It’s episode 33 of MasterChef Australia 2023 and a service challenge has given four contestants a chance at Immunity.

During the June 21 episode, the Judges — Jock Zonfrillo, Andy Allen and Melissa Leong — joined the contestants at the Temple of Boom, an evocative reimaging of the ancient Greek Acropolis, at the National Gallery of Victoria. The flamboyant restaurant is a place for people to experience art, music, performances and now, food cooked by our MasterChef contestants.

Mentored by Shannon Bennett, In two teams of four, the home cooks were tasked with serving a main and dessert course to 30 dinners, with both inspired by Greek cuisine.

The Teams

The Red Team consisted of Theo, Brent, Declan and Malissa while the Navy Team had Adi, Cath, Rhiannon and Rue.

The Cook

Theo, who has a Greek background, took the lead in the Red Team, who decided on Braised Lamb Shoulder with Skordalia Sauce and a dessert of Galaktoboureko, a filo pastry with semolina custard, crushed walnuts and pistachios.

The Navy Team, led by Adi, decided on Seafood Stew with scallops, prawns, white fish and squid and a dessert of Greek Yoghurt Mousse with Roasted Apricots and Grapes.

“I’ll be gutted if the Navy team win,” Theo said, resting the expectations of the Aussie Greek community on his shoulders.

Main Judging

The Red Team delivered their main course to the Judges first, after a “Temple of Doom” setback with Declan’s potatoes.

The Lamb Shoulder with Skordalia, Oregano and Parsley Oil was heralded a success with Judge Mel saying they “smashed it”.

Jock said the “meat itself was fall-apart” and “delicious” and all the components together made him want more. Andy loved the Skordalia and was “happy”.

The Navy Team’s dish hit a challenge once service began after they failed to start cooking their seafood. However, once delivered to the Judges, Mel was blown away by the presentation.

All the judges loved how well the seafood was cooked, calling it “refined”.

Dessert Judging

After trying to torch the Filo, which turned bitter, the Red team decided to drizzle it with honey and lemon before serving to Jock, Andy and Mel.

Their dessert of Crème Brûlée Galaktoboureko with Fig and Honey Syrup was praised for Theo’s impressive Filo with all the judges concurring they’d “nailed” it.

Over on the Navy Team, Rue struggled with the Greek Yoghurt Mousse, while the Red Team had already finished serving.

When the Greek Yoghurt Mousse with Roasted Grapes, Honey Syrup and Spiced Walnuts was presented to the Judges, Mel said it wasn’t cohesive. Jock understood the intention but it was a “flavour battle”.

The Verdict

The Red Team of Theo, Brent, Declan and Malissa earnt a place in Thursday’s Immunity Challenge and naturally, Theo was thrilled! OPA!

MasterChef Australia airs Sunday – Thursday at 7.30pm on 10 and 10Play.

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