Ep 17. Class Is In

In MasterChef Australia season 1 episode 17, Class Is In, the remaining 9 contestants enter the MasterChef kitchen ready to learn from some of the most respected chefs in the industry. The day starts off with a surprise visit from the chef and owner of Quay; Peter Gilmore. The contestants are in complete awe as Peter informs them that they are going to assist in the preparation of a four-course meal that will be served at Quay.

The contestants are paired up and led to their stations where they are given specific tasks such as shucking oysters, slicing tuna and cooking lobster. The pressure is high as they are not only assisting in the preparation of a high-end restaurant's meal, but they are also under the watchful eye of Peter. Despite the fact that the contestants are nervous and unsure of what to expect, they manage to handle the pressure and pull off an impressive service.

After the service, the contestants return to the MasterChef kitchen where they are met with a cook-off challenge that involves filleting a whole fish. The contestants are shown how to fillet the fish and are then tasked with doing it on their own. The judges are looking for perfectly filleted fish that are free from any bones, and incredibly fresh.

The pressure is high as the contestants struggle to execute the perfect fillet. The judges are focused on the technique and precision of the contestants. Despite a few mishaps, the contestants manage to present the judges with impressive dishes.

Following the cook-off, the contestants are tasked with cooking a classic French dish, Coq au Vin, which consists of chicken cooked in red wine and vegetables. The catch is that they only have 60 minutes to complete the dish. The contestants scramble around the kitchen as they try to prepare and cook their chicken in time. The judges are looking for tender, flavorful chicken that is cooked perfectly.

The contestants use various cooking techniques such as braising and sautéing to create their dishes. The judges taste each dish and deliberate to choose the top three contestants. The bottom three contestants are then challenged to a second cook-off where they have 20 minutes to complete a dish using only five ingredients.

The contestants have to get creative with their ingredients as they try to make a flavorful dish in limited time. The judges taste each dish and deliberate before announcing which contestant will be sent home. The episode ends with the remaining contestants overwhelmed and emotional as they realize that they are one step closer to the title of MasterChef Australia.

Overall, MasterChef Australia season 1 episode 17, Class Is In, showcases the immense pressure that the contestants face as they learn from some of the most respected chefs in the industry, and are put to the test in challenging cook-offs. The episode highlights the sheer talent and perseverance of the contestants as they strive to win the title of MasterChef Australia.