Eneko and Álex played the final of MasterChef 11. Eneko got the duelist jacket after successfully passing the first test of the night, the classic “follow the chef” challenge; On this occasion, the finalists replicated a dish by renowned chef Toño Pérez with the difficulty of doing it with their backs turned to the guest’s instructions. Álex was the best in the outdoor test, after successfully cooking a menu proposed by Martín Berasategui.
After overcoming a massive casting and more than 30 applicants, the two have come face to face in the final duel of the eleventh edition of MasterChef. The duelists had the great challenge of proposing a complete menu made up of a starter, a main course and a dessert in which they had to reflect everything they had learned during the experience, their identity and their personal history.
Eneko appeared in the final duel with a menu inspired by the love of the family: “The love of my life is my wife. Our first trip was to Thailand and I wanted to reflect the flavors of that country in the starter”. A shrimp tartare marinated with citrus, crunchy coriander and lax shrimp soup. “It’s a dish like you: elegant, beautiful and defines the love that binds you to your partner,” said Jordi Cruz.
For the main course, Eneko cooked pigeon at a low temperature, pâté millefeuille and corn multispheres. “I have been the happiest child in the world. I have grown up in an incredible family”, commented the duelist. “I wanted to bring the tradition to the MasterChef 11 finale,” he added. A success: “It is a well-made dish, with a rich sauce and a perfectly cooked pigeon,” said Pepe Rodríguez.
Finally, Eneko made a white chocolate and allspice ice cream, matcha tea siphon cake, chocolate stones and cotton candy. “The dessert is called ‘The Future’. The door that he had closed before entering MasterChef. I hope this final marks my first steps in the world of cooking”, he explained. “Very rich. Excellent. Great job!” said Jordi Cruz.
For his part, Álex wanted to pay tribute to his loved ones with a marinated mackerel, spheres and crunchy olives, piparra gel and tomato water as a starter. “I never had much of a relationship with my father because he works a lot, but I discovered that we could talk and resume the relationship over vermouth at the bar,” he recounted excitedly. “I loved your plate, there is a lot of work. It is impeccable”, said Pepe Rodríguez.
Álex cooked marinated venison loin, marrow fritter, celeriac cream and mushroom salad as the main course, dedicated to his grandfather: “He was the one who made me forget about my phone and connect with the land of the town”. “The dish is fine, traditional and with modern touches”, commented Jordi Cruz. “It’s a set. There is excessive maturity to be 19 years old. I take my hat off!” added Pepe Rodríguez.
And for dessert, Álex made a chocolate sphere with Catalan cream foam, crumble and red berries in honor of his mother: “My mother has taught me how to cook at home. She has pushed me to study cooking ”. “I like it. It’s good, although it’s not a catalan cream; maybe English”, pointed out Jordi Cruz.
After the evaluation of the MasterChef jury, Eneko was proclaimed the winner of the eleventh edition of the culinary talent show. Accompanied by his pregnant wife and his two daughters, Eneko received the program’s trophy and a cash prize of 100,000 euros. In addition, he will have the opportunity to publish his own recipe book and train at the prestigious Basque Culinary Center University of Gastronomic Sciences, where he will be able to complete a master’s degree in Cooking, Technique and Product.
“Last year I saw María Lo win and now I am the winner of MasterChef 11. It is incredible”, declares the eleventh MasterChef winner. “A just and well-deserved victory”, Pepe Rodríguez said goodbye.
