Finals week continues on MasterChef: The Professionals, with just three of the country's most exciting chefs still in with a shot at the title. Their culinary minds will be blown as they cook for one of the world's most exciting talents in a remote setting that will take their breath away.
The contestants are whisked away to the town of Baltimore, in County Cork, Ireland, home to the two Michelin-starred Turkish restaurant, Dede. The restaurant is run by trailblazing chef Ahmet Dede, who delivers the finest Turkish and Irish seasonal produce on plates that celebrate both cultures. Many of the plates come from Ahmet's cherished memories growing up and are very close to his heart. Cuisine this unique will be a first for the final three, who will start their journey by catering a lunch for some specially invited guests. Before they can do this, the finalists need to understand Ahmet's ethos.
Chef Ahmet himself will cook a few of his favourite dishes in an outdoor kitchen. These include an extraordinary kebab dish and a recipe that combines the finest Irish beef with flavours from the Ottoman Empire. The level of detail here is off the scale, and the plates require a delicate touch like no other.
Armed with inspiration, the finalists will then travel to Inish Beg, a private island estate with over 97 acres of spectacular woodland and gardens. Outdoor kitchens have been set up in the stunning walled garden, from which the finalists will need to prepare lunch for Ahmet's family and friends. Their own lunch menu will include plates of food inspired by the earlier masterclass that are based on their passions and memories. A selection of the finest local ingredients is available, along with a larder packed with some of Ahmet's Turkish favourites. Cooking with live flames, at the mercy of the Irish weather, will no doubt add extra pressure to an already stressful situation.
The finalists will need to find their feet quickly, as they will be thrown in at the deep end, joining Ahmet's elite brigade of chefs for a lunchtime service. They will each be responsible for two dishes from Dede's tasting menu, which can sometimes take the most experienced chef months to master. This includes a dessert inspired by his daughter - so nobody will want to let him down.
Today's diners include Marcus, Monica and Gregg, who will expect their chosen finalists to deliver to the two Michelin standard. Every mouthful matters at this stage, as the hunt for this year's champion is almost at an end.
