OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The 11-year-old who has been on fire on television’s MASTERCHEF JUNIOR has once again earned the top spot in the cooking competition.
Michael Seegobin, the son of a Marion County firefighter, is one of three kid cooks advancing to the finale and in line for the title, trophy and a $100,000.
Keeping up with Chef Gordon Ramsay
In this week’s challenge which aired on Monday, May 6, the home cooks went head-to-head with celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay preparing one of his signature dishes – duck à l’orange.
“Your challenge is to make a dish that looks and tastes exactly like mine,” said Ramsay.
First, he showed his pint-sized protégés how to butcher the protein.
“I’m going to show you how to break down a duck perfectly and you’re going to do it with me every step of the way,” said Ramsay.
He advised them to let the knife do the work for them as he made quick work of the duck.
“Michael looks really in control right now,” commented judge Aarón Sánchez.
“In the kitchen back home in Florida, my dad wants everything perfect,” said Michael. “So, I’m used to following his lead. So, it’s kinda like me following my dad and my dad being Gordon basically.”
There’s no time to waste and Ramsay doesn’t wait for anyone.
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“I gotta keep up with Chef Gordon? The number 1? The GOAT? The best chef in the world?” queried Michael. “I have to keep up with him? I’m only 11. How am I supposed to do this?”
Ramsay tells the contestants that it’s not just about speed but also about making a dish that looks and tastes exactly like his with crispy skin and an orange sauce that you have to flambé, all set on a bed of caramelized endive.
“Once the duck is scored, season it with salt and pepper. Lay it fat side down,” instructs Ramsay.
In another pan, he tosses shallots and butter to start preparing the sauce. Then, cognac and a series of whooshes can be heard as the alcohol ignites and produces flame in the pan. He adds orange juice and lets it simmer to reduce.
As the challenge unfolds, the judges comment on Michael’s focus.
“I’m literally multi-tasking on a new level,” said Michael. “It’s so fun and so cool and scary and I’m learning a lot of things too.”
The cooks add orange zest to the sauce.
“Next we’re going to get the orange and we’re going to top and tail it and get the segments of the orange,” Ramsay directs the contestants. “I want six segments of the orange on the plate.”
As time runs out, Michael comforts Bryson, a fellow contestant, who struggled.
“Dude. You’re good. Don’t cry,” said Michael as he hugged Bryson. “That duck looks amazing.”
Judgment time
“My dish looks kinda similar, maybe a lot similar to Gordon Ramsay’s dish,” remarked Michael. “I just hope all the flavors are there.”
Sánchez tells Michael that his looks the closest to Chef Gordon’s.
But the real test is taste and then come the words the contestants hope to hear.
“The duck is cooked beautifully. It’s pink. It’s crisp. It’s seasoned beautifully. I’m proud of you,” said Ramsay. “But just the concentration. It’s exactly what chefs need. Cook with your ears wide open, eyes watching left and right. Great job.”
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Ramsay tells Michael his dish was flawless and announces he has won the challenge.
“I won. I’m advancing to the final. I have a one-third chance of being the next MASTERCHEF JUNIOR. I’m so excited.”
The two-part finale kicks off on Monday, May 13, at 8 p.m. and finishes the following week on May 20.