Masterchef Season 11 - Auditions 1 - Recap

 

It’s been a two year wait but Masterchef if finally back folks. 

This season is dubbed “Legends,” because legendary chefs are coming to guest judge throughout the season. I won’t lie when I saw the title, I thought maybe we were getting an All-Star season, so I was a bit disappointed. They really don’t need to capitalize off bringing in legendary chefs to guest judge. Just bring them in and leave it at that. It’s not like this hasn’t been done before.

It seems like the legends will be giving them lessons so I guess it’s sort of different but not really. 

This season was filmed pre-covid. I did read Sometning that the pandemic started in the middle of filming and they shut down production and resumed. I guess we’ll find out if that’s true later in the season. 

The show starts with many Masterchef hopefuls lining up to the gates of the studio backlot Masterchef kitchen. The doors open and they all walk inside. All the chefs are with their families who will watch them cook for an apron. Only 15 will get aprons. That’s a huge step down from the 20-24 that are on previous seasons. That’s only one more than season 1. 

The judges are here and reveal the prize; title of Masterchef, $250,000, a new home kitchen, and the Masterchef. Trophy. 

It’s now time to reveal the first legend, and its Mr Bam Pow himself, Emeril Lagasse.

In order to earn an apron, the home cooks must earn three yes votes from the judges and Emeril. On hand to help guide the cooks through the process are last season’s winner Dorian Hunter, and finalists Sarah Faherty

And Nick DiGiovanni.

Here we go! 45 minutes to cook their signature dishes. 

Well first two we don’t get names, but it’s a guy and a girl who each made seafood. He made Seared Ahi Tuna with Cauliflower Turmeric Purée and Wok Seared Vegetables She made Bourbon Glazed Salmon with rice pilaf. The judges unanimously pass on both contestants. 

Next up is Alejandro, a 39 year old professional Animal Trainer from Atlanta. Alejandro grew up in Cuba, where food was scarce. Him and his mom immigrated to America in 1984. Once he came to the US he started to try food and started to really focus on cooking.    Alejandro made pan seared fresh Herb Crusted Lamb Chops with Heirloom Tomato Carpaccio and Parsnip Purée. He gets choked up explaining about going to Cuba. The judges say he nailed the lamb. Joe also loved his ambition. 4 yeses 

Next we meet mother and daughter Jen and Cailin from Castro Valley, California. They’ve both dreamed of getting an apron and have been watching Masterchef from season 1. Cailin says her mom has always been a role model, and Jen is very proud of her daughter. Jen made Grilled Mahi Mahi with Black Coconut Rice and Tropical Salsa. Cailin made Chocolate Volcano Cake with raspberry sauce and fresh berries. Aarón loved the Orange liqueur in Cailin’s dish. Gordon says Jen’s fish is overcooked and not seasoned despite being marinated. It’s a no for both Jen and Cailin. 

Next we have Matt, a 36 year old construction worker from Cromwell, Connecticut. He is a family man, He wants to win to put his kids through college and open his own restaurant. He considers Emeril his idol and really wants to impress him. Matt made an Egg Yolk Ravioli with Homemade Ricotta, Basil Oil, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, and Crispy Fried Leeks. Joe explains that when he cuts into it they the yolk should be runny, and it is. Gordon says no did to the ricotta not being seasoned and too much on the plate. Joe and Aarón both say no. Emeril says the pesto tasted raw but he nailed the pasta. Emeril says yes. 3 yeses

Up next is Autumn, a 27 year old Bartender from Boston. She grew up in a typical Italian family with lots of food. I will say I do love her personality. She made a Miso Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Miso Caramel Sauce, and Bruleed Bananas. Joe calls

Her dish a bit extreme, in the way he likes, Aaron loves how it’s an Avant Garde dish. Emeril likes the dish, and Gordon says the real hero of the disk is the cake. They then ask if she can cook other things besides desert. 4 yeses 

Now we have Elyce , a 39 year old Salon Owner from Chicago. She loves to bake and calls it a dream come true to be on Masterchef. We also meet Miles, a 31 year old YouTube gamer from Texas. Miles made chicken fried rice, which he’s elevated. Oh gosh this guy is kind of arrogant. Joe said flat out it wasn’t fried rice. Gordon and Emeril actually like it. Aaron also liked it! Man him and Joe are gonna butt heads this season. 3 yeses 

Now back to Elyce, she made a Red Velvet Mini Cake with Masacarpone Cream Cheese Frosting and Freeze Dried Raspberries. Emeril calls it delicious. Aaron calls it money. Gordon says it reminds him of a Masterchef finale dessert. 4 yeses 

Up next is Suu, a 30 year old Food Blogger from Houston, Texas. She was born and raised in Burma, and started cooking as more of a chore. When she moved to the United States, she began to take cooking more seriously. She made Burmese Noodle Soup with Shrimp and Coconut Curry.  Emeril called it food of love. Joe called it a profound immersion into Burmese cuisine. Gordon said it was the best dish he tasted all night. 4 yeses 

And that’s it for the premiere

I’m not a fan of the auditions lasting over three weeks. But since there’s only 15 getting aprons they really have to stretch it out. There’s a lot potential in the first episode. I especially see Alejandro, Elyce, and Suu going far. Autumn and Matt are both wild cards. I can’t wait to see what happens next 

Also I love they dedicated the episode to Ben Watkins. Ben competed on Masterchef Junior and unfortunately lost his battle with cancer earlier this year. RIP Ben