OCALA, FL (352today.com) – UPDATE, 5/20/2024: The finale of season 9 in FOX’s MASTERCHEF JUNIOR just ended and we now know if the 11-year-old who is the son of a Marion County firefighter has won.
Michael Seegobin won all but one challenge throughout the season. When it came down to the finale, Michael fell just a bit short and did not win the competition.
Competitor Bryson from Alabama took home the trophy and the $100,000 prize.
The judges including celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay thought Michael may have gotten overly ambitious on his dessert which was an olive oil citrus pound cake with a creme fraiche ice cream. Michael struggled with the bake on his pound cake and ended up overcooking it.
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Regardless of the outcome, Michael’s cooking was impressive, and he won a lot of prizes along the way including a trip to Mexico and electric bikes for the entire family.
Congratulations, Michael!
ORIGINAL, 5/13/2024: Next Monday we will find out if the 11-year-old home cook from central Florida wins the title of MASTERCHEF JUNIOR.
Michael Seegobin has had consistently strong performances during season 9 of the reality cooking competition on FOX. He’s been in the top 3 on every episode except one and is off to a strong start in the two-part finale. The first part aired Monday, May 13, at 8 p.m.
“Walking into the finale this is like my dream come true. I’m so excited. It’s such an honor to have these beautiful chef whites on right now. I feel like a baby Gordon right now,” said Michael. “I’m so happy and I want to make my family really proud.”
For the last challenge, the contestants have to prepare a three-course, fine-dining meal featuring an appetizer, entree and dessert.
“I wanted to really step up my game,” said Michael.
The three finalists prepare their dishes in front of a studio audience that includes their family members.
Michael’s sister, Maya; mom, Amanda; and dad, Deen, have a front row seat to cheer him on. Michael credits learning how to cook from his dad who is a Marion County Fire Rescue lieutenant.
“My son, Michael, is willing to explore any type of food and I’m pretty impressed he has put Trinidadian flavors in the dishes he makes,” said Dean Seegobin. “I’m very proud of him and I just want him to do his best wherever he takes it.”
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For an added layer of complexity in the appetizer round, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay required the pint-sized chefs to flambé in their recipes.
“The flambé was so cool,” said Michael as he expressed relief that he didn’t singe his eyebrows or hair.
For his first course, Michael whipped up a crab bisque with a crab salad and croutons in a tarragon and chive oil. To top it off, he added a touch of caviar.
“Will you do the honors and give us a tableside pour?” judge Daphne Oz prompted Michael.
Michael’s silky bisque earned universal praise from the judges.
“Young man, we asked for elegance,” said Ramsay. “It looks beautiful.”
“It’s a beautiful expression of crab,” remarked judge Aarón Sánchez. “The finesse is out of this world.”
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For his entree course, Michael is preparing pan-seared halibut with sauteed purple kale ginger-glazed Thumbelina carrots with an herbed-lime sauce.
The judges acknowledged halibut is difficult to cook and can dry out in flash but Michael told them he intentionally chose it to demonstrate his ability to overcome the challenge.
“Big risk. Big reward. That’s what you do in a finale,” said Sánchez.
We’ll find out if Michael wins next Monday, May 21, at 8 p.m.
In addition to the title and a trophy, the winner receives a $100,000 prize, plus a chef’s kitchen outfitted with Viking appliances and OXO utensils.