MasterChef: The Professionals contestants 2016 felt the heat in the kitchen this week as another six chefs made it through to the quarter finals. Blogger Monica Turnbull shares all the action from week two.

Week two saw judges Monica Galetti, formerly of two Michelin star restaurant Le Gavroche, and Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing whittle down the talented contestants and set more tricky skills tests.

On Tuesday Monica, who set the second fishy skills test, asked chefs to prepare a sea bass ceviche with a tiger’s milk marinade. Cue confusion and a concoction of chopped and cooked fish.

Chef Dale, 29, was informed by Monica that his fish filleting was “callous” while Marcus said: “in my opinion it’s not a ceviche; all I can taste is orange.”

However 28-year-old, self-taught chef Kirsty, impressed with her version, despite Marcus pointing out a “lack of training” in her work. She went on to impress with her signature dish of duck breast. Monica commented: “I have eaten a lot of Asian dishes in this competition and none have been as good as this.” High praise indeed!

Tuesday night also brought the usual helping of raised eyebrows from the judges, including during Marcus’s skills test in which chefs cooked varying versions of pork chop with a crème fraiche and tarragon sauce.

Scottish chef Dick, 29, was left despondent, saying: “I managed to get something on a plate but not what I envisioned.” Marcus, said his was “a classic case of nerves” after he failed to perfect his pork chop.

The signature dishes did impress in parts, though. Dale was told there was “a lovely cleanness about this plate” while despite some fishy presentation (whoever thought they’d see a dish of John Dory on a sand-filled plastic box?) Dylan’s food was tasty enough to save him.

After the mostly mouth-watering tasting session, Monica and Marcus cut down the competition and sent home Dick, Romanian chef Claudio and, I thought, shockingly, Matt.

Wednesday night was slightly sweeter, although some chefs were left with egg on their face…

Monica’s skills test stumped two chefs when they were asked to cook poached eggs and asparagus with a Maltese sauce.

Indian chef Rohan managed to salvage his dish, keeping a cool head which impressed the judges. Marcus said: “I love the attention to detail. I think that level of respect for ingredients is a massive reflection of what is on the plate.”

However 27-year-old Harrison left Monica rubbing her face in despair after curdling his

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eggs. He managed to plate up a miniscule second batch of sauce but Monica claimed: “it is wrong. There’s not a bit of sweetness in there.”

Onto the signature dishes and it was Andrew who stole the show. His offering of lamb three ways: lamb wellington, faggots and a cutlet received the highest praise with Marcus describing it as “exquisite”.

The judges decided it was Harrison, Rohan and Joe who should leave the competition. Andrew – keep an eye out for him, viewers – Arnaud and Australian chef Brenton went through to the quarter finals.

Thursday night’s quarter final saw the contestants reinvent the classic British dish fish and chips, with some strange plates being put before the judges.

Brenton’s deep fried lemon sole was supposed to be served with a courgette flower with pea mousse. I’ve never seen fish and chips served with courgette, have you? However, the courgette never made it to the plate.

Dylan was criticised for presenting small pieces of fish and Arnaud was told that his dish was “a good attempt.”

After the reinvention, Kirsty – whose croquettes didn’t quite make the cut – and Dylan were asked to leave.

The remaining four chefs were then asked to cook for critics Jay Rayner, William Sitwell and editor of The Independent, Amol Rajan, who proved to be a harsh judge, with Sitwell describing him, at one point, as a “fuss pot.”

Dale, who had impressed with his reinvention of fish and chips, was a surprise disappointment. His fish was said to be under cooked and Amol Rajan described his vegetables as “arid”. When trying the chef’s chocolate fondant, Sitwell gave an unimpressed “ugh”. In summing up, the critics said the presentation looked professional but it wasn’t good.

Masterchef: The Professionals UK 2016 Judges

Again Andrew impressed with his pan-fried fillet of cod with a chorizo crust and sweetcorn veloute. Jay Rayner said: “Rarely do I think I want the recipe for this, but I want to know how this is made.” And William Sitwell praised Andrew’s banana milkshake.

Monica and Marcus decided it was Dale’s time to leave. While after impressing, Andrew was put through to the quarter finals, as was Arnaud and despite presenting a lacklustre lobster, Brenton made it through.

Six more chefs face the MasterChef kitchen next week to battle for their place in the quarter finals.

By Monica Turnbull

Twitter: @Monica_Turnbull

>>> Read more about MasterChef: The Professionals 2016 here

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