Episode 9

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0:00:04 > 0:00:08Just six talented cooks are left in the MasterChef competition.

0:00:10 > 0:00:15They've survived some tough tests to get this far.

0:00:15 > 0:00:17It's supposed to be 180. Who changed the oven?

0:00:19 > 0:00:23Tonight, the battle continues

0:00:23 > 0:00:27as the contestants enter the world of fine dining...

0:00:27 > 0:00:30Masters of the Bench, dinner is served.

0:00:30 > 0:00:35If you put that in the glasses and it doesn't set, it really is a disaster.

0:00:37 > 0:00:43..and cook for culinary legend Michel Roux Jr.

0:00:43 > 0:00:47Today is all about achieving perfection on a plate.

0:00:50 > 0:00:54There's no point coming in here and not impressing. You've got to come in and give it your all.

0:00:54 > 0:00:59I just don't want to let go at this stage because I've devoted so much to it.

0:00:59 > 0:01:01I want this dream to carry on.

0:01:01 > 0:01:03It's absolutely critical that I impress today

0:01:03 > 0:01:06because one person is leaving and I don't want it to be me.

0:01:17 > 0:01:22Middle Temple. One of the four Inns of Court

0:01:22 > 0:01:25that form the backbone of the British legal system.

0:01:26 > 0:01:31Since the 15th century, all barristers have had to train at one of these Inns

0:01:31 > 0:01:33before they can practise.

0:01:35 > 0:01:41At the centre of the Middle Temple is its 450-year-old hall,

0:01:41 > 0:01:46and a tradition of formal dinners held regularly

0:01:46 > 0:01:49to exchange knowledge between barristers and students.

0:01:59 > 0:02:04Welcome to the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.

0:02:04 > 0:02:09Previous members have included Sir Francis Drake,

0:02:09 > 0:02:12Sir Walter Raleigh, Charles Dickens.

0:02:12 > 0:02:15Get some sense of the history and tradition.

0:02:15 > 0:02:18Tonight, your task is mammoth.

0:02:18 > 0:02:24Your job is to cook an elegant dinner for 230 barristers,

0:02:24 > 0:02:29including two Supreme Court judges, three Lord Justices,

0:02:29 > 0:02:33four High Court judges and 26 QCs.

0:02:35 > 0:02:38Guys, it has to be perfect.

0:02:45 > 0:02:48230 plates of perfection.

0:02:48 > 0:02:50Yeah, challenging.

0:02:52 > 0:02:57This has got to be the toughest, high-pressured thing that I've ever done.

0:02:58 > 0:03:01It's like doing a parachute jump or something.

0:03:01 > 0:03:03We've tested our six in many ways before

0:03:03 > 0:03:07but this really is a combination of everything they've learnt so far.

0:03:07 > 0:03:09Finesse today has to be key.

0:03:13 > 0:03:18230 plates of exquisite, posh food.

0:03:18 > 0:03:22It would be bad enough doing 230 shepherd's pies and trifles.

0:03:26 > 0:03:31To get the job done, the contestants will work in pairs

0:03:31 > 0:03:34and need a marathon eight hours' preparation.

0:03:36 > 0:03:41We've got a lot of work to do. Eight hours is a long time for yourselves. Not for me.

0:03:41 > 0:03:44Let's go and get started.

0:03:44 > 0:03:47Aki and Eamonn are on the starter -

0:03:47 > 0:03:50a fillet of sole rolled and filled with smoked salmon

0:03:50 > 0:03:53and a fish and tarragon mousseline,

0:03:53 > 0:03:57served with a champagne truffle veloute.

0:03:57 > 0:04:00It sounds divine. There's a lot of components to the dish

0:04:00 > 0:04:03so there's quite a lot to think about,

0:04:03 > 0:04:06especially when we're doing 200 and I don't know how many.

0:04:08 > 0:04:10It was meant to be 220 but they've just sprung on us -

0:04:10 > 0:04:13this is another thing with banquets - it's now gone up to about 280.

0:04:13 > 0:04:17Welcome to the world of banqueting.

0:04:17 > 0:04:19I've cooked Dover sole before.

0:04:19 > 0:04:23Certainly haven't done 230, 40, 50, 60, 70 - whatever it is.

0:04:23 > 0:04:27How many have I done so far? I think I've done five.

0:04:27 > 0:04:32- Are we neat and clean today, Aki? - Yes, John.- Good.

0:04:33 > 0:04:35Tom and Andrew are on the main -

0:04:35 > 0:04:41a tournedos of beef with confit of oxtail, potato amandine

0:04:41 > 0:04:43and a vegetable parcel.

0:04:43 > 0:04:49- How many dishes will you be sending out at a time? Is it just constant get them out, get them out?- Yeah.

0:04:50 > 0:04:54Put it on, put it on. That's the way!

0:04:54 > 0:04:58First, they cook the oxtail with celery, carrot and onion

0:04:58 > 0:05:01for the confit that will top their beef fillet.

0:05:01 > 0:05:05- It will take four to five hours to get into a nice confit.- OK.- OK?

0:05:06 > 0:05:12Then they make a start prepping 140 kilos of potatoes.

0:05:12 > 0:05:16How have you decided to split the labour?

0:05:16 > 0:05:19With each task taking so long, it's a case of both of us

0:05:19 > 0:05:22just jump on, get one thing done and move on to the next thing.

0:05:22 > 0:05:26Are you actually confident you'll get all this done or have you just got your head down and hoping?

0:05:26 > 0:05:29- I'm confident. - We're going to get it done.

0:05:29 > 0:05:3140 minutes in, you're both grinning.

0:05:31 > 0:05:34Let's see if that grin's still on your face come six o'clock.

0:05:36 > 0:05:39You've now got the hardest job of the lot.

0:05:39 > 0:05:42You've got three desserts to make on one plate.

0:05:42 > 0:05:46Shelina and Jay's pudding is a chocolate and orange liqueur mousse,

0:05:46 > 0:05:50spiced pear and a tropical fruit brulee.

0:05:51 > 0:05:55I'm chopping a field of mangoes.

0:05:55 > 0:05:59The pears are poached in a mixture of port, spices and citrus fruits.

0:06:01 > 0:06:02That smells like Christmas.

0:06:05 > 0:06:09- How heavy is this? Whoa! - Leave it for me.

0:06:11 > 0:06:13No.

0:06:13 > 0:06:15As always, timings, with these tasks,

0:06:15 > 0:06:20you're always looking at the clock, looking at the clock, you know what they mean?

0:06:20 > 0:06:24Believe me, you think, "Don't worry about it, got a bit of time."

0:06:24 > 0:06:25That clock goes quick.

0:06:25 > 0:06:28Right, have a listen in, boys and girls.

0:06:28 > 0:06:31You've got about six hours to go. Hope you're all on track.

0:06:38 > 0:06:42With the fish filleted, Aki can make a start on the fish stock

0:06:42 > 0:06:46that forms the base of the champagne veloute.

0:06:46 > 0:06:49This is a marathon, but I'm sprinting it.

0:06:49 > 0:06:52I'm going to keep sprinting my marathon.

0:06:56 > 0:06:59I mean, whatever it was I just boiled potatoes in,

0:06:59 > 0:07:03it is half the size of my bath. I've never seen anything like it.

0:07:03 > 0:07:06The potatoes are ready for mashing.

0:07:06 > 0:07:09Now Tom and Andrew can start on their veg prep -

0:07:09 > 0:07:12peeling and chopping 40 kilos of carrots...

0:07:12 > 0:07:15Potatoes out. You've got asparagus to do now.

0:07:15 > 0:07:18..35 kilos of asparagus...

0:07:20 > 0:07:22..and 30 kilos of shallots.

0:07:22 > 0:07:27At least three per person so...700.

0:07:27 > 0:07:30I've done two in the time I was talking to you,

0:07:30 > 0:07:33so about 10, 15 seconds each?

0:07:33 > 0:07:35It's a lot of time, yeah.

0:07:41 > 0:07:43I don't want to worry about anything at the moment.

0:07:43 > 0:07:48I've decided to be calm today. Calm, stress-free.

0:07:48 > 0:07:51Ah! I knew that was going to happen.

0:07:56 > 0:07:59Shelina and Jay are on track

0:07:59 > 0:08:05and are getting their 280 individual creme brulees ready for the oven.

0:08:06 > 0:08:07You know what?

0:08:07 > 0:08:12I don't mind the mass element, it's the fine bit that I'm not so good at.

0:08:13 > 0:08:16I don't have a steady hand so this is why it's a little bit tricky.

0:08:16 > 0:08:21You've got a steady man with you, that's what it is, darling.

0:08:23 > 0:08:27- Go. Go.- Careful. - Nice and steady.- Gosh.

0:08:27 > 0:08:29Up a bit, Jay.

0:08:31 > 0:08:35- Go back, go back.- It's jammed now. It's jammed.- Is it going in?

0:08:35 > 0:08:37- It's OK.- Yeah? OK.

0:08:39 > 0:08:42OK, let's get out of here.

0:08:51 > 0:08:56Formal dinner at Middle Temple dates back to the 16th century

0:08:56 > 0:09:00when Queen Elizabeth I donated the 29-foot table

0:09:00 > 0:09:03that forms the centrepiece of the hall.

0:09:04 > 0:09:09It was here that barristers would pass on their practices and procedures.

0:09:09 > 0:09:13Today, to be called to the Bar,

0:09:13 > 0:09:19pupils must attend 12 qualifying discussions, many of which occur across the dinner table.

0:09:21 > 0:09:22We have high expectations.

0:09:22 > 0:09:26We have a wonderful kitchen, we have a very good wine cellar

0:09:26 > 0:09:28and these meals are important to all of us.

0:09:33 > 0:09:35We have a history of making sure

0:09:35 > 0:09:38that everything is spot on every time and have done for centuries.

0:09:40 > 0:09:45If the food is not up to scratch, I think the people who will be dining here this evening

0:09:45 > 0:09:47will be quite willing to give a frank opinion.

0:09:55 > 0:09:59There are less than four hours until service.

0:09:59 > 0:10:03Aki starts filling the sole with a layer of smoked salmon

0:10:03 > 0:10:06and the tarragon and fish mousse...

0:10:09 > 0:10:12..while Eamonn rolls them into a roulade.

0:10:14 > 0:10:17- I reckon we're- sole-mates- for today. - Exactly!

0:10:17 > 0:10:23How do you feel about 280 perfectly-cooked paupiettes of fish

0:10:23 > 0:10:25being served all at the same time?

0:10:25 > 0:10:28Right now, a little terrified, John, to be honest with you.

0:10:30 > 0:10:34You're putting your elbow into the mousse, Aki.

0:10:34 > 0:10:36Come here, sweetheart, come here.

0:10:36 > 0:10:38- You are mucky again, aren't you?- Oh!

0:10:38 > 0:10:40You can't help yourself.

0:10:45 > 0:10:50Across the kitchen, Andrew and Tom are still peeling their veg.

0:10:50 > 0:10:56I've been peeling shallots for an hour and that's all I've got. We've got another one of these.

0:10:56 > 0:10:59Everything we do, we've got to make 280 portions.

0:10:59 > 0:11:02Even if you do, like, three a minute, we're not going to get it done.

0:11:02 > 0:11:06- That's no good. Take that off. Take that off.- Yeah.

0:11:07 > 0:11:09So that's set me back already.

0:11:09 > 0:11:11That takes, you know, a couple of seconds, each one.

0:11:11 > 0:11:15And when you're doing 600 of them, that's a lot of minutes.

0:11:15 > 0:11:19- Come on, lads, it's getting tight. I know you've got a lot to do.- Yeah.

0:11:19 > 0:11:21The problem with Andrew and Tom is, in my opinion,

0:11:21 > 0:11:23they're not getting stuck in.

0:11:23 > 0:11:26They need to put their heads down and absolutely graft, really move.

0:11:26 > 0:11:30OK, you need to do 600. Then do them really fast.

0:11:30 > 0:11:33Don't do them like you're at home peeling an onion!

0:11:33 > 0:11:35Get on with it, boys. Get on with it.

0:11:38 > 0:11:42There's just over three hours until service.

0:11:43 > 0:11:46Shelina and Jay's pears are poached...

0:11:48 > 0:11:52..and Aki and Eamonn's teamwork is paying off.

0:11:53 > 0:11:55Their fish course is prepped,

0:11:55 > 0:11:59except for the pastry fleurons that will garnish the dish.

0:12:01 > 0:12:02Egg them up.

0:12:07 > 0:12:12- Different sizes, different shapes. Some are getting very small.- Yeah.

0:12:13 > 0:12:15These ones are good.

0:12:15 > 0:12:18- Oh! - JAY LAUGHS

0:12:18 > 0:12:21With their veg finally peeled,

0:12:21 > 0:12:26Andrew and Tom can now move on to rolling 280 individual vegetable parcels.

0:12:26 > 0:12:29Yeah, I am worried,

0:12:29 > 0:12:34cos we've got three hours to go and we've only done 20 vegetable parcels.

0:12:34 > 0:12:38The simple fact is, you're going to have to start to work like in a professional kitchen

0:12:38 > 0:12:41rather than actually just doing one plate of food.

0:12:41 > 0:12:45- Next one you roll, leave it on the bench, don't move it.- Yeah.- OK?

0:12:45 > 0:12:49Tight, pull it back. Leave it on the bench. OK?

0:12:49 > 0:12:54Go again. Roll the whole lot and then tray, one, two, three, four, five, six.

0:12:54 > 0:12:57Suddenly you've got a system going. OK? Push, push, push, guys.

0:12:59 > 0:13:03It's very obvious that Tom and Andrew are in the caca -

0:13:03 > 0:13:07culinary expression meaning not doing very well,

0:13:07 > 0:13:10not really keeping up, probably not going to be on time for dinner.

0:13:10 > 0:13:13We still got everything to do.

0:13:13 > 0:13:15We need to get the sauce reducing down more,

0:13:15 > 0:13:20we need to finish the oxtail, Tom's still working on these vegetables.

0:13:20 > 0:13:22Nothing is finished yet.

0:13:22 > 0:13:26Those main course boys need either a big hug or a kick up the bottom.

0:13:26 > 0:13:29I'm going to figure out which one and deliver it.

0:13:29 > 0:13:32The fact is, we're not going to get it out without some help?

0:13:32 > 0:13:33- Is that right?- Yeah.

0:13:33 > 0:13:38Don't worry, it's only the leading law brains of the country. We'll be all right.

0:13:38 > 0:13:41- What's next, chef? - Next is pomme amandine.

0:13:41 > 0:13:44- What's that?- Pomme amandine. Wh...?

0:13:46 > 0:13:48With Tom and Andrew so far behind,

0:13:48 > 0:13:53the chef calls Eamonn and Aki to help prepare their amandine potatoes.

0:13:53 > 0:13:57Well, if we're here twiddling our thumbs waiting for something to cook,

0:13:57 > 0:14:00we may as well be getting on with something. Simple as that.

0:14:00 > 0:14:05- How do you feel about all the lumps in it?- I'll be honest with you, I haven't come across any lumps yet.

0:14:05 > 0:14:09- That's definitely a lump.- Yeah. Lots of them.- You're joking?

0:14:09 > 0:14:12I don't want it to be lumpy so through a ricer it goes.

0:14:14 > 0:14:17This is going to take like an hour.

0:14:17 > 0:14:20Well, it's an hour we haven't got, so let's get going.

0:14:24 > 0:14:26Ah, this is going to take for ever.

0:14:26 > 0:14:29The guys on the starters, Eamonn and Aki,

0:14:29 > 0:14:32I know you're helping out, please keep your eyes on the prize.

0:14:32 > 0:14:36Don't help out so much that you actually let yourselves down.

0:14:39 > 0:14:45I feel like a little ant climbing up a Mount Everest of potatoes.

0:14:50 > 0:14:54- Take them out, chef.- Yeah, let's just make sure...- They're lovely.

0:14:54 > 0:14:57- I'm impressed. Well done.- Thanks, chef.

0:14:58 > 0:15:01The creme brulees are set.

0:15:01 > 0:15:04Shelina now turns her attention to the third dessert -

0:15:04 > 0:15:06the chocolate mousse.

0:15:06 > 0:15:10She starts by making an egg custard sabayon,

0:15:10 > 0:15:14which will be mixed with chocolate and egg whites to make the mousse.

0:15:14 > 0:15:16If there's not enough air in it,

0:15:16 > 0:15:20it's going to end up being some dense lump of chocolate, so this bit is crucial.

0:15:20 > 0:15:23Actually, to be fair, all of it is really crucial for a mousse.

0:15:23 > 0:15:25I think every single stage means something.

0:15:38 > 0:15:42It's really quite thick, actually. I don't know if this feels right.

0:15:44 > 0:15:49This isn't right. It's gone really hard on me. That's not right, is it?

0:15:51 > 0:15:55- It's solidified. - Can I salvage it at all?

0:15:58 > 0:16:00No, it's gone.

0:16:03 > 0:16:08- Do you know what you've done wrong? - The chocolate cooled down. - Wrong.- Oh.

0:16:08 > 0:16:12Your sugar's not cooked out in your sabayon. Your sabayon's not cooked out enough.

0:16:12 > 0:16:16If it's not cooked out enough, what happens is you have raw alcohol hitting chocolate

0:16:16 > 0:16:19and that makes the whole thing go solid.

0:16:21 > 0:16:24You're going to add in some double cream.

0:16:24 > 0:16:27- That will get that chocolate moving again.- Yeah.

0:16:30 > 0:16:32I've got to somehow get a chocolate mousse.

0:16:32 > 0:16:37I've got no more chocolate in the building, so this has got to work.

0:16:37 > 0:16:41Toes, legs, everything crossed.

0:16:43 > 0:16:47This doesn't look like it's going to turn into a mousse.

0:16:47 > 0:16:48It looks like soup.

0:16:53 > 0:16:56Stop for a sec. Stop.

0:16:56 > 0:17:00You've got to be confident this is going to set.

0:17:00 > 0:17:01Put some in a small tray,

0:17:01 > 0:17:04put it in the blast chiller before you put all of it in the glasses.

0:17:04 > 0:17:10Cos if you put that in the glasses and it doesn't set, it really is a disaster.

0:17:11 > 0:17:15- That's the height.- Yeah.- We'll just double check using that, then.

0:17:15 > 0:17:19- Is it going to set? - We've got to find out now.- OK.

0:17:19 > 0:17:21How long do we wait?

0:17:23 > 0:17:26Five minutes. It's all right.

0:17:26 > 0:17:28Jay and Shelina may have to have a rethink here.

0:17:28 > 0:17:33We're going to say to our legal minds that we're giving them a slimming dessert.

0:17:33 > 0:17:37"We've taken the chocolate off, we're worried about your health, have a pear."

0:17:41 > 0:17:43It's seven o'clock.

0:17:48 > 0:17:53Before dining, the barristers must put on the gowns worn in court.

0:18:02 > 0:18:08Master Treasurer, Masters of the Bench, dinner is served.

0:18:20 > 0:18:23Go, go, go. Next one, next one.

0:18:23 > 0:18:29Aki and Eamonn now have minutes to get their sole and the samphire steamed before service.

0:18:29 > 0:18:31Agh! That's how I feel right now.

0:18:34 > 0:18:38We are behind schedule. We need to make a move, please.

0:18:38 > 0:18:41- Do you want the starter people upstairs now?- Move the tray.

0:18:41 > 0:18:43We go upstairs, yeah?

0:18:44 > 0:18:46- All right?- Yeah, we're OK.

0:18:48 > 0:18:52A temporary plating station has been set up next to the dining hall

0:18:52 > 0:18:57and they will need Jay and Shelina's help to get the starters out hot.

0:19:05 > 0:19:08Good Lord, bless us and these, thy good gifts,

0:19:08 > 0:19:11which we receive of thy bounteous liberality. Amen.

0:19:11 > 0:19:13ALL: Amen.

0:19:14 > 0:19:17There are lots of judges sitting here on high table

0:19:17 > 0:19:21and if they're not pleased, goodness knows what might happen.

0:19:28 > 0:19:31What's going to happen now is the staff will come in,

0:19:31 > 0:19:36two plates at a time, go out that door and serve the customers. Let's move on.

0:19:45 > 0:19:48These are already coming at me all sorts of different ways.

0:19:48 > 0:19:51Folks, we've done four plates in one minute.

0:19:51 > 0:19:57We normally do 200 plates in ten minutes. We cannot go this slowly.

0:19:59 > 0:20:03Bring it a little lower. Thank you. Next. A little bit lower. Keep going.

0:20:03 > 0:20:06There you go. Nearer me, please. Nearer me, please.

0:20:09 > 0:20:11Come on, guys, don't slow down, not now.

0:20:14 > 0:20:16Last one, last one.

0:20:18 > 0:20:21- Well done, chef. Well done, chef. - Thank you.

0:20:21 > 0:20:23- OK? Just?- Just.

0:20:34 > 0:20:38Aki and Eamonn have served a fillet of sole Balmoral,

0:20:38 > 0:20:41samphire, a pastry fleuron,

0:20:41 > 0:20:44and a champagne sauce with shaved truffle.

0:20:48 > 0:20:54It's a nice firm fish, which I like. And it was nice. Good.

0:20:54 > 0:20:59I thought it was delicious. And just the right quantity of stuffed fish.

0:21:01 > 0:21:02I thought it was delicious.

0:21:02 > 0:21:04The fish was perfectly cooked.

0:21:04 > 0:21:06The samphire was lovely. I really enjoyed it.

0:21:06 > 0:21:11The food was substantial but also tasty, very happy.

0:21:11 > 0:21:15The fish was beautifully cooked. Not over-cooked so all in all very good.

0:21:15 > 0:21:19My only complaint was it was too big.

0:21:23 > 0:21:27It's now Andrew and Tom's turn to deliver a faultless main course.

0:21:28 > 0:21:34But Andrew still has to sear the 280 fillets of beef while

0:21:34 > 0:21:37Tom fries off the amandine potatoes.

0:21:40 > 0:21:43That's raw, mate. They're not going to eat that, it's cold in the middle.

0:21:43 > 0:21:45- OK, leave... - Look, that's cold.

0:21:48 > 0:21:50You know who we're feeding up there.

0:21:50 > 0:21:51Important people.

0:21:51 > 0:21:54I mean, we could all end up being sued here, Andrew.

0:21:54 > 0:21:57Tom, you've got to make sure that beef is cooked, buddy.

0:21:57 > 0:21:59If it's not cooked, chef is going to kill you.

0:22:03 > 0:22:05Nice one, good mate, in you go.

0:22:05 > 0:22:06I think we've got everything.

0:22:06 > 0:22:09I haven't got my licence for driving one of these.

0:22:15 > 0:22:18Right, folks, next course needs to be served in the next three minutes.

0:22:18 > 0:22:22We need to start and it needs to take 12 minutes this time, please.

0:22:22 > 0:22:25Andrew or Tom, which one of you is going to run the service?

0:22:25 > 0:22:28- We're going to put different... - No, who's going to be in charge?

0:22:28 > 0:22:31- I am.- You are?- Yeah.

0:22:31 > 0:22:33OK, so try and get the plate with the cross at the top, yeah?

0:22:33 > 0:22:37- Andrew.- Yes.- Show them. You got one over there finished.

0:22:37 > 0:22:39So Tom will put that there at 2 o'clock.

0:22:39 > 0:22:41- You're going to put that at 10 o'clock.- Yep.

0:22:41 > 0:22:43Service time, please.

0:22:43 > 0:22:45We can't wait any longer now. We need to move.

0:22:48 > 0:22:51Right, guys you've done two so far, you've only got 236 to go.

0:22:57 > 0:23:00It's looking good, let's just get faster, OK?

0:23:02 > 0:23:05We're getting there. We're over half way.

0:23:05 > 0:23:07We need to make sure we move a bit faster,

0:23:07 > 0:23:10we've still got more than half, I'm afraid, to go.

0:23:16 > 0:23:18Look at this...it's like a machine!

0:23:19 > 0:23:22Don't slow down, guys, come on. You're almost there.

0:23:25 > 0:23:27Come on, guys, last 30 plates, let's go.

0:23:27 > 0:23:29- That's it mate, get rid of them. - That's it.

0:23:29 > 0:23:31Stop, stop.

0:23:31 > 0:23:33Phew.

0:23:33 > 0:23:35Well done. Well done, mate.

0:23:38 > 0:23:41I never thought you could do that.

0:23:42 > 0:23:46That whole day is full on, it's eight hours of non-stop work.

0:23:51 > 0:23:57Tom and Andrew's main is a tournedos of beef topped with oxtail confit,

0:23:57 > 0:24:00potato amandine,

0:24:00 > 0:24:03vegetable parcel, woodland mushrooms

0:24:03 > 0:24:04and a red wine jus.

0:24:10 > 0:24:13I thought the beef was absolutely superb and I'm actually amazed

0:24:13 > 0:24:17that cooking for so many people, he can get it so perfect.

0:24:17 > 0:24:19It's nice and tender.

0:24:19 > 0:24:22It's lovely and I like the fact that it's slightly rare.

0:24:22 > 0:24:25It's quite big, but then there are lots of men here

0:24:25 > 0:24:28and they have larger capacities than women, I think.

0:24:28 > 0:24:32The crust of the potato is excellent.

0:24:32 > 0:24:36I mean, the whole thing is as... as good as you can get.

0:24:36 > 0:24:39The meat was really excellently well done,

0:24:39 > 0:24:41so ten out of ten for that one I suppose.

0:24:41 > 0:24:43I could gush forever about it.

0:24:43 > 0:24:46It was really quite knock out, I have to say, really stellar.

0:24:51 > 0:24:55Finally it's Shelina and Jay's dessert trio.

0:25:03 > 0:25:04SHE LAUGHS

0:25:09 > 0:25:13That was a very, very close call.

0:25:13 > 0:25:17We'll start bringing out the trolleys. We have to get all this upstairs and on the plates.

0:25:17 > 0:25:18Yes, Chef.

0:25:25 > 0:25:27We're ready to go.

0:25:29 > 0:25:33Me and Andrew are doing the pears, Thomas is on the strawberries,

0:25:33 > 0:25:36Eamonn, can you follow up with the chocolate mousse,

0:25:36 > 0:25:38- Aki, can you put the creme brulee on, please.- Yep.

0:25:41 > 0:25:45OK, boys? Pear, pear, pear. Let's go, go, go.

0:25:47 > 0:25:48How's our mousse, Shelina?

0:25:48 > 0:25:52The mousse is a mousse, which is always helpful.

0:25:55 > 0:25:58Come on, we're almost there, keep it going.

0:26:01 > 0:26:03All done?

0:26:04 > 0:26:05Lovely!

0:26:09 > 0:26:13I absolutely love it! I've never seen a hallway full of desserts.

0:26:13 > 0:26:14It's brilliant.

0:26:17 > 0:26:19- Service, please.- Service, please.

0:26:21 > 0:26:23That's it, nice and steady.

0:26:27 > 0:26:29- Last plate.- Thank you.

0:26:31 > 0:26:33I'm too tired.

0:26:42 > 0:26:46Shelina and Jay's pudding is a chocolate and orange liqueur mousse,

0:26:46 > 0:26:50autumn spiced pear with a port syrup

0:26:50 > 0:26:52and tropical fruit brulee.

0:26:58 > 0:27:01The brulee - absolutely delicious

0:27:01 > 0:27:02and I loved that crunchy feel

0:27:02 > 0:27:07and the lovely, fruity, mouth-filling flavours that emerged.

0:27:08 > 0:27:12The creme brulee, meant to be passion fruit and mango,

0:27:12 > 0:27:15I didn't detect the mango and there wasn't enough passion.

0:27:15 > 0:27:16The pear was delicious.

0:27:16 > 0:27:19Well, everything was delicious...

0:27:19 > 0:27:22- The creme brulee... > - Yes, we're all creme brulee fans.

0:27:24 > 0:27:26This mousse wasn't really a mousse, it was too runny

0:27:26 > 0:27:29and more drinkable than eatable.

0:27:29 > 0:27:31The pudding was a big ask.

0:27:31 > 0:27:34They didn't quite pull it off,

0:27:34 > 0:27:36but hey, who cares?

0:27:36 > 0:27:38The taste was good.

0:27:38 > 0:27:39I ate it all, you know, come on.

0:27:44 > 0:27:47Oh, we don't do this up North, do we?!

0:27:48 > 0:27:50We pushed them to the absolute edge, John, today.

0:27:50 > 0:27:52I mean that was a huge test.

0:27:52 > 0:27:55To feed that many people in that sort of surroundings

0:27:55 > 0:27:57with food that complex is MASSIVE.

0:28:00 > 0:28:02- Well done...beer? - Beer.

0:28:04 > 0:28:06I'm trying to think of a part of me that doesn't ache.

0:28:06 > 0:28:11I think just here. This isn't hurting, just here.

0:28:12 > 0:28:15I'm really relieved but I'm also really chuffed.

0:28:15 > 0:28:17Chuffed that all six of us managed to feed the masses

0:28:17 > 0:28:19in such an amazing building.

0:28:21 > 0:28:24It might be hard, it might be mentally exhausting but it's,

0:28:24 > 0:28:27you know, an absolute dream compared to real life.

0:28:30 > 0:28:34It seems unfair to say it, I know they've just got through a huge task. John,

0:28:34 > 0:28:39but pretty soon one of these guys is going to have to leave the competition.

0:28:39 > 0:28:44For me there is not a cigarette paper between them.

0:28:44 > 0:28:49I just simply can't wait to see what happens next.

0:29:28 > 0:29:32Welcome back, your last task was mammoth.

0:29:33 > 0:29:36But now we want you to step it up one more time.

0:29:37 > 0:29:40We want you to cook for us

0:29:40 > 0:29:45two elegant courses that would proudly sit on any fine dining menu.

0:29:45 > 0:29:47It is time to impress, guys

0:29:47 > 0:29:51because at the end of this one of you will be leaving us.

0:29:54 > 0:29:56Right, we have a very special guest joining us.

0:29:56 > 0:30:01Without doubt one of the finest and most respected chefs in the country....

0:30:02 > 0:30:05Michel Roux Jr.

0:30:27 > 0:30:31Today's all about fine dining, achieving standards.

0:30:32 > 0:30:34Perfection on a plate.

0:30:37 > 0:30:41I've been told you're pretty good. Now's the time to prove it.

0:30:42 > 0:30:451½ hours, ladies and gentlemen, two courses

0:30:45 > 0:30:46and it has to impress.

0:30:48 > 0:30:49Let's cook.

0:30:56 > 0:30:58This is where we see if they have the finesse.

0:30:58 > 0:31:03Do they have the ability to take their food that one more step forward?

0:31:03 > 0:31:07Now is about finding out who has got the real makings of a pro.

0:31:12 > 0:31:16I think the longer I've stayed in the competition I've realised

0:31:16 > 0:31:19I could potentially be a professional chef.

0:31:19 > 0:31:22And that makes me really excited.

0:31:22 > 0:31:26You've combine skills and real understanding of cooking, well done.

0:31:33 > 0:31:36- Shelina, your menu you is? - A lobster curry with potato bhajia

0:31:36 > 0:31:39which is like a deep fried spicy potato.

0:31:39 > 0:31:42And the dessert is my idea of key lime pie.

0:31:42 > 0:31:45It's all the flavours of key lime pie.

0:31:45 > 0:31:47You've got a curry

0:31:47 > 0:31:49and an experimental dessert to serve up to Michel Roux.

0:31:50 > 0:31:52Er, that's pretty scary,

0:31:52 > 0:31:55Yeah, I had a real big look of shock on my face when he walked through

0:31:55 > 0:31:58the door but I really want to impress all three of you today.

0:31:58 > 0:32:00I really, really want this.

0:32:02 > 0:32:05Sweet lobster, spicy curry - heaven.

0:32:05 > 0:32:07But it has to be presented beautifully.

0:32:07 > 0:32:10How can a lobster curry be presented beautifully?

0:32:20 > 0:32:24'I think that some of the plates I've put out have already been fine dining.'

0:32:24 > 0:32:26The smoked herring is absolutely delicious.

0:32:26 > 0:32:28I think he's really nailed it.

0:32:28 > 0:32:31I haven't always got the flavours right.

0:32:31 > 0:32:34In my mouth now I've got a floral, sweet, oaty fish biscuit.

0:32:34 > 0:32:36It's just a bit weird.

0:32:36 > 0:32:40Whisky, honey, for me it doesn't belong in this dish.

0:32:40 > 0:32:44I've got a point to prove in this kitchen today and my dish is,

0:32:44 > 0:32:48well, you could call it an apology to Tom Kitchin.

0:32:48 > 0:32:52I'm cooking roast grouse, a Scottish dish, I'm half Scottish.

0:32:52 > 0:32:54I'm going to do it with a whisky, honey and heather...

0:32:54 > 0:32:57Yeah, whisky, honey with blackberries

0:32:57 > 0:33:00and I'm doing it with neeps and a Savoy sausage.

0:33:00 > 0:33:03Once again, two ingredients which really are your nemesis,

0:33:03 > 0:33:07honey and whisky with red mullet. Today we're serving it with grouse.

0:33:07 > 0:33:11- With grouse it works. With fish it doesn't, with grouse it works. - And dessert?

0:33:11 > 0:33:15Chocolate and black olive caramel tart with a rosemary ice cream.

0:33:15 > 0:33:17A what...a what?

0:33:17 > 0:33:19Chocolate and black olive caramel tart

0:33:19 > 0:33:21with rosemary ice cream.

0:33:21 > 0:33:22Cor.

0:33:22 > 0:33:25Dessert, what an extraordinary risk.

0:33:25 > 0:33:29Chocolate and black olive tart with rosemary ice cream. I don't know.

0:33:29 > 0:33:32It's a little bit of a strange combination.

0:33:32 > 0:33:36I don't know. I can understand. Something inside me here says, "Yes, maybe."

0:33:36 > 0:33:38A little bit of the salty taste with the chocolate can work,

0:33:38 > 0:33:42but it's a very fine line. Very, very fine line.

0:33:43 > 0:33:4750 minutes gone, over half way.

0:33:55 > 0:33:57I've had a few ups and downs.

0:33:57 > 0:34:00Your cooking - not in question,

0:34:00 > 0:34:03but, at what stage are you going to stand up and go,

0:34:03 > 0:34:05"Look at me!"

0:34:05 > 0:34:06They want to see more,

0:34:06 > 0:34:09they want to see a bit of an edgy attitude from me.

0:34:09 > 0:34:13So that's basically what I'm doing today.

0:34:15 > 0:34:17- Fine dining today, Jay.- Yep.

0:34:17 > 0:34:22Pan-fried halibut on a bed of chorizo-braised plum tomatoes

0:34:22 > 0:34:26with a crab and new potato salad underneath

0:34:26 > 0:34:28with some smoked, shaved marrow bone.

0:34:28 > 0:34:30- Woah. That's one dish?- Yep.

0:34:30 > 0:34:31What's the next dish?

0:34:31 > 0:34:35Chocolate hazelnut torte with Cointreau cream.

0:34:35 > 0:34:40- You are absolutely going for it. - You told me to. You thought I was being too safe.

0:34:40 > 0:34:43I don't want you thinking that so I'm pushing the boundaries.

0:34:43 > 0:34:44So what do you want us to think of you?

0:34:44 > 0:34:48I don't know, just think that I'm a good cook, that'll do.

0:34:48 > 0:34:51Look around the room. There's only five others, mate.

0:34:51 > 0:34:53You've got to be a pretty good cook to be here.

0:34:53 > 0:34:55Yeah, I know and I appreciate that.

0:34:55 > 0:34:59Could you honestly balance halibut, tomato,

0:34:59 > 0:35:01chorizo, bone marrow and crab?

0:35:01 > 0:35:05Cor...that's a tough call.

0:35:05 > 0:35:08Jay's dessert, a torte, can be beautiful, can be fine dining

0:35:08 > 0:35:11but it's down to presentation, and lightness of touch.

0:35:19 > 0:35:23I've had quite a few highs and one particular low.

0:35:23 > 0:35:25This dish isn't right. You've overdone it.

0:35:25 > 0:35:27You've broken my heart here today.

0:35:29 > 0:35:30But I'm still here.

0:35:30 > 0:35:34Yeah, I had a blip but hopefully after today they'll be just saying,

0:35:34 > 0:35:37"Wow, look what Eamonn can do."

0:35:40 > 0:35:42Eamonn, what are your two dishes?

0:35:42 > 0:35:47Rib of pork and tenderloin of pork with a celeriac puree and a Guinness and cider sauce.

0:35:47 > 0:35:52The dessert is a liquorice poached pear, blackberry sorbet,

0:35:52 > 0:35:56a sable biscuit and a little bit of lime Chantilly.

0:35:56 > 0:35:58Not just cooking for me and John today.

0:35:58 > 0:36:00No, I know. Wow.

0:36:01 > 0:36:06It's a big thrill and I hope I don't go on to disappoint yet another top chef.

0:36:06 > 0:36:07I won't today, I promise you guys.

0:36:09 > 0:36:12I'm not too sure about Eamonn's pork with ale.

0:36:12 > 0:36:15It sounds like a straightforward dish that you may cook at home.

0:36:15 > 0:36:18You're supposed to be pushing the boat out today.

0:36:18 > 0:36:21That's going to have to be super-refined to impress me.

0:36:21 > 0:36:24Just 30 minutes left.

0:36:34 > 0:36:36I love fine dining and it's the sort of food I love to eat.

0:36:37 > 0:36:40I think your cooking today is great.

0:36:41 > 0:36:44It would almost be a little bit embarrassing if I went out today.

0:36:45 > 0:36:48It's sort of like losing at home.

0:36:50 > 0:36:53Tom, what are you making? You've got stuff everywhere.

0:36:53 > 0:36:57I'm doing crusted sirloin of beef, liver, smoked bacon and onions

0:36:57 > 0:37:00with a beetroot puree and a roasted garlic cream sauce.

0:37:00 > 0:37:04- Dessert, I'm doing a ravioli of cherries and chocolate. - Pasta with cherries and what?

0:37:04 > 0:37:06Chocolate, yeah.

0:37:06 > 0:37:09Lack of time is a major issue.

0:37:09 > 0:37:13I've given myself a lot of work if it'll be brilliant,

0:37:13 > 0:37:14if I don't it'll be disappointing.

0:37:14 > 0:37:18Pushing yourself, mate. Really going for it. Why?

0:37:18 > 0:37:21Because I want to win and it's the end of the competition today

0:37:21 > 0:37:24and I've got to make sure mine's not the worst dish of the day.

0:37:24 > 0:37:26I am confident with food, like I say it's just

0:37:26 > 0:37:28whether I can get it done in the time.

0:37:29 > 0:37:33The onion, the liver - we know that works together

0:37:33 > 0:37:34but he's got beetroot AND garlic.

0:37:34 > 0:37:37I don't know, there's a lot of flavours.

0:37:37 > 0:37:41There's a lot of process going on there. There's a lot of work.

0:37:48 > 0:37:52I try and be different and I think that's what's kept me in.

0:37:52 > 0:37:56I don't believe this, it actually works for me in a strange

0:37:56 > 0:37:57and crazy way.

0:37:58 > 0:38:02- And sometimes I get told off. - It doesn't work.

0:38:02 > 0:38:06And considering the mess that she was working in, I'm not surprised it doesn't work.

0:38:06 > 0:38:10But I like it. I'm going to keep being different, a bit weird,

0:38:10 > 0:38:13to keep John and Gregg on their toes.

0:38:14 > 0:38:18What's going on? What are your two dishes?

0:38:18 > 0:38:23I'm doing some tea-smoked chicken oysters, on some dashi noodle jelly.

0:38:23 > 0:38:25And for my dessert I'm doing a bit of a fusion dish

0:38:25 > 0:38:29of sticky toffee pudding with miso nitrogen ice cream.

0:38:29 > 0:38:32- Ho-ho-ho-hoo! - And the inspiration is what, Aki?

0:38:32 > 0:38:35I've been working with cryogenics in my lab

0:38:35 > 0:38:38and I realised that it freezes things really quickly which

0:38:38 > 0:38:41means the crystals in the ice cream will be very, very smooth.

0:38:41 > 0:38:45I said to John that I didn't want a scientific experiment from you today.

0:38:45 > 0:38:47SHE LAUGHS

0:38:47 > 0:38:50Fingers crossed I don't freeze my finger off with the nitrogen.

0:38:51 > 0:38:54Liquid nitrogen, miso, into beautiful ice cream.

0:38:54 > 0:38:57She's pushing out the boat cos she's got a lot to prove.

0:38:57 > 0:39:00I'm intrigued by that one.

0:39:00 > 0:39:02I love miso as it is, I love it as a flavour and as a texture

0:39:02 > 0:39:04but as an ice cream I've never come across that

0:39:04 > 0:39:07and with sticky toffee pudding, for me...I don't know.

0:39:07 > 0:39:12Four minutes, guys. Four minutes to finish your plates.

0:39:23 > 0:39:25You have just two minutes.

0:39:28 > 0:39:30Whoa, some of these guys are pushing it.

0:39:30 > 0:39:34It should be just the finishing touches now.

0:39:44 > 0:39:47That's it! Time's up, stop!

0:40:05 > 0:40:09Andrew's first course is a crusted roast grouse

0:40:09 > 0:40:15on pureed neeps with Savoy-wrapped sausage, blackberries,

0:40:15 > 0:40:17bacon crumb and whisky honey sauce.

0:40:20 > 0:40:24Followed by a chocolate and black olive tart with rosemary ice cream.

0:40:32 > 0:40:37The combination of honey and whisky but this time with grouse

0:40:37 > 0:40:38and not with red mullet.

0:40:38 > 0:40:42I think it's really well balanced. Very, very daring indeed.

0:40:42 > 0:40:46Beautifully seasoned and beautifully cooked.

0:40:46 > 0:40:47The sauce is LOVELY,

0:40:47 > 0:40:51it has sweetness, sharpness, it has the fruit in there, the honey,

0:40:51 > 0:40:55and I really, really love your bacon crumb here.

0:40:55 > 0:40:58That's cooking from a professional chef, not an amateur chef.

0:40:58 > 0:41:01- Andrew, I'm really impressed with this.- Thank you.

0:41:11 > 0:41:14Olive, chocolate, and rosemary ice cream.

0:41:14 > 0:41:16That is genius!

0:41:17 > 0:41:19It's chocolate, minty liquorice.

0:41:19 > 0:41:21It's genius!

0:41:22 > 0:41:27I had this written off in my mind completely as something obscure

0:41:27 > 0:41:30and ridiculous but I commend you for it, well done.

0:41:32 > 0:41:37Andrew, I love the combinations. Chocolate with black olive works.

0:41:37 > 0:41:41It gives a little saltiness to the chocolate which works beautifully.

0:41:41 > 0:41:43The ice cream's lovely. Heavenly.

0:41:43 > 0:41:45You're not far off.

0:41:47 > 0:41:52That's amazing...to hear this gentleman say that.

0:41:55 > 0:41:59I don't think I've ever received praise like that for anything I've done so...

0:42:08 > 0:42:13Jay's first course is pan-fried halibut with chorizo-braised tomatoes,

0:42:13 > 0:42:16crab and potato salad and smoked bone marrow.

0:42:18 > 0:42:22His dessert is a dark chocolate and hazelnut torte

0:42:22 > 0:42:27with candied orange peel and orange liqueur cream.

0:42:37 > 0:42:40Jay, that is a huge portion.

0:42:40 > 0:42:44It doesn't look dainty, which is such a shame.

0:42:44 > 0:42:46The bone marrow is over-smoked.

0:42:46 > 0:42:48If it was a little less smoked,

0:42:48 > 0:42:51I really do think that the flavour combination would work.

0:42:53 > 0:42:57You've shown an unbelievable skill in cooking fish.

0:42:57 > 0:42:59You've got it, you've got that touch.

0:42:59 > 0:43:03Just think about the flavour combinations.

0:43:03 > 0:43:07I actually like the bone marrow with the halibut.

0:43:07 > 0:43:10What I'm disappointed about is losing the crab.

0:43:10 > 0:43:11Ups and downs.

0:43:19 > 0:43:22Jay, for me this is afternoon tea.

0:43:23 > 0:43:26Very good afternoon tea, I must say.

0:43:26 > 0:43:29But you need to refine. On both dishes you've presented to me.

0:43:29 > 0:43:32Now, I don't drink as much as I did any more

0:43:32 > 0:43:34and I'm getting high on that.

0:43:34 > 0:43:36I LOVE that.

0:43:36 > 0:43:39It's not got Roux elegance stamped all over it

0:43:39 > 0:43:43but it's definitely got "fat bloke licking his lips"

0:43:43 > 0:43:45stamped all over it, that's for sure.

0:43:48 > 0:43:50I tried to refine my food today.

0:43:50 > 0:43:53If I did in their eyes or not, I don't know.

0:43:59 > 0:44:03Shelina's main dish is a lobster curry with spiced peas,

0:44:03 > 0:44:08a potato bhajia and a coriander foam.

0:44:10 > 0:44:13Her dessert is a deconstructed key lime pie,

0:44:13 > 0:44:16consisting of lime mousse, chocolate ganache,

0:44:16 > 0:44:20ginger jelly and a chocolate coconut crumb.

0:44:29 > 0:44:33I think you've judged it really well. I think it's not too spicy.

0:44:33 > 0:44:36Has it achieved the standard...?

0:44:37 > 0:44:40I think you have.

0:44:42 > 0:44:45Well-cooked lobster. Love the peas with it.

0:44:45 > 0:44:47I think the sauce is wonderful and rich.

0:44:47 > 0:44:50It's really soothing, really spicy. A lovely, lovely dish for me.

0:44:52 > 0:44:54To your dessert.

0:44:54 > 0:44:58First thing I see are little flowers and petals scattered all over which

0:44:58 > 0:45:01makes me think you've tried to hide deficiencies maybe in presentation.

0:45:01 > 0:45:04I think that's absolutely right.

0:45:08 > 0:45:12Hmm, I love the crunch, I love the fact there's a jelly in there as well.

0:45:12 > 0:45:15It plays great music in my mouth, it's lovely.

0:45:15 > 0:45:17- However, I don't like the lime with the chocolate.- OK.

0:45:19 > 0:45:22I think the presentation is God-awful.

0:45:24 > 0:45:26But the flavours are delicious. Love them.

0:45:28 > 0:45:31I don't like the chocolate with the lime.

0:45:31 > 0:45:33I don't think you've pulled this off at all.

0:45:33 > 0:45:36I don't like the look of it. It looks confused.

0:45:36 > 0:45:40To me it tastes and even feels a bit confused.

0:45:40 > 0:45:42Erm, yeah.

0:45:42 > 0:45:43It's just really tough

0:45:43 > 0:45:46when you're out there having your food critiqued.

0:45:48 > 0:45:50You put your heart on your plate, essentially,

0:45:50 > 0:45:52that's what it feels like.

0:45:52 > 0:45:54So, yeah, tough, really tough.

0:46:05 > 0:46:08Aki has made tea-smoked chicken oysters

0:46:08 > 0:46:12on a dashi and somen noodle jelly

0:46:12 > 0:46:14with clam broth, shrimp and seafood vegetables.

0:46:17 > 0:46:20Her dessert is a sticky toffee pudding with miso ice cream

0:46:20 > 0:46:24and deep fried spaghetti dusted with clove and icing sugar.

0:46:33 > 0:46:36Aki, I'm not too sure about this dish.

0:46:36 > 0:46:39The sweet shrimp are so delicate in flavour, the broth as well,

0:46:39 > 0:46:43the enoki mushrooms and the little vegetables are so delicate

0:46:43 > 0:46:47and light that they can't take this heavy smoke that

0:46:47 > 0:46:48you've put on the chicken oysters.

0:46:48 > 0:46:53It's filling my mouth with a rather unpleasant, acrid smoke flavour.

0:46:55 > 0:47:00The most prominent thing is basically like chewing on a cigarette butt.

0:47:00 > 0:47:03It's so strong from the smoke.

0:47:03 > 0:47:08So overpowering, that I feel sort of slightly heartbroken by it

0:47:08 > 0:47:12cos it's such a beautiful-looking thing and it really is like eating a bonfire.

0:47:23 > 0:47:27That does it for me. It really does.

0:47:27 > 0:47:30It's the first time I've ever had a miso ice cream...

0:47:30 > 0:47:32it's delicious.

0:47:34 > 0:47:36To me it tastes like a very sweet banana.

0:47:36 > 0:47:38Very, very nice indeed.

0:47:38 > 0:47:41As for the sticky toffee pudding, it's crumbly,

0:47:41 > 0:47:43it doesn't seem like it's cooked quite enough for me

0:47:43 > 0:47:46and it doesn't really hold together as a pudding.

0:47:46 > 0:47:49But for me that dessert is kept alive by the beautiful ice cream

0:47:49 > 0:47:51that's sitting on the side.

0:47:56 > 0:47:59I didn't think the smoking would be such an issue.

0:47:59 > 0:48:03That just went badly wrong and I thought everything was OK, but...

0:48:03 > 0:48:05it turned out it wasn't right.

0:48:13 > 0:48:16Eamonn has cooked rib and tenderloin of pork with celeriac mash

0:48:16 > 0:48:18and a stout and cider sauce.

0:48:23 > 0:48:25His second course is a liquorice poached pear

0:48:25 > 0:48:28with a blackberry sorbet,

0:48:28 > 0:48:31sable biscuit and a lime Chantilly.

0:48:41 > 0:48:43Eamonn, I like your presentation.

0:48:43 > 0:48:47The little stacks of the ribs, bordering on naff, but...

0:48:48 > 0:48:49Was it?

0:48:49 > 0:48:52But I understand why you've done it.

0:48:52 > 0:48:56I like the sauce. I like the combination of the celeriac puree.

0:48:56 > 0:48:58- I think you've done a good job. - Thank you.

0:49:00 > 0:49:04I think it's a very well conceived dish, well thought out, well executed

0:49:04 > 0:49:06and I really, really like it.

0:49:06 > 0:49:08Thank you very much. Can we stop there?(!)

0:49:08 > 0:49:10To your dessert.

0:49:13 > 0:49:17I was worried that the pear was going to be overpowered by the liquorice,

0:49:17 > 0:49:19it hasn't, they actually work.

0:49:21 > 0:49:22The ripe, juicy pear

0:49:22 > 0:49:26with liquorice and lime cream is divine.

0:49:26 > 0:49:27Absolutely divine.

0:49:29 > 0:49:32- Thanks, Eamonn, very much. - Thank you, guys.

0:49:37 > 0:49:39I want to have a dance!

0:49:41 > 0:49:43Michel Roux Jr...

0:49:44 > 0:49:48Yeah...I'll have some more of that, please.

0:49:58 > 0:50:03Tom's main is a crusted sirloin of beef with a beetroot puree,

0:50:03 > 0:50:07calves' liver and smoked bacon, and a garlic cream.

0:50:11 > 0:50:13His pudding is a sweet cherry

0:50:13 > 0:50:16and chocolate ravioli

0:50:16 > 0:50:19with pistachio ice cream and a chocolate tuile.

0:50:26 > 0:50:30Tom, I think the combination of ingredients is absolutely right,

0:50:30 > 0:50:33but for me this dish smacks of one thing...

0:50:33 > 0:50:34running out of time.

0:50:35 > 0:50:39Your centrepiece of beef is not cooked properly

0:50:39 > 0:50:42and it's taking away from the rest of the work you put into it.

0:50:42 > 0:50:44You've got great textures in there.

0:50:44 > 0:50:47That lovely crispy bacon and crunchy pickled onion.

0:50:47 > 0:50:50It would be great to have a smooth beetroot puree underneath.

0:50:50 > 0:50:52That was the idea.

0:50:52 > 0:50:54That was the idea, you ran out of time.

0:50:54 > 0:50:55It's such a shame.

0:50:59 > 0:51:02Sorry, I've got to get in there, absolutely got to get in there.

0:51:02 > 0:51:05We'll just both stand back, shall we?

0:51:07 > 0:51:08Hmm!

0:51:08 > 0:51:09Oh, sorry!

0:51:09 > 0:51:12- You go first! - No, come on.- No, go!

0:51:12 > 0:51:15You're so enthusiastic, please go for it, I'd like you to.

0:51:15 > 0:51:17I don't know about these two but I love that.

0:51:17 > 0:51:20The idea of a pasta ravioli filled with something sweet

0:51:20 > 0:51:22I think is absolutely brilliant.

0:51:22 > 0:51:26And chocolate and then sharp and sweet cherry, absolutely perfect. I just love it.

0:51:26 > 0:51:29It's your inventiveness and creativity at its best.

0:51:31 > 0:51:33The combination of ingredients, perfect for me.

0:51:33 > 0:51:34A marriage made in heaven.

0:51:34 > 0:51:38The ravioli, nice and thin, but it's dry.

0:51:43 > 0:51:47I did bite off more than I could chew today, quite considerably.

0:51:47 > 0:51:50I could've made my main course much simpler,

0:51:50 > 0:51:53and probably pulled it off but I didn't.

0:51:57 > 0:52:01One of you unfortunately has to leave us.

0:52:01 > 0:52:02Please, off you go.

0:52:11 > 0:52:14- Thanks, Michel. Thank you very much. - Thank you.

0:52:14 > 0:52:17I've seen some great cooking. You guys have got your work cut out.

0:52:17 > 0:52:19- Good luck. - Thanks, mate.

0:52:22 > 0:52:23Oooh.

0:52:25 > 0:52:29- My absolute best cook of the day was Andrew. - Oh, yeah.

0:52:29 > 0:52:32He did something different, he dared, but he got it right,

0:52:32 > 0:52:35John, and how right did he get it?!

0:52:35 > 0:52:40The grouse was beautiful. The tart, I didn't expect it. It blew me away.

0:52:40 > 0:52:44Unfortunately it isn't good enough to think, "If I'm not the worst..."

0:52:44 > 0:52:45You do have to be the best

0:52:45 > 0:52:49and hopefully I'll be in among the top performers today.

0:52:49 > 0:52:53Eamonn had two different types of pork, a really good dish.

0:52:53 > 0:52:56But that pear with liquorice and cream flavoured with lime.

0:52:56 > 0:52:59John, it nearly had me on my knees, it was stunning.

0:52:59 > 0:53:04That round has now set my competition on track or whatever you want to call it.

0:53:04 > 0:53:07I'm a contender now.

0:53:07 > 0:53:11Two stand-out contestants today, Andrew and Eamonn.

0:53:11 > 0:53:13Agreed.

0:53:13 > 0:53:16That leaves us Shelina, Jay, Aki and Tom.

0:53:19 > 0:53:23Shelina, that lobster curry was beautifully spiced

0:53:23 > 0:53:26and I know that you guys didn't necessarily like the dessert

0:53:26 > 0:53:29but there's technique coming together and that gives me

0:53:29 > 0:53:32thought there's a huge amount of potential going on with Shelina.

0:53:32 > 0:53:35I know my curry was good but, you now,

0:53:35 > 0:53:38is that enough at this stage of the competition, is it enough, really?

0:53:38 > 0:53:39I don't know.

0:53:41 > 0:53:45Jay said today he wanted to be bolder and braver.

0:53:45 > 0:53:46And his fish, I mean,

0:53:46 > 0:53:49even Michel said his touch was extraordinary as a cook.

0:53:49 > 0:53:54Jay's dessert, I mean, one of those things that just tastes heavenly.

0:53:54 > 0:53:58But did it have the finesse? Did it have that edge of fine dining?

0:53:58 > 0:54:00Was it brave enough?

0:54:00 > 0:54:02You know, I'd love to be in the final five.

0:54:02 > 0:54:05I really, really would because I want to push it further.

0:54:05 > 0:54:08I want to see how far I can push myself with it.

0:54:08 > 0:54:10Tom gave himself lots to do

0:54:10 > 0:54:13and didn't quite have enough time to do it properly.

0:54:13 > 0:54:17Now, you got to expect him be able to cook the main part of his dish.

0:54:17 > 0:54:20But he still managed a brilliant dessert.

0:54:20 > 0:54:22Tom's got great ideas.

0:54:22 > 0:54:25He needs to be able to execute those ideas and on time.

0:54:27 > 0:54:31I'll seriously have to think about what is realistic to achieve

0:54:31 > 0:54:33and not just do as much as you can.

0:54:33 > 0:54:36But it's a lesson, and if I go through it's a lesson learned.

0:54:36 > 0:54:38Aki, dessert, brilliant idea.

0:54:38 > 0:54:41Miso ice cream I thought was just amazing.

0:54:41 > 0:54:44But that chicken was just way over-smoked.

0:54:44 > 0:54:49- And really, really harsh at the back of your throat. - It was like charcoal, so bitter.

0:54:49 > 0:54:52How badly has she let herself down today?

0:54:52 > 0:54:56You never know. I've been surprised more than once, you know.

0:54:56 > 0:55:01You don't know until the decision is announced by John and Gregg.

0:55:02 > 0:55:06Although our decision today is quite a difficult decision, for me there

0:55:06 > 0:55:11is one cook who is not quite moving fast enough to keep up with the pack.

0:55:30 > 0:55:32We've come a long way, a long way.

0:55:32 > 0:55:35Not easy to lose one of you now at this stage.

0:55:38 > 0:55:41Andrew,

0:55:41 > 0:55:43Eamonn,

0:55:43 > 0:55:46you two had a point to prove today

0:55:46 > 0:55:47and you did it with gusto.

0:55:47 > 0:55:50Gentlemen, you're staying with us.

0:55:50 > 0:55:52Take a step over there, gentlemen.

0:56:02 > 0:56:08There's one other person who's done enough to join Andrew and Eamonn.

0:56:10 > 0:56:13Congratulations, Shelina, you're staying with us.

0:56:24 > 0:56:27So that leave us with you three.

0:56:37 > 0:56:39The person leaving us...

0:56:40 > 0:56:42..is Aki.

0:56:43 > 0:56:46Thank you, Aki, very much indeed.

0:56:46 > 0:56:47Thank you.

0:56:57 > 0:57:00It's sad. I think there's going to be a lot ahead

0:57:00 > 0:57:02that I'm going to be missing out on.

0:57:02 > 0:57:07But I've had a tremendous experience.

0:57:07 > 0:57:09I think it's just taught me

0:57:09 > 0:57:13that I can do things that I never thought would be possible

0:57:13 > 0:57:17so I think it's taught me to have more faith in myself.

0:57:17 > 0:57:21Not that I didn't have a big enough head already!

0:57:31 > 0:57:34Final five and all. My God.

0:57:34 > 0:57:36It won't sink in yet.

0:57:36 > 0:57:39I'll probably sit bolt upright at 3 o'clock in the morning. Huh!

0:57:39 > 0:57:42Gasping... "I'm in the final five!" You know?

0:57:42 > 0:57:45But, erm, it's an amazing feeling.

0:57:50 > 0:57:52I've got to look on the bright side,

0:57:52 > 0:57:55I got through and I'm over the moon.

0:58:00 > 0:58:05Next week, the final five take on the most infamous challenge of all.

0:58:05 > 0:58:06How long have I got?

0:58:06 > 0:58:10Restaurant critics are intimidating.

0:58:10 > 0:58:12You start pushing the boat out and you get it wrong,

0:58:12 > 0:58:14they'll have your guts for garters.

0:58:14 > 0:58:17Come on!

0:58:17 > 0:58:19Your mouth surrenders immediately.

0:58:20 > 0:58:23If you had that in a restaurant you would want to write about it.

0:58:23 > 0:58:25Keep on working!

0:58:25 > 0:58:29Applications for the new series of MasterChef - The Professionals

0:58:29 > 0:58:31are now open.

0:58:32 > 0:58:36Apply online at -

0:58:45 > 0:58:48Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd