Masterchef – the Final 2011
Well I fancy myself as a bit of an amateur chef so I always really enjoy watching Masterchef. Mind you the new format this year took some getting used to!
I thought the standard this year was really high, especially so with regard to this week’s three finalists. Tim Anderson, the American guy who won certainly had the edge with his innovative & exotic creations. It wasn’t just show though; this guy truly seemed able to intuit what flavours would work together. The other 2 finalists Sara Danesin Medio & Tom Whitaker produced some amazing food, & it must have been a hard call to make but as John Torode – presenter & judge for the programme - said: ”I think all three were amazing, but Tim was in a different world altogether. He had influences from Norway, Japan, America, Australia and the UK. That all coming together gave us the best culinary explosion that we’ve ever seen in MasterChef.”
Co presenter & Judge Gregg Wallace said of him: ”Inventive is one thing but inventive and delicious is nothing short of incredible.”
At 26 American Anderson is the youngest contestant ever to take the title. Currently managing a craft beer bar near Euston station he has big dreams of a culinary empire, but hopes first to spend time gaining further experience in some professional kitchens. . “The big, silly long term goal is to have an empire, hopefully including several regional Japanese restaurants and an American-style brewpub,” he said. “But for the moment I’m really anxious to get into some professional kitchens and work in whatever capacity I can.”
This guy might just have what it takes! Though some former contestants have achieved a modicum of success, very few have gone on to become the restaurateur they dreamed of.
Speaking about his success in the competition Anderson said: ”It is such a good feeling. I’m very proud of the accomplishment and I’m just so glad that John and Gregg liked my food.
“Tom and Sara are outstanding cooks and I never really thought I had a chance to beat either of them.
“Looking back on all the amazing cooks that left before me, it is really quite humbling to have come out on top. Humbling but super awesome at the same time.”
The final menu with which Anderson went on to win the competition consisted of:
Starter: Tri-City Sliders (a sort of mini burger) - Los Angeles Slider of Wagyu Tartare, Smoky Lime and Jalapeno Marmalade, Avocado and Butter Bean Mousse; Tokyo Slider of Monkfish Liver, Umeboshi Ketchup, Jellied Ponzu, Matcha Mayonnaise; London Slider of Curried Lamb Cheeseburger, Apple and Ale Chutney, Raita Mayonnaise.
Main: Kyushu-Style Pork Ramen with Truffled Lobster, Gyoza and Aromatic Oils.
Dessert: Sticky Toffee Creme Brulee with Blackcurrant Stout Sauce; Rhubarb Crumble with Custard; Cheddar Cheesecake with Whiskey Jelly.
