Drama at the moment of elimination on "MasterChef": "I cannot tell you to go"
The moment of saying goodbye to contestants in a cooking competition is never easy, but this time judge Michal Ansky found it particularly difficult. Following a challenge featuring outstanding dishes, Bar Levi was eliminated, though he received a promising offer from chef Yuval Ben Neria.
This was the task Bar Levi had been waiting for since his return to the MasterChef kitchen. The youngest chef in the competition wanted to prepare a dish inspired by chef Yuval Ben Neria, with whom he feels a strong connection and in whom he sees a reflection of himself. It seemed the dumpling challenge was tailored for Levi, who shared during the episode that he once prepared over 50 dumplings for his girlfriend's mother's birthday.
However, this Sunday, his dish received the lowest score of 33 out of 40—a testament to the high standard of the competition—and he parted ways with the show. During the tasting, chef Ben Neria noted that the dish, a Thai chicken gyoza on tomato consommé with red chili, was surprising:
"The biggest surprise is the fat that fills the whole mouth. It is seasoned with curry, but not excessively."
At the moment of elimination, judge Michal Ansky admitted: "I cannot tell you to go." Chef Eyal Shani added: "You were on 'MasterChef' two years ago. I saw a spark then, and now there is a stable and beautiful tree. Be proud of yourself."
Perhaps the most significant compliment came from chef Ben Neria: "You have a place in the big kitchens; I would be more than happy to work with you. You have the potential to go far."
"Thank you for the opportunity; it is an honor for me to cook for chefs like you. It moves me every time anew. Contestants, I love you," Levi said in his farewell. "'MasterChef' will forever be a milestone and part of my identity. I just want to make delicious food, and I made delicious food."
