‘MasterChef’ season 14 episode 1 recap: ‘Millennials Auditions’ [LIVE BLOG]
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Season 14 of “MasterChef” brings together amateur cooks from four generations – Millennials, Baby Boomers, Gen Z and Gen X – to prove that age does not matter in the kitchen.
In the first round of auditions, the Millennial chefs prepare their signature dishes for judges Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez and Joe Bastianich and guest judge Priya Krishna. Five home cooks will receive a coveted white apron and move on in the hopes of claiming the title of the next MasterChef champion, a trophy and $250,000 in the all-new “Millennials Auditions” season premiere episode of “MasterChef: Generations” airing Wednesday, May 29 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
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8:00 p.m. — Previously on “MasterChef”! In the Season 13 finale, Grant Gillon defeated Jennifer Maune and Kennedy Underwood to claim the title of MasterChef. But enough about last season – let’s meet the new crop of contestants competing for the Season 14 title!
8:02 p.m. — An opening clip asks the age-old question: Which generation has the best cooks? Baby Boomers are known for cooking traditional cuisine and old-world family recipes. Gen X is full of latchkey kids who grew up in the 70s and 80s, raised on mall food courts and music videos. Millennials are passionate and media savvy cooks, who grew up on the web and blogging their inner thoughts. Last but not least, there’s the boundary-pushing and adventurous Gen Z, who do everything on their phone. So which generation has the best cooks? We’re about to find out! Tonight, Millennials audition, but just five will receive coveted white jackets and join this season of “MasterChef: Generations.”
8:10 p.m. — With Millennials up first, the guest judge is Priya Krishna, who is herself of that generation. She says Millennials are not afraid to innovate, throw the rule book out and move food in a new, exciting direction. The home cooks will have 45 minutes to prepare a signature dish. It takes three yes’s from the judges to earn a white apron.
8:20 p.m. — Cooking in this first round of auditions is Jeet, a 32-year-old HR specialist from Portland, Oregon. She grew up in New Dehli, but also incorporates flavors from Kuwait, where her husband is from. Her dish today is Gajar Ka Halwa Dumplings in Crispy Rice Paper with Carrot Halwa and Sweet Rabri Sauce. Gordon thinks it looks “beautiful” and “oozes confidence.” It’s a “100 percent yes” from Gordon. Priya says the dish “takes guts” and says “yes” as well. Aarón thinks the wrapper is too gummy and says, “No.” Her fate in Joe’s hands, he says “Yes,” and hands Jeet her white apron. He says, “I’ve never tasted anything like it.”
8:25 p.m. — Lexi, a 30-year-old nail salon owner from Long Island, New York calls herself the “Kitchen Witch.” She puts all her positive, happy energy into each dish. That’s her magic! She’s also vegan and using substitute “chicken meat” in this dish. Once plated, she presents her Vegan Chicken Roulade with Spinach & Artichoke, Vegan Mornay and Fondant Potatoes. It doesn’t look like a traditional roulade. Gordon is desperate for a spell to be cast on his palate, because this tastes strange. It’s a no. Joe likes Lexi, but the food misses the mark. Just like that, Lexi’s dream is up in smoke. Once she’s gone Joe admits, “That’s one of the worst dishes I’ve ever tasted.”
8:30 p.m. — Kamay is a 34-year-old attorney from Washington, D.C. She prides herself on being a smart, sharp lawyer, but food fuels her soul. She puts forward Haitian Snapper with Jasmine Rice & Peas, Spicy Tomato Sauce and Pickled Cabbage “Pikliz.” Gordon says it looks simple, but the fish is cooked beautifully. Aarón calls it “so delicious” and thinks it is “loaded with flavor.” Priya loves the sauce and depth of flavor. Joe’s problem with the dish is that it lacks salt throughout the entire dish. Gordon says he wish the dish was more elevated, but he ultimately gives her the third YES she needs for a white apron.
8:40 p.m. — Without much of an intro, Tori, a high school English teacher, presents the judges Deep-Fried Salmon Croquettes with Purple Sweet Potato Puree. It’s plated “quirky” but creatively. Aarón says the puree has no place on the plate. Gordon likes her flashy presentation, but the croquettes are too dense. Sadly, there’s no apron for Tori.
8:45 p.m. — Hoping for better luck is Si, a 30-year-old biotech manager from San Jose, California. He’s a Vietnamese immigrant who came to America at age three and grew up poor. As a kid he was ashamed to bring his Vietnamese lunches to school, but now he wants everyone in the world to taste how amazing it is. Si serves the judges Banh Xeo Vietnamese Crepes with Pork & Shrimp, Fish Sauce Vinaigrette and Fresh Herbs & Vegetables. Priya says his passion seeps through him. Gordon loves the presentation. Priya could eat it every day. Aarón says the crepe is magic. Joe loves Si’s story, but the shrimp are not seasoned and the crepe is bitter. Gordon says the dish is missing heat, but he’s giving Si a third YES and the white apron along with it.
8:48 p.m. — Anna is a 37-year-old tax director from Dallas, Texas who grew up in Ukraine. Although she has a successful career, she wants to be an inspiration to her daughters and show them how to chase their dreams. She serves Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Purple Potato Puree, Pickled Beets, Brussels Sprouts and Red Wine Butter Sauce. Priya says it looks like something that would be served in a high-end restaurant. Joe is impressed with the complex techniques and hopes it tastes as good as it looks. Gordon says she nailed the duck. Aarón is “an absolute yes.” Joe says he would put this dish in any restaurant he owns and the duck is cooked perfectly. Anna gets yes’s across the board and appears to have the top dish of the night. The judges call Anna one of the early favorites to win this competition.
8:59 p.m. — Michael is a 27-year-old business owner from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He grew up in New Jersey and says his cooking style is definitely Italian-based, but he’s not Italian at all. Fresh pasta for Joe Bastianich? This audition is a risk! Michael’s mother passed away earlier this year and he feels her cheering him on. Let’s hope it’s enough to earn him that white apron. He serves the judges Herb Goat Cheese Ravioli with Tomato Cream Cheese, Spinach & Roasted Red Peppers and Basil Olive Oil. Gordon loves the colors on the dish. Joe approves the cook on the pasta and the amount of filling in the ravioli, which is a major win. Priya says the flavors work for her and it tastes “bright” and “fresh.” Gordon loves the pasta, but it needs more seasoning. Regardless, all four judges think this dish is worth eating and Michael is worthy of tonight’s final white apron.
9:00 p.m. — As a quick recap, the five contestants representing Millennials on this season of “MasterChef” are Jeet, Kamay, Si, Anna and Michael. Tune in next week to see which Baby Boomers make the cut!
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