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Kate Bracks wins MasterChef Australia 2011!

Kate Bracks has won the series title of MasterChef Australia for 2011 over Michael Weldon.

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Kate Bracks has won the series title of MasterChef Australia for 2011.

The 36 year old mum from Orange, New South Wales defeated 25 year old film projectionist Michael Weldon from Adelaide.

She scored 87 points over Michael’s 84 points.

She wins $100,000 cash, restaurant training and a publishing deal for a cookbook.

The finale wrapped up the third season of the hit reality series for TEN.

The two-part finale consisted of three tests worth a total of 100 points.

Round One: Mystery Box Race (20 pts)
Michael: Steak & Oyster Pie
Kate: Balmain Bug & Crab Remoulade Salad.

With three Mystery Boxes to plough through Michael was on fire, but Kate struggled from the get go with the intricacies of the crab meat. The judges weren’t sure Kate’s crab was cooked enough. Michael’s carrots also let him down.

Michael scored 17 points.
Kate scored 15 points.

Round Two: Invention Test (40 points)
Kate: Sherry-Glazed Quail with roast and garlic custard, asparagus duxelle and hazelnuts.
Michael: Butter Poached Lobster with fennel, leeks and and champagne sauce.

Kate burnt a bamboo steamer but had extra custards to cover herself. Michael’s dish was considered simple and while the judges applauded his lobster they weren’t enamoured by leaving the roots of his leeks on the dish. The judges loved Kate’s quail and sauce but the custard had a smoky taste.

Michael scored 31 points (48)
Kate scored 36 points (51)

When the contest resumed after being rudely interrupted by The Renovators, it was time for the third and final challenge.

Round Three: Pressure Test
Guest Chef Rene Redzepi from Noma in Copenhagen brought them the toughest dish from his restaurant, a carrot sorbet “snowman.” It was an intricate three-layered dish. Kate lost a third of her puree and had to adjust her recipe. Michael nearly forgot to add some key elements to the dish. Plating up against the ticking clock was a nightmare for both. But the judges loved both desserts.

Michael scored 34 points. (82)
Kate scored 36 points. (87)

“I feel relieved I’ve made it to the end and I feel incredibly blessed to have this experience,” said Bracks. “I guess it means life will never be the same again for our entire family. It means there will be opportunities perhaps that I’ve never, ever dreamed of and it’s opened up a new door for my life.”

Gary Mehigan also offered Michael Weldon a three month scholarship at his own restaurant including a $10,000 wage.

“I walked into here today knowing that whatever happened I would be happy,” said Weldon. “Speaking to Callum Hann and Poh Ling Yeow I know how well they’ve done by coming second and I know I can do something great after MasterChef.”

The finale saw both finalists joined by their families, guest chefs, former MasterChef faces and the remaining 22 contestants from 2011.

This post updates.

69 Responses

  2. Congrats Kate and Michael!Even though I found this season of Masterchef a bit disappointing, the finale highlighted how much I actually like the show! Now I’m going to have withdrawals! 🙂

  4. Awesome news. I couldn’t stand Michael. He is still a kid inside a mans body. Sorry but its true. He has to grow up a bit.

    Well done Kate. Very deserving winner. Lowlight for the night was having to wait for a stupid renovation show. I switched the channel to Great Migrations because the Renovators suck.

  5. Gee… Was the final on tonight?? Thanks David for spoiling for me. Had been IQing for a while and was down to the final 24, before you spoilt it for me. Will leave it for a while before watching the finale (should’n it be “final”?) until I forget who wins, so can enjoy the suspense once again. Will now watch watch ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ (2010 series) – Prediction – am sure Cameron Henderson will win, but Justice Crew (who?) will be a household name a year from now (August 2011) – you heard it here first.

    1. Tony: events of this scale are reported across the media instantly, as they have been tonight. I have repeatedly reminded readers here I would join them and have kept site policy consistent on this matter so there is no confusion (see Top Pick). If you think I am holding back on one of the biggest TV events of the year while other newspaper sites are reporting it now then you are mistaken. If you are IQ-ing a show and coming to a TV blog before watching I think you have your priorities wrong.

  6. Yay! Julie won again! My bet for next years’ winner? Adam, v2!

    (Version 1 was quickly forgotten about, as soon as they found out he was slightly normal. Ew. How can you get television out of that? :()

    In other words: yawn.

  11. No big surprise, there seems to be the need to have the average aussie mum win the title over the better cook. You could tell that she was the producers choice to win a week ago. There is the need to have the average aussie mum win the title. So perplexing that the judges can say something is brilliant and they could eat it forever and blah blah, yet only score said dish an 8 out of 10

  12. Boo! Felt very contrived, and very biased toasted Kate I must say…. After making comments like “flawless” about Michael’s dish, Matt Preston gave him an 8? Come on. Felt very staged, and the winner was obvious as soon as they decided to read Michael’s scores first. Though I’ve watched the entire season, I must say Masterchef has deifinately lacked a certain ingredient this season. Hopefully with Shine taking over in 2012 they an re invigorate the show, and give it back whatever it has been missing this year.

  13. They had her earmarked for the title about two weeks ago. Her profile is good for the brand. Seems a nice person and obviously a good cook!

  16. Do we really need Another cook book by a mum? And is she really going to put that money towards opening a restaurant? Julie “Puddle Pie” Goodwin didn’t. Give me a break. Michael should have won so boo to the judges tonight. A long drawn out show with way too many ads. The producers need to pick up their game if there is to be a successful 2012 series.

  17. I watched for the first time this year (apart from the NY episodes), and it was quite enjoyable. I am keen to know how the ratings went, and how Renovators benefited…

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