Alright, we’re here. So Callum was the first into the top 10, and now we’re going to find out who the rest of our top ten is.
Episode 40 – Sunday 7th June – Elimination
Today is elimination. Callum is the only one safe.
Round one is a savoury pie and sauce. It must be fully encased in pastry. They have 90 minutes, an open pantry and access to the garden.
Time starts and everyone runs, and I skip to the tasting.
Time ends. The pies literally look like pies, so I’ll just say what everyone cooked for this round.
First is Poh with a Coq Au Vin Pie with Smoked Cheddar Crust, Pea and Mint Sauce.
They enjoy the quantity and quality of the filling as well as the taste of the sauce.
Next is Khanh who made Coconut and Chicken Pie with Pickled Chili Sauce and Salad.
The filling was lovely but the pastry was not ready.
Brendon’s next with a Mauritian Beef Curry Pie with Coriander Mint Yoghurt Sauce.
They love it! So much! Very delicious.
Next is Simon with Beef and Stout Pie with Tomato Chilli Chutney, as well as a beer each.
While nice and gravy, it’s not very flavoursome.
Sarah’s next with a Pork Belly Pie with Crispy Crackling and Apple Sauce. Oh my god, I would eat that in a heart beat!
The gravy inside really soaked up and isn’t there, the pork is dry. Sarah’s disapointed, as is Mel.
Up is Reece. He made a Wallaby and Pepperberry Pie with Davidson Plum Ketchup.
The pastry doesn’t look great, and he’s disappointed. Jock says that’s the best filling all day, however the pastry is not good, but the sauce is excellent for the pie. Alas, the pastry let him down.
Laura did a pork and fennel pie with tomato chilli relish. Mel says it’s good.
Emelia did a chicken pancetta and leek pie with tomato and apple chutney. Jock says that’s the best chicken pie he’s had.
Tessa brings up gravy, sweet tomato sauce, and slices of tomato, just like how her grandma used to serve with pies. it’s called Josie Pye’s Pie.
Sadly, it’s not great, but the judges loved the story behind it.
Next is Reynold, with a Chicken and Leek Pie with Tomato Chilli Jam.
The pastry is raw and the chicken is overcooked.
It’s decision time.
Into round two is: Sarah, Reynold, Simon, Tessa.
Time for round two. The judges ask for their dish that represents their Australia. They can do whatever as long as they can explain why this is Australia to them.
They have 60 minutes to bring their Australia on a plate, with open pantry and garden. They can have 30 seconds to plate up in the tasting room if they choose.
It’s time to taste, because I skipped all the cooking.
We’re back to photos, huzzah!
First up is Reynold who did his take on a Cherry Ripe, with a bit of an opera house feel. It’s a Chocolate Mousse, Coconut Gelato with Blood Lime and Cherry Compote, and Native Citrus.
The judges think it’s very rich, but other elements cut across the palate. They talk about how the cherry ripe is represented here, which they really like. Overall, big fans.
Next is Sarah. She did Charcoal Chicken, which was marinated in South East Asian flavours. She tells the judges about her history, how her mum used to eat charcoal chicken when she first moved here and continued it with her and her siblings.
They wanted it more charred, but also enjoyed the coriander sauce. The chicken was perfectly cooked, and everything worked so well, except the potatoes which didn’t feel like they had a role on the plate.
Tessa is third and plates up a bit extra before serving. She made Braised Pork Belly with Pickled Cucumber and Ginger, and Indigenous Flavours.
The judges called it Tessa to a t. But it was the wrong piece of protein for that cook. They said the pork was dry and says using a pressure cooker was a bad choice for her, however everything else was really good.
Finally, Simon. He made Naked Broccoli. It looks disgusting.
Before they taste, they all comment on how it looks terrible compared to, like, Reynold. The flavour better be there, is all Andy can say on the matter…
It’s not what the judges were told he’d cook, and what he said about why it’s Australia, veggies being the future, wasn’t here. It’s not even ugly delicious.
It’s time for the results.
After a bit of feedback, they judges tell Reynold and Tessa they’re safe.
It’s down to Sarah and Simon. They tell Sarah she’s safe, which means Simon is out, which I’m relieved about because I didn’t like him last season, I don’t like him now.
Alright, next ep!
Felicity Feiner 
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