The Red Team Ramsey's Roof Top - CR: FOX. Murt-Rebecka-Michael
The Stakes?
Imagine the scene: The final six competitors of MasterChef Generations step out of a sleek stretch limo, dressed to the nines, ready to take on the ultimate challenge. The setting? Ramsey's Rooftop is a stunning venue with panoramic views of the city skyline. The stakes? High. The excitement? Palpable.
As the cool evening breeze enhances the electric atmosphere, everyone gathers on the rooftop to select teams. The judges revealed their choices: the Blue team includes Murt, Michael, and me, while the Red team comprises Kamay, Becca, and Adam. Captains are the Wall Challenge winners, Becca and Murt. The challenge is to create a meal to impress both judges and guests.
Wearing Our Chef Whites
This will be the first time we will wear our Chef Whites in the MasterChef kitchen as the Final six contestants. I am honored to wear it and feel I could fly in that coat as we donned our coats for the challenge; we stepped into one of the most difficult cooks of our home cooking experience. I pray to be on the winning team and headed to the semi-finals tomorrow.
The Red Team Ramsey's Rooftop - CR: FOX. Murt-Rebecka-Michael
Our Menu
Our menu is ambitious, but we are ready for the occasion.
Gordon instructs us on how to make his three-course meal of Michelin-starred dishes. We have two appetizers: a luxurious plate of pan-roasted scallops and another, a sautéed lobster tail in truffle butter and lobster bisque, each served with vegetables and sauces. The scallops are seared to perfection, golden and caramelized on the outside, and tender and succulent inside. The sweet, buttery lobster promises to tantalize the taste buds. Wow! Should I panic yet?
For the main course, we have two choices: a pan-roasted, crispy-skinned duck. The duck breast is cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and its skin is crispy and flavorful. It is accompanied by a rich, velvety sauce and seasonal beets, presenting an entree dish of elegance: pan-seared New York Strip steaks, sauteed spinach, braised fennel, black garlic jus. Shear sophistication.
The Red Team Ramsey's Rooftop CR: FOX.
Intensity and Speed
The night kicks off with intense preparations. Michael chooses to cook scallops and steak, while I'm tasked with the toughest proteins: lobster and duck. As service begins, it's clear that the timing for both appetizers is tricky. From the outset, I've been grappling with the lobster, which is cooking slower than anticipated. Lobster can be undercooked and raw, overcooked and rubbery, or just right—there's little margin for error!
Thankfully, we eventually found our rhythm and completed the appetizer round without any dishes being returned by guests.
Team Dynamics and Some Hiccups
The night progressed, and despite me leaving the oven door open not once but three times and getting yelled at by Gordon numerous times, we each played to our strengths and supported each other through the highs and lows.
The Red Team Ramsey's Rooftop CR: FOX.
Last Minute Captain Switch
Murt excelled as captain despite his lack of experience leading a team. Still, Gordon loses his temper with Murt several times due to cumulative minor service errors and Murt's thumbprints on the plates. Not to mention a burned piece of fennel. Yikes!
Gordon strips his position as captain midway through the service. Murt asked me if I wanted to take over, a suggestion I adamantly refused. I aimed to demonstrate my team player ability, so I remained on the line cooking protein.
Murt passes on his captain badge to Michael, and we shift into high gear. Michael's remarkable leadership skills come to the fore as he takes charge, and we complete the service 10 minutes ahead of the Blue team, which seems to have struggled far more than us.
The Winners
The rooftop is filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the hum of conversation. We gather on the rooftop as Gordon, Aaron, and Joe all grab champagne bottles, pop the corks, and spew RED champagne all over the Red team for the WIN!
It’s a moment of reflection and celebration. We’ve pushed ourselves to the limit, and we’ve created something exceptional. I'm so proud of the Red Team fighting to the bitter end! This night will be remembered as a testament to our passion, skill, and camaraderie. And one of the hardest things I've ever done in my lifetime!
Going Home
Our beloved, Adam, says goodbye to his MasterChef journey after a challenging day on the Blue Team. I admire Adam's kind heart, top-notch kitchen skills, and determination to launch his culinary career. I'm honored to have the opportunity to cook alongside such an excellent young man!
Ramsey's Rooftop CR: FOX.
The Ramsey's Rooftop - CR: FOX.
Up Next
The Semi-Finals: Mystery Box Review and Cooking Along with Gordon. Pray for me!
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