MasterChef Junior (2013) s05e14 Episode Script
Pop-Up Restaurant
Announcer: Last week Gordon: Please welcome Miss Piggy - C'est moi! - and the Swedish Chef! Give me that! a new contestant joined the competition Aah! You singed my tips! and the junior home cooks took on a French classic I'd like to order steak frites.
in a high-stakes challenge I think it's under.
It looks a little bit bloody.
- that led - Cydney.
to a surprise elimination.
- You are safe.
- What? - Miss Piggy, your time is up.
Dun dun dun.
Au revoir! Tonight, the competition kicks into high gear Captain, four scallops away, table one.
- Yes, Chef! - Come on, let's go! as the top six run the kitchen Way overcooked.
in their most intense team challenge yet.
Justise: A pop-up restaurant? Two of Gordon's dishes? The pressure is on.
Cydney, let's go, then! I'm not sure if she can handle the stress.
Are you okay? Cydney? - Yeah! - Hi, everybody.
- Hi! - Welcome.
Come on down to the front.
Let's go.
Cydney: It feels amazing to be in the top six of "MasterChef Junior.
" - Are we good? - Yes, Chef! Excellent.
I'm the youngest kid left, and I want to show that maybe a 10-year-old girl like me can win the biggest cooking competition in the whole world.
Guys, welcome back again to the incredible MasterChef kitchen.
The next obstacle between you and that MasterChef trophy is a team challenge.
- Yes! - Ahh! Here's the good news.
The winning team will officially make it into the semi-finals of "MasterChef Junior.
" - ( cheering ) - Oh, my God.
For this next challenge, you'll be working in two teams of three.
And today, we will be picking the teams.
( groaning ) Christina and I have thought a lot about this, and our first captain is someone who has amazing ideas and incredible cooking skills.
Please step up here and pick up your apron Cydney, you are captain of the Red Team.
- Thank you.
- Thank you, my darling.
Cydney: I'm a team captain! I'm really excited, but I have never really been captain of anything before.
This is hard to put on.
So my biggest competition is probably myself.
The Blue Team captain is someone who has continually impressed us throughout this competition.
Please come on up here, Justise, captain of the Blue Team.
Justise: I'm so excited.
I really want to be a team captain, I haven't been team captain, and this is great opportunity for me to show the judges that I can be a great leader.
I've really got to give it my all, I've really got to stay confident, and I got to lead my team to victory.
The first person to be on Cydney's Red Team is Evan.
Well done.
Please put your apron on, young man, and go and join Cydney.
For the Blue Team, to complement Justise's leadership style-- Shayne.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
The final choice to complete the Red has a great palate-- Adam.
- Well done.
- Thank you.
Last, but certainly not least, it's Jasmine.
Come on up and get this apron.
- Thank you.
- Yes.
I know that being a team captain is a lot of pressure, so I think that Cydney might have a little bit of a hard time dealing with the stress, but if she can pull herself together, she can really lead us to victory.
I'm sure you're all dying to know what the challenge is.
Yes, Chef! - Well, it's a big surprise.
- ( groaning ) Come on, you six are talented.
You're going to have to go with the flow, ride the wave.
Oh? Christina, why don't you drive the Red Team? Oh, no! - I'll take the Blue Team.
- Yeah! - Are we ready? - Yes, Chef! - Let's go! - Let's do this, guys.
- Ha ha! - Whoo! Right here! Christina's team, may I suggest wearing helmets as well, please? ( all laughing ) ( shrieking ) Go, Gordon, go! Oh, my goodness! This is so fun! I never thought I would be riding a dune buggy with Gordon Ramsay.
Oh, my God! It is really, really crazy right now.
I mean, he's going so fast and doing doughnuts.
I'm just like, "Please don't flip over.
Please don't flip over.
Oh, my God, this is so cool, but please don't flip over.
" Go, Gordon! Christina's sort of an out of control driver.
I'm not sure if she drives like this normally, but is she does, you better take away her license.
Whoo! Whoo! It's insane! Hey! Right.
Christina: Seatbelts off! - Line up, please, guys.
- It is so pretty here.
The sand, the blue water-- it's beautiful.
The waves are crashing, the dolphins are splashing.
It couldn't be a more perfect day.
Right, quick question.
Who's the best driver? - Gordon! - Thank you very much.
- Thank you.
Right.
- Gordon! All of you, welcome to this beautiful, breezy Californian beach.
Excited? Yes, Chef! This is, of course, the site of your next team challenge.
And, guys, it doesn't get any bigger than the MasterChef pop-up restaurant.
- Wow.
- This afternoon, you six very talented young home cooks will be making an incredible Pacific oceanside lunch for our packed pop-up restaurant.
The movers and shakers attending today's lunch are Los Angeles restaurateurs, amazing chefs, food writers, and journalists.
Today you know that we will accept nothing but your absolute best work.
Yes, Chef! And just one more thing.
The VIP guests this afternoon have no idea kids are cooking today.
They think all the food is being made my grown-ups.
We want you to prove that in the culinary world, age means nothing.
You all ready to find out what's on the menu? Yes, Chef! - Follow us.
- Let's go.
Announcer: The menu our junior chefs will be cooking today consists of an appetizer of pan-roasted scallops with polenta cakes and fried quail eggs, and an entree of pan-seared red snapper with purple potato gnocchi and a chorizo saffron lemon broth.
I'm personally going to show you how to make these.
First up, an incredible appetizer-- seared scallops, the most amazing polenta, and then finished with delicious fried quail's eggs.
Yeah.
When you crack the quail's eggs, tap gently, and then point very carefully.
You bring the pan up to temperature and you let them sit there.
Polenta in at 12:00.
Why 12? - So you know when to flip them.
- Exactly that.
Tilt the pan like that.
Spoon underneath and flip over.
Make sure you got a nice color on them.
From there, scallops in 12:00.
Gordon is moving so fast right now.
The secret of cooking these scallops is quick.
Very carefully, finger on, and flip over.
My head is spinning like a hamster on a hamster wheel right now.
When it comes to plating, scallop first.
From there, polenta on.
Scallop on.
We call this shingling.
Eggs go on the polenta.
- What's next? - The vinegar.
Exactly that.
Cydney: Watching Gordon demo his dishes, it seems super complex.
Finally, beautiful sauce.
Gordon Ramsay just makes it look easy.
I'm thinking, "How in the world are we supposed to make this?" And there we have seared scallops with quail's egg, polenta croutons, and a nice fresh salad of snap peas.
- Yummy.
Wow.
- Next up, a delicious entree.
What's the first thing we focus on? - The snapper.
- The snapper.
Snapper, exactly.
Get the pan nice and hot.
Put the snapper in skin side down.
We just sear it gently.
And then from there, back over, and that goes onto the back.
From there, chorizo, chopped shallots, garlic in.
Adam: Watching Gordon is amazing.
There's so many different components and he's moving so fast.
Wait, you put, um-- Shallots and garlic, chorizo.
We are ready to go.
Gnocchi in.
These will take literally 45 seconds.
If you don't get everything right, you could be going home fast.
We put it on the plate with a bit of finesse, okay? - Yes, Chef.
- Fennel on the bottom.
From there, around with the garnish.
Take your fish and sit that on top of the fennel.
Then, finally, just spoon that broth over.
And there we have a delicious pan-seared snapper with purple potato gnocchi and chorizo saffron lemon broth.
- Beautiful.
- Wow.
All right, guys, our guests will be arriving soon.
You're going to have one hour to strategize, cook, and serve all of your scallop appetizers, then another hour to serve all of your red snapper entrees.
Christina and I are going to talk to all of the guests today, and ultimately, Christina and I will decide on the winning team.
But remember, what's at stake? A spot in the what? Semi-finals! Your one hour starts now! Let's go! - Christina: Go, guys! - Go, go, go, go, go! Gordon: Let's go! Good luck.
Okay, Jasmine, get onto the polenta cake.
Shayne, I know I can trust you with breaking the quail eggs and all that.
I'm going to go ahead and get started on the scallops and I'll get that salad done.
You need to focus on what you have to do and I want everybody talking-- We have to get this on point, serve it to the VIP guests, and make it to semi-finals.
1, 2, 3, Blue Team! Um, okay.
I think I'm going to do-- wait.
Here, let me think about this.
I am a bit worried about Cydney being team captain because she's not the loudest, and you have to have a voice, otherwise your team is going to sink.
Adam, I'm going to have you on the scallops.
- Scallops.
- Evan, I'm going to have you on the eggs.
I'm going to do the cakes.
- Is everyone okay with that? - Yes! - Let's go! - Are you sure? 1-- - 2, 1, Red Team! - Here we are, MasterChef pop-up restaurant team challenge, the last team challenge for these young home cooks, and we chose the captains today.
Justise on the Blue Team, and captain of the Red Team, Cydney.
It's about time Cydney popped.
She's in the top six, so it would be nice for her to step up and lead the Red Team to victory.
Got it, Chef.
We got this.
We got it, guys, okay? Justise, captain of the Blue Team, we know she's a great team player, but we've never seen her be a team captain.
- Can she take the lead? - Gordon: She can diverse, she's competitive, and I can't wait to see how she handles Jasmine and Shayne.
Get pans hot.
Whatever pan you need, get it on the stove immediately.
Do not waste a second.
For me, the biggest and the most important thing today, is to make sure that our guests have got no idea that 10 to 13-year-olds are cooking their lunch today.
100%.
But the question is, can they pull it off? We got this.
We got to show them that we can do this.
Cydney: Come on, you guys! We need to do our very best! Announcer: Further down the beach, the VIP guests begin arriving at the pop-up restaurant, and they are unaware that their meal is being prepared by junior home cooks.
Right, Red Team away.
One two top.
- Okay! - After a two top, we go one four top away.
- Yes, Chef! - Thank you.
- All right, Blue Team.
- Yes, Chef! First orders in.
Fire your first two top.
- Okay.
- Yes, Chef! All right, let's go.
- The polentas are burning.
- Right there, right there! Cydney, be careful of polenta.
- Okay.
Oh! - It's burning.
- Cydney, work-- - I can't flip these.
I can't flip them.
Use the palette knife.
Palette knife.
- Okay.
Sorry.
- Use this, use this.
I'm not sure if Cydney can get these polentas out properly.
I can't flip these.
She's not really using the right techniques, and I'm not sure if she can handle the stress.
Come on, you got to start.
These are spitting at me and they're overcooked.
We need to ditch those right now.
The pan's too hot.
They're burnt.
They're all-- hey, Red Team, look.
Evan: Yes, Chef? They're burning.
Yes, Chef, I'm sorry.
Polenta cakes are some of my favorite things, and now they're ending up all burnt, and it's just really getting to me.
Evan: Cydney, you can't leave the polenta.
I know.
I'm getting it.
- Use the palette knife! - I am! Use one finger on top and one finger on the flip.
- It's too hot.
- Adam: If necessary, take it off-- - Is it burnt? - Yes.
- They're burnt.
- Why do I keep burning these? Polenta, how long, please? Evan: They burnt, so she had to restart.
Cydney: I just burnt them.
- Gordon: I'm sorry.
They burnt? -Yes - Again? - Yes.
Gordon: Get a grip, guys! This is not going well for me.
Gordon: This is a joke.
Oh, man.
Announcer: In today's challenge, our junior home cooks are running a beachside pop-up restaurant.
Guys, the semi-finals! You want to get there, you got to push yourself today.
The pressure is on as both teams rush to complete Cydney, how long on polenta? Cydney: About one more minute.
their first orders of an elegant appetizer-- pan-seared scallops with polenta cakes an quail eggs.
I had a plate ready! I don't know where it went! - Shh, shh, shh.
- Cydney, that didn't help.
You don't have to get upset at everyone.
I know.
I'm sorry, okay? I'm just stressed.
Adam: Cydney, those are burning.
Watch 'em.
I know! Okay.
Cydney, polenta, how long, please? - What? - Cydney, how long? - I don't know.
- Take your time.
Take your time.
You can do this.
- ( Cydney groans ) - All right, stop.
Stop, stop, stop.
- These are burnt again.
- Stop, stop, stop.
Come on, we can do this.
You're not going to give up.
- Yes, Chef.
- Why are they burnt? Because I'm having a hard time flipping them.
Okay.
You got to hold it together.
Why? - Because I need to-- - Look at your apron.
What are you? - Today I'm team captain.
- Do you want to be a team captain? - Yes, Chef.
- Step up and start acting - Okay.
Yes, Chef.
- like a captain.
I really want to stay strong for Gordon right now after this talk.
I'm just going to try to pull my team together to give out the best dishes that we can.
Okay, we got our polenta cakes done.
- How are we doing, you guys? - Adam: Good! I'm getting ready for plating, okay? Announcer: While Cydney and the Red Team regroup and try to complete their first order - Whew! - Watch out, watch out.
the Blue Team is also behind on their first table, as team captain Justise struggles with cooking the scallops.
Blue Team, how are we looking? What time? - What do we got? - The scallops are almost done.
What's going on here? Justise, these are no good.
You got to use less oil than that, okay? Let's get rid of them.
This is terrible.
The main part in this dish is scallops.
If they're not cooked right, we're going to lose this challenge.
See how they're already starting to turn translucent? 30 seconds, girlfriend.
It's been 30 seconds.
Flip.
Go, go, go.
C'mon Jasmine, we got to keep an eye on them, okay? We don't have time to redo them.
Scallops are like the diamonds of the sea, so we have to make sure that they're perfect.
Justise, you got to watch those scallops.
- I was.
- Don't take your eyes off of them.
All right, guys, I have some polenta! We have the salad, we have the eggs.
Justise, how long on those scallops? Justise: They're right behind me.
I got to fix it and be a team leader right now.
I got to get my head in the game and I got to give them perfectly cooked scallops that look beautiful and get our team into the semi-finals.
This is the first two top from the Blue Team, going to table six, please.
Justise: Come on, guys, let's go.
Very nice, by the way.
Service, please.
Table one, please, thank you.
Announcer: While both kitchens move on to their next orders, in the pop-up restaurant dining room, the VIP guests eagerly await a meal worthy of the MasterChef label.
I've been covering Hollywood for many, many years, and been to several Gordon Ramsay events.
So, obviously, my standards are extremely high today, and I expect those expectations to be exceeded.
- Thank you.
- Man: I'm a staff writer at "People Magazine," and part of my duties, I often cover a lot of events like this.
So, I definitely am expecting there to be some fantastic food today.
I know Gordon has some really high standards, so I'm hoping it's delicious.
Announcer: As the first few tables of VIPs start to enjoy their appetizers, both teams are rushing to get their next orders in.
Cydney: How much longer on the eggs? Ugh! This one messed up.
- Ugh! - Adam: Evan, you got to get it.
But in the Red kitchen, Evan is starting to crack over the quail eggs.
Ugh! I think that punctured the yolk.
- You need help on cracking? - Nope.
Got it.
Ugh.
I manhandled that one.
Evan is like Humpty Dumpty right now.
Oops.
He keeps cracking all the eggs.
I keep breaking them.
Come on, you can't do this anymore, Evan.
Evan: They're still just breaking.
What am I doing wrong? I just want to crack a quail egg on Evan's head right now.
- Eggs ready, yes? - Um, not yet.
They keep breaking-- Hey, don't give me excuses.
Give me quality.
Evan: These quail eggs are super hard.
If I don't get these eggs right, then I could be going home.
Hey, come here.
Team.
Team, team, team, team.
What is wrong with Evan's pan? - They're completely blistered.
- It's too hot.
You need to encourage each other, you need to help each other, and, you, how many is going? - Um, we need 12 eggs.
- 12 eggs.
- How many have you got? - I've got eight eggs.
And they're way overcooked and they're fried and they're crispy.
That looks like my grandma's knickers-- way too hot.
Announcer: While Evan and that Red scramble to get their next appetizers out Shayne, these quail eggs-- not good, buddy.
the Blue Team is starting on their final table.
But Shayne is having his own issues.
This is a pan that's too hot.
Look at this.
Garbage, okay? We're throwing them all out and you've got to start again.
You got to keep moving.
Jasmine: Don't have it too hot, and not too cold.
Let's have it on medium heat, okay? Got to keep your eye on this.
This is your team.
You're leading this team.
You got to get in the game.
Justise: A whole plate of quail eggs in the trash can.
Now he has to restart.
This is going to put us way behind.
- Gentle.
- Scallops, please.
- Yes, Chef.
- Polenta, please.
- Eggs, please.
- They keep-- Scallops, please.
Polenta, please.
Eggs, please! Eggs, please! Man! These quail eggs, they're so hard to get right.
They break so easily.
It's like a little tiny pebble.
How does anybody eat these? Let's go, Blue Team! Shayne, you got this! Let's hurry up with those eggs! - Eggs, please, young man.
- I'm working on it, Chef.
At this rate, it would be quicker hatching a little chicken.
- Shayne, come on! - I'm working on it! - Oh, my God, Shayne.
- Come on, let's go.
- How long for the eggs? - Justise: Oh, my goodness.
Shayne the Train is derailing right now.
This is terrible.
Shayne: This is not going good.
This is not going as planned.
- How long for the eggs please? - We're running out, Chef.
- What does that mean? - How are you running out of eggs? Because they all broke.
This is crazy.
We are way behind.
We need those quail eggs.
Shayne better get those done.
- I'm getting more.
- Man! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
We're nine eggs short.
Thank you.
- We're nine eggs short! - I'm getting it, Chef.
Let's go, Shayne! Announcer: While Shayne and the Blue Team try to hatch a plan to finish appetizer service on time - Shayne, I need eggs now! - I'm working on it.
Cydney and the Red Team are also trying to push out their last table.
Christina: All right Red Team, we gotta get this last four top out.
Get it going.
- Let me get this in.
We're missing the eggs.
You're missing the Quail Eggs.
Evan, where are those quail eggs? I'm trying to get as many out as I can.
Okay.
Cydney: How much longer? Do you need help? They're coming.
Evan: They're just eggs.
Why can't I do them? I can't let this ship sink over eggs.
Adam: We need four eggs, that's it.
Four eggs? I have six right here.
- Oh, you do? - Hot pan, hot pan.
Hot pan.
Hot, hot, hot, hot.
This is the very last appetizer table.
Come on, guys.
You got to push.
We're running out of time.
Here we go.
What do we say? - Order! Order! - Order! Server! - Christina: Service! - Cydney: Server! Table four, four scallops, please.
All right, Red Team, we're going to set for the entree.
That red snapper is a complicated dish.
Get your notes, get together, and get planning for that entree.
In the entree round, Cydney needs to definitely step up her game and communicate more.
Are you confident that you you can do the chorizo? If she doesn't, we're definitely not making it to semi-finals.
Blue Team, Blue Team, we're one table short.
- I've got two minutes to go.
- Yes, Chef.
- FYI, Red Team are finished.
- Yes, Chef.
Shayne: I am still struggling right now getting these eggs cooked.
This is not good.
Gordon: Eggs, please, young man.
Shayne: They're not going to cook in time.
- How long, please? - Four minutes.
Four minutes? Serve it without the eggs.
Let's go! Serve it without the eggs, guys.
Thank you.
Go.
- Hey, line up.
- Yes, Chef.
Oh, my goodness.
What happened to our team spirit? I've seen you guys cook way better.
And you wanted me to hold that table back, Shayne? - No, Chef.
- We can pull this back across the entrees.
- Yes, Chef! - But we need to talk as a what? Team! Can you have a 30-second brief and get together? Yes, Chef! Justise: We had no communication.
With the entree round, we have to talk every second.
I'm sorry if I was not a leader, and I want everybody to feel that we did good this challenge, but we have little things we can fix.
Because if we don't, there's trouble ahead.
We have to stick together as a team.
Announcer: As both teams strategize for the upcoming entree service, the last of the VIP guests are finally getting to enjoy their appetizers.
Scallops is one of my favorite dishes, but the Red Team on this dish? Amazing.
The Red Team nailed it.
From the quail egg to the scallop, it's seasoned perfectly.
So much flavor.
The appetizers-- A-plus.
That is so good.
- This looks great.
- That looks beautiful.
- Wow.
- Yeah.
Woman: The Blue killed it on presentation.
Denny: Knowing Gordon Ramsay's standards, the Blue Team, I feel, really reached his standards, and the execution of the scallop dish with the runny yolk, I think they're doing well so far.
I've been covering food for a long time.
I think Team Red really served up a very pretty plate of food.
This is the kind of food that I would expect from Gordon Ramsay.
It's got a certain level of refinement.
My scallops are cooked pretty well.
I love scallops.
And I really love the creaminess of the quail egg against the polenta.
Very delicious.
Red Team did a pretty darn good job to start.
Three? I got two.
You got one.
You got three.
I noticed I was missing eggs.
Everybody else has multiple eggs.
I only have one.
And some of the scallops seem a little bit differently cooked, but the plate is beautiful and it smells delicious, so I still have high hopes for the Blue Team.
That could have been much better.
Yes or no? Yes, Chef! Both teams, raise your game.
Right.
Entrees.
Are we ready? Yes, Chef! Your time starts now.
Let's go.
Captains, vocal.
Let's go! - Red snapper on! - I'll start snapper.
Shayne, fish! Get it on now, Shayne.
- Get it on now.
- It's going on.
Gordon, having gone through the appetizer service, listen, it was a rocky road.
There's no sugarcoating it.
Now, setting themselves up for success in this red snapper entree-- It's not as intricate as the appetizer.
This is a simple format.
You need one person nailing the snapper, cooked skin side down for 90% of the time, one on the garnish, one on the sauce.
Whoever's on the sauce should be coordinating the plating.
This is hot.
Hot, hot, hot.
But those flavors, the fish cook, the entree, they need to be tasting every single thing about it, because the elegance of this dish is in the preparation.
The first batch of chorizo is done.
Gordon: Blue Team, two top away.
Get four more snapper in one minute before those other two snapper are cooked so it's all moving.
- Let's go.
- So, Jas, you're going to help me.
If I need something, then you got to help me with this because it's got to cook down.
Shayne, if you need help, you tell Jasmine.
She's going to help you.
Jasmine, whatever we need for plating, I need you to do that.
Justise voice is very, very strong, and she has a clear plan.
Shayne, I want you to focus on that fish.
That's your number one focus.
And I really think that she's a good team captain and can lead us to victory.
Young lady, right here.
I heard your voice come out just now.
- You keep it there, okay? - Yes, Chef.
How long for the first table, Justise? - Six minutes.
Yes, Chef.
- Hurry up.
Announcer: While Captain Justise and the Blue are having a strong start to entree service Guys, we need to fire this gnocchi over.
It's not looking hot.
Captain Cydney and the Red Team continue to struggle.
You got to get it together, girlfriend.
All you're doing at this point is searing gnocchi, and you got to show me you know how to do it.
- Yeah, I'm just getting-- - You got to do it.
Adam: We're just a few minutes into entree service, and Cydney is already breaking down again.
From past team captain experiences, I know that we really need a strong captain right now.
Otherwise, we're just going to fall.
Cydney, how many bits of gnocchi have you got? - What? - That's too much gnocchi for one portion.
Five pieces of gnocchi for one.
Oh.
All right, Chef.
There is a lot of stress on me being team captain.
I'm so tired, I'm getting frazzled, and I'm feeling like I'm about to drown in the ocean right now.
What is she doing? No, no.
What? I just turned off the heat.
- Okay, okay.
- Oh, man.
Just stop.
Put it down.
Put it down.
There's four portions in there already.
- Is the snapper ready? - No.
- I mean, come on.
- I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, Chef.
- It's terrible! - I know.
- Come on, guys.
- I-- I-- Captain, it's terrible! I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, Chef.
Adam, take over, please.
I'm horrified right now, because I don't want to be the mean kid who thinks that he can do better at something than the other, but I also want to help out my team.
- Red Team, come here.
- Yes? You three want to win, right? So you need to think, all of you, "How's my team got a better chance of success? I've been on a lot of sporting teams where the captain's band has been passed many times.
I've been behind the line when the sous chef has taken over from the head chef.
But let me tell you something, I am not going through that again like I did with the appetizers, because it's embarrassing.
Captain, what do you think? Do you think you can lead this team to success? Look at me.
You need to tell me the truth.
What's best for you and your team? Adam to be the team captain.
Now, if you don't want to be the team captain, tell me, and we'll go to Evan.
I'll take it on.
Cydney: I'm a little bit upset that we're changing roles right now, but I can't stay being team captain if it's going to overwhelm me this much.
Cydney, this is not giving up.
This is being smart and being strong.
Put this behind you and become a strong member of the team.
- Let's go.
- Yes, Chef.
We can pull it back together.
Cydney, get your next tray of gnocchi going.
Adam: I know that we need to step up.
We have to be a stronger team.
We have to communicate more.
But if I step up as captain and fail, I definitely know I'm going home no matter what.
Get everything ready for plating.
Announcer: While newly appointed team captain Adam tries to get the Red Team back on track for entree service Keep going, guys.
We got this.
Shayne, that skin is perfectly crisp.
- Do it every time like that.
- Shayne: Thank you.
the Blue Team is thriving under the leadership of Captain Justise.
- That looks beautiful.
- Thank you.
- Service, please.
- Shayne: We're doing good, guys.
Let's go.
Justise: This is really stressful, but I got our communication running and I got the pedal on the bike going.
Gordon: I want the best-looking plate, Justise.
Yes, Chef! These VIP guests think that we're adults.
So we need beautiful plates with beautiful textures, and everything has to be perfect, so that all those guests out there say, "Dang!" Get those plates out! Hurry, let's go! Table five, thank you.
- Very nice.
- Shayne: Good job, guys.
You guys are doing a good job.
Keep it up.
Service! Announcer: Meanwhile, Captain Adam has the Red on the rebound from their poor start to entree service.
First Red table, please.
Thank you.
- We're now up on a four top.
- Good job, guys.
Make sure you have everything coming out correctly.
Now that I've taken over, service is running a lot more smoothly.
We are having a lot less bumps in the road, a lot fewer breakdowns, and I think that we're finally starting to get back on track.
- I'm really proud of you.
- Thank you.
You're taking the lead, you're stepping up, you're talking to your team.
- You keep going, okay? - Yes, Chef.
It would mean so much to win this challenge and prove the the judges that I'm not only a good leader, but a top competitor, and that I deserve to be in the semi-finals.
Service, please.
Snapper to table two.
Red Team, good job.
You've got a two top followed by a four top! Keep it going! Announcer: As the Red Team continues to thrive under the leadership of Captain Adam Justise: Shayne, how much longer on that fish? - 30 seconds.
- Come on, Jasmine.
Speed.
Let's go.
Just put it up here, Shayne.
- Let's go, Shayne.
- Shayne, come on.
the pace of service set by Captain Justise has thrown off the timing of the Blue Team.
Hey.
Stop! - It's under.
- It's under? I've got more chance of it swimming, it's that alive.
- Yes, Chef.
- Just touch that.
- That is-- - That's what? - It's still cold.
- Here in California, that's what they call sushi.
Seriously.
Look! Put it back in the sea! Come on! Hey, captain, just touch that.
I've got more chance of it swimming, it's that alive.
- Yes, Chef.
- Put it back in the sea! That's got more chance of survival in there than it has on your plate.
- Yes, Chef.
- Are we done? No, Chef! Young man, can you cook a piece of fish? - Yes, Chef! - Then do it.
- Yes, Chef.
- Dear, oh, dear.
Let's go, Shayne.
Come on.
I thought that Shayne was going to do great at the fish, but he's slowing our whole team down now.
He needs to get on that fish, get it quickly done, have the perfect flavor, and get it up here ASAP.
- Hurry, Shayne.
I need it.
- Yes, Chef.
Announcer: While the Blue Team rushes to get completed orders out to the waiting VIPs Shayne, remember, crispy skin.
- Cydney, you-- - Sorry.
I'm so sorry.
I've got all the fish coming! 30 seconds! You've got to clean up.
You've got to go.
Captain Adam is driving the Red Team across the finish line.
Oh, man.
Just stop.
- It's just not cooked.
- I'm sorry, Chef.
Stop.
I don't want you to start a new one.
This is where we are.
- I'm sorry.
- Oh, my goodness.
Please stop crying.
We may be down, but we are not out.
- That goes back in the pan.
- Yes, Chef.
I can't believe I undercooked that fish.
That could cost us this entire challenge.
I need to step it up fast.
- How long, Adam, please? - Like, one minute.
Announcer: Out in the dining area, the VIP guests are tasting their entrees and filling out comment cards with critiques of today's service.
Blue Team did a much better job with this one, I think, than the scallops, even.
The texture is beautifully done.
The crispness of the skin and the nice flaky texture of the actual fish is really nice.
Justise: Hurry, Shayne.
I need it.
Looking good.
You're basting that perfectly.
The Red Team's fish is cooked perfectly from the skin to the texture of the fish-- the temperature.
This is an excellent dish by the Red Team.
I can't get enough of this gnocchi, so-- That's the piece of gnocchi I've ever had.
Gordon: Let's go, Red Team! - One minute on fish! - Come on, come on.
Just make something spectacular.
Let's go! I think the Blue Team up till now has done a phenomenal job.
The snapper, unfortunately, is a little bit soggy in the skin, and the gnocchi itself is a little gummy.
But I think the Blue pulled off some phenomenal flavors and I'm still rooting for them.
I think the Red Team's red snapper is actually very delicious.
I love the sweet from the tomatoes and the saltiness from the capers.
It's awesome.
Gordon: Last table, guys.
Let's go! Service, pick up, please.
Very nice.
Beautiful.
Go, go, go.
Now do you understand the importance of working as a team? - Yes, Chef.
- Gas off, clear down, and drink some water.
Justise: Last dish finally goes out and our plates look beautiful! I'm proud of my team! We might have had some raw fish, and we might have had no brains for a little bit, but in the end we had every element of the dish beautifully cooked and I think that we might have just done enough to get ourselves into the semi-finals.
1, 2, 3, Blue Team! Christina: Guys, you got to push through.
Blue Team's done.
You can do this.
Service, please.
My apologies, these are late.
Go, please.
Pick up, go.
Right, Red Team, come over, please.
You know that wasn't your best performance, right? Yes, Chef.
I just expected better, that's all.
Now, that was a tough service.
Have a debrief and clear down.
- Yes, Chef.
- Yes, Chef.
I'm so relieved that service is over.
I'm happy that I took on the responsibility of team captain, but it was a lot of stress.
We got our dishes out and we did what many kids couldn't do.
It wasn't out best, for sure, but it wasn't our worst.
It definitely wasn't out best.
I think it was my worst.
( applause ) How are we? Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience, thank you for your time, and more importantly, your feedback.
Now, are you ready to meet your incredible home cooks who made your incredible lunch today? Yes? Please may I present the Red Team and the Blue Team.
( cheering ) Gordon: Guys, welcome! Line up.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is "MasterChef Junior!" - Right! - ( cheering ) What an amazing surprise, right? This is very inspiring to see these VIP guests' faces to find out that we're kids.
It really just shows that people might underestimate us, but we can cook some mean dishes.
Now, unfortunately, even though both teams did a fantastic job this afternoon, this is still ultimately a competition, and there can only be one winning team.
We talked to our very special guests today, we tasted all your food from the appetizers and the entrees as they left the kitchen, and we saw how you worked together as a team.
We saw how the captains performed.
And we decided that the winning team for this extraordinary lunch today is going to be decided back in the MasterChef kitchen.
- I called it! - That's right, because it is too big a decision, and Christina and I need to sleep on it.
Cruel.
Say a big thank you to our esteemed guests.
Thank you! Ladies and gentlemen, it has been an absolute dream cooking for you.
God bless.
Thank you so much.
Red Team, Blue Team, let's go.
Thank you, guys.
Evan: The Red Team, we had our ups and downs, but it think we did enough to get into the semi-finals.
The pressure is killing me.
I just want to know.
Gordon: Welcome back, guys.
Please, come on down.
Thank you.
I'm hoping that I led my team to victory, and that we are going to make it into the semi-finals.
But I am so scared right now.
Adam: I'm happy that I took on the responsibility of team captain.
I lost both of the team challenges where I was team captain, and I'm ready to win one as one.
Yesterday, it was sink or swim, as you all cooked an incredible lunch at the MasterChef pop-up restaurant.
We know it wasn't easy.
Both teams had their ups and downs, but you all did an amazing job.
Yes, Chef.
The reality is that in a team challenge, there can only ever be one winning team.
And ultimately, we have reached a decision.
The team that will be safe tonight the team that is through into the semi-finals congratulations to - the Blue Team.
- Yes! - Oh, my gosh.
Oh, my God.
Cydney: Good job, you guys.
- Good job.
- Good job.
Yay! The Blue Team just won.
I led my team to victory.
We're going to the semi-finals.
This is a dream come true.
Blue Team, well done.
Solid performance.
Yes, you had your bumps, but the feedback from our diners, the level of attention to detail across those dishes, was slightly more positive than the Red Team.
Congratulations.
Top four.
Amazing.
Please, head up to the balcony.
- Well done.
- Good job, guys.
Good job.
- ( giggling ) - Yay! Now, as you know, we studied everything very closely yesterday, and there's some good news for one of you.
Based on your performance yesterday, one of you will be joining Justise, Jasmine, and Shayne in the semi-final of "MasterChef Junior".
Cydney: I need to stay in this competition.
I want to go to the semi-finals more than anything in the whole world.
I didn't do my best work, but I really tried hard.
The young home cook that's moving forward into the top four of "MasterChef Junior" Evan: I've come so far in this competition, and I have not been able to show everything I'm made of, and I am not ready to go home.
that person is I stepped up as team captain.
I've shown myself in the past, and I really want to make it to the finale and win this.
congratulations - Adam.
- ( sobbing ) Please, say good-bye to Evan and Cydney.
- I'm going to miss you guys.
- We'll miss you, too.
I am so relieved to be saved, but I'm really sad for Cydney and Evan.
They're amazing chefs and I hate to see them leave.
Cydney and Evan, two powerhouses.
- We've had some fun, right? - Yes, Chef.
We've had a lot of fun, come on.
Christina: I think for both of you, the thing that I hope you take is that it's not about winning or losing, it's about the journey.
If you ask me, you both won.
Evan, I mean-- blew us away week by week, proved that you're a strong student, a passionate guy, a great teammate, a great friend.
Yes, Chef.
Cydney, young lady, you've done a phenomenal job.
- Thank you.
- Stand strong.
Continue baking.
This is not the last we've heard of Cydney.
Christina: No, not at all.
Come up and say good-bye.
Come on.
- Let's go.
- Good job, guys.
- You guys did amazing.
- Come here! Stay sharp, little buddy.
You're going to be so good.
- Going to miss you.
- You're going to be great.
- Take care.
Bye-bye.
- Bye, guys.
See you soon.
Take care.
- Bye, guys! - Bye! - Good job, guys.
- Good job, Evan.
Good job, Cydney.
Even though I didn't get the MasterChef trophy Ruin the hair.
( laughter ) I am proud of myself.
We did it, guys.
We did it.
( gasps ) I came into this competition a nervous wreck.
What the-- aw, man! But I have grown so much as a chef, but also as a person.
Gordon: Good job.
You guys did great.
Evan: I've learned so many new skills.
Whoa! I've learned a whole new level of communication and teamwork.
Christina: The Red Team! Congratulations, guys.
And I am happy that I came here.
Yes! I live in Brooklyn, New York.
So we're kind of like soul sisters.
Yeah.
I got to cook for my idol, Christina Tosi.
Any gal that looks at rice and sees dessert is one to watch.
Nice job.
This has been the best thing that has ever happened to me.
I think we've got the next Christina Tosi on our hands.
And I am sad to leave, but I am happy that I made such amazing friends.
- Bye! - Bye! Announcer: Next week it's the "MasterChef Junior" finale.
In a two-hour "MasterChef" special This is it! the top four will battle it out for a place in the ultimate showdown ( cheers, applause ) where they'll face culinary legends Please welcome - Wolfgang Puck - ( cheers, applause ) and Martha Stewart! for the title of America's MasterChef Junior.
The winner is
in a high-stakes challenge I think it's under.
It looks a little bit bloody.
- that led - Cydney.
to a surprise elimination.
- You are safe.
- What? - Miss Piggy, your time is up.
Dun dun dun.
Au revoir! Tonight, the competition kicks into high gear Captain, four scallops away, table one.
- Yes, Chef! - Come on, let's go! as the top six run the kitchen Way overcooked.
in their most intense team challenge yet.
Justise: A pop-up restaurant? Two of Gordon's dishes? The pressure is on.
Cydney, let's go, then! I'm not sure if she can handle the stress.
Are you okay? Cydney? - Yeah! - Hi, everybody.
- Hi! - Welcome.
Come on down to the front.
Let's go.
Cydney: It feels amazing to be in the top six of "MasterChef Junior.
" - Are we good? - Yes, Chef! Excellent.
I'm the youngest kid left, and I want to show that maybe a 10-year-old girl like me can win the biggest cooking competition in the whole world.
Guys, welcome back again to the incredible MasterChef kitchen.
The next obstacle between you and that MasterChef trophy is a team challenge.
- Yes! - Ahh! Here's the good news.
The winning team will officially make it into the semi-finals of "MasterChef Junior.
" - ( cheering ) - Oh, my God.
For this next challenge, you'll be working in two teams of three.
And today, we will be picking the teams.
( groaning ) Christina and I have thought a lot about this, and our first captain is someone who has amazing ideas and incredible cooking skills.
Please step up here and pick up your apron Cydney, you are captain of the Red Team.
- Thank you.
- Thank you, my darling.
Cydney: I'm a team captain! I'm really excited, but I have never really been captain of anything before.
This is hard to put on.
So my biggest competition is probably myself.
The Blue Team captain is someone who has continually impressed us throughout this competition.
Please come on up here, Justise, captain of the Blue Team.
Justise: I'm so excited.
I really want to be a team captain, I haven't been team captain, and this is great opportunity for me to show the judges that I can be a great leader.
I've really got to give it my all, I've really got to stay confident, and I got to lead my team to victory.
The first person to be on Cydney's Red Team is Evan.
Well done.
Please put your apron on, young man, and go and join Cydney.
For the Blue Team, to complement Justise's leadership style-- Shayne.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
The final choice to complete the Red has a great palate-- Adam.
- Well done.
- Thank you.
Last, but certainly not least, it's Jasmine.
Come on up and get this apron.
- Thank you.
- Yes.
I know that being a team captain is a lot of pressure, so I think that Cydney might have a little bit of a hard time dealing with the stress, but if she can pull herself together, she can really lead us to victory.
I'm sure you're all dying to know what the challenge is.
Yes, Chef! - Well, it's a big surprise.
- ( groaning ) Come on, you six are talented.
You're going to have to go with the flow, ride the wave.
Oh? Christina, why don't you drive the Red Team? Oh, no! - I'll take the Blue Team.
- Yeah! - Are we ready? - Yes, Chef! - Let's go! - Let's do this, guys.
- Ha ha! - Whoo! Right here! Christina's team, may I suggest wearing helmets as well, please? ( all laughing ) ( shrieking ) Go, Gordon, go! Oh, my goodness! This is so fun! I never thought I would be riding a dune buggy with Gordon Ramsay.
Oh, my God! It is really, really crazy right now.
I mean, he's going so fast and doing doughnuts.
I'm just like, "Please don't flip over.
Please don't flip over.
Oh, my God, this is so cool, but please don't flip over.
" Go, Gordon! Christina's sort of an out of control driver.
I'm not sure if she drives like this normally, but is she does, you better take away her license.
Whoo! Whoo! It's insane! Hey! Right.
Christina: Seatbelts off! - Line up, please, guys.
- It is so pretty here.
The sand, the blue water-- it's beautiful.
The waves are crashing, the dolphins are splashing.
It couldn't be a more perfect day.
Right, quick question.
Who's the best driver? - Gordon! - Thank you very much.
- Thank you.
Right.
- Gordon! All of you, welcome to this beautiful, breezy Californian beach.
Excited? Yes, Chef! This is, of course, the site of your next team challenge.
And, guys, it doesn't get any bigger than the MasterChef pop-up restaurant.
- Wow.
- This afternoon, you six very talented young home cooks will be making an incredible Pacific oceanside lunch for our packed pop-up restaurant.
The movers and shakers attending today's lunch are Los Angeles restaurateurs, amazing chefs, food writers, and journalists.
Today you know that we will accept nothing but your absolute best work.
Yes, Chef! And just one more thing.
The VIP guests this afternoon have no idea kids are cooking today.
They think all the food is being made my grown-ups.
We want you to prove that in the culinary world, age means nothing.
You all ready to find out what's on the menu? Yes, Chef! - Follow us.
- Let's go.
Announcer: The menu our junior chefs will be cooking today consists of an appetizer of pan-roasted scallops with polenta cakes and fried quail eggs, and an entree of pan-seared red snapper with purple potato gnocchi and a chorizo saffron lemon broth.
I'm personally going to show you how to make these.
First up, an incredible appetizer-- seared scallops, the most amazing polenta, and then finished with delicious fried quail's eggs.
Yeah.
When you crack the quail's eggs, tap gently, and then point very carefully.
You bring the pan up to temperature and you let them sit there.
Polenta in at 12:00.
Why 12? - So you know when to flip them.
- Exactly that.
Tilt the pan like that.
Spoon underneath and flip over.
Make sure you got a nice color on them.
From there, scallops in 12:00.
Gordon is moving so fast right now.
The secret of cooking these scallops is quick.
Very carefully, finger on, and flip over.
My head is spinning like a hamster on a hamster wheel right now.
When it comes to plating, scallop first.
From there, polenta on.
Scallop on.
We call this shingling.
Eggs go on the polenta.
- What's next? - The vinegar.
Exactly that.
Cydney: Watching Gordon demo his dishes, it seems super complex.
Finally, beautiful sauce.
Gordon Ramsay just makes it look easy.
I'm thinking, "How in the world are we supposed to make this?" And there we have seared scallops with quail's egg, polenta croutons, and a nice fresh salad of snap peas.
- Yummy.
Wow.
- Next up, a delicious entree.
What's the first thing we focus on? - The snapper.
- The snapper.
Snapper, exactly.
Get the pan nice and hot.
Put the snapper in skin side down.
We just sear it gently.
And then from there, back over, and that goes onto the back.
From there, chorizo, chopped shallots, garlic in.
Adam: Watching Gordon is amazing.
There's so many different components and he's moving so fast.
Wait, you put, um-- Shallots and garlic, chorizo.
We are ready to go.
Gnocchi in.
These will take literally 45 seconds.
If you don't get everything right, you could be going home fast.
We put it on the plate with a bit of finesse, okay? - Yes, Chef.
- Fennel on the bottom.
From there, around with the garnish.
Take your fish and sit that on top of the fennel.
Then, finally, just spoon that broth over.
And there we have a delicious pan-seared snapper with purple potato gnocchi and chorizo saffron lemon broth.
- Beautiful.
- Wow.
All right, guys, our guests will be arriving soon.
You're going to have one hour to strategize, cook, and serve all of your scallop appetizers, then another hour to serve all of your red snapper entrees.
Christina and I are going to talk to all of the guests today, and ultimately, Christina and I will decide on the winning team.
But remember, what's at stake? A spot in the what? Semi-finals! Your one hour starts now! Let's go! - Christina: Go, guys! - Go, go, go, go, go! Gordon: Let's go! Good luck.
Okay, Jasmine, get onto the polenta cake.
Shayne, I know I can trust you with breaking the quail eggs and all that.
I'm going to go ahead and get started on the scallops and I'll get that salad done.
You need to focus on what you have to do and I want everybody talking-- We have to get this on point, serve it to the VIP guests, and make it to semi-finals.
1, 2, 3, Blue Team! Um, okay.
I think I'm going to do-- wait.
Here, let me think about this.
I am a bit worried about Cydney being team captain because she's not the loudest, and you have to have a voice, otherwise your team is going to sink.
Adam, I'm going to have you on the scallops.
- Scallops.
- Evan, I'm going to have you on the eggs.
I'm going to do the cakes.
- Is everyone okay with that? - Yes! - Let's go! - Are you sure? 1-- - 2, 1, Red Team! - Here we are, MasterChef pop-up restaurant team challenge, the last team challenge for these young home cooks, and we chose the captains today.
Justise on the Blue Team, and captain of the Red Team, Cydney.
It's about time Cydney popped.
She's in the top six, so it would be nice for her to step up and lead the Red Team to victory.
Got it, Chef.
We got this.
We got it, guys, okay? Justise, captain of the Blue Team, we know she's a great team player, but we've never seen her be a team captain.
- Can she take the lead? - Gordon: She can diverse, she's competitive, and I can't wait to see how she handles Jasmine and Shayne.
Get pans hot.
Whatever pan you need, get it on the stove immediately.
Do not waste a second.
For me, the biggest and the most important thing today, is to make sure that our guests have got no idea that 10 to 13-year-olds are cooking their lunch today.
100%.
But the question is, can they pull it off? We got this.
We got to show them that we can do this.
Cydney: Come on, you guys! We need to do our very best! Announcer: Further down the beach, the VIP guests begin arriving at the pop-up restaurant, and they are unaware that their meal is being prepared by junior home cooks.
Right, Red Team away.
One two top.
- Okay! - After a two top, we go one four top away.
- Yes, Chef! - Thank you.
- All right, Blue Team.
- Yes, Chef! First orders in.
Fire your first two top.
- Okay.
- Yes, Chef! All right, let's go.
- The polentas are burning.
- Right there, right there! Cydney, be careful of polenta.
- Okay.
Oh! - It's burning.
- Cydney, work-- - I can't flip these.
I can't flip them.
Use the palette knife.
Palette knife.
- Okay.
Sorry.
- Use this, use this.
I'm not sure if Cydney can get these polentas out properly.
I can't flip these.
She's not really using the right techniques, and I'm not sure if she can handle the stress.
Come on, you got to start.
These are spitting at me and they're overcooked.
We need to ditch those right now.
The pan's too hot.
They're burnt.
They're all-- hey, Red Team, look.
Evan: Yes, Chef? They're burning.
Yes, Chef, I'm sorry.
Polenta cakes are some of my favorite things, and now they're ending up all burnt, and it's just really getting to me.
Evan: Cydney, you can't leave the polenta.
I know.
I'm getting it.
- Use the palette knife! - I am! Use one finger on top and one finger on the flip.
- It's too hot.
- Adam: If necessary, take it off-- - Is it burnt? - Yes.
- They're burnt.
- Why do I keep burning these? Polenta, how long, please? Evan: They burnt, so she had to restart.
Cydney: I just burnt them.
- Gordon: I'm sorry.
They burnt? -Yes - Again? - Yes.
Gordon: Get a grip, guys! This is not going well for me.
Gordon: This is a joke.
Oh, man.
Announcer: In today's challenge, our junior home cooks are running a beachside pop-up restaurant.
Guys, the semi-finals! You want to get there, you got to push yourself today.
The pressure is on as both teams rush to complete Cydney, how long on polenta? Cydney: About one more minute.
their first orders of an elegant appetizer-- pan-seared scallops with polenta cakes an quail eggs.
I had a plate ready! I don't know where it went! - Shh, shh, shh.
- Cydney, that didn't help.
You don't have to get upset at everyone.
I know.
I'm sorry, okay? I'm just stressed.
Adam: Cydney, those are burning.
Watch 'em.
I know! Okay.
Cydney, polenta, how long, please? - What? - Cydney, how long? - I don't know.
- Take your time.
Take your time.
You can do this.
- ( Cydney groans ) - All right, stop.
Stop, stop, stop.
- These are burnt again.
- Stop, stop, stop.
Come on, we can do this.
You're not going to give up.
- Yes, Chef.
- Why are they burnt? Because I'm having a hard time flipping them.
Okay.
You got to hold it together.
Why? - Because I need to-- - Look at your apron.
What are you? - Today I'm team captain.
- Do you want to be a team captain? - Yes, Chef.
- Step up and start acting - Okay.
Yes, Chef.
- like a captain.
I really want to stay strong for Gordon right now after this talk.
I'm just going to try to pull my team together to give out the best dishes that we can.
Okay, we got our polenta cakes done.
- How are we doing, you guys? - Adam: Good! I'm getting ready for plating, okay? Announcer: While Cydney and the Red Team regroup and try to complete their first order - Whew! - Watch out, watch out.
the Blue Team is also behind on their first table, as team captain Justise struggles with cooking the scallops.
Blue Team, how are we looking? What time? - What do we got? - The scallops are almost done.
What's going on here? Justise, these are no good.
You got to use less oil than that, okay? Let's get rid of them.
This is terrible.
The main part in this dish is scallops.
If they're not cooked right, we're going to lose this challenge.
See how they're already starting to turn translucent? 30 seconds, girlfriend.
It's been 30 seconds.
Flip.
Go, go, go.
C'mon Jasmine, we got to keep an eye on them, okay? We don't have time to redo them.
Scallops are like the diamonds of the sea, so we have to make sure that they're perfect.
Justise, you got to watch those scallops.
- I was.
- Don't take your eyes off of them.
All right, guys, I have some polenta! We have the salad, we have the eggs.
Justise, how long on those scallops? Justise: They're right behind me.
I got to fix it and be a team leader right now.
I got to get my head in the game and I got to give them perfectly cooked scallops that look beautiful and get our team into the semi-finals.
This is the first two top from the Blue Team, going to table six, please.
Justise: Come on, guys, let's go.
Very nice, by the way.
Service, please.
Table one, please, thank you.
Announcer: While both kitchens move on to their next orders, in the pop-up restaurant dining room, the VIP guests eagerly await a meal worthy of the MasterChef label.
I've been covering Hollywood for many, many years, and been to several Gordon Ramsay events.
So, obviously, my standards are extremely high today, and I expect those expectations to be exceeded.
- Thank you.
- Man: I'm a staff writer at "People Magazine," and part of my duties, I often cover a lot of events like this.
So, I definitely am expecting there to be some fantastic food today.
I know Gordon has some really high standards, so I'm hoping it's delicious.
Announcer: As the first few tables of VIPs start to enjoy their appetizers, both teams are rushing to get their next orders in.
Cydney: How much longer on the eggs? Ugh! This one messed up.
- Ugh! - Adam: Evan, you got to get it.
But in the Red kitchen, Evan is starting to crack over the quail eggs.
Ugh! I think that punctured the yolk.
- You need help on cracking? - Nope.
Got it.
Ugh.
I manhandled that one.
Evan is like Humpty Dumpty right now.
Oops.
He keeps cracking all the eggs.
I keep breaking them.
Come on, you can't do this anymore, Evan.
Evan: They're still just breaking.
What am I doing wrong? I just want to crack a quail egg on Evan's head right now.
- Eggs ready, yes? - Um, not yet.
They keep breaking-- Hey, don't give me excuses.
Give me quality.
Evan: These quail eggs are super hard.
If I don't get these eggs right, then I could be going home.
Hey, come here.
Team.
Team, team, team, team.
What is wrong with Evan's pan? - They're completely blistered.
- It's too hot.
You need to encourage each other, you need to help each other, and, you, how many is going? - Um, we need 12 eggs.
- 12 eggs.
- How many have you got? - I've got eight eggs.
And they're way overcooked and they're fried and they're crispy.
That looks like my grandma's knickers-- way too hot.
Announcer: While Evan and that Red scramble to get their next appetizers out Shayne, these quail eggs-- not good, buddy.
the Blue Team is starting on their final table.
But Shayne is having his own issues.
This is a pan that's too hot.
Look at this.
Garbage, okay? We're throwing them all out and you've got to start again.
You got to keep moving.
Jasmine: Don't have it too hot, and not too cold.
Let's have it on medium heat, okay? Got to keep your eye on this.
This is your team.
You're leading this team.
You got to get in the game.
Justise: A whole plate of quail eggs in the trash can.
Now he has to restart.
This is going to put us way behind.
- Gentle.
- Scallops, please.
- Yes, Chef.
- Polenta, please.
- Eggs, please.
- They keep-- Scallops, please.
Polenta, please.
Eggs, please! Eggs, please! Man! These quail eggs, they're so hard to get right.
They break so easily.
It's like a little tiny pebble.
How does anybody eat these? Let's go, Blue Team! Shayne, you got this! Let's hurry up with those eggs! - Eggs, please, young man.
- I'm working on it, Chef.
At this rate, it would be quicker hatching a little chicken.
- Shayne, come on! - I'm working on it! - Oh, my God, Shayne.
- Come on, let's go.
- How long for the eggs? - Justise: Oh, my goodness.
Shayne the Train is derailing right now.
This is terrible.
Shayne: This is not going good.
This is not going as planned.
- How long for the eggs please? - We're running out, Chef.
- What does that mean? - How are you running out of eggs? Because they all broke.
This is crazy.
We are way behind.
We need those quail eggs.
Shayne better get those done.
- I'm getting more.
- Man! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
We're nine eggs short.
Thank you.
- We're nine eggs short! - I'm getting it, Chef.
Let's go, Shayne! Announcer: While Shayne and the Blue Team try to hatch a plan to finish appetizer service on time - Shayne, I need eggs now! - I'm working on it.
Cydney and the Red Team are also trying to push out their last table.
Christina: All right Red Team, we gotta get this last four top out.
Get it going.
- Let me get this in.
We're missing the eggs.
You're missing the Quail Eggs.
Evan, where are those quail eggs? I'm trying to get as many out as I can.
Okay.
Cydney: How much longer? Do you need help? They're coming.
Evan: They're just eggs.
Why can't I do them? I can't let this ship sink over eggs.
Adam: We need four eggs, that's it.
Four eggs? I have six right here.
- Oh, you do? - Hot pan, hot pan.
Hot pan.
Hot, hot, hot, hot.
This is the very last appetizer table.
Come on, guys.
You got to push.
We're running out of time.
Here we go.
What do we say? - Order! Order! - Order! Server! - Christina: Service! - Cydney: Server! Table four, four scallops, please.
All right, Red Team, we're going to set for the entree.
That red snapper is a complicated dish.
Get your notes, get together, and get planning for that entree.
In the entree round, Cydney needs to definitely step up her game and communicate more.
Are you confident that you you can do the chorizo? If she doesn't, we're definitely not making it to semi-finals.
Blue Team, Blue Team, we're one table short.
- I've got two minutes to go.
- Yes, Chef.
- FYI, Red Team are finished.
- Yes, Chef.
Shayne: I am still struggling right now getting these eggs cooked.
This is not good.
Gordon: Eggs, please, young man.
Shayne: They're not going to cook in time.
- How long, please? - Four minutes.
Four minutes? Serve it without the eggs.
Let's go! Serve it without the eggs, guys.
Thank you.
Go.
- Hey, line up.
- Yes, Chef.
Oh, my goodness.
What happened to our team spirit? I've seen you guys cook way better.
And you wanted me to hold that table back, Shayne? - No, Chef.
- We can pull this back across the entrees.
- Yes, Chef! - But we need to talk as a what? Team! Can you have a 30-second brief and get together? Yes, Chef! Justise: We had no communication.
With the entree round, we have to talk every second.
I'm sorry if I was not a leader, and I want everybody to feel that we did good this challenge, but we have little things we can fix.
Because if we don't, there's trouble ahead.
We have to stick together as a team.
Announcer: As both teams strategize for the upcoming entree service, the last of the VIP guests are finally getting to enjoy their appetizers.
Scallops is one of my favorite dishes, but the Red Team on this dish? Amazing.
The Red Team nailed it.
From the quail egg to the scallop, it's seasoned perfectly.
So much flavor.
The appetizers-- A-plus.
That is so good.
- This looks great.
- That looks beautiful.
- Wow.
- Yeah.
Woman: The Blue killed it on presentation.
Denny: Knowing Gordon Ramsay's standards, the Blue Team, I feel, really reached his standards, and the execution of the scallop dish with the runny yolk, I think they're doing well so far.
I've been covering food for a long time.
I think Team Red really served up a very pretty plate of food.
This is the kind of food that I would expect from Gordon Ramsay.
It's got a certain level of refinement.
My scallops are cooked pretty well.
I love scallops.
And I really love the creaminess of the quail egg against the polenta.
Very delicious.
Red Team did a pretty darn good job to start.
Three? I got two.
You got one.
You got three.
I noticed I was missing eggs.
Everybody else has multiple eggs.
I only have one.
And some of the scallops seem a little bit differently cooked, but the plate is beautiful and it smells delicious, so I still have high hopes for the Blue Team.
That could have been much better.
Yes or no? Yes, Chef! Both teams, raise your game.
Right.
Entrees.
Are we ready? Yes, Chef! Your time starts now.
Let's go.
Captains, vocal.
Let's go! - Red snapper on! - I'll start snapper.
Shayne, fish! Get it on now, Shayne.
- Get it on now.
- It's going on.
Gordon, having gone through the appetizer service, listen, it was a rocky road.
There's no sugarcoating it.
Now, setting themselves up for success in this red snapper entree-- It's not as intricate as the appetizer.
This is a simple format.
You need one person nailing the snapper, cooked skin side down for 90% of the time, one on the garnish, one on the sauce.
Whoever's on the sauce should be coordinating the plating.
This is hot.
Hot, hot, hot.
But those flavors, the fish cook, the entree, they need to be tasting every single thing about it, because the elegance of this dish is in the preparation.
The first batch of chorizo is done.
Gordon: Blue Team, two top away.
Get four more snapper in one minute before those other two snapper are cooked so it's all moving.
- Let's go.
- So, Jas, you're going to help me.
If I need something, then you got to help me with this because it's got to cook down.
Shayne, if you need help, you tell Jasmine.
She's going to help you.
Jasmine, whatever we need for plating, I need you to do that.
Justise voice is very, very strong, and she has a clear plan.
Shayne, I want you to focus on that fish.
That's your number one focus.
And I really think that she's a good team captain and can lead us to victory.
Young lady, right here.
I heard your voice come out just now.
- You keep it there, okay? - Yes, Chef.
How long for the first table, Justise? - Six minutes.
Yes, Chef.
- Hurry up.
Announcer: While Captain Justise and the Blue are having a strong start to entree service Guys, we need to fire this gnocchi over.
It's not looking hot.
Captain Cydney and the Red Team continue to struggle.
You got to get it together, girlfriend.
All you're doing at this point is searing gnocchi, and you got to show me you know how to do it.
- Yeah, I'm just getting-- - You got to do it.
Adam: We're just a few minutes into entree service, and Cydney is already breaking down again.
From past team captain experiences, I know that we really need a strong captain right now.
Otherwise, we're just going to fall.
Cydney, how many bits of gnocchi have you got? - What? - That's too much gnocchi for one portion.
Five pieces of gnocchi for one.
Oh.
All right, Chef.
There is a lot of stress on me being team captain.
I'm so tired, I'm getting frazzled, and I'm feeling like I'm about to drown in the ocean right now.
What is she doing? No, no.
What? I just turned off the heat.
- Okay, okay.
- Oh, man.
Just stop.
Put it down.
Put it down.
There's four portions in there already.
- Is the snapper ready? - No.
- I mean, come on.
- I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, Chef.
- It's terrible! - I know.
- Come on, guys.
- I-- I-- Captain, it's terrible! I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, Chef.
Adam, take over, please.
I'm horrified right now, because I don't want to be the mean kid who thinks that he can do better at something than the other, but I also want to help out my team.
- Red Team, come here.
- Yes? You three want to win, right? So you need to think, all of you, "How's my team got a better chance of success? I've been on a lot of sporting teams where the captain's band has been passed many times.
I've been behind the line when the sous chef has taken over from the head chef.
But let me tell you something, I am not going through that again like I did with the appetizers, because it's embarrassing.
Captain, what do you think? Do you think you can lead this team to success? Look at me.
You need to tell me the truth.
What's best for you and your team? Adam to be the team captain.
Now, if you don't want to be the team captain, tell me, and we'll go to Evan.
I'll take it on.
Cydney: I'm a little bit upset that we're changing roles right now, but I can't stay being team captain if it's going to overwhelm me this much.
Cydney, this is not giving up.
This is being smart and being strong.
Put this behind you and become a strong member of the team.
- Let's go.
- Yes, Chef.
We can pull it back together.
Cydney, get your next tray of gnocchi going.
Adam: I know that we need to step up.
We have to be a stronger team.
We have to communicate more.
But if I step up as captain and fail, I definitely know I'm going home no matter what.
Get everything ready for plating.
Announcer: While newly appointed team captain Adam tries to get the Red Team back on track for entree service Keep going, guys.
We got this.
Shayne, that skin is perfectly crisp.
- Do it every time like that.
- Shayne: Thank you.
the Blue Team is thriving under the leadership of Captain Justise.
- That looks beautiful.
- Thank you.
- Service, please.
- Shayne: We're doing good, guys.
Let's go.
Justise: This is really stressful, but I got our communication running and I got the pedal on the bike going.
Gordon: I want the best-looking plate, Justise.
Yes, Chef! These VIP guests think that we're adults.
So we need beautiful plates with beautiful textures, and everything has to be perfect, so that all those guests out there say, "Dang!" Get those plates out! Hurry, let's go! Table five, thank you.
- Very nice.
- Shayne: Good job, guys.
You guys are doing a good job.
Keep it up.
Service! Announcer: Meanwhile, Captain Adam has the Red on the rebound from their poor start to entree service.
First Red table, please.
Thank you.
- We're now up on a four top.
- Good job, guys.
Make sure you have everything coming out correctly.
Now that I've taken over, service is running a lot more smoothly.
We are having a lot less bumps in the road, a lot fewer breakdowns, and I think that we're finally starting to get back on track.
- I'm really proud of you.
- Thank you.
You're taking the lead, you're stepping up, you're talking to your team.
- You keep going, okay? - Yes, Chef.
It would mean so much to win this challenge and prove the the judges that I'm not only a good leader, but a top competitor, and that I deserve to be in the semi-finals.
Service, please.
Snapper to table two.
Red Team, good job.
You've got a two top followed by a four top! Keep it going! Announcer: As the Red Team continues to thrive under the leadership of Captain Adam Justise: Shayne, how much longer on that fish? - 30 seconds.
- Come on, Jasmine.
Speed.
Let's go.
Just put it up here, Shayne.
- Let's go, Shayne.
- Shayne, come on.
the pace of service set by Captain Justise has thrown off the timing of the Blue Team.
Hey.
Stop! - It's under.
- It's under? I've got more chance of it swimming, it's that alive.
- Yes, Chef.
- Just touch that.
- That is-- - That's what? - It's still cold.
- Here in California, that's what they call sushi.
Seriously.
Look! Put it back in the sea! Come on! Hey, captain, just touch that.
I've got more chance of it swimming, it's that alive.
- Yes, Chef.
- Put it back in the sea! That's got more chance of survival in there than it has on your plate.
- Yes, Chef.
- Are we done? No, Chef! Young man, can you cook a piece of fish? - Yes, Chef! - Then do it.
- Yes, Chef.
- Dear, oh, dear.
Let's go, Shayne.
Come on.
I thought that Shayne was going to do great at the fish, but he's slowing our whole team down now.
He needs to get on that fish, get it quickly done, have the perfect flavor, and get it up here ASAP.
- Hurry, Shayne.
I need it.
- Yes, Chef.
Announcer: While the Blue Team rushes to get completed orders out to the waiting VIPs Shayne, remember, crispy skin.
- Cydney, you-- - Sorry.
I'm so sorry.
I've got all the fish coming! 30 seconds! You've got to clean up.
You've got to go.
Captain Adam is driving the Red Team across the finish line.
Oh, man.
Just stop.
- It's just not cooked.
- I'm sorry, Chef.
Stop.
I don't want you to start a new one.
This is where we are.
- I'm sorry.
- Oh, my goodness.
Please stop crying.
We may be down, but we are not out.
- That goes back in the pan.
- Yes, Chef.
I can't believe I undercooked that fish.
That could cost us this entire challenge.
I need to step it up fast.
- How long, Adam, please? - Like, one minute.
Announcer: Out in the dining area, the VIP guests are tasting their entrees and filling out comment cards with critiques of today's service.
Blue Team did a much better job with this one, I think, than the scallops, even.
The texture is beautifully done.
The crispness of the skin and the nice flaky texture of the actual fish is really nice.
Justise: Hurry, Shayne.
I need it.
Looking good.
You're basting that perfectly.
The Red Team's fish is cooked perfectly from the skin to the texture of the fish-- the temperature.
This is an excellent dish by the Red Team.
I can't get enough of this gnocchi, so-- That's the piece of gnocchi I've ever had.
Gordon: Let's go, Red Team! - One minute on fish! - Come on, come on.
Just make something spectacular.
Let's go! I think the Blue Team up till now has done a phenomenal job.
The snapper, unfortunately, is a little bit soggy in the skin, and the gnocchi itself is a little gummy.
But I think the Blue pulled off some phenomenal flavors and I'm still rooting for them.
I think the Red Team's red snapper is actually very delicious.
I love the sweet from the tomatoes and the saltiness from the capers.
It's awesome.
Gordon: Last table, guys.
Let's go! Service, pick up, please.
Very nice.
Beautiful.
Go, go, go.
Now do you understand the importance of working as a team? - Yes, Chef.
- Gas off, clear down, and drink some water.
Justise: Last dish finally goes out and our plates look beautiful! I'm proud of my team! We might have had some raw fish, and we might have had no brains for a little bit, but in the end we had every element of the dish beautifully cooked and I think that we might have just done enough to get ourselves into the semi-finals.
1, 2, 3, Blue Team! Christina: Guys, you got to push through.
Blue Team's done.
You can do this.
Service, please.
My apologies, these are late.
Go, please.
Pick up, go.
Right, Red Team, come over, please.
You know that wasn't your best performance, right? Yes, Chef.
I just expected better, that's all.
Now, that was a tough service.
Have a debrief and clear down.
- Yes, Chef.
- Yes, Chef.
I'm so relieved that service is over.
I'm happy that I took on the responsibility of team captain, but it was a lot of stress.
We got our dishes out and we did what many kids couldn't do.
It wasn't out best, for sure, but it wasn't our worst.
It definitely wasn't out best.
I think it was my worst.
( applause ) How are we? Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience, thank you for your time, and more importantly, your feedback.
Now, are you ready to meet your incredible home cooks who made your incredible lunch today? Yes? Please may I present the Red Team and the Blue Team.
( cheering ) Gordon: Guys, welcome! Line up.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is "MasterChef Junior!" - Right! - ( cheering ) What an amazing surprise, right? This is very inspiring to see these VIP guests' faces to find out that we're kids.
It really just shows that people might underestimate us, but we can cook some mean dishes.
Now, unfortunately, even though both teams did a fantastic job this afternoon, this is still ultimately a competition, and there can only be one winning team.
We talked to our very special guests today, we tasted all your food from the appetizers and the entrees as they left the kitchen, and we saw how you worked together as a team.
We saw how the captains performed.
And we decided that the winning team for this extraordinary lunch today is going to be decided back in the MasterChef kitchen.
- I called it! - That's right, because it is too big a decision, and Christina and I need to sleep on it.
Cruel.
Say a big thank you to our esteemed guests.
Thank you! Ladies and gentlemen, it has been an absolute dream cooking for you.
God bless.
Thank you so much.
Red Team, Blue Team, let's go.
Thank you, guys.
Evan: The Red Team, we had our ups and downs, but it think we did enough to get into the semi-finals.
The pressure is killing me.
I just want to know.
Gordon: Welcome back, guys.
Please, come on down.
Thank you.
I'm hoping that I led my team to victory, and that we are going to make it into the semi-finals.
But I am so scared right now.
Adam: I'm happy that I took on the responsibility of team captain.
I lost both of the team challenges where I was team captain, and I'm ready to win one as one.
Yesterday, it was sink or swim, as you all cooked an incredible lunch at the MasterChef pop-up restaurant.
We know it wasn't easy.
Both teams had their ups and downs, but you all did an amazing job.
Yes, Chef.
The reality is that in a team challenge, there can only ever be one winning team.
And ultimately, we have reached a decision.
The team that will be safe tonight the team that is through into the semi-finals congratulations to - the Blue Team.
- Yes! - Oh, my gosh.
Oh, my God.
Cydney: Good job, you guys.
- Good job.
- Good job.
Yay! The Blue Team just won.
I led my team to victory.
We're going to the semi-finals.
This is a dream come true.
Blue Team, well done.
Solid performance.
Yes, you had your bumps, but the feedback from our diners, the level of attention to detail across those dishes, was slightly more positive than the Red Team.
Congratulations.
Top four.
Amazing.
Please, head up to the balcony.
- Well done.
- Good job, guys.
Good job.
- ( giggling ) - Yay! Now, as you know, we studied everything very closely yesterday, and there's some good news for one of you.
Based on your performance yesterday, one of you will be joining Justise, Jasmine, and Shayne in the semi-final of "MasterChef Junior".
Cydney: I need to stay in this competition.
I want to go to the semi-finals more than anything in the whole world.
I didn't do my best work, but I really tried hard.
The young home cook that's moving forward into the top four of "MasterChef Junior" Evan: I've come so far in this competition, and I have not been able to show everything I'm made of, and I am not ready to go home.
that person is I stepped up as team captain.
I've shown myself in the past, and I really want to make it to the finale and win this.
congratulations - Adam.
- ( sobbing ) Please, say good-bye to Evan and Cydney.
- I'm going to miss you guys.
- We'll miss you, too.
I am so relieved to be saved, but I'm really sad for Cydney and Evan.
They're amazing chefs and I hate to see them leave.
Cydney and Evan, two powerhouses.
- We've had some fun, right? - Yes, Chef.
We've had a lot of fun, come on.
Christina: I think for both of you, the thing that I hope you take is that it's not about winning or losing, it's about the journey.
If you ask me, you both won.
Evan, I mean-- blew us away week by week, proved that you're a strong student, a passionate guy, a great teammate, a great friend.
Yes, Chef.
Cydney, young lady, you've done a phenomenal job.
- Thank you.
- Stand strong.
Continue baking.
This is not the last we've heard of Cydney.
Christina: No, not at all.
Come up and say good-bye.
Come on.
- Let's go.
- Good job, guys.
- You guys did amazing.
- Come here! Stay sharp, little buddy.
You're going to be so good.
- Going to miss you.
- You're going to be great.
- Take care.
Bye-bye.
- Bye, guys.
See you soon.
Take care.
- Bye, guys! - Bye! - Good job, guys.
- Good job, Evan.
Good job, Cydney.
Even though I didn't get the MasterChef trophy Ruin the hair.
( laughter ) I am proud of myself.
We did it, guys.
We did it.
( gasps ) I came into this competition a nervous wreck.
What the-- aw, man! But I have grown so much as a chef, but also as a person.
Gordon: Good job.
You guys did great.
Evan: I've learned so many new skills.
Whoa! I've learned a whole new level of communication and teamwork.
Christina: The Red Team! Congratulations, guys.
And I am happy that I came here.
Yes! I live in Brooklyn, New York.
So we're kind of like soul sisters.
Yeah.
I got to cook for my idol, Christina Tosi.
Any gal that looks at rice and sees dessert is one to watch.
Nice job.
This has been the best thing that has ever happened to me.
I think we've got the next Christina Tosi on our hands.
And I am sad to leave, but I am happy that I made such amazing friends.
- Bye! - Bye! Announcer: Next week it's the "MasterChef Junior" finale.
In a two-hour "MasterChef" special This is it! the top four will battle it out for a place in the ultimate showdown ( cheers, applause ) where they'll face culinary legends Please welcome - Wolfgang Puck - ( cheers, applause ) and Martha Stewart! for the title of America's MasterChef Junior.
The winner is