Eleonora wins Masterchef 13
This evening, the final episode of Masterchef 13 aired, won by Eleonora Riso, a waitress from Livorno who stood out for her remarkable creativity, winning over the judges.
La Mistery Box
The four finalists are Antonio, Eleonora, Michela, and Sara, who, as always, were judged by three chefs, Bruno Barbieri, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, and Giorgio Locatelli. The episode began as usual with the Mystery Box, containing ingredients from past challenges that had posed challenges for them. Judging them and presenting them with four special products was this year's final special guest, chef Andreas Caminada, also known as the king of Swiss cuisine, at the helm of his three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Schloss Schauenstein. He presented Antonio with kimchi, Eleonora with lemon confit, Sara with a vinaigrette, and Michela with a black garlic emulsion.
Whoever wins the Mystery Box goes directly to the balcony and advances to the final. Eleonora does so.
L’Invenction Test
The Invention Test continues, with Chef Caminada once again taking center stage. The remaining contestants must replicate three of his dishes. Eleonora decides which ones. Antonio must make a pine char. Michela must make a pikeperch dish with jalapeño gazpacho. Finally, Sara has the most challenging dish: quail and beetroot. In the final reckoning, Antonio and Michela prevail, and together with the Tuscan waitress, they advance to the finals. Sara must take off her apron forever.
The final
At the finals, the three remaining contestants must present their tasting menus. Michela proposes the "Mountain Experience" menu, inspired by the mountains, from Lake Garda to the Dolomites. Eleonora's "Ichigo Ichie" menu combines Eastern culinary traditions with her own, featuring fish that have played a key role in her life experiences. Finally, Antonio proposes "The Key to Everything," a tribute to his homeland, Sicily.
In the end, Eleonora won out with her menu featuring distinctly oriental flavors, which she managed to combine with technique, aesthetics, and balance.
