IN a shock exit, former Moe resident and MasterChef Professionals contestant Michael Demagistris has been eliminated from the show after a team challenge, aired on Tuesday.
Mr Demagistris, who grew up in Moe and began his chef apprenticeship at Da Nunzio’s, cooked his way to the top four in the well-known television cooking competition.
In his final challenge he and three other chefs had to create two entrees, two mains and one dessert for 120 customers in a pop-up restaurant.
Mr Demagistris and partner Rhett Willis chose an Asian theme and a simple menu and lost out to Rhys Badcock and Sarah Knights.
Judge Marco Pierre White described Mr Demagistris’ elimination as the toughest and saddest decision he had to make in the competition.
The 31 year-old Sorrento Golf Club head chef said he was proud of his efforts and grateful for the opportunity to show off his skills.
“MasterChef is a massive opportunity for any chef and you will only get the chance to do it once, so you’ve got to take it with both hands and just run with it,” Mr Demagistris said.
“One of my greatest moments on the show would have to be winning the one-on-one challenge against (fellow contestant) Cameron (Bailey).”
