Episode 20

Finals week continues, and the three chefs left standing are in for an absolute treat as they head off for an Italian adventure that will change the way they think about food forever – cooking for one of the world’s greatest culinary minds.

Their first stop is Brunico in South Tyrol – a picturesque town that is home to a restaurant that has become a destination for experiencing food widely regarded as the future of gastronomy: Atelier Moessmer. It’s here that chef patron Norbert Niederkofler presents his ‘Cook the Mountain’ philosophy that has won him praise all over the globe and was awarded three Michelin stars within four months of opening – a world record. Chef Norbert’s approach involves cooking in harmony with nature and prioritising ingredients and producers within the immediate Alpine region. This means finding substitutes for produce such as citrus fruits and preserving foraged food so it can be used throughout the year. Norbert’s larder includes over 300 wild herbs, reflecting the scale of what the mountains have to offer, and his no-waste philosophy ensures each ingredient is used to its maximum potential.

The contestants are in culinary heaven when they are given a masterclass by Norbert himself, who showcases a few of his technically complex dishes, all of which deliver a stunning array of flavours. The finalists need to soak it all in, as Norbert wants them to cook their own dish that both represents his philosophy and meets his impeccable standards. In search of further inspiration, they head into the mountainous region to forage ingredients for themselves from a vast natural larder.

The adventure continues on day two with the opportunity of a lifetime as the finalists become Norbert’s brigade for a lunch service, delivering two-star tasting dishes to a room full of diners – including Marcus, Matt and Monica. These plates include elements such as a risotto flavoured with pine oil and catfish garnished with grated beef heart, and will no doubt be some of the most demanding dishes the finalists have ever prepared. Everything must run like clockwork. And each of them must grab this daunting task by the horns if they hope to impress Norbert.

Nobody is leaving the competition today. Armed with ideas from this trip, the chefs will have to deliver next-level food going forward, as they head back to the MasterChef kitchen for their final battle for the coveted trophy.