Ep 22. Pressure Test: Jason Atherton's Quail Afternoon Tea Dish

In MasterChef Australia season 8 episode 22, the contestants faced a daunting pressure test set by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton. Atherton's challenge was to recreate his famous Quail Afternoon Tea Dish featuring a quail ballontine, quail eggs, and colourful vegetable purees. The pressure test required the contestants to execute every element of the complicated dish to perfection, from the quail quenelles to the delicate vegetable garnishes.

The episode began with a brief introduction from guest judge, Jason Atherton, who showed the contestants a brief demonstration of how to prepare each element of the dish. With the clock ticking, the contestants faced the challenge of replicating the dishes as closely as possible, whilst also adding their own creative twists to the presentation. The judges examined each dish carefully, giving feedback on the good aspects, as well as pointing out any mistakes made by the contestants.

Some contestants approached the challenge with confidence, such as Elena and Harry, who displayed mastery in their cooking techniques and were able to plate up dishes that were almost identical to Atherton's. However, others struggled to keep up with the complexity of the dish, with some such as Matt and Chloe, delivering plates that lacked finesse and creativity. Matt's quail ballontine was too big, while Chloe's presentation lacked finesse, prompting the judges to point out the areas that needed improvement.

As the clock wound down, it became clear that not everyone would be able to complete their dishes to the level required. Contestants were left feeling the pressure of the challenge, with some such as George and Mimi struggling to get their quail eggs just right. Others, such as Trent and Brett, took risks in their presentation, adding unique flavours and textures to the dish in exciting new ways.

Once the cooking was completed, the judges scrutinised each dish carefully, scrutinising every aspect from the ingredients to the presentation. Ultimately, it was Harry and Elena who notched up the highest praise for their technical abilities and creativity, earning them automatic immunity from the next elimination round. Others, such as Matt and Chloe, were left disappointed after the judges pointed out several areas they could improve on in their cooking.

Beyond the cooking, the episode also gave viewers a glimpse into the personalities and relationships that have developed amongst the contestants throughout the series. Encouragement and support was evident amongst them, as they helped each other through the high-stress challenge.

Overall, the episode was an exciting and intense showcase of the contestants' cooking abilities, and a great introduction to the world of Michelin-starred cuisine as delivered by Jason Atherton. With its nail-biting pressure tests and dramatic eliminations, MasterChef Australia season 8 episode 22 is a must-watch for fans of the show.