MasterChef Season 10 winner: Combining a story with substance

The MasterChef Season 10 winner has been crowned. In a spirited finale cook, one home cooked showcased a three-course meal worthy of a MasterChef journey.

In the biggest season ever, the MasterChef Season 10 winner earned the title in last night’s finale. The three finalists, Dorian, Nick and Sarah, have proved that they are more than the timid home cooks from the audition rounds. But, can these three finale dishes earn one of them the coveted MasterChef title?

Throughout MasterChef Season 10, there has been much talk about this season being bigger, better and badder than ever. Even the finale was the show’s 200 episode. From huge celebrity chefs to insane challenges, these three finalists really had to prove themselves.

Since the three finalists were able to plan their own three course menus, these menus needed to express their point of view but also show their progression through the competition. Of course, each menu was very, very different.

It would be curious to know if the home cooks receive guidance or parameters on the menu planning. For example, can only one person use scallops or can everyone use the same proteins in the same course? Given the variety in each course, it seems like there is no duplication.

MASTERCHEF: L-R: Contestants Sarah, Nick and Dorian in the “The Finale, Parts 1 and 2” special two-hour season finale episode of MASTERCHEF airing Wednesday, Sept. 18 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. © 2019 FOX MEDIA LLC. CR: Greg Gayne/FOX.

Also, the finale is slightly different from other challenges. Instead of just being a great dish, the home cooks need to prove that they could step into a restaurant cooking world. Again, they are showing the transformation from home cook to professional chef.

The appetizer round was indicative of the MasterChef finale’s direction. From conceptional plating to simplicity, the dishes reflected each cook.

Nick had a dish that was completely conceptional. The de-constructive beer pong was quite unusual. While the soft shell crab was lovely, the dish wasn’t necessarily the sum of its parts.

The elements, while prepared well, didn’t quite come together. In a way, the dish was more about the visual and the story, not the food.

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Dorian took a more simple approach, which made sense for her point of view. The seared scallops were divine and her plate was composed. That simple, rustic food speaks to her, but did she do enough or risk enough.

Sarah took a risk with flash fried octopus, a technique that isn’t often seen. While she executed parts of the dish well, the chorizo was a miss and her portion was a little large. Again, it was good but was it good enough.

As the three finalists begin the entrees, any MasterChef fan is waiting for the twist. This finale cannot be just as simple as three cooks executing the perfect meal.

MASTERCHEF: L-R: Contestant Sarah and judge Joe Bastianich in the “The Finale, Parts 1 and 2” special two-hour season finale episode of MASTERCHEF airing Wednesday, Sept. 18 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. © 2019 FOX MEDIA LLC. CR: Greg Gayne/FOX.

Mid-cook, Gordon announces that one cook would be eliminated after the entrée round. This decision sets up a big dessert battle, but also seemed to give an advantage to the eventual winner.

Dorian’s dish continued her rustic theme and homage to her mother. While she lightened the traditional roast, it wasn’t perfect. Her plating was off and she needed more sauce, but her dish was good.

MASTERCHEF: Contestant Nick in the “The Finale, Parts 1 and 2” special two-hour season finale episode of MASTERCHEF airing Wednesday, Sept. 18 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. © 2019 FOX MEDIA LLC. CR: Greg Gayne/FOX.

Nick had the most unusual plating, serving the food on a book. While conceptional can be entertaining, going too far makes for mistakes. This dish was easily the most visually arresting dish, but visuals don’t earn titles.

The “All Nighter” had issues. Aaron’s bass was very undercooked, the bass itself was a little sweet and the squid ink puree was disjunctive.

Sarah choose to remake a dish that she presented in her audition. She had a beautifully cooked lamb, but the other elements of the dish were a miss. The vegetables needed more.

With elimination on the line, the cooking errors will not be overlooked. While Nick’s plate was visually arresting, extremely undercooked bass does not earn a person the MasterChef Season 10 winner title. Nick was eliminated.

For the dessert round, one dish separates Dorian and Sarah from the title. As details are revealed about the desserts, the finale outcome seems likely. Dorian’s plate is a clear nod to her mother. Unless she totally messes up the bake, the outcome seems likely.

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Dorian presents a tart, but it has a pound cake inside. It sounds like she took some inspiration from Zac Young’s PieCaken.

Still, Dorian executes this dessert beautifully. More importantly, the plate with her mother’s hands makes for a perfect MasterChef story. Although not necessarily a restaurant plated dessert, it is impressive.

Sarah’s chocolate decadence dessert was a restaurant dessert. While well-done, it wasn’t something necessarily new or different. It is similar to a dessert on many restaurant’s menus.

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In the end, the MasterChef Season 10 winner is Dorian. Although this information seemed to be leaked online, looking back at the season, it seemed likely. She had the transformation story, which is often what the program likes to show.

Still, Dorian presented a lovely meal and did earn the title. She didn’t make mistakes, she grew in the competition and she stayed true to herself. Hopefully, she inspires other to embrace a challenge and push themselves.

Do you agree with the MasterChef Season 10 winner choice? Which finale meal would you want to eat?