It’s episode 10 and the Grand Finale of Dessert Masters 2023 and the winner has been crowned!
After Kirsten Tibballs and Kay-Lene Tan were eliminated during episode nine, the final three were announced as Gareth Whitton, Reynold Poernomo and Jess Liemantara.
The three talented pastry chefs were vying for the coveted title of Dessert Master and a $100,000 prize — below a gantry filled with past contestants!
The Challenge
In the epic showdown, the contestants unleashed their top-notch pastry skills, each with a unique style and personal drive.
And the challenge? A demanding two-course dessert service for 15 diners, plus the judges.
The stakes were high with Melissa Leong and Amaury Guichon awarding up to 40 points per contestant and at the end of the service, the top scorer would be crowned the inaugural champion of Dessert Masters, taking home the epic prize money and of course, bragging rights!
Here’s what they cooked…
Course One
Reynold
“Floral” – Feijoa, Jasmine and Elderflower
Mel “loved the visual” and the difference in colour invites you to “dig and investigate” the dish, meanwhile Amaury said it was “a bit cold” for him given all the elements was frozen.
“This is not his best,” he said.
Gareth
Rhubarb Tart with Pepperberry Ice Cream
Amaury said the presentation was “very bistro style” but admitted it was his “type of dessert”. Mel said the cream on top was “luscious” and called it “smart and considered” cooking.
Jess
“Not so strawberries and cream” – Coconut sorbet, strawberry and Balsamic Chiboust
Mel said there was a “little bit of haste” in the presentation but it smelled incredible and when it came to tasting, Amaury’s dish was missing the balsamic chiboust filling.
Overall, Mel liked the insert because it had a “sweet and sour freshness” while Amaury wished his was complete so he could have the same experience as Mel.
Course Two
Gareth
Wattleseed and Chocolate Mousse with Pistachio, Apricot and Armagnac
Amaury said the layers were “well-defined” and he could see how much work had gone into the dish. Mel said it was a lot of combinations that go together and work well. Both agreed it was a “Dessert Masters dish”.
Jess
“Pink Petal” – Berries, blackcurrant and tea sorbet
Amaury thought it was very good, saying the jam had “life”; however, the texture of the sorbet was too grainy.
“Is this the redemption dish?” Mel asked. “I think it is.”
Mel thought the mousse was delicious and thought the petals were perfect, even though there were only 20.
Reynold
“Milk and Honey”
Mel said there was “a lot to love” about the dessert but was looking for more of a gel-like texture, rather than a jube. Amaury was a lot less forgiving, saying it was “another frozen dessert”.
The Judging
Jess
Course 1
- Mel – 6/10
- Amaury – 6/10
Course 2
- Mel – 8/10
- Amaury – 7/10
Final Score: 27/40
Reynold
Course 1
- Mel – 8/10
- Amaury – 7/10
Course 2
- Mel – 7/10
- Amaury – 6/10
Final Score: 28/40
Gareth
Course 1
- Mel – 9/10
- Amaury – 8/10
Course 2
- Mel – 9/10
- Amaury – 9/10
Final Score: 35/40
The Verdict
Gareth was named the winner of Dessert Masters 2023 while Reynold was named runner-up!
Bring on another season!
Want more Dessert Masters 2023 recaps? Click below!
Episode 1 / Episode 2 / Episode 3 / Episode 4 / Episode 5 / Episode 6 / Episode 7 / Episode 8 / Episode 9
Dessert Masters 2023 continues at 7.30 pm, Sunday – Tuesday on 10 and 10Play.
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