1 00:00:02,076 --> 00:00:04,715 ( music playing ) 2 00:00:11,762 --> 00:00:14,668 ( cheering ) 3 00:00:16,906 --> 00:00:18,241 Gordon: Here we go. 4 00:00:18,275 --> 00:00:21,414 Joe: Finale time! Look at this. 5 00:00:21,414 --> 00:00:22,383 ( hooting ) 6 00:00:22,383 --> 00:00:24,855 Thank you! Look at you guys! 7 00:00:24,888 --> 00:00:26,024 Welcome back, guys. 8 00:00:26,024 --> 00:00:28,896 Thank you so much! 9 00:00:28,930 --> 00:00:32,036 Wow. 10 00:00:32,069 --> 00:00:36,377 Welcome, everybody, to the "MasterChef: Back to Win" finale. 11 00:00:38,281 --> 00:00:42,489 This "Back to Win" season has been absolutely incredible. 12 00:00:45,295 --> 00:00:47,567 - This season... - Oh, my gosh. 13 00:00:47,601 --> 00:00:50,405 we invited some of the most promising past home cooks... 14 00:00:50,439 --> 00:00:51,909 Can you believe we're back here? 15 00:00:51,942 --> 00:00:53,813 back for a second chance... 16 00:00:53,846 --> 00:00:55,415 Last time I was in this kitchen, I was 12 years old. 17 00:00:55,415 --> 00:00:57,754 - We got this! - back for redemption... 18 00:00:57,787 --> 00:01:00,392 - Emily! - I was crushed when it 19 00:01:00,425 --> 00:01:01,762 slipped through my fingers the first time. 20 00:01:01,762 --> 00:01:04,267 - Shayne! - I'm not a kid anymore. 21 00:01:04,300 --> 00:01:06,070 I'm not the same junior that was here last time. 22 00:01:06,104 --> 00:01:07,406 ..."Back to Win." 23 00:01:07,439 --> 00:01:08,843 - You got what it takes? - Yes, I do. 24 00:01:08,876 --> 00:01:11,481 - Why come back? - I'm back to win. 25 00:01:11,515 --> 00:01:14,020 But to meet the highest standards in "MasterChef" history... 26 00:01:14,020 --> 00:01:16,558 - 1,000 layers. - High risk, high reward. 27 00:01:16,592 --> 00:01:18,529 ...the journey was far from easy. 28 00:01:18,562 --> 00:01:20,767 You have to cook an incredible vegan dish. 29 00:01:20,800 --> 00:01:22,469 It's like a bad nightmare. 30 00:01:22,469 --> 00:01:24,473 Hold, left to right, right to left, half-moon shape. 31 00:01:24,508 --> 00:01:25,710 - Oh, God. - Taste that before? 32 00:01:25,743 --> 00:01:26,845 Never even heard of it. 33 00:01:26,879 --> 00:01:29,317 - Week after week... - Cowboys are coming in! 34 00:01:29,350 --> 00:01:31,588 ...we pushed them to their breaking point. 35 00:01:31,622 --> 00:01:34,460 - Gabe, you okay? - Check the temp, Christian. 36 00:01:34,493 --> 00:01:36,497 - I've cooked a million ( bleep ) steaks. - Ice cold. 37 00:01:36,532 --> 00:01:38,335 - ( bleep ) - That was personal. 38 00:01:38,335 --> 00:01:40,072 Bowen, I'm almost ( bleep ) ready! Calm down! 39 00:01:40,105 --> 00:01:41,842 Ramsay to Coast Guard. 40 00:01:41,875 --> 00:01:43,679 - How long are you blanching them? - Don't holler at me. 41 00:01:43,713 --> 00:01:44,881 - We good, we good. - It's stressing everybody out. 42 00:01:44,915 --> 00:01:46,652 Hey, it's raw. ( bleep )! 43 00:01:46,685 --> 00:01:49,290 Emily: Use the cream you cooked them in! 44 00:01:49,323 --> 00:01:51,394 - I already strained it! - What are they doing? 45 00:01:51,427 --> 00:01:53,766 Gordon: Ladies and gentlemen, Wolfgang Puck! 46 00:01:53,799 --> 00:01:57,674 You're gonna put the reputation of Spago on the line. 47 00:01:57,707 --> 00:01:58,609 Where's the duck? 48 00:01:58,643 --> 00:01:59,978 Just put it down. Come on, Emily. 49 00:02:00,012 --> 00:02:01,280 Gordon: It's ( bleep ) freezing! 50 00:02:01,347 --> 00:02:02,584 It's ( bleep ) raw. 51 00:02:02,617 --> 00:02:04,788 What you trying to do, close down Spago? 52 00:02:04,821 --> 00:02:08,696 Congratulations, the red team! 53 00:02:08,729 --> 00:02:11,602 But these comeback cooks never gave up the fight... 54 00:02:11,635 --> 00:02:14,373 I think we've just found our next master baker. 55 00:02:14,407 --> 00:02:15,910 It's exact replicas. Congratulations. 56 00:02:15,943 --> 00:02:17,379 Absolutely exceptional. 57 00:02:17,379 --> 00:02:19,551 You plate with such beautiful finesse. 58 00:02:19,584 --> 00:02:21,555 I'd serve this in my flagship restaurant tonight. 59 00:02:21,588 --> 00:02:23,793 That is redemption in a bowl beyond belief. 60 00:02:23,826 --> 00:02:24,995 Aarón: Award-winning stuff. 61 00:02:25,028 --> 00:02:26,030 That's so clever and smart, 62 00:02:26,064 --> 00:02:27,299 I might even take that from you. 63 00:02:27,333 --> 00:02:30,405 ...and now only three remain. 64 00:02:30,439 --> 00:02:33,512 Will it be season ten's cookbook author Michael, 65 00:02:33,546 --> 00:02:36,819 the culinary grad from "Junior" season one Dara, 66 00:02:36,819 --> 00:02:40,560 or season five's Southern private chef Christian? 67 00:02:40,593 --> 00:02:43,999 Only one will become America's next MasterChef. 68 00:02:44,033 --> 00:02:47,439 - ( cheering ) - That's right. 69 00:02:47,439 --> 00:02:50,646 Three young pros have come back to win. 70 00:02:50,680 --> 00:02:54,153 Last time they were here, their quest for victory was cut short. 71 00:02:54,186 --> 00:02:57,393 Now they'll do battle in the finale arena 72 00:02:57,426 --> 00:02:59,397 right before your very eyes. 73 00:02:59,397 --> 00:03:01,635 And by the end of the night, one will be crowned 74 00:03:01,668 --> 00:03:04,407 the very first "MasterChef: Back to Win" champion. 75 00:03:04,407 --> 00:03:08,983 Let's welcome our three amazing finalists. 76 00:03:08,983 --> 00:03:13,726 First up, a 34-year-old best-selling cookbook author 77 00:03:13,759 --> 00:03:17,767 from Austin, Texas, ladies and gentlemen, Michael. 78 00:03:21,975 --> 00:03:25,048 Michael: Being here in this finale, 79 00:03:25,082 --> 00:03:26,819 it's like a dream come true for me, 80 00:03:26,852 --> 00:03:28,923 and I'm getting a second chance to prove 81 00:03:28,956 --> 00:03:31,461 that I have what it takes. 82 00:03:31,494 --> 00:03:35,202 I can't waste it, and I will fight to win it. 83 00:03:36,572 --> 00:03:38,208 When I was here on season ten, 84 00:03:38,208 --> 00:03:40,112 I certainly didn't have the confidence. 85 00:03:40,145 --> 00:03:42,015 Not nearly enough. ( bleep ). 86 00:03:42,049 --> 00:03:44,621 I went home really early. I went home in 15th place. 87 00:03:44,654 --> 00:03:46,759 Michael, you've cooked for the last time. 88 00:03:46,792 --> 00:03:51,234 But I left "MasterChef" on a mission to follow my dreams. 89 00:03:51,234 --> 00:03:53,639 I walked away from my career in real estate 90 00:03:53,639 --> 00:03:55,910 and I started my own business as a private chef. 91 00:03:55,910 --> 00:03:58,381 I've written two best-selling cookbooks, 92 00:03:58,415 --> 00:04:00,853 but I felt like I had unfinished business. 93 00:04:00,887 --> 00:04:04,594 Michael. Don't burn out to quick this time, bro. 94 00:04:04,628 --> 00:04:07,166 I have clawed my way to be at the top 95 00:04:07,199 --> 00:04:08,569 of the "Back to Win" season. 96 00:04:08,602 --> 00:04:11,307 That broth is award-winning stuff. 97 00:04:11,340 --> 00:04:15,616 It's just a perfect medley of balances of richness and profound flavors. 98 00:04:15,616 --> 00:04:20,258 I have really proven myself to be skilled at creating and innovating 99 00:04:20,258 --> 00:04:22,262 and taking risks in this kitchen. 100 00:04:22,262 --> 00:04:23,966 This is my passion in life. 101 00:04:23,999 --> 00:04:27,707 I am not leaving here until I go home with that trophy. 102 00:04:29,778 --> 00:04:35,021 All right, everyone, next up, a 20-year-old college student 103 00:04:35,055 --> 00:04:37,092 from Culver City, California. 104 00:04:37,092 --> 00:04:39,497 She was first seen at the age of 12 105 00:04:39,497 --> 00:04:42,804 here on "MasterChef Junior" season one. 106 00:04:43,906 --> 00:04:46,277 Now back to win, Dara. 107 00:04:48,181 --> 00:04:49,851 Yay, Dara! 108 00:04:49,885 --> 00:04:52,524 Dara: Coming back to cook in the "MasterChef" finale 109 00:04:52,524 --> 00:04:54,995 - for the second time... - Go, Dara! 110 00:04:55,028 --> 00:04:56,565 ...is definitely surreal. 111 00:04:56,565 --> 00:04:59,503 This moment means everything to me. 112 00:04:59,538 --> 00:05:02,944 It's a culmination of all of my hard work, 113 00:05:02,944 --> 00:05:05,850 my passion, my drive to win. 114 00:05:10,158 --> 00:05:11,995 I first came into this competition 115 00:05:11,995 --> 00:05:13,231 as a 12-year-old home cook 116 00:05:13,264 --> 00:05:15,135 and made it all the way to the finale. 117 00:05:15,168 --> 00:05:17,807 The winner, Alexander. 118 00:05:17,807 --> 00:05:19,878 But I didn't take the loss as a defeat. 119 00:05:19,911 --> 00:05:22,216 I've gone through culinary school, 120 00:05:22,249 --> 00:05:23,819 and I've been able to have 121 00:05:23,819 --> 00:05:26,057 some amazing opportunities in this industry. 122 00:05:26,057 --> 00:05:29,230 So I came back into this MasterChef kitchen 123 00:05:29,263 --> 00:05:33,104 to show my growth as a chef. 124 00:05:33,137 --> 00:05:34,674 Let's go, Dara! 125 00:05:34,708 --> 00:05:37,547 Being one of the youngest competitors 126 00:05:37,547 --> 00:05:38,516 put a lot of pressure on me. 127 00:05:38,549 --> 00:05:39,951 I doubted myself. 128 00:05:39,985 --> 00:05:42,790 ( bleep ), oh, my God. This is not working, Fred. 129 00:05:42,824 --> 00:05:44,661 - Just re-roll it. Just re-roll it. - Re-roll it? 130 00:05:44,694 --> 00:05:47,299 But week after week, I was able to find that confidence. 131 00:05:47,299 --> 00:05:49,270 Fricking buttercream! 132 00:05:49,303 --> 00:05:50,540 Gordon: Dara, it's delicious. 133 00:05:50,573 --> 00:05:52,276 If anyone thinks that you're the youngest 134 00:05:52,276 --> 00:05:54,013 and the underdog, they need to think again. 135 00:05:54,046 --> 00:05:57,720 My drive and passion came from my father. 136 00:05:57,754 --> 00:06:00,593 He passed away when I was six years old. 137 00:06:00,626 --> 00:06:03,064 I know that all my Dad wanted for me 138 00:06:03,097 --> 00:06:04,868 was just to follow my dream. 139 00:06:04,868 --> 00:06:07,707 I've done exactly what he wanted me to do. 140 00:06:07,740 --> 00:06:09,911 I think that's why I put a lot of pressure on myself as well, 141 00:06:09,945 --> 00:06:14,119 because I feel like I'm a living legacy of his 142 00:06:14,153 --> 00:06:15,923 and I have to make him proud. 143 00:06:17,326 --> 00:06:20,600 And finally, a 36-year-old private chef 144 00:06:20,633 --> 00:06:22,837 from New Orleans, Louisiana. 145 00:06:22,837 --> 00:06:26,210 This young man made his presence felt across season five, 146 00:06:26,244 --> 00:06:28,582 and he is definitely back to win. 147 00:06:28,616 --> 00:06:31,420 Please give it up for Christian. 148 00:06:35,028 --> 00:06:36,832 Christian: I would've never thought that I would ever 149 00:06:36,865 --> 00:06:39,336 have an opportunity to come back to redeem myself. 150 00:06:39,370 --> 00:06:40,907 Ha, ha! Yeah! 151 00:06:40,940 --> 00:06:43,746 So to be in the finale, it's a dream come true. 152 00:06:43,779 --> 00:06:48,021 I'm coming in focused, determined to win. 153 00:06:48,054 --> 00:06:50,760 - Ha, ha! Dad. - Whoo! 154 00:06:52,262 --> 00:06:53,933 I'm ready. 155 00:06:56,638 --> 00:06:58,976 When I first showed up in the MasterChef kitchen, 156 00:06:59,009 --> 00:07:01,748 I was an amateur chef. 157 00:07:01,782 --> 00:07:04,219 That pork's delicious. Cooked it beautifully. 158 00:07:04,253 --> 00:07:05,856 To leave at top five, 159 00:07:05,923 --> 00:07:07,794 it was an honor, but of course I wanted to win. 160 00:07:07,827 --> 00:07:09,898 I left "MasterChef" with a purpose. 161 00:07:09,931 --> 00:07:12,169 I started my catering business. 162 00:07:12,202 --> 00:07:13,672 I also became a private chef. 163 00:07:13,706 --> 00:07:16,043 When I left my season, I always told myself 164 00:07:16,077 --> 00:07:18,247 if I ever get a chance to come back to "MasterChef," 165 00:07:18,247 --> 00:07:19,884 I'm gonna cook my way to the top. 166 00:07:19,918 --> 00:07:23,892 Our first apron goes to Christian. 167 00:07:23,926 --> 00:07:26,798 I was determined to knock out the competition. 168 00:07:26,832 --> 00:07:30,338 There can only be one alpha male in this kitchen, and that's me. 169 00:07:30,372 --> 00:07:32,910 I've been at the top five times. 170 00:07:32,910 --> 00:07:35,148 Gordon: I think you've hit the jackpot on there, 171 00:07:35,181 --> 00:07:37,954 and I just love the sort of fried Southern style 172 00:07:37,987 --> 00:07:40,425 - 'cause it screams you. - Thank you so much. 173 00:07:40,425 --> 00:07:42,396 You know, I come from a family of cooks. 174 00:07:42,429 --> 00:07:46,805 My family is my motivation, especially my late grandmother. 175 00:07:46,805 --> 00:07:48,141 I just want to make them proud. 176 00:07:48,141 --> 00:07:50,713 I've been waiting seven years 177 00:07:50,746 --> 00:07:53,151 for an opportunity to change my life. 178 00:07:53,151 --> 00:07:54,754 I came back to win. 179 00:07:56,958 --> 00:08:01,802 You three, a hearty congratulations from Joe, Aarón, and myself 180 00:08:01,835 --> 00:08:06,143 for making into the "MasterChef: Back to Win" grand finale. 181 00:08:10,218 --> 00:08:12,724 Christian, young man, here to support you tonight, 182 00:08:12,757 --> 00:08:16,765 you have your young son Caden, and your mother Charlotte. 183 00:08:16,798 --> 00:08:18,836 Caden, what would it mean for you 184 00:08:18,869 --> 00:08:21,675 for Dad to become America's next MasterChef? 185 00:08:21,675 --> 00:08:22,944 It would mean a lot. 186 00:08:22,944 --> 00:08:25,448 I just want to go see him do what he loves 187 00:08:25,448 --> 00:08:26,685 and be the king of "MasterChef." 188 00:08:26,718 --> 00:08:30,693 Absolutely. Absolutely. 189 00:08:30,726 --> 00:08:33,131 Michael, here to cheer you on tonight, 190 00:08:33,164 --> 00:08:37,005 you have your parents and fiancé Jacob. 191 00:08:37,039 --> 00:08:39,844 - How proud are you? - I'm beyond proud of him. 192 00:08:39,878 --> 00:08:42,049 I know that this means everything to him to be back, 193 00:08:42,082 --> 00:08:43,852 and I just know when he walks out of here 194 00:08:43,886 --> 00:08:46,157 he'll be walking out of here with that trophy. 195 00:08:46,190 --> 00:08:47,593 Joe: Wow. 196 00:08:50,031 --> 00:08:53,504 Dara, here to support you you have your beautiful family, 197 00:08:53,504 --> 00:08:56,243 your mother Carol, your boyfriend Marco. 198 00:08:56,277 --> 00:09:00,753 - Orale. - Yes. 199 00:09:00,786 --> 00:09:02,489 Miss Carol, how excited are you 200 00:09:02,523 --> 00:09:04,493 to see your daughter after all this time? 201 00:09:04,527 --> 00:09:06,163 I'm so excited I can't even talk. 202 00:09:08,067 --> 00:09:10,171 The first time she was here, she was 12, 203 00:09:10,205 --> 00:09:13,044 and now she's here as an adult. 204 00:09:13,111 --> 00:09:14,179 I'm so proud. Yeah. 205 00:09:16,752 --> 00:09:20,258 Your families aren't the only VIP guests here tonight. 206 00:09:20,291 --> 00:09:24,233 You also have some of your fiercest former competitors. 207 00:09:24,266 --> 00:09:27,172 Welcome back, guys. Nice to see everyone. 208 00:09:27,205 --> 00:09:29,176 Good luck. 209 00:09:29,209 --> 00:09:32,784 Right, you three, tonight is your last chance 210 00:09:32,817 --> 00:09:35,288 to prove that you deserve the grand prize-- 211 00:09:35,321 --> 00:09:39,062 a quarter of a million dollars, 212 00:09:39,096 --> 00:09:40,833 the MasterChef trophy, 213 00:09:40,866 --> 00:09:43,539 but more importantly, 214 00:09:43,572 --> 00:09:46,143 the title of America's next MasterChef. 215 00:09:51,855 --> 00:09:56,932 And the winner will get a complete kitchen makeover... 216 00:09:56,965 --> 00:10:01,107 - Wow. - ...with a state of the art Viking kitchen, 217 00:10:01,140 --> 00:10:04,446 including a top of line range, a stunning refrigerator. 218 00:10:04,480 --> 00:10:06,217 And on top of that, 219 00:10:06,250 --> 00:10:09,791 a full package of countertop appliances from Revel, 220 00:10:09,824 --> 00:10:14,333 and an amazing set of kitchen tools from Oxo. 221 00:10:14,366 --> 00:10:16,003 Wow. 222 00:10:16,036 --> 00:10:19,777 In order to get your hands on that prize package tonight, 223 00:10:19,811 --> 00:10:22,950 you must make us a cohesive three-course menu-- 224 00:10:22,950 --> 00:10:25,523 an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert. 225 00:10:25,556 --> 00:10:28,962 Michael, please tell us the theme 226 00:10:28,996 --> 00:10:30,833 that's gonna be guiding your three-course meal tonight. 227 00:10:30,833 --> 00:10:32,570 Tonight, I'm gonna bring you a menu 228 00:10:32,570 --> 00:10:34,373 that's really inspired by my culinary journey. 229 00:10:34,373 --> 00:10:38,114 I want to bring a little bit of my Texas roots, 230 00:10:38,114 --> 00:10:41,120 and I'm gonna make a Tex Mex inspired menu for you. 231 00:10:41,153 --> 00:10:44,894 - Nice. Dara? - My theme is an ode to my childhood. 232 00:10:44,928 --> 00:10:48,034 All my dishes are inspired by experiences 233 00:10:48,067 --> 00:10:51,373 and food that influenced my passion for cooking. 234 00:10:51,407 --> 00:10:52,944 And, of course, Christian. 235 00:10:52,977 --> 00:10:54,814 I came into this competition staying true to myself. 236 00:10:54,848 --> 00:10:58,120 The menu that I've created for you guys tonight is my Southern roots, 237 00:10:58,154 --> 00:11:01,126 basically where I started and where I'm headed. 238 00:11:01,126 --> 00:11:04,032 Right, shall we get started with the appetizer round? 239 00:11:04,066 --> 00:11:06,838 Yes? This is it. 240 00:11:06,872 --> 00:11:12,550 You'll have 60 minutes to make us your stunning appetizers. 241 00:11:12,583 --> 00:11:15,154 The very best of luck to all three of you. 242 00:11:15,188 --> 00:11:19,162 Your 60 minutes start now! Let's go! 243 00:11:19,196 --> 00:11:22,068 Come on! Let's go! 244 00:11:23,170 --> 00:11:26,343 Let's go, let's go! 245 00:11:26,343 --> 00:11:28,147 Come on, come on, come on. 246 00:11:29,617 --> 00:11:32,289 Tonight I'm sticking to the flavors 247 00:11:32,322 --> 00:11:35,261 - that I grew up with. - Asparagus. 248 00:11:35,295 --> 00:11:40,171 But I'm using a ton of traditional French culinary techniques. 249 00:11:40,171 --> 00:11:44,514 I just really want to prove to everyone 250 00:11:44,514 --> 00:11:45,849 that my age is nothing but a number. 251 00:11:45,883 --> 00:11:47,987 Cucumber, cucumber, I need cucumber. 252 00:11:48,020 --> 00:11:52,362 My Tex Mex menu is unlike anything the judges have ever seen in this kitchen before. 253 00:11:52,395 --> 00:11:54,099 It's bold, it's risky, 254 00:11:54,132 --> 00:11:57,172 and it's gonna blow the judges away. 255 00:11:57,205 --> 00:12:00,245 Gordon: Let's go. Well done, Christian. Well done. 256 00:12:00,278 --> 00:12:03,017 Come on, sweetie! Come on! Let's go! 257 00:12:03,050 --> 00:12:06,290 - Let's go! - Come on, come on! 258 00:12:08,929 --> 00:12:11,333 - ( overlapping shouts ) - Go, Michael! 259 00:12:11,367 --> 00:12:12,970 Let's go, Dara! 260 00:12:13,004 --> 00:12:14,941 - Gordon: This is it. - Aarón: Yep. 261 00:12:14,974 --> 00:12:16,176 "Back to Win" finale. How exciting. 262 00:12:16,176 --> 00:12:18,715 Three appetizers. Very, very exciting. 263 00:12:18,715 --> 00:12:21,453 We want dishes tonight that we would be proud to serve in our restaurants. 264 00:12:21,487 --> 00:12:23,692 - Yeah. - The level is going to be sky high. 265 00:12:23,725 --> 00:12:26,932 - Absolutely. - Go, Christian! Yeah! 266 00:12:26,932 --> 00:12:30,171 Christian: This Southern menu is gonna prove 267 00:12:30,204 --> 00:12:32,142 to everybody that I stayed true to myself. 268 00:12:32,175 --> 00:12:34,681 But I'm going against two amazing chefs. 269 00:12:34,681 --> 00:12:38,254 - Whoo! Michael! - It's gonna be a battle. 270 00:12:38,254 --> 00:12:42,128 So I have to find a way of how I'm gonna elevate my dishes. 271 00:12:42,128 --> 00:12:43,497 Either you go big or you go home, 272 00:12:43,532 --> 00:12:45,936 and I ain't going home without the MasterChef trophy. 273 00:12:45,970 --> 00:12:48,474 - Come on, guys! - Let's go! 274 00:13:00,365 --> 00:13:03,070 Gordon: 10 minutes gone. 50 minutes remaining. 275 00:13:03,104 --> 00:13:05,141 Keep it going, guys. Come on. 276 00:13:05,174 --> 00:13:06,343 Let's go, Dara! 277 00:13:08,481 --> 00:13:10,218 Michael: Whew. Stay calm. 278 00:13:10,251 --> 00:13:12,723 Looks good, Michael! Looks good, bud! 279 00:13:12,723 --> 00:13:15,361 - Go, Michael! - Whoo, Mikey! 280 00:13:15,395 --> 00:13:16,463 Christian: Let's get it. 281 00:13:16,497 --> 00:13:18,334 - Yes, yes! - Yes! 282 00:13:18,367 --> 00:13:21,307 - Break it out. - Let's go, guys. 283 00:13:21,340 --> 00:13:22,943 Right, young man, how you feeling? 284 00:13:22,977 --> 00:13:24,246 - Feeling good, Chef. - You good? 285 00:13:24,279 --> 00:13:26,050 - Yeah, I'm feeling great. - You got this? 286 00:13:26,083 --> 00:13:28,020 - Yes, sir. - Right, tell me about this dish. 287 00:13:28,054 --> 00:13:30,258 I am making a fried green tomato with a crawfish salad, 288 00:13:30,291 --> 00:13:33,097 and then you also have a remoulade sauce. 289 00:13:33,130 --> 00:13:34,534 The green tomato, how you gonna elevate that? 290 00:13:34,567 --> 00:13:36,538 What I'ma do is I gonna batter in a little bit of flour, 291 00:13:36,571 --> 00:13:38,842 fold in a little bit of breadcrumbs, a little cornmeal, 292 00:13:38,875 --> 00:13:41,480 and then once all that is done, we're gonna top it with a little bit of caviar. 293 00:13:41,480 --> 00:13:44,019 - Yes, yes, yes! - Ooh! 294 00:13:44,052 --> 00:13:47,325 I've never seen the green tomato and caviar together. 295 00:13:47,359 --> 00:13:49,162 With this appetizer ahead of the entrée and then the dessert, 296 00:13:49,196 --> 00:13:51,033 what message are you sending out? 297 00:13:51,066 --> 00:13:52,803 Christian: I'm a force to be reckoned with, you know? 298 00:13:52,837 --> 00:13:54,507 I stayed true to myself throughout the whole competition, 299 00:13:54,540 --> 00:13:55,642 and now it's time to elevate, 300 00:13:55,676 --> 00:13:56,945 show a little bit more what I got. 301 00:13:56,978 --> 00:13:58,214 You're playing to your strengths. 302 00:13:58,247 --> 00:13:59,617 You're staying in that wheelhouse, right? 303 00:13:59,617 --> 00:14:01,387 Make sure you put it all on that plate. 304 00:14:01,387 --> 00:14:03,090 - Yes, Chef. - Just over 45 minutes to go. 305 00:14:03,124 --> 00:14:04,359 - Yes, Chef. - Good luck, yes? 306 00:14:04,393 --> 00:14:06,664 - Yes! - Come on! 307 00:14:06,698 --> 00:14:08,267 Let's go, baby. 308 00:14:10,338 --> 00:14:12,543 - Shanika: All right, Michael. - Ooh! 309 00:14:12,576 --> 00:14:14,312 We want the smoke! 310 00:14:14,312 --> 00:14:17,085 - Look at Michael there smoking away. - There he goes. 311 00:14:17,118 --> 00:14:18,822 Michael: Come on, baby. 312 00:14:18,822 --> 00:14:21,060 Dara, them asparagus looking real good, baby. 313 00:14:21,093 --> 00:14:23,497 - Thank you, Willie. - Aarón: All right, so, Dara. 314 00:14:23,532 --> 00:14:25,401 - Hello, Chef. - How's it going, young lady? 315 00:14:25,435 --> 00:14:27,005 - Good, how are you? - I'm doing good. 316 00:14:27,038 --> 00:14:28,074 You feel good about where you are right now? 317 00:14:28,107 --> 00:14:29,677 I'm feeling really good. 318 00:14:29,711 --> 00:14:31,046 So talk to me about some of the elements 319 00:14:31,046 --> 00:14:32,215 that you have going on in your dish. 320 00:14:32,215 --> 00:14:35,188 I'm doing crispy skin red snapper. 321 00:14:35,221 --> 00:14:36,390 I have grilled white asparagus 322 00:14:36,423 --> 00:14:38,494 as well as a sautéed green asparagus. 323 00:14:38,494 --> 00:14:41,233 And then there's a miso béarnaise sauce with those. 324 00:14:41,233 --> 00:14:44,106 This whole meal is actually inspired 325 00:14:44,139 --> 00:14:46,811 by one of the last trips I took with my father to Japan. 326 00:14:46,845 --> 00:14:48,582 Aarón: This idea of the miso béarnaise, 327 00:14:48,615 --> 00:14:51,153 is that something that you really sort of gravitate towards, 328 00:14:51,186 --> 00:14:53,224 like, mixing these different kinds of influences-- 329 00:14:53,224 --> 00:14:55,529 Asian into something very classical like a béarnaise? 330 00:14:55,596 --> 00:14:58,602 Oh, 100%. I mean, I came into this competition 331 00:14:58,635 --> 00:15:01,541 showing you guys my Asian flavors, and I've stayed true to that. 332 00:15:01,574 --> 00:15:04,212 But, you know, I have that French culinary school background. 333 00:15:04,212 --> 00:15:06,551 So I want to pull that out for you guys as well. 334 00:15:06,584 --> 00:15:09,857 I got to say, Dara, you seem very poised. It's refreshing to see. 335 00:15:09,857 --> 00:15:11,393 I know at some times, some the challenges, 336 00:15:11,393 --> 00:15:13,097 you've gotten a little bit flustered, 337 00:15:13,130 --> 00:15:14,834 but I see that you have that steely resolve right now. 338 00:15:14,867 --> 00:15:16,103 I like to see that. That shows growth. 339 00:15:16,136 --> 00:15:17,740 Cool, calm, and collected. 340 00:15:17,773 --> 00:15:20,378 - Aarón: Orale. - Yep. 341 00:15:20,411 --> 00:15:21,614 Best of luck. 342 00:15:23,852 --> 00:15:27,425 30 minutes remaining. Halfway! 343 00:15:29,129 --> 00:15:30,364 Christian: Let's go, let's go! 344 00:15:32,636 --> 00:15:34,740 Breathe, breathe, breathe. 345 00:15:34,740 --> 00:15:36,811 Michael, Michael, Michael. 346 00:15:36,845 --> 00:15:38,347 - Yes, Chef. - What are you making? 347 00:15:38,380 --> 00:15:40,184 Michael: I'm making a cold smoked trout 348 00:15:40,218 --> 00:15:42,623 with cucumber and pomelo aguachile 349 00:15:42,690 --> 00:15:44,126 and salsa macha. 350 00:15:44,159 --> 00:15:46,130 - Whoo! - Whoo, yeah! 351 00:15:46,130 --> 00:15:47,432 Where's the steelhead trout? 352 00:15:47,432 --> 00:15:49,503 I'm smoking it right now in the refrigerator. 353 00:15:49,537 --> 00:15:51,140 You're smoking it in the refrigerator? 354 00:15:51,140 --> 00:15:52,342 I'm smoking it 'cause I want it to stay cold. 355 00:15:52,375 --> 00:15:53,578 - Aguachile should be raw. - Right. 356 00:15:53,612 --> 00:15:54,847 So I don't want to actually cook the fish. 357 00:15:54,881 --> 00:15:56,551 So since you're not cooking, 358 00:15:56,584 --> 00:15:58,688 you have basically three things going on in this dish-- 359 00:15:58,722 --> 00:16:02,462 - acidity, heat, and smoke. What's the balance? - That's right. 360 00:16:02,462 --> 00:16:05,334 The balance is gonna be the complexity of this aguachile. 361 00:16:05,368 --> 00:16:06,771 I use some pomelo, so we're getting 362 00:16:06,804 --> 00:16:08,207 a little bit of sweet, a little tart. 363 00:16:08,240 --> 00:16:09,544 It's gonna hit every note. 364 00:16:09,577 --> 00:16:12,516 We're gonna be really focusing in on the minute details 365 00:16:12,550 --> 00:16:15,121 - of that balance between heat, acidity. - Right, 100%. 366 00:16:15,154 --> 00:16:16,591 And smoke can be a very tricky thing. 367 00:16:16,658 --> 00:16:19,730 You're really putting yourself under a lot of scrutiny. 368 00:16:19,797 --> 00:16:20,933 And I want to show that. 369 00:16:20,933 --> 00:16:22,168 I think it takes a lot of confidence 370 00:16:22,202 --> 00:16:23,839 to come in here and do a raw dish. 371 00:16:23,872 --> 00:16:25,308 - Good luck. - Looking good, Michael! 372 00:16:25,341 --> 00:16:28,515 - Looking good! - Christian: Let's get it. 373 00:16:29,951 --> 00:16:31,888 - Got this. - Looking good, Dara. 374 00:16:31,921 --> 00:16:34,426 Three amazing sounding appetizers. 375 00:16:34,459 --> 00:16:38,000 Christian's playing to his New Orleans roots with that fried green tomato. 376 00:16:38,067 --> 00:16:40,572 What I love about the fried green tomato, it's a beautiful canvas. 377 00:16:40,606 --> 00:16:44,346 You can put just about anything that's luxurious on top of that. 378 00:16:44,379 --> 00:16:46,518 But here's the thing, fried green tomatoes, 379 00:16:46,551 --> 00:16:48,688 is it elevated enough for the "MasterChef" finale? 380 00:16:48,722 --> 00:16:50,424 Gordon: Sure. 381 00:16:50,458 --> 00:16:52,963 - Looking good, Michael! - Thank you! 382 00:16:52,997 --> 00:16:55,234 Michael is not cooking. 383 00:16:55,268 --> 00:16:57,873 - He's smoking a steelhead trout. - Wow. 384 00:16:57,907 --> 00:16:59,777 And he's serving it as an aguachile. 385 00:16:59,777 --> 00:17:02,650 I like the idea of an aguachile, or in essence, ceviche, 386 00:17:02,683 --> 00:17:05,789 but you definitely wouldn't smoke an aguachile, so we'll see. 387 00:17:05,822 --> 00:17:08,327 - Michael: Come on, baby. - Joe: The other thing is 388 00:17:08,360 --> 00:17:10,464 - is the knife skills on this trout. - Sure. 389 00:17:10,498 --> 00:17:12,435 The most important thing about Michael's knife cuts for me 390 00:17:12,468 --> 00:17:13,972 - is taking off that bloodline. - Yeah. 391 00:17:13,972 --> 00:17:15,509 That line runs close the skin. 392 00:17:15,542 --> 00:17:18,848 If any is left on, it gives the fish a bitter taste. 393 00:17:18,882 --> 00:17:20,318 He's got to remove all that. 394 00:17:21,320 --> 00:17:22,756 Dara: All righty. All right. 395 00:17:22,790 --> 00:17:24,527 Dara seems to be well ahead. 396 00:17:24,527 --> 00:17:26,598 She's gonna make a beautiful crispy snapper 397 00:17:26,631 --> 00:17:28,668 with a miso béarnaise. 398 00:17:28,702 --> 00:17:32,308 And it's very challenging to balance the richness of the béarnaise 399 00:17:32,342 --> 00:17:34,446 and also that sort of fermented flavor of miso. 400 00:17:34,479 --> 00:17:36,517 - Miso and béarnaise? - Yes, I've never heard of it. 401 00:17:36,551 --> 00:17:39,389 Gordon: The béarnaise is derivated from a hollandaise. 402 00:17:39,389 --> 00:17:41,026 - Aarón: Yes. - Which should be cooked over a double boiler, 403 00:17:41,026 --> 00:17:42,428 and then that gives you the stability. 404 00:17:42,462 --> 00:17:43,898 When you blend it like that, it can break. 405 00:17:43,932 --> 00:17:45,669 They're almost like a warm mayonnaise. 406 00:17:45,702 --> 00:17:47,673 There's a big difference between a warm mayonnaise 407 00:17:47,740 --> 00:17:49,009 and a béarnaise. 408 00:17:49,009 --> 00:17:50,646 - It's a tough one. - Absolutely. 409 00:17:50,679 --> 00:17:54,352 Gordon: Just under seven minutes remaining. Let's go! 410 00:17:55,989 --> 00:17:58,227 Ooh. Just about there. 411 00:17:58,260 --> 00:17:59,496 Michael: Beautiful. 412 00:18:02,970 --> 00:18:04,874 Come on, you got it. You got it. 413 00:18:04,907 --> 00:18:06,310 Oh, my God. 414 00:18:06,343 --> 00:18:08,815 - ( bleep ) - Gordon: Oh, my goodness. 415 00:18:08,848 --> 00:18:09,917 Look at-- Dara's sauce is broken. 416 00:18:09,951 --> 00:18:11,721 She's panicking right now. 417 00:18:11,754 --> 00:18:13,558 I don't know what's happening. 418 00:18:13,591 --> 00:18:15,896 I'm extremely frazzled and stressed out. 419 00:18:15,929 --> 00:18:17,398 ( bleep ) 420 00:18:17,432 --> 00:18:19,269 Take a deep breath. You got this. 421 00:18:19,302 --> 00:18:21,340 I'm adding the butter, and it's not emulsifying, 422 00:18:21,373 --> 00:18:24,614 and my miso béarnaise sauce is ruined. 423 00:18:24,647 --> 00:18:26,283 This is horrible. 424 00:18:26,316 --> 00:18:29,724 - Hey, re-emulsify. You got it. - I can't make the sauce again. 425 00:18:29,757 --> 00:18:31,594 - I have six minutes. I can't. - You got it. 426 00:18:31,594 --> 00:18:34,299 She's in a massive tailspin right now. 427 00:18:34,299 --> 00:18:36,236 - Oh, my God. - I'm worried. 428 00:18:36,269 --> 00:18:38,407 Dara: Ugh, what am I doing? 429 00:18:47,793 --> 00:18:50,799 ( crowd cheering ) 430 00:18:51,801 --> 00:18:53,370 ( bleep ) 431 00:18:53,370 --> 00:18:55,107 Dara, she's in a massive tailspin right now. 432 00:18:56,744 --> 00:18:59,449 - I'm worried. - Dara: Ugh, what am I doing? 433 00:18:59,482 --> 00:19:01,521 I have, like, five minutes to go, 434 00:19:01,554 --> 00:19:04,459 and my miso béarnaise sauce broke. 435 00:19:04,459 --> 00:19:06,998 And if it's not perfect, 436 00:19:07,031 --> 00:19:10,371 it's gonna ruin the whole dish. 437 00:19:10,404 --> 00:19:13,077 So I have to start the sauce over. 438 00:19:13,077 --> 00:19:14,412 Oh, my God. 439 00:19:14,479 --> 00:19:16,016 Shayne: Breathe. You got this. 440 00:19:16,016 --> 00:19:17,519 You got it, Dara! Let's go, Dara! 441 00:19:17,519 --> 00:19:18,988 You got this! You got this! 442 00:19:19,022 --> 00:19:20,458 Come on, Dara! 443 00:19:20,491 --> 00:19:22,830 This is my first dish of the finale. 444 00:19:22,863 --> 00:19:24,533 Right now I'm just pushing 445 00:19:24,567 --> 00:19:26,637 and making sure that I get everything on the plate. 446 00:19:26,671 --> 00:19:29,844 - Come on. - Keep pushing, Dara. You got it, okay? 447 00:19:31,079 --> 00:19:33,818 Gordon: Four minutes to go. Come on. 448 00:19:38,661 --> 00:19:42,402 Looking good! Let's go, Christian! 449 00:19:42,435 --> 00:19:43,805 Gordon: I've never seen Christian work 450 00:19:43,838 --> 00:19:45,509 with such precision, the way he's doing tonight. 451 00:19:45,542 --> 00:19:47,679 And more importantly, this does sound delicious. 452 00:19:47,713 --> 00:19:50,117 It just needs to be elevated. It's the finale, right? 453 00:19:50,151 --> 00:19:53,424 - Absolutely. - Michael: Perfect. 454 00:19:53,457 --> 00:19:55,027 Mikey, that fish looks gorgeous. 455 00:19:55,027 --> 00:19:56,496 Thank you! 456 00:19:56,531 --> 00:19:58,902 Gordon: 60 seconds to go! 457 00:19:58,935 --> 00:20:00,672 Here we go! 458 00:20:01,941 --> 00:20:03,043 Come on, you guys! 459 00:20:03,077 --> 00:20:04,680 Come on, come on, come on! 460 00:20:04,714 --> 00:20:06,049 Let's go, Christian! 461 00:20:06,083 --> 00:20:07,853 Michael, get it all on that plate! 462 00:20:07,886 --> 00:20:09,189 Come on, Michael! 463 00:20:10,559 --> 00:20:13,430 - Fred: Let's go, Dara! - You go, Dara! 464 00:20:13,430 --> 00:20:16,771 All: Ten, nine, eight, 465 00:20:16,804 --> 00:20:19,744 seven, six, five, 466 00:20:19,744 --> 00:20:22,916 four, three, two, one. 467 00:20:22,950 --> 00:20:25,989 - And stop. Hands in the air. - That's it! Oh! 468 00:20:34,439 --> 00:20:35,976 It's time to taste your appetizers. 469 00:20:35,976 --> 00:20:38,915 Please make your way around to the front, thank you. 470 00:20:47,365 --> 00:20:50,572 Right, well done. Michael, please make your way down with your appetizers. 471 00:20:50,605 --> 00:20:51,808 - Thank you. - Yes, Chef. 472 00:20:56,483 --> 00:20:59,456 Mmm, the dramatics. Ooh! 473 00:20:59,489 --> 00:21:03,631 - Smoke it up! Smoke it up! - Keep it steady. 474 00:21:03,665 --> 00:21:05,234 I've taken so many risks with this dish. 475 00:21:05,234 --> 00:21:08,541 This is the first impression of my finale menu, 476 00:21:08,575 --> 00:21:10,779 so it really does need to sing. 477 00:21:10,812 --> 00:21:12,281 Whew. 478 00:21:13,818 --> 00:21:19,997 - Crowd: Ooh. - Willie: All right, judges. 479 00:21:27,078 --> 00:21:28,815 Joe: Ooh-la-la. 480 00:21:28,848 --> 00:21:33,525 For the appetizer, I made you a cold smoked steelhead trout 481 00:21:33,558 --> 00:21:36,263 with a pomelo and cucumber aguachile, 482 00:21:36,263 --> 00:21:39,202 salsa macha, and pickled cucumbers. 483 00:21:39,235 --> 00:21:42,709 Visually, it's stunning. 484 00:21:42,743 --> 00:21:44,880 The colors pop. It's got that glamour. 485 00:21:44,914 --> 00:21:48,621 You're turning the whole aguachile culture on its head. 486 00:21:48,655 --> 00:21:50,792 You definitely wouldn't smoke an aguachile, 487 00:21:50,792 --> 00:21:54,332 and I love the fact that you're putting your little touch onto that. 488 00:21:54,365 --> 00:21:57,539 It looks like something that I would be proud to serve at a table in a restaurant. 489 00:21:57,606 --> 00:22:00,679 - Wow. - Let's hope it tastes as good as it looks. 490 00:22:02,215 --> 00:22:04,018 Cross your fingers, boy. 491 00:22:20,284 --> 00:22:21,988 Michael, what a way to start the finale. 492 00:22:22,021 --> 00:22:24,660 It's fresh, it's vibrant. 493 00:22:24,693 --> 00:22:26,697 I love the freshness of the aguachile. 494 00:22:26,731 --> 00:22:27,900 Just be careful. 495 00:22:27,933 --> 00:22:31,674 When you prepare trout like that and you lift that skin, 496 00:22:31,741 --> 00:22:33,878 you've got to go over that bloodline. 497 00:22:33,912 --> 00:22:37,553 I've got essence of the bloodline left on my fish. 498 00:22:37,586 --> 00:22:40,090 And also the trout needs a touch more salt for me. 499 00:22:40,090 --> 00:22:43,631 I think you did so many different things here brilliantly. 500 00:22:43,665 --> 00:22:46,804 I think the idea of the salsa macha with its inherent smokiness 501 00:22:46,837 --> 00:22:49,944 echoes the smoke that you already introduced into it, 502 00:22:49,977 --> 00:22:52,583 and they stand up to one another, and I love that. 503 00:22:52,616 --> 00:22:55,822 Yeah, you took a risk here, Michael, and it's good. 504 00:22:55,855 --> 00:22:59,597 I just feel like when you have a void of salt in a dish like this, 505 00:22:59,630 --> 00:23:02,703 it's kind of like hearing music mono, not stereo. 506 00:23:02,736 --> 00:23:04,038 - Michael: Mm. - And that hurts. 507 00:23:05,341 --> 00:23:07,713 - Thank you, Michael. - Thank you. 508 00:23:07,746 --> 00:23:10,552 - Good job, Michael. Good job. - You got it, Mike. 509 00:23:12,990 --> 00:23:14,660 I think the fascinating thing about this dish is 510 00:23:14,727 --> 00:23:16,631 how is this gonna connect with his main course? 511 00:23:16,697 --> 00:23:18,701 - Are we going up or are we gonna go down? - Exactly. 512 00:23:19,937 --> 00:23:23,143 Dara, can you please bring your appetizer forward? 513 00:23:23,176 --> 00:23:25,114 - Go, Dara! - Dara! 514 00:23:27,619 --> 00:23:29,623 - Dara! - Go, Dara! 515 00:23:29,657 --> 00:23:33,063 Even though I got really frazzled 516 00:23:33,063 --> 00:23:35,067 and had to remake my sauce, 517 00:23:35,134 --> 00:23:38,340 I have to present it still with the confidence 518 00:23:38,373 --> 00:23:40,845 that I would if it was perfect. 519 00:23:40,879 --> 00:23:42,315 Can you please describe the dish? 520 00:23:42,348 --> 00:23:45,622 Today I prepared a crispy skin red snapper 521 00:23:45,655 --> 00:23:48,260 with asparagus and a miso béarnaise sauce. 522 00:23:48,293 --> 00:23:50,130 Young lady, tough start. 523 00:23:50,164 --> 00:23:52,068 You got frazzled there at the last couple of minutes. 524 00:23:52,101 --> 00:23:53,938 - Yes, Chef. - But visually, yeah, it looks intriguing. 525 00:23:53,938 --> 00:23:55,609 I think you got a really nice color on the skin. 526 00:23:55,642 --> 00:23:57,345 The knife cuts are beautiful on the vegetables, 527 00:23:57,378 --> 00:24:00,150 and love the idea of this miso béarnaise. 528 00:24:00,184 --> 00:24:02,188 Can't wait to dig in. 529 00:24:18,420 --> 00:24:20,057 Fish are cooked beautifully, young lady. 530 00:24:20,090 --> 00:24:21,961 Crispy skin. 531 00:24:21,994 --> 00:24:24,933 But I've got a big issue with this sauce. 532 00:24:25,000 --> 00:24:29,475 It's a cross between a cold béarnaise and a warm mayonnaise. 533 00:24:30,411 --> 00:24:31,847 Damn. 534 00:24:43,871 --> 00:24:47,713 Gordon: Dara, I've got a big issue with this sauce. 535 00:24:47,713 --> 00:24:51,186 It's a cross between a cold béarnaise and a warm mayonnaise. 536 00:24:52,288 --> 00:24:54,693 Damn. 537 00:24:54,727 --> 00:24:57,465 And you need to cook those egg yolks to create a sabayon, 538 00:24:57,465 --> 00:25:00,705 which completes a texture to a béarnaise. 539 00:25:00,705 --> 00:25:02,676 But the miso works. 540 00:25:02,709 --> 00:25:04,312 And bizarrely, it actually tastes quite nice. 541 00:25:04,345 --> 00:25:05,949 Thank you, Chef. 542 00:25:05,949 --> 00:25:09,322 I'm not so hung up on the technicalities of this sauce. 543 00:25:09,355 --> 00:25:11,326 Béarnaise, mayonnaise, aioli-- 544 00:25:11,359 --> 00:25:13,230 it doesn't make a difference to me. 545 00:25:13,230 --> 00:25:16,002 Quite frankly, what makes a difference to me-- that it's all yours. 546 00:25:16,036 --> 00:25:19,442 - And it's delicious. - Thank you, Joe. 547 00:25:19,442 --> 00:25:22,883 I would imagine that personal approach you have 548 00:25:22,916 --> 00:25:25,320 to making food comes from maybe your dad. 549 00:25:25,320 --> 00:25:27,124 - Mm-hmm. - You have a courage 550 00:25:27,158 --> 00:25:29,462 to just kind of do what's right to you, 551 00:25:29,462 --> 00:25:30,464 and it worked for me. 552 00:25:30,497 --> 00:25:33,070 This is damn good. 553 00:25:33,103 --> 00:25:35,809 There's a lot of rich flavors with the grilling of the leeks 554 00:25:35,842 --> 00:25:40,484 and the asparagus echoing that really sort of richness of the skin of the snapper. 555 00:25:40,518 --> 00:25:43,023 The idea of having this aggressive flavor 556 00:25:43,090 --> 00:25:45,729 I think really says a lot of boldness about you, 557 00:25:45,762 --> 00:25:47,364 and I really, really appreciate that. 558 00:25:47,398 --> 00:25:49,402 Gordon: Thanks, Dara. 559 00:25:49,435 --> 00:25:51,239 - Go, Dara! - All right, Dara! 560 00:25:51,239 --> 00:25:54,145 Emily: Wow, Dara! Good job! 561 00:25:54,178 --> 00:25:56,751 - Fish cooked beautifully, by the way. Absolutely. - Joe: Yeah, fish was good. 562 00:25:56,751 --> 00:26:00,491 - And the seasoning was very consistent throughout. - Yep. 563 00:26:00,525 --> 00:26:03,698 Okay, Christian, can you please bring your appetizers down? 564 00:26:05,200 --> 00:26:06,971 Yeah, Christian! 565 00:26:07,004 --> 00:26:10,979 For my appetizer, I stayed true to myself and my Southern roots. 566 00:26:11,012 --> 00:26:13,250 It's a restaurant quality dish to me. 567 00:26:15,387 --> 00:26:16,891 Okay, Christian, what did you make us? 568 00:26:16,891 --> 00:26:20,230 Tonight I prepared for you a fried green tomato 569 00:26:20,264 --> 00:26:21,934 topped with a crawfish salad, 570 00:26:21,967 --> 00:26:24,706 remoulade sauce, and caviar. 571 00:26:24,740 --> 00:26:26,911 Christian, I think this dish, for me, screams you. 572 00:26:26,944 --> 00:26:29,516 I think you're refusing to become anybody different. 573 00:26:29,550 --> 00:26:32,789 - Yes, Chef. - And I think it's one of the most glamorous, 574 00:26:32,823 --> 00:26:34,793 poshest green tomatoes in America tonight anywhere, 575 00:26:34,827 --> 00:26:36,964 because I've never seen a green tomato quite like that. 576 00:26:36,997 --> 00:26:39,302 - Thank you. - Yeah, Christian, I think this is really much in line 577 00:26:39,335 --> 00:26:41,841 with what's happening right now in the South, 578 00:26:41,874 --> 00:26:43,945 where chefs are interpreting Southern traditional food 579 00:26:43,978 --> 00:26:47,017 and elevating it, and I like this. 580 00:27:04,285 --> 00:27:07,124 Christian, tomato's delicious. 581 00:27:07,124 --> 00:27:08,961 - I just love the crunch. - Thank you. 582 00:27:08,961 --> 00:27:11,332 I think for me the magic is in the breading. 583 00:27:11,332 --> 00:27:12,836 It's crispy and it's classy. 584 00:27:12,869 --> 00:27:15,440 The green tomato is absolutely delicious. 585 00:27:15,474 --> 00:27:16,544 Everything works. 586 00:27:16,544 --> 00:27:18,815 The only issue, it's over-macerated 587 00:27:18,881 --> 00:27:21,186 with the herbs, which is distracting 588 00:27:21,186 --> 00:27:24,292 from those wonderful, sweet, salty crawfish 589 00:27:24,325 --> 00:27:26,095 - with the caviar. - Gotcha. 590 00:27:26,129 --> 00:27:27,866 I've had a lot of green tomatoes in my life, 591 00:27:27,866 --> 00:27:29,570 and this one is completely unique, 592 00:27:29,570 --> 00:27:31,206 and it's so you, and I just love that. 593 00:27:31,239 --> 00:27:33,243 But at this level, I got to take you to task 594 00:27:33,243 --> 00:27:35,582 because we're talking about tools of refinement. 595 00:27:35,615 --> 00:27:36,917 How do you get it to that next level? 596 00:27:36,917 --> 00:27:38,253 Take that cornmeal and buzz it, 597 00:27:38,320 --> 00:27:39,823 so you can give it the fineness of the breading. 598 00:27:39,857 --> 00:27:41,259 Maybe put some seasoning in there. 599 00:27:41,292 --> 00:27:42,529 Yes, Chef. 600 00:27:42,562 --> 00:27:44,165 - But delicious stuff. - Thank you. 601 00:27:44,198 --> 00:27:45,334 I like the dish. 602 00:27:45,400 --> 00:27:47,539 I liked everything about it. 603 00:27:47,572 --> 00:27:49,543 I think that what you were able to do 604 00:27:49,576 --> 00:27:52,616 is put yourself and your background 605 00:27:52,616 --> 00:27:54,051 and all the things that are important to you, 606 00:27:54,085 --> 00:27:55,487 including your son and family, on a plate. 607 00:27:55,522 --> 00:27:57,424 - Good job. - Thank you. 608 00:27:57,458 --> 00:28:00,230 Whoo! Yes! 609 00:28:00,264 --> 00:28:01,332 Way to go, baby. 610 00:28:03,638 --> 00:28:05,073 Good seasoning throughout. 611 00:28:05,107 --> 00:28:07,278 This is him, man, and I love it. 612 00:28:08,915 --> 00:28:12,388 So your favorite appetizer was what? 613 00:28:12,421 --> 00:28:13,658 Good question. 614 00:28:13,691 --> 00:28:15,929 I don't know who has the edge 615 00:28:15,962 --> 00:28:17,899 - after the first round. - Mm-hmm. 616 00:28:17,933 --> 00:28:21,640 Michael, Dara, Christian, what a great introduction 617 00:28:21,674 --> 00:28:23,644 to your menus this evening. 618 00:28:23,644 --> 00:28:25,314 Well done, all of you. 619 00:28:25,314 --> 00:28:28,554 Honestly, right now it is anyone's game. 620 00:28:28,588 --> 00:28:30,625 This finale is neck and neck. 621 00:28:30,658 --> 00:28:33,864 The level competition is so intense, 622 00:28:33,898 --> 00:28:37,037 but my appetizer was not perfect. 623 00:28:37,071 --> 00:28:38,406 And so if I don't step up, 624 00:28:38,440 --> 00:28:40,979 I could start to fall behind in this finale. 625 00:28:41,012 --> 00:28:44,318 And that is not an option for me. 626 00:28:54,372 --> 00:28:56,744 ( cheering ) 627 00:28:59,048 --> 00:29:03,423 Wow, those appetizers were definitely restaurant quality. 628 00:29:03,456 --> 00:29:06,195 Now we're almost ready to begin the entrée round. 629 00:29:06,195 --> 00:29:09,268 But it wouldn't be a "MasterChef" finale 630 00:29:09,302 --> 00:29:11,472 without some last minute surprises. 631 00:29:11,506 --> 00:29:13,376 Oh, God. 632 00:29:13,410 --> 00:29:19,121 We have a very special guest joining us for the entrée round. 633 00:29:19,155 --> 00:29:23,096 And he has certainly seen his fair share of dishes 634 00:29:23,129 --> 00:29:26,169 in this kitchen over many, many years. 635 00:29:26,202 --> 00:29:28,574 Everyone, put your hands together 636 00:29:28,608 --> 00:29:31,880 for an OG "MasterChef" judge... 637 00:29:33,450 --> 00:29:34,452 Graham Elliot! 638 00:29:38,561 --> 00:29:41,099 Yes! 639 00:29:43,537 --> 00:29:45,541 - Whoo! - Oh! 640 00:29:45,541 --> 00:29:47,444 Graham Elliot here. Come on, man, that's my boy. 641 00:29:47,478 --> 00:29:49,983 Graham Elliot was on my season, season five. 642 00:29:50,017 --> 00:29:51,754 So just to have him back in the MasterChef kitchen 643 00:29:51,754 --> 00:29:53,156 is such an amazing thing. 644 00:29:53,189 --> 00:29:55,260 - Welcome back, young man. - Thank you. 645 00:29:55,293 --> 00:29:59,435 You were here right at the very beginning of this phenomenal competition. 646 00:29:59,468 --> 00:30:02,207 - Are you gonna be cooking to your strengths? - Mm-hmm. 647 00:30:02,241 --> 00:30:04,579 - Or you are you gonna be cooking to their weaknesses? - Mm-hmm. 648 00:30:04,613 --> 00:30:07,117 You have every reason to be happy. 649 00:30:07,151 --> 00:30:10,023 - Thank you. - I mean, I want to cry. It's that good. 650 00:30:10,057 --> 00:30:12,061 This is one of the best that you've put up. 651 00:30:12,094 --> 00:30:13,496 - It's really, really good. - Wow, thank you. 652 00:30:13,531 --> 00:30:14,599 Good job, Christian. 653 00:30:14,633 --> 00:30:16,035 ...in the middle. Oh, jeez. 654 00:30:16,069 --> 00:30:18,139 - ( kids shouting ) - Oh! 655 00:30:21,012 --> 00:30:24,118 - This is my appetizer. - This dish sealed the deal 656 00:30:24,151 --> 00:30:26,089 for Graham's second Michelin star. 657 00:30:26,122 --> 00:30:28,159 Graham: I love the fact that you steamed those. 658 00:30:28,193 --> 00:30:30,297 That's the kind of mentality that a chef has, 659 00:30:30,330 --> 00:30:33,203 not a 12-year-old. What's wrong with you? 660 00:30:34,271 --> 00:30:36,309 Graham, how does it feel to be back? 661 00:30:36,342 --> 00:30:39,115 Amazing. Like, literally. It's like a reunion, you know? 662 00:30:39,148 --> 00:30:42,087 - We love you. - Aw, I love you. 663 00:30:42,121 --> 00:30:45,193 Willie, you know that I wear the glasses for attention. 664 00:30:45,227 --> 00:30:48,166 I'm doing the same thing. Attention. 665 00:30:48,199 --> 00:30:51,406 So, Graham, what advice would you give all three 666 00:30:51,439 --> 00:30:54,078 of these talented chefs ahead of this next big course? 667 00:30:54,111 --> 00:30:56,082 This is where you just don't want to overthink things. 668 00:30:56,082 --> 00:30:57,418 You know what dish you want to do. 669 00:30:57,451 --> 00:30:58,621 Commit to that, 670 00:30:58,654 --> 00:31:00,825 and really focus on the technique and artistry. 671 00:31:00,825 --> 00:31:03,263 Absolutely. Now you'll have 60 minutes 672 00:31:03,296 --> 00:31:06,670 to cook those amazing entrées. 673 00:31:06,703 --> 00:31:09,075 Please tell us what you are making 674 00:31:09,075 --> 00:31:10,578 for the entrée round, Michael. 675 00:31:10,611 --> 00:31:14,018 I'm gonna make a chili rubbed loin of lamb with a corn purée, 676 00:31:14,051 --> 00:31:16,355 a roasted poblano grit cake, 677 00:31:16,355 --> 00:31:18,393 - and a birria jus. - Joe: Dara. 678 00:31:18,426 --> 00:31:21,365 I'll be making Chinese style short ribs 679 00:31:21,399 --> 00:31:24,706 with whipped sweet potato, a spiced roasted carrot, 680 00:31:24,740 --> 00:31:27,077 - and a carrot top gremolata. - Wow. 681 00:31:27,111 --> 00:31:29,482 - Joe: Christian. - Tonight I'll be preparing for you guys 682 00:31:29,516 --> 00:31:32,187 a Cajun rubbed filet mignon, crab cake, 683 00:31:32,221 --> 00:31:34,325 parsnip purée, tomato cream sauce, 684 00:31:34,358 --> 00:31:38,500 and of course, my late grandmother's favorite-- turnips. 685 00:31:39,569 --> 00:31:41,339 Joe: Love that. 686 00:31:41,372 --> 00:31:43,410 - Now are you three ready? - All: Yes, Chef. 687 00:31:43,410 --> 00:31:45,447 60 minutes on the clock. 688 00:31:45,480 --> 00:31:48,153 Your time starts... 689 00:31:48,186 --> 00:31:50,424 - Now! - Let's go! 690 00:31:56,670 --> 00:31:57,972 Dara: Sorry. 691 00:31:59,843 --> 00:32:02,381 Even though I got really frazzled 692 00:32:02,414 --> 00:32:04,519 - in the appetizer round... - Some soy sauce. 693 00:32:04,553 --> 00:32:06,857 ...in the past, I've been able to bounce back. 694 00:32:06,857 --> 00:32:10,397 And tonight is the night that I have to make sure 695 00:32:10,430 --> 00:32:12,468 that I come back stronger than ever. 696 00:32:12,501 --> 00:32:13,904 Christian: Come on, y'all! Let's go! 697 00:32:13,904 --> 00:32:16,643 Let's go. Be careful. 698 00:32:24,291 --> 00:32:27,197 Wow. Here we go. So, three amazing entrées. 699 00:32:27,231 --> 00:32:28,634 Which one's standing out for you? 700 00:32:28,634 --> 00:32:30,470 For me, it's gonna be Christian. 701 00:32:30,504 --> 00:32:32,909 I think if he's able to pull off that marriage of the crab cake, 702 00:32:32,909 --> 00:32:34,646 have that be a textural component, 703 00:32:34,646 --> 00:32:35,748 I think we'll have a winner. 704 00:32:35,781 --> 00:32:37,719 Why's it so quiet? Let's go. 705 00:32:37,752 --> 00:32:39,589 ( cheering ) 706 00:32:39,589 --> 00:32:42,227 We asked for dishes that could stand up in our restaurants. 707 00:32:42,261 --> 00:32:45,333 Michael's loin of lamb is the most restauranty dish 708 00:32:45,367 --> 00:32:48,306 in its conception, so I think Michael's got it. 709 00:32:49,643 --> 00:32:51,212 Pepper. 710 00:32:51,245 --> 00:32:54,285 I think that Dara's short rib sounds really exciting. 711 00:32:54,285 --> 00:32:57,659 - Yeah, Dara! - Let's go! 712 00:32:57,692 --> 00:33:00,397 Whoo, whoo, whoo! 713 00:33:00,430 --> 00:33:03,604 - Right, look who's here. - Hello, Chef. 714 00:33:03,637 --> 00:33:05,106 - Graham: How are you? - Good. How are you? 715 00:33:05,140 --> 00:33:06,743 Good. You should look more stressed out. 716 00:33:06,743 --> 00:33:08,246 - We're keeping cool today. - Okay, okay, okay. 717 00:33:08,279 --> 00:33:09,583 Gordon: We are gonna keep cool. 718 00:33:09,649 --> 00:33:10,918 Why try and cook a short rib 719 00:33:10,952 --> 00:33:12,487 in under 60 minutes in a pressure cooker? 720 00:33:12,487 --> 00:33:14,491 This is the finale. It's not time to play it safe. 721 00:33:14,526 --> 00:33:16,697 And I know I'm gonna be pulling these short ribs out 722 00:33:16,730 --> 00:33:19,401 with five, six minutes to go, 723 00:33:19,435 --> 00:33:21,740 so I'm putting it all on the line. 724 00:33:21,740 --> 00:33:24,278 There's no way to kind of cheat if they're undercooked, 725 00:33:24,311 --> 00:33:26,482 so I'm really, really hoping that you get those going. 726 00:33:26,482 --> 00:33:28,319 Get that lid on there. That's right. 727 00:33:28,353 --> 00:33:29,488 What's that in there? What are you putting in there? 728 00:33:29,523 --> 00:33:30,925 Dara: This is dark soy rice vinegar, 729 00:33:30,925 --> 00:33:33,229 brown sugar, chili flakes. 730 00:33:33,229 --> 00:33:35,233 The good thing that you're doing is as that gets braised, 731 00:33:35,267 --> 00:33:37,437 you have all the time to work on the other accompaniments 732 00:33:37,471 --> 00:33:39,208 - for the dish. - Exactly, Chef. 733 00:33:39,241 --> 00:33:40,711 What does this entrée say about Dara? 734 00:33:40,745 --> 00:33:43,483 This is inspired by one of my favorite meals growing up. 735 00:33:43,517 --> 00:33:47,291 My grandma and my mom, I grew up-- 736 00:33:47,324 --> 00:33:48,627 I grew up eating spare ribs. 737 00:33:48,661 --> 00:33:50,598 I'm actually-- I'm using short ribs today. 738 00:33:50,631 --> 00:33:53,503 It's a play on your traditional meat, potatoes, 739 00:33:53,537 --> 00:33:56,475 and carrots, but I'm elevating it, so... 740 00:33:56,510 --> 00:33:58,847 Good luck, young lady. Come on. Ten minutes gone. 741 00:33:58,847 --> 00:34:00,718 - Go, Dara! - Yeah, let's go, Dara! 742 00:34:00,718 --> 00:34:02,956 - Yeah! - Whoo! 743 00:34:02,956 --> 00:34:05,528 Perfect. 744 00:34:05,561 --> 00:34:08,466 Christian: Let's go, baby. Let's go. 745 00:34:08,499 --> 00:34:10,470 Michael: That's good, that's good, that's good. 746 00:34:12,609 --> 00:34:14,813 - Michael. - Yes, Chef. 747 00:34:14,846 --> 00:34:16,382 All right, so talk to me a little bit about your dish. 748 00:34:16,382 --> 00:34:18,019 What kind of lamb cut are you using? 749 00:34:18,019 --> 00:34:19,723 I'm using shanks to drive the broth, 750 00:34:19,756 --> 00:34:22,261 and then I'm gonna do a chili rub on my loin of lamb. 751 00:34:22,261 --> 00:34:24,031 So we're gonna get kind of a lot of depth of flavor 752 00:34:24,031 --> 00:34:25,601 both in the sauce and in the lamb. 753 00:34:25,635 --> 00:34:27,705 Okay, now talk to me about the garnish. 754 00:34:27,705 --> 00:34:31,312 Doing a beautiful aji amarillo yellow pepper corn purée, 755 00:34:31,345 --> 00:34:32,515 and then I'm gonna accompany that 756 00:34:32,548 --> 00:34:33,918 with a roasted poblano grit cake. 757 00:34:33,951 --> 00:34:35,554 Aarón: Man, you're a wacko. 758 00:34:35,554 --> 00:34:37,692 - You're taking Peruvian chilies... - Yeah. 759 00:34:37,725 --> 00:34:38,994 ...and mixing them with Mexican chilies. 760 00:34:38,994 --> 00:34:40,497 - Yeah. - Have you gone mad? 761 00:34:40,531 --> 00:34:43,303 - Michael: Absolutely! - Look, if I were you, 762 00:34:43,303 --> 00:34:44,873 try to put some beautiful sear on this lamb, 763 00:34:44,873 --> 00:34:46,576 make sure that the seasoning blend 764 00:34:46,576 --> 00:34:48,413 kind of echoes what you have in your jus. 765 00:34:48,446 --> 00:34:49,916 - Heard. - All right. Best of luck. 766 00:34:49,950 --> 00:34:50,985 Thank you so much. 767 00:34:51,018 --> 00:34:52,689 ( cheering ) 768 00:34:55,393 --> 00:34:56,830 Keep cracking, Mike! Keep cracking. 769 00:34:56,863 --> 00:34:58,466 ( muttering ) 770 00:35:00,838 --> 00:35:02,307 There it goes. 771 00:35:02,307 --> 00:35:04,078 Michael: Perfect. 772 00:35:07,384 --> 00:35:09,723 - Joe: Christian, Christian. - Sup? 773 00:35:09,723 --> 00:35:12,294 - Cajun filet, is that too much? - Cajun rubbed filet. 774 00:35:12,327 --> 00:35:14,398 You know what I mean? This is quite different. 775 00:35:14,465 --> 00:35:16,603 Out of New Orleans-- growing up, my grandmother, 776 00:35:16,637 --> 00:35:20,343 she grew turnips, she grew okra, she grew collard greens. 777 00:35:20,377 --> 00:35:22,615 So, you know, I just wanted to stay true to myself. 778 00:35:22,649 --> 00:35:25,588 I know I'm taking a big risk cooking these filets tonight. 779 00:35:25,621 --> 00:35:28,527 - You've got to make four medium rare filets. - Yes, I do. 780 00:35:28,560 --> 00:35:30,330 You know, they're all gonna be cut, 781 00:35:30,363 --> 00:35:31,767 so there's nowhere to hide today on the temperature. 782 00:35:31,800 --> 00:35:34,471 - For sure. - What do you think about Michael, 783 00:35:34,505 --> 00:35:37,344 who's making this lamb? It seems very, very restauranty. 784 00:35:37,344 --> 00:35:39,582 Dara's taking a big risk with those short ribs, right? 785 00:35:39,616 --> 00:35:41,520 - How do you feel? - Honestly, hands down, 786 00:35:41,553 --> 00:35:44,325 I feel I have the most expensive meat of the night, 787 00:35:44,325 --> 00:35:47,331 - you know what I mean? - Expensive doesn't always win. 788 00:35:47,364 --> 00:35:50,337 Exactly. But, hey, I bet you all four 789 00:35:50,337 --> 00:35:51,773 of these steaks gonna be medium rare. 790 00:35:51,807 --> 00:35:54,879 ( cheering ) 791 00:35:54,913 --> 00:35:56,683 Do it, baby! Do it! 792 00:35:59,989 --> 00:36:01,860 - Yeah, that one in the middle. - Mm-hmm. 793 00:36:01,860 --> 00:36:03,096 Christian: Let's cook, baby. 794 00:36:03,096 --> 00:36:06,469 Gordon: We're just coming up to halfway. 795 00:36:06,502 --> 00:36:07,905 Just over 30 minutes to go, guys. 796 00:36:09,943 --> 00:36:11,713 Michael: Oh, my God. 797 00:36:13,383 --> 00:36:15,020 I don't have time to play. 798 00:36:15,053 --> 00:36:17,692 Dara: All right, come on. 799 00:36:21,098 --> 00:36:22,635 Christian: Oh, yes. Let's get it. 800 00:36:22,668 --> 00:36:24,371 Joe: So, Christian is very confident. 801 00:36:24,371 --> 00:36:26,576 Again, he feels he's got this in the bag. 802 00:36:26,610 --> 00:36:28,346 When you cook with love, you just know. 803 00:36:28,379 --> 00:36:31,620 Joe: He's doing four filets, 12 to 14 ounce, 804 00:36:31,653 --> 00:36:33,657 pan-seared, and they all gotta be medium rare. 805 00:36:33,690 --> 00:36:35,126 So, that's just a lot of jeopardy right there. 806 00:36:35,126 --> 00:36:37,999 Every single second of this cook counts. 807 00:36:38,032 --> 00:36:39,536 It's like how my mama used to say, 808 00:36:39,569 --> 00:36:41,439 "Chris, make today count." 809 00:36:41,439 --> 00:36:44,946 I got to make sure all four steaks is cooked medium rare, 810 00:36:44,979 --> 00:36:46,983 and it's a big risk. 811 00:36:46,983 --> 00:36:48,687 I can't mess this up. 812 00:37:04,418 --> 00:37:06,355 So, Christian feels he's got this in the bag, 813 00:37:06,388 --> 00:37:10,731 but there's a lot of jeopardy in those filet mignons and the Cajun seasoning. 814 00:37:10,731 --> 00:37:13,402 Chris, you working on your crab cake mixture? 815 00:37:13,436 --> 00:37:15,674 Yes, sir. It's not your traditional crab cake, 816 00:37:15,708 --> 00:37:17,344 but you got a little bit of New Orleans in there-- 817 00:37:17,377 --> 00:37:19,616 shrimp, claw meat, and crab. 818 00:37:19,649 --> 00:37:22,588 - Nice. - If the filet wasn't enough, 819 00:37:22,622 --> 00:37:24,559 you have the seafood on the dish, which also, you know, 820 00:37:24,592 --> 00:37:27,464 a crab cake has to be moist, has to be crunchy. 821 00:37:27,464 --> 00:37:28,901 - There's a lot of jeopardy in this dish. - Yeah. 822 00:37:28,934 --> 00:37:31,907 Hey, Dad, make sure you make some more of that crab cake. 823 00:37:31,940 --> 00:37:33,710 Got you, baby. 824 00:37:36,248 --> 00:37:38,821 Looks good, Dara. 825 00:37:38,854 --> 00:37:42,360 So, Dara's on it. Thankfully those ribs are in that pressure cooker. 826 00:37:42,394 --> 00:37:45,935 Think about the jeopardy of a pressure cooker in the "MasterChef" finale. 827 00:37:45,968 --> 00:37:48,807 You put it in, you open it up three minutes 828 00:37:48,841 --> 00:37:50,678 before you have to plate, and it's either there or it's not. 829 00:37:50,711 --> 00:37:52,515 - That's right. No control. - You have nowhere to hide. 830 00:37:52,548 --> 00:37:54,619 Aarón: Does it allot you enough time 831 00:37:54,619 --> 00:37:56,388 - to make sure your presentation is beautiful? - Graham: Right. 832 00:37:56,422 --> 00:37:57,758 'Cause you're gonna be struggling to get that meat on 833 00:37:57,792 --> 00:37:59,361 - at the right time. - Both: Yeah. 834 00:38:01,833 --> 00:38:03,035 Wow. 835 00:38:03,035 --> 00:38:05,541 Michael seems very confident. 836 00:38:05,574 --> 00:38:08,446 He's gonna get a lot of flavor out of this lamb shank 837 00:38:08,479 --> 00:38:10,216 sort of braising liquid that's gonna turn into a sauce. 838 00:38:10,250 --> 00:38:12,822 I like the strategy of Michael, very complex, 839 00:38:12,855 --> 00:38:16,630 very restauranty, of creating a sauce for a lamb loin 840 00:38:16,630 --> 00:38:19,569 based on a secondary lamb cut like the lamb shank. 841 00:38:19,602 --> 00:38:21,773 But again, too much ambition for Michael? 842 00:38:21,806 --> 00:38:23,644 Come on, baby. 843 00:38:23,644 --> 00:38:26,248 45 minutes gone. We're now down to the last 15 minutes. 844 00:38:26,248 --> 00:38:27,552 Come on. 845 00:38:29,789 --> 00:38:31,860 - All right, Dara, you've put the meat in there. - Yeah. 846 00:38:31,893 --> 00:38:33,764 You don't get to see it until three minutes before you plate it. 847 00:38:33,797 --> 00:38:36,803 - Yes, Chef. - You're gonna serve us those short ribs, 848 00:38:36,803 --> 00:38:38,640 and I'm gonna take that meat between my fingers 849 00:38:38,674 --> 00:38:40,544 - and I'm gonna pinch it like this. - Yes, Chef. 850 00:38:40,578 --> 00:38:42,882 And if I doesn't fall apart, it's gonna be a problem. 851 00:38:42,915 --> 00:38:44,819 I know, and that's a risk that I'm willing to take. 852 00:38:44,853 --> 00:38:46,857 Joe: Well, look, I'm very, very excited. 853 00:38:46,890 --> 00:38:47,925 And just remember. 854 00:38:51,566 --> 00:38:53,670 - Come on, Dara! - What's going on, Christian? 855 00:38:53,670 --> 00:38:54,939 - What's up, boss? - Talk to me. How do you feel? 856 00:38:54,939 --> 00:38:56,676 - I'm feeling great right now. - Yeah? 857 00:38:56,676 --> 00:38:58,012 It seems like you're ahead of the game. 858 00:38:58,045 --> 00:39:00,049 You've got your crab cakes already fabricated. 859 00:39:00,083 --> 00:39:02,688 They're looking good. There's a nice little thickness to that. 860 00:39:02,722 --> 00:39:04,859 - You know. - There you go. 861 00:39:06,295 --> 00:39:08,534 All right. Now, Christian, your entrée 862 00:39:08,534 --> 00:39:11,205 is sort of like the meat and potatoes, 863 00:39:11,238 --> 00:39:12,842 or in your case, the meat and parsnips 864 00:39:12,875 --> 00:39:14,846 - of this meal, right? - Yeah. Yes. 865 00:39:14,846 --> 00:39:16,516 That presentation needs to be concise, 866 00:39:16,550 --> 00:39:18,019 - it needs to be beautiful... - Correct. 867 00:39:18,019 --> 00:39:20,624 - ...whimsical, and catch the eye. - Yes, Chef. 868 00:39:20,658 --> 00:39:21,960 - You gonna be able to do that? - I'm gonna be able to do that. 869 00:39:21,993 --> 00:39:23,864 - All right, we're counting on you. - Yes, Chef. 870 00:39:23,864 --> 00:39:26,001 - Go, Christian! - Come on, Chris. 871 00:39:26,035 --> 00:39:27,304 - Right, young man. - Michael, how we doing? 872 00:39:27,304 --> 00:39:28,907 Michael: Ooh, we're doing good. 873 00:39:28,941 --> 00:39:30,778 - How you feeling? - A little bit stressed, 874 00:39:30,811 --> 00:39:32,247 - but I'm having a great time. - There's a lot going on here. 875 00:39:32,280 --> 00:39:33,850 Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. 876 00:39:33,884 --> 00:39:35,588 I'm just getting ready for my grit cakes to come together. 877 00:39:35,588 --> 00:39:37,023 I'm prepping all my "mise". 878 00:39:37,023 --> 00:39:38,527 I've got my corn purée done. 879 00:39:38,560 --> 00:39:40,564 My herbs are done. My radishes are pickling. 880 00:39:40,598 --> 00:39:42,535 Man, everything's happening right now. 881 00:39:42,568 --> 00:39:44,706 All the garnish has been done. Sauce is en route. 882 00:39:44,706 --> 00:39:47,545 - The lamb's still raw here. - It's not super thick. 883 00:39:47,578 --> 00:39:49,147 I need to treat it very, very delicately. 884 00:39:49,181 --> 00:39:51,586 Is this going in the oven at all or completely done in the pan? 885 00:39:51,620 --> 00:39:52,989 Michael: I'm gonna just finish it gently in the oven 886 00:39:53,022 --> 00:39:54,892 'cause I don't want to burn those spices. 887 00:39:54,926 --> 00:39:57,097 - Good, so baste it. Work nice and tidy. - Yes, Chef. 888 00:39:57,130 --> 00:39:59,301 - Good luck. - Spend an extra minute to get organized. 889 00:39:59,334 --> 00:40:02,207 - You got it. Thank you. - You got this! 890 00:40:02,207 --> 00:40:03,977 - Man, he's behind. - He's behind. 891 00:40:04,011 --> 00:40:06,415 It literally looks like he's making five dishes. 892 00:40:06,415 --> 00:40:08,620 - There's stuff everywhere. - Gordon: So he's got all the pickled vegetables, 893 00:40:08,620 --> 00:40:11,793 everything else ready, but the grit cakes need to be set 894 00:40:11,826 --> 00:40:14,197 before he makes an actual cake and fry them. That's still in the pan. 895 00:40:14,231 --> 00:40:15,901 He's not gonna get all that done. 896 00:40:15,935 --> 00:40:18,840 Too many burners, too many pots, too many unnecessary things. 897 00:40:18,874 --> 00:40:21,613 I agree, but when you look at the station, it's a mess. 898 00:40:21,646 --> 00:40:23,316 There is crap everywhere. 899 00:40:23,349 --> 00:40:24,752 Joe: I'm concerned that Michael's ambition 900 00:40:24,786 --> 00:40:26,021 might take him down today. 901 00:40:26,055 --> 00:40:27,390 I'm nervous. 902 00:40:27,424 --> 00:40:29,762 I work clean, I'll look clean. 903 00:40:29,796 --> 00:40:32,400 - My plate will be clean. - The jeopardy for Dara, 904 00:40:32,400 --> 00:40:33,971 when she serves me that short rib 905 00:40:34,004 --> 00:40:36,342 and I can put my fingers in it and squeeze it apart, 906 00:40:36,375 --> 00:40:38,547 - it'll be perfect. - Graham: Yeah. 907 00:40:38,580 --> 00:40:39,849 Gordon: This is gonna be make or break. 908 00:40:39,882 --> 00:40:41,720 When that lid comes off, it could go either way. 909 00:40:41,753 --> 00:40:44,458 Christian's now starting to sear his beef. 910 00:40:44,491 --> 00:40:46,796 Some are that size, some are that size. They're not all the same size. 911 00:40:46,830 --> 00:40:49,602 Four filets, medium rare, there's nowhere for him to hide. 912 00:40:49,636 --> 00:40:52,808 This is gonna be so down to the final minute. 913 00:40:52,842 --> 00:40:54,846 Everyone's really playing it risky. 914 00:40:54,879 --> 00:40:57,083 Gordon: Yeah, one wrong move in these final moments 915 00:40:57,150 --> 00:40:59,722 and their dreams of becoming the next MasterChef 916 00:40:59,756 --> 00:41:02,293 - could go up in smoke. - ( cheering ) 917 00:41:02,293 --> 00:41:04,899 - Go, Dara! - Yeah, Dara! 918 00:41:04,932 --> 00:41:06,101 Whoo! 919 00:41:07,270 --> 00:41:08,472 Let's go, Chris! 920 00:41:12,848 --> 00:41:14,084 Oh, boy. 921 00:41:14,117 --> 00:41:17,057 Next time, the "Back to Win" finale continues. 922 00:41:17,090 --> 00:41:18,827 It's the finale now. Everything you've done so far 923 00:41:18,860 --> 00:41:20,964 in this competition, you're not blowing it now. 924 00:41:20,964 --> 00:41:23,069 Less than five minutes, and Dara's short ribs are still in the pot. 925 00:41:23,102 --> 00:41:24,839 Gordon: We are judging you on what you serve. 926 00:41:24,839 --> 00:41:26,676 Big, deep breath. Compose yourself. 927 00:41:26,710 --> 00:41:27,878 With another guest judge to impress... 928 00:41:27,912 --> 00:41:30,383 Give a big warm welcome. Christina Tosi! 929 00:41:30,416 --> 00:41:32,788 ...and with just two courses left, 930 00:41:32,822 --> 00:41:35,460 it's a fierce fight to the finish line. 931 00:41:35,460 --> 00:41:37,097 This dessert is a triumph. 932 00:41:37,130 --> 00:41:39,836 You're pushing the boundaries. You're testing our palates. 933 00:41:39,836 --> 00:41:42,775 It's clear that you know great flavor. It's a beautiful dessert. 934 00:41:42,808 --> 00:41:46,549 America's next MasterChef is...