About this season
The hunt for a young chef who wants to make it to the top of the culinary world.
Episodes (20)
1. Week 1, Day 1
Aired 25 August 2008 • 30 min
Michel Roux Jnr and Gregg Wallace hunt for a young chef who wants to make it as a chef. The usual “versatility test,” using provided ingredients to create, in 50 minutes, two dishes of the chef’s choice. Then the “classics test,” preparing two well known dishes, although we will learn in the series that some chefs have not made some of these before.
2. Week 1, Day 2
Aired 26 August 2008 • 30 min
Two dishes in 50 minutes using haddock as the central ingredient before re-creating a Wild Mushroom Risotto and Macaroons.
3. Week 1, Day 3
Aired 27 August 2008 • 30 min
Two dishes in 50 minutes from the central ingredient of lamb, then they must recreate two classic dishes, Sole a la Meuniere and Barquettes aux Abricots
4. Week 1, Day 4
Aired 28 August 2008 • 30 min
Two dishes in 50 minutes from the central ingredient of chicken, then they must recreate two classic dishes, Omelette aux Fine Herbs and Profiteroles.
5. Week 1, Quarterfinal
Aired 29 August 2008 • 30 min
A quarter final, with the four winning chefs from the week's heats cooking two courses of their own design for three restaurant critics.
6. Week 2, Day 1
Aired 1 September 2008 • 30 min
Two dishes in 50 minutes from the central ingredient of seabass, then they must recreate two classic dishes - Eggs Florentine and Rhubarb Tart.
7. Week 2, Day 2
Aired 2 September 2008 • 30 min
Two dishes in 50 minutes from the central ingredient of duck, then they must recreate two classic dishes Skate a la Grenobloise and Oeufs a la Neige
8. Week 2, Day 3
Aired 3 September 2008 • 30 min
Two dishes in 50 minutes from the central ingredient of pork, then they must recreate two classic dishes Lobster Bisque and Coffee Dacquoise
9. Week 2, Day 4
Aired 4 September 2008 • 30 min
Two dishes in 50 minutes from the central ingredient of squid, then they must recreate two classic dishes; Ballotine of Guinea Fowl and Millefeuille.
10. Week 2, Quarterfinal
Aired 5 September 2008 • 30 min
A quarter final, with the four winning chefs from the week's heats cooking two courses of their own design for three restaurant critics.
11. Week 3, Day 1
Aired 8 September 2008 • 30 min
Two dishes in 50 minutes from the central ingredient of rainbow trout, then they must recreate two classic dishes - Pork Robert and Poires Belles Helene
12. Week 3, Day 2
Aired 9 September 2008 • 30 min
Two dishes in 50 minutes from the central ingredient of beef sirloin, then they must recreate two classic dishes - Bouillabaisse and Tarte Tatin
13. Week 3, Day 3
Aired 10 September 2008 • 30 min
Two dishes in 50 minutes from the central ingredient of poussin, then they must recreate two classic dishes - Fish Quenelles with a Beurre Blanc and Mango Sables
14. Week 3, Day 4
Aired 11 September 2008 • 30 min
Two dishes in 50 minutes from the central ingredient of prawns, then they must recreate two classic dishes - Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli with Pesto and Zabaglione
15. Week 3, Quarterfinal
Aired 12 September 2008 • 30 min
A quarter final, with the four winning chefs from the week's heats cooking two courses of their own design for three restaurant critics.
16. Finals Week: Semi Final 1
Aired 15 September 2008 • 30 min
The first two winners of the final six go head to head for a place in the final three. First they cook at the two Michelin starred Gidleigh Park under chef Michael Caines and then create a perfect dish in the Masterchef kitchen - only one can go through.
17. Finals Week: Semi Final 2
Aired 16 September 2008 • 30 min
The second two winners of the final six go head to head for a place in the final three. First they cook at the two Michelin starred Vineyard at Stockcross under chef, John Campbell, and then create a perfect dish in the Masterchef kitchen.
18. Finals Week: Semi Final 3
Aired 17 September 2008 • 30 min
The last two winners of the quarter finals go head to head for a place in the final three. First they cook at the Michelin starred Hibiscus under chef, Claude Bosi and then they create a perfect dish in the Masterchef kitchen.
19. Final: Day 1
Aired 18 September 2008 • 30 min
It's the penultimate show and only three chefs are left. They face two challenges: create an amuse bouche and petit fours, and then cook for five top restaurateurs.
20. Final: Day 2
Aired 19 September 2008 • 30 min
It's the final show and the three chefs face their most daunting task yet. First they have to cook for 30 of the best chefs in Europe and three former Michelin inspectors. Then they have to cook their best three course meal in the Masterchef kitchen and the champion is crowned.