Ep 1. Instant Restaurant Round 1: Annie & Jason (NSW)

In season 5 of My Kitchen Rules, the cooking competition show returns with a brand new round of instant restaurants. The episode kicks off with the first couple, Annie and Jason from New South Wales, preparing to host their dinner party for the judges and the rest of the contestants. The rules are simple – each couple must prepare a three-course meal for their guests using only local ingredients and within a time limit of four hours.

Annie and Jason are a competitive couple who have a passion for cooking. They are confident that they can impress the judges with their culinary skills and win the competition. The episode shows the couple shopping for local ingredients and preparing their dishes in their home kitchen. While they are cooking, they also share some personal information about themselves, their background, and their relationship. They reveal that they have been together for over ten years and share a love for wholesome and healthy food.

As the guests start to arrive, Annie and Jason begin to feel the pressure of the competition. They are not only competing against each other but also against the other couples. The atmosphere in the room is tense, but the couple remains composed and focused on their cooking. The judges are also present, and they make it clear that they expect nothing but the best from the contestants.

The dinner party begins, and Annie and Jason nervously serve their entrée – a delicious seafood platter with freshly caught prawns, oysters, and smoked salmon. The guests are impressed, and the judges are pleased with the presentation and the flavors. Next up is the main course, a slow-cooked lamb shank served with creamy mash potatoes and steamed vegetables. Again, the guests are blown away, and the judges are impressed by the dish's tenderness and flavors.

The last course is the dessert, and Annie and Jason have prepared a mouth-watering chocolate pudding served with a dollop of fresh cream. The guests are in heaven, and the judges are satisfied. The couple has successfully completed their first instant restaurant, and they await the judges' scores.

The judges' critique is comprehensive, and they highlight the positives and negatives of each dish. They praise the couple's technical skills and presentation but note that the dessert lacked finesse. Overall, they give Annie and Jason a respectable score, and the couple is elated. They have set the bar high for the rest of the competition.

The episode ends with the other couples sharing their thoughts on Annie and Jason's performance. Some are impressed, while others see them as a threat. The competition is just warming up, and the next couple will have a tough act to follow. One thing is for sure – the quest for the ultimate instant restaurant is on, and only the best will prevail.

In conclusion, My Kitchen Rules season 5, episode 1, is an exciting and engaging start to the new season. The instant restaurant round showcases the couples' culinary skills, personalities, and competitive spirit. Annie and Jason set the tone with their impressive performance, and the rest of the contestants will have to work hard to beat them. The episode is well-paced, and the judges' feedback is insightful and informative. Overall, it is an excellent start to what promises to be an exciting and entertaining season.