Ep 2. Instant Restaurant Round 1: Andrew & Amelia (ACT)

In the second episode of the fifth season of My Kitchen Rules, the competition heats up as we move on to the Instant Restaurant Round. The first contestants on the hotplate are Andrew and Amelia from the Australian Capital Territory. The couple are eager to impress with their contemporary Australian cuisine and claim that they are not afraid to take risks.

Andrew and Amelia's Instant Restaurant is set up in their own home, with a colourful and eclectic decor that mirrors their innovative cooking style. The guests arrive and are treated to a flurry of activity in the kitchen as the hosts get to work on their first dish, a smoked duck breast with beetroot puree and candied walnuts. The judges, Pete and Manu, are impressed with the presentation and flavour combination of the dish and declare that it is off to a promising start.

Next up is the entree, a seared scallop with cauliflower puree and seaweed crisp. The scallops are cooked to perfection and the puree is silky smooth, however, the judges feel that the seaweed is a little overpowering. Despite this minor flaw, the guests are still full of compliments for the hosts and the general consensus is that the meal is off to a great start.

The main course is where Andrew and Amelia plan to really push the boat out and showcase their experimental style. They serve up a lamb loin with a Mediterranean-inspired stuffing of roasted capsicum, feta cheese, and sundried tomatoes, served alongside a dollop of harissa paste. The dish is well-received by the guests, with many commenting on its bold flavours and the tenderness of the lamb. However, some diners are put off by the heat of the harissa, proving that the hosts have indeed taken a risk with this dish.

For dessert, Andrew and Amelia present a classic Australian dessert with a twist - a pavlova with lemon curd and a raspberry coulis. The dish is a hit with the guests, who appreciate the sweetness of the meringue combined with the tartness of the lemon and raspberry flavours.

As the meal comes to an end, Andrew and Amelia are feeling confident in their performance, despite some minor criticisms from the judges. They are eager to see how their score will stack up against the rest of the competition as they prepare to pass the baton onto the next Instant Restaurant hosts.

Overall, the second episode of My Kitchen Rules season 5 gives viewers a taste of the competition to come, with Andrew and Amelia setting a high bar for the following contestants in their Instant Restaurant Round. Their innovative dishes and willingness to take risks are sure to be remembered by the judges and guests alike.