MasterChef: United Tastes of America EP3 Recap: The West is the cream of the crop

Last week I was slightly underwhelmed with what the Midwest brought to the table on MasterChef: United Tastes of America. However, we’re back this week with the West, who I hope will get the contestants back on track. Let’s take a look at who took home the white aprons this week.

Gordon Ramsay announced that the West is up to fight for five white aprons. This week Gordon, Joe, and Aaron were joined by guest judge Susan Feniger. Remember that each contestant has 45 minutes to cook their best dishes and will need three yeses to get the white apron.

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

Our very first contestant was Lizzie, a school teacher from Alaska who presented the judges a Roasted Alaskan Halibut. Right out the gate, our guest judge Susan loved the dish giving her her first yes. Aaron gave her a yes, but Joe gave her the final yes needed and gave her a massive compliment that said her dish is worthy of being copied. Gordon gave her a yes as well, giving her a clean sweep.

After quite a few lackluster dishes, we met Amanda, a stay-at-home mom that presented a Herb Crusted Halibut. She got two quick yeses from Susan and Gordon, but Aaron said the dish wasn’t enough for him, and gave her a no. While Joe was quite hesitant, Amanda pleaded with Joe, saying that she will work hard for this, and ultimately she was handed her the apron. Did we see Joe be a softy?

Our next contestant to join the white apron crew was Madam Donut, and yes, you read that right. All the way from Hawaii, she made an Ahi Tuna Musubi for the judges. Gordon broke down the good and bad of the dish but gave her a yes. The rest of the judges followed the praise, with all four giving her the yes.

We had Kennedy, who lives and travels in a school bus and was ready to prove it doesn’t matter where you live, but it’s just about how you cook. She made the judges Elk Tenderloin. Ramsay mentioned that elk is the most challenging protein to cook, and she absolutely nailed it. Everyone loved the dish and said she represented the region perfectly.

Our last white apron went to James from Portland, who made Glorious Gloria Crab Cakes. His story had me in tears, my goodness. Gordon said it was one of the best crab cakes he every tasted, and he got four yeses and I am planting my flag on rooting for him to win.

Overall, this week of MasterChef United Tastes of America bounced back with a strong group in the West. This brought the best dishes to the table, and I am really looking forward to rooting for James and Lizzie in the next phase. Next week the South will have its feet to the fire, this is the one I’ve been looking forward to the most.

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