Good Food Blog

MasterChef

Posted at , 04 March 2008 by Gregg Wallace - TV presenter, greengrocer

MasterChef is over, well it might not be over - I have a sneaking suspicion there may be another one before too long. I'm amazed at the popularity of the show and thanks to everybody who tuned in to watch. I've said it before, but I mean it, the standard of cook just gets better and better each year. Sometimes, I stand there with my jaw open, thinking, where on earth do these amateur cooks pick up their skills? Obviously, congratulations to James, but a very big well done to Jonny and Emily too.

My favourite bits during the competition were when the three finalists truly excelled. For James, I think, his finest hour came in the finals when they revisited the invention test. To not know what ingredients you are going to cook, and to come up with a plate of food as fine as that, in 50 minutes, was nothing short of incredible. Many a pro chef wouldn't have been able to do that.

Jonny, always battled with his confidence, but to take charge of the pastry section at a wedding, a couple's very special day, amidst the splendour of Blenheim Palace, and turn out 120 absolutely perfect desserts, was fantastic. I will remember the look of satisfaction on Jonny's face for a long time to come.

Emily, well, I've never seen John Torode so emotional. Throughout the early rounds he kept telling me we had somebody really special. I knew she was good, but I suddenly realised just how good she was, when she produced what she referred to as a 'mud pie'. It was a chocolate pudding made to look like it was melting. Believe me, it wasn't. It was firm all the way around. It just looked like it was oozing over the plate. Emily had put crystalised tarragon leaves sticking from it in little tufts to recreate grass. Wonderful stuff.

I've had a great time judging it and tasting all that food. Thanks to all of you who watched the programme.

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Comments

1-20 of 25 comments

  • 4 March 2008, 2:38PM

    cutielou

    Open QuoteWell guys, Congrats to you both, all the contestants and eventual finalists for putting on probably the best show yet. Will try some of the recipes on the website and can't wait for the next series to hit the screens.

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  • 4 March 2008, 5:59PM

    viv*97

    Open QuoteMasterchef is my favourite programme and I thought this series was excellent. My favourite bits are when Gregg eats something he loves, his face is a picture! Well done to all the contestants, you were wonderful! Can't wait for the next series.

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  • 4 March 2008, 6:18PM

    fiona

    Open QuoteGreat series - well done to all the finalists. They had some really tough tests - was nervous just watching it. You could tell James was going to win but really wish Jonny well. Missed not having it to watch this week though!!

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  • 4 March 2008, 6:55PM

    Sarah

    Open QuoteEvenings are just not the same anymore! Totally agree that this series was the best one yet. I am totally intrigued with Emily and will follow her culinary career with great interest, but great good luck to all three finalists and congrats to all involved on a truly wonderful series. Please sir, may I have some more?

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  • 4 March 2008, 7:15PM

    Snail

    Open QuoteGregg and John always shout at each other, its hilareous. Love it and will truely miss it. Emily was amazing.

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  • 4 March 2008, 11:52PM

    Naomibrook

    Open QuoteI agree - i dont know what to do in the weeknights now! absolutely stunned by Emily but I think James was the best in the end. I would definately want to visit all of their restaurants tho!

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  • 5 March 2008, 9:06AM

    schubun

    Open QuoteI agree what a fabulous series this has been, my husband and I have had to start talking to each other in the evenings again now! I think the best chef won but it was such a close contest that I have to congratulate all three people and wish them every luck in their future careers.

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  • 5 March 2008, 9:49AM

    Maggie

    Open QuoteI too was mesmerised by the creativity, knowledge and skill! Awesome - as someone kept saying!! Do you think we will ever know what happens to the 3 finalists? I would love to know where Jonny is cooking, whether Emily goes on to Oxford and where James will go!! I watched James on Breakfast TV, and he said that he was a 4 x 4 mechanic down in Glastonbury???? Did i imagine that? Gregg swiftly pointed out that he had been a barrister ..... but where does he go now?? Loved the programme.

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  • 5 March 2008, 9:51AM

    Maggie

    Open QuotePS I read in my latest Good Food Mag that Gregg says that one can now buy Turnip Tops (it makes a wonderful Broccoli Rappe - Bitter tasty Italian dish .... with pasta) but where on earth do I find them? I live nr Coventry and I have asked around .... no one knows!! So if anyone has a clue I would be so grateful. Thank you

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  • 5 March 2008, 10:48AM

    shayron

    Open QuoteI have watched this series since the beginning,I agree the standard is amazing but I found the earlier time of the previous series more convenient to watch.

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  • 5 March 2008, 11:15AM

    gemcheat

    Open QuoteCan't wait for the next series! I'm having withdrawal symptoms... :(

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  • 5 March 2008, 1:47PM

    mojacar

    Open QuoteBBC2 week nights just isn't the same !!!!! Please hurry back. It would be lovely to follow have a programme in 12 months (or earlier) showing just what the 3 finalist are doing.

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  • 5 March 2008, 3:44PM

    Nickie

    Open QuoteThis series was brilliant! Does anyone know where I can get the Mud Pie recipe??

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  • 5 March 2008, 7:36PM

    LYNN

    Open QuoteA brilliant competition, much enjoyed by all of us, even my 8 year old! ( a master chef in the making !!) Thankyou

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  • Binder photo Jan
    5 March 2008, 9:40PM

    Jan

    Open QuoteThis competition just gets better! What a wonderful trio of chefs. I loved Emily's exciting experimenting. Thank you one and all for a great series.

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  • 5 March 2008, 10:01PM

    fibee food

    Open QuoteSorry, I think the least worthy contestant won. Watched the series on iPlayer and was gutted when was informed of the outcome. no particular favourite I just thought Emily had more to offr and Johnny would have done more with it.

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  • 6 March 2008, 11:52AM

    Patsy

    Open QuoteI enjoyed the series especially the creativity of Emily. I thought she should have won because of her huge potential and her innovation. She proved that she could be calm, accept positive criticism and will no doubt go on to be a inspirational creator of new exciting food combinations. Please can we have a follow up on the future development of the three contestants in the final?

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  • 8 March 2008, 5:00PM

    Catherine

    Open QuoteThe timing of the programme was perfect for me and as with other comments, I feel at a loss in the evenings now the series has finished. Hurry back, PLEASE!!! James was the rightful winner.

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  • 9 March 2008, 6:25PM

    shez

    Open QuoteThis was the best series ever, ever , ever and I actually shed a tear for James when he won. Just thought it was incredible how the pressure kept piling on them - cook for some ones wedding and then cook for all the Michelin star chefs! How did they cope with the pressure and stress? Can we have some of their own recipes in Good Food mag please?

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  • 10 March 2008, 2:49PM

    Henry Barnett

    Open QuoteI am sure a lot of us think Emily should have won Master Chef - in fact ALL THREE merited a win. So why not have a "Junior Master Chef" and give Emily a starring role? She was absolutely brilliant and no other entrant in any of the series has shown such natural genius for cooking. For that alone I'd give her first prize.

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