Brent Draper won Master Chef Australia 2023 by winning $250,000.
She defeated fellow Queenlander Rhiannon Anderson with 63 points on 52 points.
For Draper, who withdrew from Series 13 citing mental health issues, it was a triumphant personal victory.
The final grand cook began with a challenge to “Cook a dish that tells a story” as set by Melissa Leong.
Brent cooked a pork chop with a tamarind ketchup glaze, roasted cabbage and gravy, to 29 points.
Rhiannon served a crispy pork belly with citrus caramel, fennel-orange salad, and crispy shallots, scoring 25 points.
The second round ably saw the arrival of French pastry chef Amaury Guichon who will be co-host Sweet masters for 10 at the end of this year. She unveiled a pressure test of a “Pocket Watch” dessert made of chocolate and coffee. But it turned out to be a busy 5.40 hour cook with both dishes flawed.
While Brent didn’t nail a sugar dome, the taste was praised, scoring 34 points.
Rhiannon had accidentally dubbed some of her chocolate element with criticized textures, at 27 points. As runner up she wins $40,000. Third place Declan wins $10,000.
The show also paid an emotional tribute to Jock Zonfrillo’s last appearance following his tragic death in April, even with candid behind-the-scenes footage.
“Forget it for Jock Zonfrillo…”
Casting is now open for 2024.
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This post updates.
