Masterchef: United Tastes of America episode 1 recap: The Northeast take over

Gordon Ramsay, Aaron Sanchez, and Joe Bastianich are back for the 13th season of MasterChef on FOX. This season sees an exciting new twist where home cooks from the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West are battling it out in MasterChef: United Tastes of America. Let’s dive into episode one.

Gordon Ramsay hits the stage to announce that the Northwest will have their feet to the fire. He introduces guest judge Daphney Oz and says they have 45 minutes to cook their best dish and must get three yeses in order to get a white apron. Personally, while Gordon Ramsay is loud and intimidating, I think Joe scares me the most. He has that calm demeanor about him that his no’s feel so harsh.

Who got a white apron from the Northeast region on MasterChef: United Tastes of America?

Richie made Crispy Skin Salmon. He was the first person to get the white apron. He received yeses from Gordon, Daphney, and Aaron, while Joe gave him a no.

Nina made Venison & Bok Choy Dumplings. While she impressed Gordon and Daphney, Joe stated, “He wasn’t drinking the cool aid” from the others because he said it wasn’t understanding the praise Gordon and Daphney gave her. We get the drama-filled moment where Aaron gives her the third yes.

Purvi made Vanilla Bundy Cakes with Indian flavors. The first person to give her a yes was Joe, which was the first yes he’s given in the episode. She was the first person to receive yeses from all the judges.

Brynn made Harissa Black Seabass. She became the second person to receive yeses from all the judges. While they found imperfections in the meal, they all loved the potential that she had.

Our last chef that got an apron was Ryan. A recovering addict that works in construction, but true passion is cooking. He made Steak and Eggs. I’ll say this, his story is inspiring, and I will be rooting for Ryan to make it far in this competition. While Aaron said no, Joe, Daphne, and Gordon said yes.

Overall, I liked the newly added twist to MasterChef: United Tastes of America. That said, I wish the dishes were kind of more honed in on the region they are representing. Also, while Eddie didn’t make it through, Joe approaching him and saying he would take him under his wing in New York was a delightful moment seeing a more vulnerable side of Joe. I can’t wait for the next episode.

MasterChef: United Tastes of America episode one is available on FOX now.