The semi-finals are fast approaching on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars – but things are just heating up!
In Episode 6 of the sizzling new series, the two teams must take an Aussie icon, Vegemite, and develop two stunning dishes for one of the world’s toughest markets, America.
“It’s a market, even in 100 years, Vegemite hasn’t cracked,” says host Gordon Ramsay.
On top of that, teams will have to create their very own jingle to sell their dishes to hundreds of Americans at star-spangled extravaganza in 24 hours, live. No pressure.
Team Gordon are ready to rumble
The flavour challenge has Ethan all over it. He takes the lead on Team Gordon’s savoury menu item and comes up with a Vegemite spiced fried chicken.
“This is f–king finger-licking good,” smiles a satisfied Gordon.
For their sweet dish, Pia dives into a Vegemite salted caramel sundae. By this stage, our mouths are watering.
With food well under way, how is their jingle holding up? Watch the video below and we’ll let you decide.
Team Janine bring their A-game
Baker Sina is in her element designing freshly baked cinnamon buns with a Vegemite salted caramel sauce.
For their savoury item, Mason steps up with an all-American Vegemite cheese burger. But he’s struggling with the flavour profile.
Sina jumps into help but now she must race to finish her dough mixture.
“I’m starting to get a little bit nervous,” she says.
Sina’s working with 30kg of dough to make 130 cinnamon buns. But she’s smiling so surely in good spirits, right?
“No, that’s just my fake hospitality smile,” she laughs. Or was she really laughing? Now we’ll never know.
The teams cook up a storm
The crowd gathers and Team Janine’s Vegemite cheese burger is an instant hit! Team Gordon however, are struggling to attract a crowd.
“You need to charm the pants off them,” Gordon advises.
It’s quite the competition and you can catch it right here:
It’s a tough crowd for sure.
“I actually despise Vegemite, it makes me want to throw up,” confesses one American lady. While another man says: “My wife has always threatened me with it but I’ve never tried it.”
But they LOVE the chicken wings. “They were incredible,” says one.
Meanwhile, Gordon spots an impostor. “Who let the Canadian in?” he yells.
With the food service coming to an end, the band get into position. Yep, it’s jingle time!
The teams sing their hearts out
Team Janine kick things off with their catchy jingle.
“IT’S THE PERFECT TIME FOR VEGEMITE!” they yell, or sing. You be the judge:
“Her voice is so squeaky, it’s like someone’s put my hamster in the f–king microwave,” Gordon jokes.
Then comes Team Gordon’s turn. Julie is stressing, we’re stressing. But she nails her line and we’re SO proud of her!
The crowd goes wild: “ALRIGHT VEGEMITE!”
The Americans have voted and the results are in. The wings and cinnamon buns are a winner so it all comes down to the jingle.
The winning team is… Team Gordon!
Team Janine are grilled
Grilled Vegemite toast, that is!
“I know it feels like you’ve been kicked in the teeth but you know what, you’ve chosen to be in business and business is tough,” Janine puts simply.
Sophie tries to defend her jingle: “We got the crowd involved, we got them singing”.
It’s down to Sophie, Catherine and Mason – who looks incredibly worried. But he can relax because Catherine is sent packing.
With three remaining on Team Janine, how will they hold up in the next week?
Tune in next Wednesday as the contestants are pitted against each other for the first time ever in an unmissable semi-final!
Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars continues Wednesday at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
