'MasterChef' Series Premiere

It's a big TV hit across the pond in Australia, Hungary and the United Kingdom and now "MasterChef" has made its way to America. Headed by renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay, "MasterChef" is looking for that one outstanding amateur home chef that has what it takes to become a "MasterChef." The winner will win $250,000, publish a cookbook, and have the distinction of being crowned the first American "MasterChef." Gordon will be joined on the judges' panel by Graham Elliot and Joe Bastianich. At 27, Graham is the youngest chef to earn 4 Michelin Stars, and Joe owns 20 of America's best restaurants and 3 Italian wineries. Gordon, known in America for his TV shows "Hell's Kitchen," "Kitchen Nightmares," and the "F-Word," owns 28 restaurants worldwide.

There are 100 amateur chefs waiting for their chance to audition for a spot in the 30 that will be chosen to be given a "MasterChef" apron and the chance at winning the big prize. The amateur chefs have one hour to prepare a single dish for their audition. The judges "MasterChef" judges will taste test each dish and then vote whether or not that chef has the skill and passion to be called a "MasterChef."

First up is Chris from Houston, Texas who likes to cook with beer; he presents the judges with Beer Cheese Soup. It's not a good start and the next dishes spiral downward from there until Gordon gives the want-to-be chefs a pep talk. Mike, 34, is a server from CA who cooks up a pan seared duck breast with miso sauce known as Duck Ssam. He does something none of the previous chefs did - he explains what he is doing as he does it. This impresses the judges as he talks and moves around the kitchen as if he really knows what he is doing. Mike is the first amateur chef to earn a "MasterChef" apron. Following Mike's are three unnamed amateur chefs who are also given the thumbs up.

Next to be spotlighted is Tracy, a 42-year-old doctor from Atlanta, GA. She receives a "MasterChef" apron for her Smothered Chicken with Grilled Brussel Sprouts. The next unnamed amateur chef also receives a passing grade. Up next is David from Boston, an over-the-top cook with such a spastic personality that Gordon wondered if the judges were being punked. David is so cocky that he is going to prepare, in one hour, a New England style bouillabaisse that normally takes 2 days. Gordon tastes the New England Bouillabaisse with French Bread Croutons and Rouille and announces he doesn't know what it is but it is definitely NOT a bouillabaisse. Despite the faux paux Joe and Graham give David a chance and he is presented with a "MasterChef" apron. Bartender Lee, Rancher Josh, and Homemaker Christiana are also now one step closer to the prize as they don their "MasterChef" aprons. Avis is an elder care giver from Louisiana and dishes up Catfish Arcadia with Creamy Shrimp Butter Sauce. Joe thinks the pasta is not all that great and Gordon hopes it tasted better than it looks. Avis earns her "MasterChef" apron with two yes votes.

Gordon is surprised to see Farmer Randy walk in wearing dungaree overalls stating he thinks he might be a bit too old to be wearing dungarees. Come on Gordon. How long have you been in America? Everyone wears blue jeans, they are clothing staple. Farmer Randy presents the judges with a heart clogging dish known as Funeral Potatoes, which is really a Loaded Potato Casserole slathered with cheddar cheese, mayo, sour cream, don't forget the butter, and more. And if that wasn't enough he presents the dish on a pig plate - a pink plate in the shape of a flattened pig. Famer Randy did not get a passing grade.

From heart clogging to simple, 30-year-old Bartender Faruq from CA decides to stay simple with his son's favorite food macaroni and cheese. The judges have a good chuckle as they watch this man with the deep resounding voice tell them he is making Butterfly Parmesan Crisps to go with his mac and cheese. The simple dish of Baked Macaroni and Cheese looks elegant in its presentation and as the judges begin tasting it is immediately apparent that something is amiss. Gordon asks Faruq to taste his dish and then asks him what he thinks is wrong with it. Faruq recognizes his mistake when he gives the correct answer of seasoning. He forgot to use one of the most basic ingredients when cooking. Joe votes no and Graham votes yes leaving Gordon with the deciding vote regarding Faruq's fate. He tells Faruq to pick up the salt mill and at the same time asks Faruq's wife to come to where he is sitting where he puts a "MasterChef" apron on Faruq's toddler son. He tells Faruq to take the salt with him as reminder that a little goes a long way.

The announcer at the conclusion of "MasterChef" states that over half the "MasterChef" aprons are gone. Half would be 15, but I only counted 11 contestants that were given a "MasterChef" apron:

1. Mike from California
2. Unnamed contestant
3. 62-year-old female
4. Unnamed contestant
5. Tracy from Atlanta, GA
6. David from Boston, MA
7. Bartender Lee
8. Rancher Josh
9. Homemaker Christina
10. Avis from Louisiana
11. Faruq from CA

And did you read the note at the end of the show that reads, "Portions of the program not affecting the outcome have been edited or recreated. Decisions were made by the judges with input from producers. Some deliberations occurred off-camera."? Which brings up the question, is "MasterChef" looking for a "MasterChef" or an entertaining cook?

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Sources:
MasterChef