by Todd Betzold

 

The third season of MasterChef kicked off last night on Fox, as we saw Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot start the auditions of 100 homecooks as they try to earn the white apron and move on to the MasterChef kitchen. After one night, we saw 13 homecooks move on...how many will move on tonight?

 

First up tonight is Felix, a feisty food server from Hollywood...while plating her food, she takes a swig from the bottle. She is very outspoken...I love her. She makes Crispy Risotto with Steak Tartar and Quail Egg. Chef Ramsay questions the combination of risotto and steak tartar...he says it is under-seasoned. Graham says it is a little dark here. Joe says nothing. Chef Ramsay says no...Joe wants to see more and says yes...Graham thinks she has what it takes and is a yes...Felix is moving on.

 

Luca, a restaurant manager, is up next...his mom has flown in secretly from Italy to support his MasterChef dream...a touching moment. Will his mother bring him luck? He makes Venetian Calf's Liver with Parmesan Polenta. Joe asked if he put cheese and butter in the polenta...says his mother would spank you for that. Chef Ramsay says slightly overcooked, but a nice flavor there. Joe says yes and Graham says no...his mother didn't bring him luck, as Graham thinks he can do much better and says no...he wants to see him again next year.

 

After some quick looks at some homecooks who all get a MasterChef apron, next up is Heisa, who has a sweet tooth she hopes the judges enjoy. She forgets to bring in a rolling pin, so has to run out and get one...only 5 minutes to plate though. She gets it plated, as she made Chocolate Custard with Raspberry Center and Cashew Nut Crust. Chef Ramsay said she puts food on a plate beautifully. None of the judges comment while eating. They all loved it though, as she gets three yeses.

 

It's cowboy time, as we get a look at three different cowboys try to make their way to an apron. Two bow their hat, but one got the apron. Next up, is another cowboy, Mike, who is on a mission to win it in honor of his sister, who was killed in a car accident six months ago. To make an impression, he comes in on a horse...the horse gets nervous and pees while Mike is plating his food. Mike has made Pan Seared Venison with Creamed Potatoes and Haricots Verts. The judges say nothing when tasting, but they must have loved it as they all give Mike a yes!

 

Time for the freaks...a witch, ventriloquist and guy with a monkey on his shoulder make their attempt...they all fail. Now it is time for the husband and wife to compete...Anna and AJ. Who is the better chef? AJ makes Dirty Lobster with Tomalley Sauce and Red Onion and Anna makes White Clam Pizza with Chinese Parsley. Joe says the pizza dough is what it is since you had to cook in an electric oven. Chef Ramsay says AJ cooks in a very casual manner, but it is good. It is three yeses for AJ...not sure of how many yes votes she received, but Anna gets an apron as well...the husband and wife both make it!

 

The MasterChef Food Truck made its way across the country to find some small town homecooks and now they are here to try for an apron. The first four contenders walk out with no apron, but will Bubba change that? He cooks Bacon Wrapped Venison with Pureed Rutabaga and Sautéed Mustard Greens. Graham says good job. Joe is worried he doesn't have what it takes to go further in the competition and is a no...Graham is a yes...Chef Ramsay is a yes also and Bubba is moving on.

 

With 14 aprons given out today, we now get a chance to look at Craig, who wants an apron like a fat kid wants cake. He plates Eggplant Rollatini with Truffle Ricotta and Linguini. No feedback from the judges while tasting...Joe says it was all really quite good and says yes...Chef Ramsay struggles to see the finesse and says no...Graham says he doesn't think it is all needed and says no...no apron for Craig.

 

Time for the big guns, as some muscle men make their attempt for a MasterChef apron. They may work hard at the gym, but not in the kitchen and they all strike out. Now we get a look at Frank, a stockbroker. He makes Guanciale Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce and Romanseco. Joe asks about the thickness of the pasta. Chef Ramsay says the dish looks great, but it doesn't taste as good as it looks. It is loaded with fat and Chef Ramsay is a no...Graham sees the passion and is a yes...Joe thinks he has something and is a yes...Frank gets his apron.

 

The last audition of the day goes to Joel, a 37-year-old soldier, who makes Jamaican Rice and Peas with Chicken and Scotch Bonnet Sauce. Joe asked if he used the salt ever...Graham says he loves the rice and peas. He says he wants to open a restaurant named after his son who drowned five years ago...a tearful moment...they have to give him an apron. Joe says no...Graham wants to see more and is a yes...Chef Ramsay is a yes and Joel gets his apron and starts crying...love it!

MasterChef airs on Tuesdays at 9/8c on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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