as they search the country to find the best amateur chefs in hopes of turning their culinary dreams into a reality...along with a $250,000 grand prize!

 

Tonight, the 100 homecooks come to Los Angeles to show Chef Ramsay, Graham and Joe what they have to offer and why they should be crowned the next MasterChef. They come out to greet the 100 home cooks...the winner this season will get $250,000, their own cookbook and the MasterChef trophy. They show the judges their plate in one hour and either gets sent home or get a MasterChef apron and move on in the competition. When in front of the judges, they have five minutes to plate it and must get two of the three judges to vote them into the next round.

 

First up is Michael, a 19-year-old college freshman. He came out to his father right before coming to the show and now he will be making Chinese Dumplings with Scallion Salad. Chef Ramsay says they are perfect...Joe says you know they're good and Graham says that's delicious...your Dad is going to be super proud. Three yeses from the judges and an he leaves with an apron.

 

After a look at some very bad plates, we get to look at Monti, a single mom from Los Angeles...she is unemployed and has $50 in her bank account...this is her chance. She makes Shepherd's Pie with Twice Fried Green Plantains...she got nervous and caught up with things and ran out of time to make the sauce she serves with it. Graham said it is a little sweet, but it is pretty delicious. Chef Ramsay says it definitely needs the sauce...it is kind of dry. Joe walks away without saying anything. Graham says yes, Joe says it is overly sweet and says no...Chef Ramsay says at times I don't think your head is in the game...she fights for it and Chef Ramsay thinks there is more to her, so she gets an apron.

 

Samantha, a senior at an all-girl catholic school, is up next. She likes nutrition and hopes to study it next year in college. She makes a Mini Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Basil and Raspberries. It is plated very well and looks yummy. Graham said it's got a great mouth-feel...very moist. Joe just shakes his head yes and smiles...Chef Ramsay says it is very, very light...maybe a little more cream cheese. Joe says yes, Graham says not MasterChef quality, so he is a no...it is up to Chef Ramsay. He brings in her family and says he wants to see her come back next year...spend more time in the kitchen and grow.

 

We see three MasterChef aprons given out rather quickly before we get a look at Ryan, who is unemployed from New York...he hasn't been working for 18 months and Chef Ramsay gives him crap for that. Ryan makes Red Wine Short Ribs with Corn Pudding and Parsnips. Graham says the ribs are cooked beautifully. Chef Ramsay says you got fancy where you don't need to be. Joe says nothing...does he ever talk? Chef Ramsay says he is pretentious, so a no...Graham says it was ambitious, so he says yes...Joe says he doesn't know if he wants to hang his hat there, but he says yes and Ryan receives his MasterChef apron.

 

We get a look at some awkward auditions, as they are sent home...now time for Josh, who is seven feet tall...he can play basketball, but his heart is to be a chef. He makes Shrimp Etoufee with Jasmine Rice. Chef Ramsay says it's got heart...it looks like a restaurant dish and you cook like a pro. Graham says nothing and Joe asks who taught him how to make that. A yes from all the judges and he gets his MasterChef apron.

 

Shami, who is originally from Zimbabwe, gets her chance for that apron. She is making a traditional Zimbabwe dish called Sadza with Chicken Curry and Spicy Greens. Graham says he likes the spice...Joe says that plate is a mirror image of you...Chef Ramsay says it's authentic and you definitely have heart. Joe says yes...Graham says no...Chef Ramsay questioned her using peanut butter in the greens, so he is a no and she is sent home.

 

We get some more quick yeses and aprons handed out, which brings the total to 11 aprons given out for the day...another quick apron, as Audrey from Texas gets through with her caricature desserts of the judges.

 

Now it is time for our last homecook of the day...Christine, a graduate student from Houston, Texas. She has set aside her thesis to get an apron and become the next MasterChef...and we have our first blind contestant. Ten years ago, she was diagnosed with auto immune condition and she lost her sight...she tastes everything because she can't see. Her rice did not turn out to par, so she is not serving it...she has made Vietnamese Catfish with Pickled Vegetables. I really like her, but can she survive the MasterChef kitchen? Chef Ramsay says he loves the fact she kept the catfish on the bone...the dish is missing the rice. Graham says it has a beautiful aroma. Joe says you have a great advantage...not only can you express it words, but your face shows more...an amazing accomplishment. Tears come and of course I cry. The judges all say yes and she gets her MasterChef apron...such a touching moment.

 

The two-part season premiere of MasterChef continues tomorrow night at 8/7c on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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