MasterChef: The Professionals

Episode 17 (10x17)

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The first three remaining semi-finalists battle it out for a place in finals week. They are sent to work alongside an inspirational self-taught chef for two days. Based near Darlington, County Durham, The Raby Hunt is one of the UK's most unique culinary destinations - led by rising star James Close, who gave up his career as a professional golfer just eight years ago, when his family bought the country pub. Three years after opening, he won his first Michelin star. Despite the fact that James has no professional training, his restaurant was the only new restaurant in the UK to be awarded two Michelin stars in 2017. In the same year, James was also awarded the prestigious Good Food Guide Chef of the Year. The chance for the semi-finalists to cook alongside James is a huge privilege and one that will place them in an extraordinary position to supercharge their culinary skills. The first challenge for the chefs is to each take responsibility for one dish from the tasting menu. Under the close scrutiny and guidance of James, the chefs aim to emulate his style and deliver intricate and complex two-star standard dishes during a packed lunchtime service. Once they've shown they are capable of keeping their heads above water and operating in his meticulous kitchen, James sets the chefs the task of recreating one of his signature dishes - a seasonal salad of up to 50 ingredients. Finally, the inspired chefs return to the MasterChef kitchen, where they face the challenge of cooking their own dishes for a two-course menu which Marcus, Monica and Gregg will taste. The judges expect their food to be of the highest standard in the competition so far. The chefs must aim for the skies, as at this stage in the competition one tiny slip can mean the difference between gaining a place in finals week or going home. Only perfection will do to edge closer to the MasterChef: The Professionals title 2017.