MasterChef Australia, the beloved cooking competition show, has captured the hearts of millions for more than a decade. The show first premiered in 2009 and has since become a significant part of World television. With its sizzling ideas, mouthwatering dishes, and incredible culinary talent, the show has become a cult favourite. The humongous success of the show can also be credited to the beloved Judges panel who are both mentors and friends to the home cooks. After the sudden demise of the charismatic judge Jock Zonfrillo, watching this season became an emotional ride for many. As the finale episode was aired on Sunday with Brent Draper being announced the winner, the show also marks the last time we will see Jock Zonfrillo doing what he loved to do the most, being a judge on the show.
Jock Zonfrillo
Jock Zonfrillo is a Scottish-born chef who specialises in contemporary Australian cuisine. He joined the show as a judge in 2020 and quickly became a fan favourite with his straightforward yet insightful feedback. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, Jock Zonfrillo has made a significant impact on the contestants and his funny banter kept the co-judges entertained.
After his sad demise on April 30th, the airing of the show was delayed for a week to honour the late judge’s contribution to the show. The entire season 15 of Masterchef Australia was a way for fans, friends and well-wishers to experience the magic of Jock Zonfrillo one last time, especially because he loved to be a part of Masterchef Australia dearly.
The finale episode marked the last time people would witness Jock Zonfrillo’s magic on the show. After announcing the winner, the show paid tribute to the late culinary maestro in a heartwarming video that showed JocK’s special moments in the show. From the first time when Gordon Ramsay introduced Jock Zonfrillo to the audience and the contestants to big and small moments during the last four seasons. The video ended with a photograph of the entire Masterchef Crew along with the words, “Give it up for Jock Zonfrillo.” This was the line he repeated every time a contest was to leave the show. The video left us teary-eyed, reliving all the moments once again.
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Lauren Fried, wife of the late Chef posted on his account, how watching the Masterchef season finale has been a tradition in their family and she would continue to do so to honour Jock’s legacy. The video touched the hearts of so many people and gave them the courage to bid Jock the farewell he deserved.
The season finale
Like all other season finales, Masterchef 15 also had its patterns where two participants were in the final battle. After fighting the battle for more than 2 months, Brent Draper and Rhiannon Anderson picked their tools for the final face-off. After putting up a fierce fight, the 32- year old Brent Draper took the shining trophy and a whooping AUD 2,50,000 prize money in his hands.
Brent Draper participated in season 13 of Masterchef Australia but withdrew in the middle, prioritising his mental well-being. He again appeared on the show, once again impressing judges Andy Allen, Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong with his culinary skills, securing his place in the entire season.
During the ultimate challenge, Brent and Rhiannon were given the assignment of crafting a dish that conveyed a significant narrative to the judges Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong, and Andy Allen. Brent opted to recreate his initial creation of the season, which was a Tamarind and Miso Glazed Pork Chop with Roasted Cabbage and Salsa, earning a score of 29 points. On the other hand, Rhiannon drew inspiration from her departed mother and presented a dish of Crispy Pork Belly with a Citrus Asian Salad, garnering 25 points.
As yet another season of the seasoned Masterchef Australia comes to an end, it strengthens the belief in the power of food and how it brings communities together. Amid cheers and tears, the season bids goodbyes to all the food enthusiasts in the world, preparing to serve a delicious feast soon.
